Bogged on a wet bush road - what would you do?

[rafa]

Just thought we could post some ideas for self retrieval from being bogged on a wet bush road! This is going to happen to me this wet season up in the NT, so was hoping for some good ideas.

Scenario.

Gravel road. Sloppy as hell, many areas with water over road and depth markers arnt always a good guide as there may have been truck through before you cutting ruts in the middle. As the water is brown you cannot see the bottom. Pre walking the crossings not always a good idea as there may be crocs in the area.

No trees to winch off? What would you use to get out?

Going back usually means a lost job or not getting home. Plus not safe to leave vehicle as it prob won't be there when you get back, so work on the theory we have to get through.

I look forward to seeing what you would take or use, star pickets etc.

Any ex Telstra guys will know exactly what I mean. Think Palumpa to Wadeye :)

Cheers.

Marty.

[NissanGQ4.2]

No trees to winch off? What would you use to get out?

Carry a Ground Anchor

[choppie]

Just thought we could post some ideas for self retrieval from being bogged on a wet bush road! This is going to happen to me this wet season up in the NT, so was hoping for some good ideas.

Scenario.

Gravel road. Sloppy as hell, many areas with water over road and depth markers arnt always a good guide as there may have been truck through before you cutting ruts in the middle. As the water is brown you cannot see the bottom. Pre walking the crossings not always a good idea as there may be crocs in the area.

No trees to winch off? What would you use to get out?

Going back usually means a lost job or not getting home. Plus not safe to leave vehicle as it prob won't be there when you get back, so work on the theory we have to get through.

I look forward to seeing what you would take or use, star pickets etc.

Any ex Telstra guys will know exactly what I mean. Think Palumpa to Wadeye :)

Cheers.

Marty.

Not sure but thought I saw an anchor device like a sand anchor for a boat , worst case bury spare wheel and use as deadman

[rafa]

Carry a Winch Anchor

A boat one? Of can you buy a 4wd one?

Cheers

Marty

[NissanGQ4.2]

A boat one? Of can you buy a 4wd one?

Cheers

Marty

Sorry I think there more referred to as ground anchors and no I would not be using a boat one, they are designed for 4wd recoveries.

Google is your friend just type in "4wd ground anchor"

[rafa]

Sorry I think there more referred to as ground anchors and no I would not be using a boat one, they are designed for 4wd recoveries.

Google is your friend just type in "4wd ground anchor"

Google and YouTube def help. Looked at foldable pull pal. Looks awesome. Just what I need I think. But I'll wait to see if any others pop up in this thread.

Cheers

Marty

[NissanGQ4.2]

yeh I've never used one as I don't have a winch, I'm sure some of the regulars on here that have winches will be able 2 make some suggestions

[NP99]

What does Telstra provide for recovery?

[Maxhead]

Google and YouTube def help. Looked at foldable pull pal. Looks awesome. Just what I need I think. But I'll wait to see if any others pop up in this thread.

Cheers

Marty

I think these would work in your situation. They are designed to dig in the more you pull on them...How deep is the mud up there in those conditions???

[rafa]

I think these would work in your situation. They are designed to dig in the more you pull on them...How deep is the mud up there in those conditions???

Really varies mate. Always seems to have a bottom. But some times just so sloppy you can't grip. Tyres fill up. There you stay.

I'm pretty impressed from what saw on you tube. But would love to know what their really like by people who are actually using them, rather than a staged "bog" where your up to eyes in mud. And swearing. Lol.

[MudRunnerTD]

Type "4x4 anchor" into eBay and have a look at the foldable ground anchors.

A pair of Maxtrax for sure, maybe 2 pair.

Front and rear Airlockers

80%+ muddies in at least a 285 or even consider a 315 for a great run.

Advice I got during a trip through the centre a few years ago during the big wet was the road is in the middle. It's Hard. It has a bottom. Steer straight and drive with confidence.

All the shortcuts around big puddles are potentially soft.

I stuck to the tracks, some of the puddles were 200m long.

[MudRunnerTD]

I'd even consider running a second set of wheels and tyres for the wet season.

A set of Simex Jungle Trekka 2s in a 34" on 16" rims would be choice. IMO

[rafa]

Type "4x4 anchor" into eBay and have a look at the foldable ground anchors.

A pair of Maxtrax for sure, maybe 2 pair.

Front and rear Airlockers

80%+ muddies in at least a 285 or even consider a 315 for a great run.

Advice I got during a trip through the centre a few years ago during the big wet was the road is in the middle. It's Hard. It has a bottom. Steer straight and drive with confidence.

All the shortcuts around big puddles are potentially soft.

I stuck to the tracks, some of the puddles were 200m long.

Gunna sound dumb. But here goes. What are air lockers and why do they help?

Sssshh don't tell anyone I asked that.

Marty. ;)

[MudRunnerTD]

Gunna sound dumb. But here goes. What are air lockers and why do they help?

Sssshh don't tell anyone I asked that.

Marty. ;)

Ummmmm? Holy Crap! Mate they are a Game Changer. You should have Front and Rear AirLockers from ARB mate for what you do. They are like having an LSD in each diff but at the flick of a switch they are like Welded Diffs and fully Locked. All 4 wheels equal drive.

Between twin air lockers, some Simex JT2s and you will go most places without too much trouble

[MudRunnerTD]

I figured you already had Lockers to be honest mate. After your a lift they would be the next thing I did to your car in anticipation of the journey you are taking.

[Winnie]

Aren't lockers an open diff until you flick the switch?

[rafa]

I figured you already had Lockers to be honest mate. After your a lift they would be the next thing I did to your car in anticipation of the journey you are taking.

Mate I just bought an ex Telstra ute and have been tidying her up. :)

[MudRunnerTD]

Aren't lockers an open diff until you flick the switch?

Yes they are Winnie, was trying to give Rafa some kind of reference.

Absolutely though. ARB remove the LSD completely and revert both diffs to Fully open diffs. Then at the flick of a switch they go from fully open to fully Locked.

[MudRunnerTD]

Mate I just bought an ex Telstra ute and have been tidying her up. :)


Hey Rafa, yeah I have been kinda following what your planning. I understand your business plan and your going to have a great time mate. Going to be a Blast. Good luck.

So not withstanding the mods you will do for creature comforts and to build your car into something almost unstoppable for the top end this is My List

2" to 3" lift with quality parts (Amadas remote shocks and drop boxes if you go 3")
Front and Rear AirLockers or the electric Elocker
12,000lb winch with synthetic winch rope
34" Simex Jungle Trekka II on Rockcrawler 16x8 rims
Ground anchor
Maxtrax 2 pair
20m winch extension strap 8000kg
60m x 10mm synthetic winch rope with a hoop on 1 end and Hook n the other
Tree trunk protector
Drag chain
Exhaust Jack

For a start.

[MudRunnerTD]

I would only run the JT2s in the wet season and probably run BFG KM2s in a 285/75/16 in the dry season


http://www.yv4wd.com.au/images/products/JT2larg.jpg

[BigRAWesty]

You could always just start with just front lokka, and then tyres.
I was thinking of ground anchors a while ago as those fold up one's have a lot of moving parts and don't fold up that small,
I was thinking a simple spike for your harder grounds, with a detachable blade for soft grounds.
But work and family have sorta stopped it.
You probably don't wanna be beta testing gear like this for your work but happy to have a chat and design something specific for you.
Have seen a few designs which use Star pickets, again, happy to chat.

[rafa]

Hey Rafa, yeah I have been kinda following what your planning. I understand your business plan and your going to have a great time mate. Going to be a Blast. Good luck.

So not withstanding the mods you will do for creature comforts and to build your car into something almost unstoppable for the top end this is My List

2" to 3" lift with quality parts (Amadas remote shocks and drop boxes if you go 3")
Front and Rear AirLockers or the electric Elocker
12,000lb winch with synthetic winch rope
34" Simex Jungle Trekka II on Rockcrawler 16x8 rims
Ground anchor
Maxtrax 2 pair
20m winch extension strap 8000kg
60m x 10mm synthetic winch rope with a hoop on 1 end and Hook n the other
Tree trunk protector
Drag chain
Exhaust Jack

For a start.

Pretty sure it has a 2 " lift from Telstra.

Tomorrow it's getting a new 12000 winch (ironman) with rope.

Have roll out trax x 2

And a kit bag with snatch strap. Winch extention etc.

The biggest thing missing is the experience.

Main thing I do have is shite loads of jobs that put me out where others fear to go up here.

In the army someone else did this stuff while we provided cover :)

Now I have to do both :(

[MudRunnerTD]

Pretty sure it has a 2 " lift from Telstra.

Tomorrow it's getting a new 12000 winch (ironman) with rope.

Have roll out trax x 2

And a kit bag with snatch strap. Winch extention etc.

The biggest thing missing is the experience.

Main thing I do have is shite loads of jobs that put me out where others fear to go up here.

In the army someone else did this stuff while we provided cover :)

Now I have to do both :(

I have never used a roll out track, never spoken to anyone that has either. Not sure i rate them though to be honest. Go and give them a test mate, you don't want a to test them and expect them to be awesome and they turn out to be crap.

MaxTraxs or Treds are proven. I'd be going the MaxTrax for where your going though mainly because you can turn them over and use either side if you get stuck.

Knowing that the bog your in could be Big and Long the 60m length of spare 10mm winch rope made into an extension strap could be the difference between getting through the bog in a our and spending all day there.

I understand your claiming everything on your tax as a Business expense so twin AirLockers are a No Brainer mate. On the basis that you are the "Guy that gets through" you Don't have a Choice I don't think.

[P4trol]

You're pretty optimistic rafa! Not sure what business you are in, but from the sounds it must be worth the trip. The wet IS the prettiest time of year though.

Even the best equipped trucks have troubles in wet season. Even with lockers, huge lift, 37s, muddies. Etc. Even the ones with an ARB sticker on them. Lots of fun though, and you don't have to go far for said fun.

There are places where I wouldn't pull off the bitumen. Places where there are no mapped creeks become uncrossable. In the dry the sand can be really loose. When the same sand gets soaked it becomes mud. It isn't even fun to walk on.

Some remote communities might not sell you fuel at that time of year. They aren't going to get a resupply for a while.

Keep an eye on the termite mounds. If they change colour, the ground underneath has changed soil type. changes. Beware of clay. Black soil ain't fun either.

So if you do get stuck I reckon your vehicle will be there when you get back. Maybe missing a few parts though.

Not sure you will be getting as far as you think (depending on how good the wet is), but come up and have a look anyway. It's pretty, and you will know what to expect next time. Hopefully worth your while.

[rafa]

You're pretty optimistic rafa! Not sure what business you are in, but from the sounds it must be worth the trip. The wet IS the prettiest time of year though.

Even the best equipped trucks have troubles in wet season. Even with lockers, huge lift, 37s, muddies. Etc. Even the ones with an ARB sticker on them. Lots of fun though, and you don't have to go far for said fun.

There are places where I wouldn't pull off the bitumen. Places where there are no mapped creeks become uncrossable. In the dry the sand can be really loose. When the same sand gets soaked it becomes mud. It isn't even fun to walk on.

Some remote communities might not sell you fuel at that time of year. They aren't going to get a resupply for a while.

Keep an eye on the termite mounds. If they change colour, the ground underneath has changed soil type. changes. Beware of clay. Black soil ain't fun either.

So if you do get stuck I reckon your vehicle will be there when you get back. Maybe missing a few parts though.

Not sure you will be getting as far as you think (depending on how good the wet is), but come up and have a look anyway. It's pretty, and you will know what to expect next time. Hopefully worth your while.

Cheers for the advice.

Been In Darwin for a few years. And besides comments spent the last 7 travelling out to remote communities. I'm a combat medic by trade. Teach 1st aid out in remote communities. In the last couple of years have also been doing electrical test & tagging.

Prob playing down ability to cope on remote locations a wee bit but never assume to be the bees knees either. The info I learn in here is real and applies to my civilian life know.

Love hearing all the tips n tricks.

[rafa]

Ummmmm? Holy Crap! Mate they are a Game Changer. You should have Front and Rear AirLockers from ARB mate for what you do. They are like having an LSD in each diff but at the flick of a switch they are like Welded Diffs and fully Locked. All 4 wheels equal drive.

Between twin air lockers, some Simex JT2s and you will go most places without too much trouble

Hey mate.

Just got a quote for front and rear from ARB Darwin. $4350 all up fitted with compressor that will do tyres as well. How's that sound?

Cheers

Marty

[MudRunnerTD]

Hey mate.

Just got a quote for front and rear from ARB Darwin. $4350 all up fitted with compressor that will do tyres as well. How's that sound?

Cheers

Marty

G'day Marty,

by my price list here that is a little steep mate?? This price list is maybe 18months old but it should be close and includes fitting charges. Note they say some allowance for Freight to some states and territories.....

here is what i have here amte.

Front locker all models (RD136) = $1278 + $383 fitting = $1661.00
Rear locker Coil Cabs (RD24) = $1219 + $383 fitting = $1602.00
Air comp + tyre kit (CKMA12) = $334.95 + $170 fitting = $ 504.95
Sub-total = $3767.95

If you already have air on your car then you could either hook the system to your existing air or fit their small Airlocker comp only (CKSA12) $303 fitted

the smaller air comp would save you $200 and bring their price $1000 over what the book says. ????

If you have not sorted your air Comp yet and have a plan then do that or even consider their bigger Double Pumper Hi Output for an extra couple of $100 (nice bit of kit)

cheers MR

[Winnie]

I'm gonna disagree with Darren and say that what he is suggesting is overboard. My old man drives trucks up there so I know the types of roads you will be driving. I reckon a set of BF Goodrich KM2s and a front locker only at the most will see you without a drama. Of course always have the winch as back up when things don't go as planned.

[MudRunnerTD]

I'm gonna disagree with Darren and say that what he is suggesting is overboard. My old man drives trucks up there so I know the types of roads you will be driving. I reckon a set of BF Goodrich KM2s and a front locker only at the most will see you without a drama. Of course always have the winch as back up when things don't go as planned.

from September onwards for sure Chris but from April to September is a whole other Animal. P4trol is on the Money. its Rugged. Park the car and stay out if you can. If you really have to get through then even what i have described is Tame mate, The Army use Unimogs with 44" tyres (almost identical to the JT2s), Portal Diffs and lots of gears and still have trouble in this country.

I truly believe if Marty is committed to driving the Top End in the Wet season he needs to be Eyes Wide Open, have a No Compromise approach to Vehicle setup, get as much training as he can on Winch recoveries, he's going to need it. Double and Triple line pull setups off 100m of winch extensions in not out of the question. ITs a tough gig.

IMO

[rafa]

Part 1 complete.

Off to pick her up with new winch in a min.

:)

[Stropp]

Marty, when telstra do during the wet is they have a vehicle at most locations locked in a container and they helicopter out to the communities. Now I know you wont be able to afford that so Mudrunner is on the money mate.

[macca]

If you are going to install lockers wouldn't auto lockers be more economical no fuss to use and more reliable?

I think Growler is the big fan of them, would be interesting to hear his point of view.

With good tyres as already said you should be able to get in it a lot deeper LOL

Challenging drive to work for sure.

[rafa]

Marty, when telstra do during the wet is they have a vehicle at most locations locked in a container and they helicopter out to the communities. Now I know you wont be able to afford that so Mudrunner is on the money mate.

Would be nice. I do fly a lot on charters in the wet. But every now and then you can get caught with an early or late rain.

Cheers

Marty

[90mav]

Aren't lockers an open diff until you flick the switch?

As good as lockers are off road, driving on road without LSD is crap. It changes the driving character hugely and if those pesky seals blow then you are nowhere fast. Nissans LSD is so good it would be a long way down my list to replace with a locker which gets used maybe 1-2% of the time... Not to talk up my own abilities but a LSD truck with a decent driver should be able to get almost anywhere a locked one would with the exception of when wheel travel is exceeded. Maybe a front locker to start with could be useful but...

[rafa]

Just ordered a "bog buster" anchor and winch extension strap off eBay.

:)

[BigRAWesty]

Just ordered a "bog buster" anchor and winch extension strap off eBay.

:)

Pics and links

[rafa]

Pics and links

http://m.ebay.com.au/itm/221253812246?nav=SEARCH&sbk=1

Off my mobile but search ebay for 4wd anchor and look

Can't pics off here sorry but a few on there

[BigRAWesty]

So typical fold up one.. To be honest with you here I see that style doing f all with your situation. These require soft ground and their bury themselves to give you the strength. I think you'll find this one will just skid along the top of the hard crust threw the slush..
Check out some YouTube vids of em.

[rafa]

So typical fold up one.. To be honest with you here I see that style doing f all with your situation. These require soft ground and their bury themselves to give you the strength. I think you'll find this one will just skid along the top of the hard crust threw the slush..
Check out some YouTube vids of em.

Yeah I did look on the university of YouTube. My thoughts with that extension and mine I could get it in on the edge of the road. Longer pull reducing the angle. 200 bucks. Worth a shot I thought. :)

[BigRAWesty]

yea fair enough. doing a bit of research myself atm..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50dBLdRtWUk

[Mickus]

carry a hand winch to hook on either front or rear to pull out with a ground anchor.