Help moving camper thru mud

[Oldcoyote]

Here is my 24 ft camper

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/cvcccg3aq4804id/AAA3SY9V7NJONwJuOqQXhD8ca?dl=0

I hope the picture works. I need to move this camper to a new location and could use some advice. I have never towed it before. It probably
weighs around 4800 lbs. The Sequoia tow vehicle is a 4WD.I only need to move it about 75 yards to dry land where a 2WD truck will take over.


We have had constant rain here in Georgia and the 50 or so yards in front of the camper is muddy and slick. The wheels of the camper are not down in the mud. The camper is on a very slight incline with the back about 18 - 24 inches lower than the front. It is about a two hour drive to the camper. I will wait until there has been no rain for about one week before trying to move the camper.


My plan is to chock all 4 wheels, jack the trailer up and hook up the Sequoia. Then remove chocks from all except the two back wheels. Put the Sequoia in low range 4WD. I have two traction boards (and a shovel) and will use them if wheels slip a lot. Sequoia tires will have 30 lbs and I can reduce that if necessary as I have a compressor.


If the 4WD can't find traction, I may try locking the center differential.


A 2WD truck used a few days ago promptly got stuck well before reaching the camper. The Sequoia pulled him out using 4WD High range.


Forgive the length of this but I am in uncharted territory. Suggestions will be much appreciated.

[Oldcoyote]

pnichols

I did buy traction boards for future use. Maxtrax is the gold standard but I bought Maxsa which were cheaper but reviewed well. Maxtrax nest for storage but Maxsa do not.

[enblethen]

Thanks for the update!
Now you too are an expert!

[Oldcoyote]

Success yesterday! Hooked 2WD truck to camper and then hooked tractor to front of truck. No plywood. Came right out. Thanks to jkwilson who first suggested tractor. 2WD truck was used because 4WD wasn't available that day.

I think some of the other suggestions would also have worked. Many thanks for all the suggestions. I certainly learned a lot.

[pnichols]

If you're really serious about getting your RV unstuck anytime anywhere, this is just about the ultimate helper to carry along in, or with, your rig at all times just in case (beware the cheap imitations):
https://www.amazon.com/Maxtrax-MTX02SO-MKIIs/dp/B00HYCVSW6

[wnjj]

monkey44 wrote:

Oldcoyote wrote:
If I use plywood how thick? I would cut 4X8 sheets to 2X4 for ease of handling.

I presume OSB not strong enough.

OSB would probaby bend or crack -- I'd buy four sheets of 3/4 construction grade plywood (the least expensive) and cut into 8x2 feet and line them up, and move rear forward as you pass over it. Once you start, keep pulling, don't stop. Pull with the truck.

Over $100 in plywood just to cut it up and smash it into the mud? For that price, buy a long chain or cable instead so you can at least reuse it.

[monkey44]

Oldcoyote wrote:
If I use plywood how thick? I would cut 4X8 sheets to 2X4 for ease of handling.

I presume OSB not strong enough.

OSB would probaby bend or crack -- I'd buy four sheets of 3/4 construction grade plywood (the least expensive) and cut into 8x2 feet and line them up, and move rear forward as you pass over it. Once you start, keep pulling, don't stop. Pull with the truck.

[Eric_Lisa]

I read through the thread and then looked at the picture. That's it? This should be pretty simple. Plan ahead with a few things - lots of good suggestions here. Go slow, be smart. If it isn't working, don't push it - stop and reevaluate. From the picture it looks like an easy job.

That said.... All us Internet experts are standing by to provide endless opinions and suggestions. Let us know how it finally works out.

-Eric

[Skrunner]

Wood under the trailer wheels and use 4-low. It doesn't have to be complicated.

[NMDriver2]

Snow chains work in mud too.

I have pulled a 4wd truck out of the bar ditch with my limited slip 2wd truck with chains on the rear tires, where the clay was so slick you might as well have been on ice. The chains dig down and do not slip along the surface or clog up and not push against the ground.

Just make sure you do not spin the tires enough to dig a hole so deep your differential is on the ground. 😉

[MFL]

Some great ideas from Grit dog! One problem, with 20' long 2x10s, is the average RV guy may have no way to haul the boards.

I like the plywood/plastic sled under the jack idea best, with option of grabbing the guy with a winch! 🙂

Jerry

[pnichols]

Halmfamily wrote:
Let a tow truck move it, probably cost you $100 to $150 and done in 30 minutes and all you have to do is watch.

I don't think tow trucks will come anywhere near where some of the places are that folks boondock camp at. 😉

[Grit_dog]

Or put the trailer jack on a plastic sled with a piece of plywood under it. Get enough straps, cable, chain of sufficient capacity and pull it out without driving on the lawn.
Or stop the closest guy you see with a winch on his truck and for a couple cases of beer you can probably just sit back and watch!

[Grit_dog]

And if you end up getting the boards all wet and muddy, nailing down a row of light duty chain, like dog chain with the twisted links will give you all the traction you need.

[Grit_dog]

Op, get 4 20’ long 2x10s. Back in on the boards 20’ at a time. Pull out on the boards 20’ at a time.
Or if it’s not too soupy and you’re ok with making a little mess out of the yard, a couple rolls of plastic snow fence will get you in and out.