Oh know! 4106 sinking

Madmike · May 04, 2010, 02:43:38 PM

I found a storage lot for my bus. I took it there last night. The lot was gravel but i did not think much of it. As soon as I pulled out on to it i was in trouble. The recent rains had made the ground soft. I tried to back it in to the spot and she kept sinking and the clutch was getting very hot. I told him I wanted to leave it there and come back later to move it. He called today and wants it gone. He say it will tear up his lot due to its weight. I do not want to hurt it when I pull it out, I just bought the clutch and can ill afford to replace it again. Any Ideas will help. I have until this weekend to get it off his property.

Len Silva · May 04, 2010, 02:46:55 PM

Pay a wrecker to help you get it out, shouldn't take much effort on their part. A lot cheaper than a clutch (and, if you burned the clutch, you would need a tow anyway).

desi arnaz · May 04, 2010, 03:28:29 PM

a good 4x4 should be able to pull her out.

Chopper Scott · May 04, 2010, 04:42:34 PM

I was surprised at how easily they sink in gravel. Luckily it was at my business, it is an automatic, and I got out quickly and just moved over a ways. It left a huge rut in the gravel.

robertglines1 · May 04, 2010, 05:17:25 PM

should tighten up in a couple days then try .Your in southern Ill aren't you...? hope things dry out for all of us soon..Bob SW INdiana

belfert · May 04, 2010, 07:33:05 PM

My bus sunk over one winter parked on a gravel lot. Spring thaw caused the tires to sink in maybe four inches.

I couldn't get the bus to move in May when I went to use it and I thought the parking brakes were stuck. On my second visit I noticed in the mirror that the drive wheels were spinning, but I wasn't moving. I finally put the bus in reverse and was able to back up.

I never would have thought that sinking just four inches would cause the bus to be stuck. The storage yard regraded my spot while I was gone.

JohnEd · May 04, 2010, 11:10:59 PM

Mike,

Desi is right, a 4X4 using a SNATCH STRAP will most likely do it. If it doesn't you don't pay, right?

The tow truck for a bus will cost some serious money. Get one for a car. Preferably with a big Snatch Strap.

Good luck and don't abuse that clutch any more...OK? Right tool for the right job.

John

Dreamscape · May 05, 2010, 05:39:14 AM

I always carry a strap in the bus, you never know when you might need one.

belfert · May 05, 2010, 07:06:12 AM

An advantage of a a tow truck is they will pay if they break something. Yes, a friend might do the job for free, but is the friend going to pay if the tow job breaks a tranny, axle, or other part?

buswarrior · May 05, 2010, 07:12:57 AM

I'll start another thread on everyone's experiences on attaching snatch straps.

You must be very careful in what you attach to, or you'll pull something off!

happy coaching!
buswarrior

Don4107 · May 05, 2010, 09:26:35 AM

Best to let the ground dry out. Far better to move it under it's own power than do damage trying to tow.

Tell the owner of the lot that if you do it will minimize damage to lot. Unless he wants to be liable for any damage/expense to your rig he would be smart to wait.

If it sinks where it is, do not try to move it until you dig out the stuff in front of all the tires. Otherwise it will lock it in place and take many times the force to move it.

Good luck
Don 4107

Ed Hackenbruch · May 05, 2010, 09:30:14 AM

I agree with Don, a little bit, or even a lot of digging before you try to move it can save you a lot of grief.

sweeney153 · May 05, 2010, 11:53:58 AM

My question is, Is this a storage lot where you are renting space? If so its you who should be complaining not the lot owner. A storage lot should be able to support a vehicle. Tell him you will pull it out when his lot dries and if you cant he will pay for the tow. IF you were renting space.

Kevin

Sweeney153

grantgoold · May 05, 2010, 12:15:03 PM

I agree! You are the renter and have a presumption that the site can handle the weight of your RV. It seems if any money has passed hands or a verbal contract has been agreed to, then the property owner has some liability and should recognize that he should wait or be responsible for the tow or damage caused by moving the RV!

Keep us posted.

Grant

Madmike · May 05, 2010, 07:29:11 PM

I got her out! It took 3 trys and I had to floor it but she is out. I will take it to a place that has a paved area; She did heat up some but I think she will be ok. I did notice that the Radiator hose fix i had going started to rip at the upper hose clamp. Looks like a job for Saturday. I am glad I purchased the hose a head of time. I also noticed that it has two pull hooks on the front. I hope I don't have to try them out. Thanks again for you guys help.