Try to figure out a way to get better traction in a pinch, almost got my van stuck in the mud a few times last year ( gets pretty muddy in the spring ). Was thinking of taking a 2 x 12 and screwing down some furring strips on the top, then some 2x4s on the bottom and driving on them ( then periodically moving them). Any suggestions on a better, or inexpensive way to do this? I've seen people say boards and old carpet, but that seems really messy.
Getting better traction in Mud
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That seems like a lot of work.
Cheap-o carpet stair runners....
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Years back in the oilfield, it was common to see "board runs". Basically, these were wooden sections made to where you could lift them in place, then pick them up and re-use them. I've also seen them just take boards and drive spikes into them and into the ground, and just make a running road by butting them up against each other.
yes, this was kinda what I was thinking ( minus the spikes for mobility )
In mud season, I always just park down by the road and walk in. Or if you have to drive in with feed or something, drive in on the frost in the early morning and get out again quick before the mud thaws. NOT getting stuck is the best cure for the problem. 
Have done the "bury it to the hubs" then "jack-up and plank" thing way to many times in my foolish youth.
Have done the "bury it to the hubs" then "jack-up and plank" thing way to many times in my foolish youth.
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I see that just sinking in trhe mud.
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I agree with the suggestion to use boards.
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Was thinking more in terms of a several week fix, rather than portability. Sorry.
If you don't watch it, the board strapped to the tire has a nasty habit of denting metal, if you don't watch it. I've always found that worked better for me with a tractor.
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What could possibly go wrong with that....LOL
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Are you really going to want to carry muddy boards around?
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Lots of ways..........but if you have to carry any thing with you .... it will be messy.
Many times cutting small trees at the location to get out of mud hole is practical.
If the mud needs to traversed several times....the board road may be you best bet.....
Or just gravel the road.
Many times cutting small trees at the location to get out of mud hole is practical.
If the mud needs to traversed several times....the board road may be you best bet.....
Or just gravel the road.
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And, place geotextile fabric below the gravel.
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Speaking on planks and boards.....saw a small old travel trailer pulled in to a campground...by and old old beat up.. Dodge Power wagon 4X 4
Door of the trailer was duct taped shut....
Few minutes later, the guys wife pulled in with a new Suburban and new BayLiner on a trailer.
Struck up a conversation with the guy, and as I had an old Shasta at the time....we were looking at his.....
Took the tape off and looked inside.... big piece of plywood on the floor and a stop sign sheet metal screws to the roof covering a big hole.
Seem they had been pulling the trailer in Canada, were crossing an old plank bridge...
One of the planks came loose, truck had had tilted it up and speared the trailer ...up thru the floor and all the way thru the roof....
Guy says that the boat was more important than a place to sleep.....
Moral to this story....logs, planks or even plywood can do some weird things....and cause damage.
Door of the trailer was duct taped shut....
Few minutes later, the guys wife pulled in with a new Suburban and new BayLiner on a trailer.
Struck up a conversation with the guy, and as I had an old Shasta at the time....we were looking at his.....
Took the tape off and looked inside.... big piece of plywood on the floor and a stop sign sheet metal screws to the roof covering a big hole.
Seem they had been pulling the trailer in Canada, were crossing an old plank bridge...
One of the planks came loose, truck had had tilted it up and speared the trailer ...up thru the floor and all the way thru the roof....
Guy says that the boat was more important than a place to sleep.....
Moral to this story....logs, planks or even plywood can do some weird things....and cause damage.
The property is only 6 acres, I have shed, and can potentially just store them underneath, just looking for a solution on the property ( for instance I want to have a container delivered, but I'm scared the truck will get stuck
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Geotextile or old carpet, gravel and sand are better than lugging around some muddy boards.
Improving the drainage could also help.
Think in terms of permanent solutions that reduce labor instead of temporary fixes that create more work when you least need it.
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Wait for ground to dry is the cheapest method. Me? I'm a believer in gravel. Lots and lots of gravel!
This video scares the hell out of me.
Yeah. In that situation, park the tractor on high ground and hook on the come-a-long to winch out the truck. Slower, but sure and safe.
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