Bus Stuck in Sand

GnarlyBus · October 24, 2018, 12:07:45 PM

After arriving in Arizona for the winter we pulled into the RV park ready to relax. But when we backed into our spot, the drive axle dough into the sand and we're stuck. It's dug down about 6" max. Only about half way up the sidewall.

What will it take to pull the bus out? Can a F350 pull me out?

I have a 35k breaking strength tow strap that I might be able to double up.

Were here for 4 months so I have time but I wish it was a bit more level!

eagle19952 · October 24, 2018, 12:09:46 PM

If it sank, it will sink more.
The strap will do.
I would try.

Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM · October 24, 2018, 12:13:59 PM

The trick to pulling out a suck vehicle is you generally need a larger rig to pull out than the rig that is stuck. However the larger rig needs to be on solid ground. A F350 will just sit and spin unless it has some weight in it. Maybe go to the local sand pit and borrow a load of sand then it may be able to pull you out.

Better yet, if you have Good Sams, AAA, or Coach Net, call them and tell them to send out the proper equipment. A 50 Ton wrecker will pull you out no sweat.

If you do not have tow insurance, you should.

Gary

Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM · October 24, 2018, 12:15:44 PM

The alternative is to dig under it and jack it up and fill in the hole. That is the cheap way out but it will take time. Better to try to find a farmer with a tractor, or even better a dozer.

Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM · October 24, 2018, 12:17:23 PM

Make friends with this guy. I think this unit can handle it.

DoubleEagle · October 24, 2018, 01:17:13 PM

Get the sand wet between the wheels and solid ground, you might be able to drive it out. Give it a try, if it does not work by itself, then jack the wheels up, put wet sand or gravel under the wheels (or boards) and drive out. Why spend money getting it out if you have plenty of time?

sledhead · October 24, 2018, 01:34:17 PM

call coach net or good sam get road side insurance . wait a week then call then and tell them you are stuck !

cheep insurance

dave

GnarlyBus · October 24, 2018, 01:38:05 PM

We do have roadside assistance but it seems like it wouldn't take much to get us out. Was hoping to have one of the big truck guys in the park pull me out. Just not sure how much they can handle.

luvrbus · October 24, 2018, 01:48:16 PM

Dig out it front of the wheels a couple of feet lay some old carpet down for the wheels and when it drys for couple days you can drive out under your own power.The road side assist guys are not going to help most will not show up if you are on private property or over 100 ft from a paved road

buswarrior · October 24, 2018, 03:08:56 PM

on unimproved surfaces...

park on some boards.

2 x 2 big plywood do a nice job, adjust to fit in yer bag bins.

Be VERY careful what you attach to at the front of the coach, don't rip stuff off...

Where's the bungee crowd?

happy coaching!
buswarrior

eagle19952 · October 24, 2018, 03:10:49 PM

Quote from: luvrbus on October 24, 2018, 01:48:16 PM
Dig out it front of the wheels a couple of feet lay some old carpet down for the wheels and when it drys for couple days you can drive out under your own power.The road side assist guys are not going to help most will not show up if you are on private property or over 100 ft from a paved road

Got off the hard in an RV park in Palestine.
Called and got towed out.
Wrecker company was very happy for the dough.

GnarlyBus · October 24, 2018, 04:46:07 PM

Thanks everyone for the replies. We got it out! A few nice people in the rv park helped us out.

The first guy had a 2WD truck that couldn't quite do it. Then a lady came with a 4WD f350 and made it look easy. We doubled up the tow strap to be sure.

Were gonna move back to that spot after we drop some gravel and setup a "boardwalk" with 2x12s and maybe some plywood too. It's a nice spot.

Ryker · October 24, 2018, 04:48:27 PM

Quote from: sledhead on October 24, 2018, 01:34:17 PM
call coach net or good sam get road side insurance . wait a week then call then and tell them you are stuck !

cheep insurance

dave

I signed up for Coach Net last summer and they said I could use the tow immediately. I still decided to wait one day but then I called and they towed me 50 miles. Check with them. They will cover all of your vehicles, not just your bus, so good service. Second year is cheaper than the first as well.

chessie4905 · October 24, 2018, 06:58:55 PM

Go to Harbor freight and buy a 12,000 lb winch and hook to big tree in line with coach. Hook cable to coach and winch it out.

GnarlyBus · October 24, 2018, 07:03:38 PM

Quote from: chessie4905 on October 24, 2018, 06:58:55 PM
Go to Harbor freight and buy a 12,000 lb winch and hook to big tree in line with coach. Hook cable to coach and winch it out.

For $400?! Maybe when the coupons come through! I'm still working on getting some one those air bottle jacks.