No longer stuck in Riverside. Ratchet strap saves the day despite better judgement.

@Ambiguouse Glad you made it out! Hopefully without damage to yourself or the truck.

It's always helpful to not go solo and have others with you. However, here is a great thread to read up on for when you do go it alone: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/going-alone-single-vehicle-wheeling-safety.454083/. There are other great recommendations that have been listed too.

As many have said, recovery gear and knowledge of terrain when off-roading are essential, especially when doing it by yourself. A good shovel, something for tire traction (recovery boards, carpeting, bed mat, tree branches, etc.), and the ability to think/remain calm will get you out of most situations. Have some basic emergency items with you too, in case you do get stuck remotely and need to be on your own for a time.

The above basic items helped when I've personally been stuck (as have most), and I've adjusted gear accordingly. Plenty of information out there, but what I have found to be excellent are these recovery items when there's another vehicle present - they come at a premium, but are worth it imo:

Bubba Rope (kinetic recovery ropes)
Gator Jaw soft shackles (by Bubba Rope as well - safer and stronger than steel shackles)
Line/strap/rope damper (a jacket or carpet is fine in a pinch)
Factor 55 Hitchlink (for your 2" receiver)

From there, you can certainly go down the rabbit hole of winches, tree savers, come alongs, anchors, etc. Don't let this get you down and enjoy future exploring!

 

Who said getting your axle stuck in a deep hole was a bad thing?

 

Did you try to turn it off and back on?

 

I've been putting off my recovery tools until now. I was solo running out Sunday still testing the gadgets on this truck. Hit the fun mode button and did some donuts and some drifting. Truck has plenty O power to pitch it and stay in the throttle pretty impressive indeed.

So I did some midnight shopping and picked up some recovery gear. US Cargo recovery strap, Curt D-Ring shackle and hitch. Although I wanted a US made shovel I didn't want to spend 79.00 so I went with this 15 dollar tempered China made shovel from Home Depot. All under a C note 98.00 to be exact.

 

Is that actually a recovery strap or just a tow strap?

They are different things, actually, and the distinction is rather important. Amazon doesn't always know the difference.

A recovery strap, (snatch strap, dynamic recovery strap, etc...) stretch when you yank on them so they store energy to help you get up-stuck.

A tow strap is just that, it's made for towing and you should never shock load them. When you see a guy getting up speed and yanking another vehicle out, *hopefully* that is a snatch strap they are using.

I have a 30k pound tow strap I bought before realizing the difference. I will be buying this in the not too distance future.

$71 ARB 4x4 Accessories ARB705LB Recovery Snatch Strap Orange 30' x 2 3/8", Load capacity 17600 lb, NATA approved, 20% Stretch

https://www.amazon.com/ARB-Accessor...very+strap&qid=1555372185&s=automotive&sr=1-3

This isn't to say a tow strap can't be used for off-roading, but don't shock load it.

 

No ego here i honestly wasn’t even trying to go “ hard “ off roading last night just some light trials but I’m still questioning myself that how the hell did I get stuck if I’ve been over that hill a couple times already. Yes many people telling me about my 2wd and all that making jokes but it’s been my first time getting completely sunked in a hole where my axle was completely on the ground. That’s where I started getting nervous and trying to rush through the suggestions everyone gave me on here and make it out before dark time those trials get pretty hard riding during night time & That ratchet strap the Random by standers brought by worked fine enough to pull me out with my friends Tacoma we both were riding the trials. Time to look into and invest in some recevory gear for sure. I just appreciate everyone who gave me ideas and offered help. I owe all of you a beer or maybe 9 haha

 

I just washed my truck today too

 

This strap does both US Cargo straps imo are the best US made straps.

From the manufacturer:

Snatch Strap W/ Cordura Eyes 3"x30'
Sometimes called a recover strap, tow strap, or even a "snatch em strap," the strap of nylon webbing has just enough stretch to "snatch" a disabled vehicle. Our tow straps / snatch straps are made from high quality industrial grade webing with a web strength of . This means that a 3" wide strap will have a strength rating of 3 times that amount. You can compare tow capacities and break strengths with our chart of most common recovery/towing straps. The eyes at each end of the snatch strap are protected with CORDURA® for maximum protection. CORDURA is a tough fabric that adds resistance to cutting and abrasion. This prolongs the life of the strap by adding protection at its wear points - where it rubs against other equipment such as tow hooks, shackles, etc.. Our quality snatch straps are made in the USA.