Assistance Needed in Mojave Desert. Broken front end, need trailer

My friend, Mike Sullivan, is stuck out in the middle of the Mojave Desert. He slid into a ditch and bent a spindle. He needs a trailer to take him back to SLO.

35.2132993,-115.3595344

Please let me know if you can help. They have a line on a guy who is charging for the work. I will keep thread updated

 

Not sure if he has yet or not, but be sure to post this on the SCOR SOS (southern california offroad recovery) Facebook page, the 'SOS' one is for recoveries specifically. I think you have to be added to the group but the admins are pretty quick about it. There are 10k+ locals on the page, many out in the desert that might be willing to help or know of someone who can.

 

We already posted on SCOR+SOS, MDOR, IEOR, HDOR, etc

 

bump for visibility.

 

Thanks. It's a weekday so there aren't a lot of people stepping up.

We have a lead for today if a guy can get a trailer and a lead for Wednesday if all else fails

 

Good luck. Wish I could help

 

Bump. Hope it gets figured out OP

 

Bump.

Would it be easier to just replace the spindle and limp out or are there more damages to the truck that a trailer is necessary?

 

Is everybody safe? nobody stranded right? just needs a tow?

 

He limped it back to the highway. His tire is rubbing really bad on the suspension components.

The tow vehicle and trailer should be there soon or may already be there. He is getting a tow all the way home. That's what he wants and it was offered to him.

@HalfWayThere

 

Is this the same mike Sullivan from the LA car guy commercials on the radio?

 

If he doesn't have gusseted spindles I bet he will now! Good to hear he got it figured out.

 

I don't know, the last guy with a gusseted spindle couldn't even limp out. It just sheared off completely.

 

So he made it out. I forgot to report here

 

Wow, didn't even know about this thread. I haven't been on TW much in the last few months. Thanks @Z50king

Short story: Going up a rough but unremarkable hill and due to the hood and the angle of the sun, I had no idea there was a large ditch to one side. The truck fell into the ditch and I only had a brief sensation of sliding before I was slammed into the door/window. After crawling out the passenger side I was able to see that I had escaped with limited damage and figured out a plan to drive out to the ditch. Once back on the trail, I figured out the spindle was bent and the tire was rubbing. I was intentionally trying to get to the remotest location I could reach before nightfall, so I was pretty far from anything. I used my InReach satcom to contact family and friends and they got the ball rolling to see if someone could help. I camped nearby for the night. The next morning I hiked about 30 minutes to a hilltop where I could get about 60 seconds of digital cell signal each time I reset the phone. I was able to update a few threads with some details (what specific part failed, supply status, etc). After breaking camp I drove very slowly about 5 miles to a graded road while checking the tire for wear. After hours of trying to arrange a tow via satcom, I decided to risk the tire and drive another 5-7 miles (very slowly, ~5mph) to an area where I thought I would have signal. I was correct about getting signal in the new location. Things were already coming together, but with more communication capability I was able to more effectively coordinate with those that wanted to help.

After renting a trailer and driving 4.5 hours to reach me, Chris and Cody showed up around midnight (I think) and drove me and the truck all the way back to San Luis Obispo. Those guys are super cool and it was a great adventure just being on a road trip with them. I should have been more like them when I was their age!

I just picked up a spindle today. I hope to get it replaced in the next week or so. There is some minor fender damage and the bumper cover is a little mangled. I'm hoping I can bend the fender back and replaced the bumper with a plate bumper. We'll see how it goes.

The trip was awesome and the truck was awesome. I knew I was taking some additional risk by going alone, but that was the point of the trip and I was prepared (supplies, satcom, etc.) so I can't really apologize for that. Though, things would have been a lot easier with a buddy truck. It also could have been much worse: I wasn't injured and the truck wasn't completely disabled.

I appreciate everyone that offered help, advice, and coordination to get me and my truck back home.

 

The gussets also require aftermarket wheels or wheel spacers to clear. I definitely looked into it, but going to stay stock for now.

 

Yay happy outcome!

 

Sounds like an adventure ... glad you made it back fairly unscathed for the most part. Let me know if you'd ever like an extra set of hands wrenching.

Inabilty to see over the hood when you are wheeling solo in this truck can be treacherous ... really makes me want to mount a go pro on the front grille or something ... link it up to first gear. Can't pick a good line if you can't see ... I have to really plan ahead and look at the trail 15-20 feet out and try to remember what my front passenger wheel is headed for when negotiating an obstacle.

 

If you're a rookie and don't want to admit it... Have another truck with you and or a good co-driver to help/solve 'stuck' situations.

Trust me I know first hand... it's all about the fun and learning process.

 

Btw, the "reverse cams" would be good for this once you get the hang of it.