Buried to the doors in Snow! This lifted Nissan Xterra instantly sinks! Can we recover?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 ก.ค. 2024
- This is a snow recovery video:
Last weekend, my friend Nick @durty_fly_adventures and I went on a camping trip up the Eastern Sierras. Our plan was to camp near the hot springs. Since, the last snow fall was 1 month ago, we didn't expect to run into too much difficulty. Oh..... were we wrong :(
This video is a friendly reminder to NOT ADVENTURE ALONE. When things do go wrong, having a friend, especially with another vehicle, is a nice thing to have. You'll also learn about the importance of recovery gear.
With a good attitude and a bit of determination, you can get your vehicle pulled out of 2 feet of snow too! Just know the limits of you vehicle, you don't want to damage it.
I hope you find this video useful, informational, and to some extent entertaining.
Navigation:
00:00 Intro
02:03 Sinking into the snow, that came out of no where!
04:36 Soft Recovery pulls from a frontal "tow point"
07:09 Harder Recovery pulls from the Rear hitch (Rated recovery point)
11:00 Umm, the Sun is going down, are we going to freeze?
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It's nice to see your progression though, last time you didn't have good chains that fit. Immediately after remedying that issue, you end up needing to use them.
Also, unlike others who go out in the snow, you guys were prepared and could have spent many nights there if needed. Some folks don't travel with winter supplies and then even one night becomes life or death.
Great comment Salsanacho, you bring up points that I forgot to talk about. Yes, we were prepared to spent multiple nights if it came down to it. What didn’t make the cut in this video is a Ford 350 with 4 feet of ground clearance rolls up. We warned him about the deep snow, but he didn’t care. I told Nick that I had no energy to help recover him if he got stuck. My feet were freezing wet, and I had them over the propane fire pit 🔥 to thaw them out. I had water proof hiking shoes, but the snow still got in since I sunk knee deep.
That guy had a baby with him, and it didn’t appear they were setup to camp (empty truck bed I think. It was so tall, but it was an open top).
Luckily, that monster truck was able to drive down the road. Others won’t be so lucky, and you’re right, at that point it turns into a life or death situation. Pinned your comment, not because of the praise, but because you brought up such a good point! 👍
@@JonDZ_Adventuring Yeah it gets even more dangerous if you get wet like you guys did. Even if someone is just going out for the day, it doesn't take much effort for them to chuck a couple of 0 degree sleeping bags and some extra water/food in the trunk. Glad that F350 dude got through but yeah, there's not much margin for error in these situations especially with a kid.
@@salsanacho yes I built up a good sweat. I changed my socks and wet shirt for dry one. My sleeping setup can handle really cold. Great point you brought up.
As you mentioned, a kinetic rope is a good idea for pulling out vehicles, a lot less shock to the vehicles while delivering more pulling power in comparison to a traditional rope or strap. You can get some at a pretty good price on Amazon, sometimes less than $100. For the ease of pulling and much lower stress to the vehicles, they are worth it.
Just sold me on snow chains. I don't even live where it snows, but this reminded me that I need some in my kit for when I go into the higher elevations.
You got stock like i did in Grand Mesa Park hahha
Awesome job with the recovery. You guys came prepared!!
Nice work! That was definitely a battle but you guys got it done!
Thanks for another video. Love seeing all the different types of vehicles. More Xterras please 🙂
Awwwwe my kawawa hubby. Glad you made it♥️
Great job with the recovery! It is very important to be prepared. Part of that is knowing your recovery points and your gear. Recovery gear is useful both on and off road. It always feels great to help a driver in need. You can buy 50-100ft of synthetic winch line for relatively cheap these days to help extend your reach.
Good job guys!!
Ty ty
Great recovery, awesome work as always Jon 👍👍
Thanks @gearlist ! Appreciate it!
Man..I know that recovery must've taken a lot of time and energy...but that looks so fun! Nice one Jon. Hopefully see you on the trail one day again.
Actually, I guess it only took 45 minutes. Seemed like an eternity tho, because it was so cold
Nicely done !
This is why frosty4wheeler is in business up there! haha
Ha! Well I’m glad we didn’t end up being clients 🤣
This is why I carry a flame thrower 🔥
Looks like it's not far from where we dug those jeeps out years ago
I knew we were missing something
Artem! It’s been too long friend! When are we getting on another adventure?
@@JonDZ_Adventuring as soon as I get some time off or quit. Either way looking like March. Saving up for a 4X4 motorcycle
Awsome video and such a great time
Nothing went as planned, but it was sure fun! The day went from disaster to accomplishment. It was a good day!
Props to Nick for the dirt sunrise hat
Wow nice work jon man that reminds me of my element when I got stuck on the beach got rescue twice that day and congrats on the RTT
I had those chains on my Honda HRV playing in the snowy mountains in Oregon. They make a huge difference, even with the HRV's inferior AWD, I was plowing a path in bumper high snow.
I was so impressed that I ordered another set
Nice, This is is Centori Adventuer Regular, we have Adventurer XL size up to 4 to 5 person, 20 inch longer, thank you for shotting this nice video!
Sorry Bros, but he was NOT on track (the road) and yep, things happen and sure glad you TWO were there for each other. = SAVED the Day.
Yes the road was actually left but the snow cat had groomed right and made it seem like it was right . After the fact I realized it was left
My friend and I sank like that in Leavitt Lake lol. Memories.
Snow recoveries! They’re annoying in the moment but I always look back at mine with rose colored glasses haha.
It was a challenge, but there was a sense of accomplishment afterwards. I’ve never seen a vehicle sink in the snow like that.
Nice recovery Jon. Properly fitting chains to the rescue! In our Lexus we always keep a hitch recovery point, a 30 foot kinetic rope, a 30 foot tow strap, 10 foot tree saver, and 4 soft shackles including two smaller diameter ones in case we have to pull on a vehicle that has the tiny and weak transport rings. In the case of the small transport rings on so many vehicles, I attach on both sides with the tree saver strap with smaller oft shackles to split the pull load and attach to the rope/strap to pull. We've pulled out a several small cars using that setup. And we to tightly coil all of that stuff into a relatively small duffle and leave on the roof for easy access. Did you end up upgrading your recovery boards to MaxTrax? Maybe reach out to softroadingthewest on his sponsor contact there.
I ordered another set of chains. I thought about this experience as well as last years experience where I was driving 18 miles in deep 3 day old snow (was still a little powdery). These chains would have made the difference, and they’re so easy to install.
LOL bro, I know exactly where that is. I went to that spot like 2 days ago and saw the deep ruts the Nissan got stuck in lol.
After my first offroad experience in snow, I got a newfound respect for getting stuck. DON'T GO OUT ALONE! In the winter the sun goes and temps drop fast. It was great that you kept a positive mindset. It's easy to get frustrated and that only makes the experience worse. Here's a couple of questions/suggestions: You're no longer on paved roads, why not air down? You'll have a better contact patch for better traction. I'm not too sure how much that would help seeing as he dropped like 2 feet like you said but we always air down when off the pavement. Companies make recovery straps (not a regular tow strap that does not stretch at all) that have some kinetic properties, the only issue with them is the are only good for a limited number of pulls, unlike the kinetic ropes that are capable of many many more. Auto-Trac snow chains are by far the easiest snow chains to put on and take off. They work very well and I highly recommend them. Unfortunately they do not make them for larger size tires. We've had them for our 4Runner, Scion XB, 3rd Gen Tacoma and 98 ZJ.
Thanks for sharing!
So, I didn’t air down because I left my 5.65 CFM smittybilt tire inflator connected to my cargo box. On this trip I was sampling a roof top tent for my first time, and forgot to take a lot of gear with me. I’m glad I remembered the tow straps though.
tip: dig first, pull second. Remove the resistance with the shovel FIRST, then yank. The rear tires on the stuck vehicle are up against a wall of snow. Break out the shovel and knock that wall down... once that's done you're good to go! Use straps for gentle tugs. Use the kinetic rope for big yanks like in this scenario. Last if you're gonna play in the snow use actual snow tires... at least on one axle.. swap them out when you're done in the snow
Digging was done, it’s just sped up on the dash cam footage
Nicely done. Now you need to work with Traxda on a winch bumper :D
Yes! I’ve been doing a lot of research on how to get this done. I often look to how companies make products for Subaru. The warm winch bumper replaces the crash bar. Who would have thought to do that?
@@JonDZ_Adventuring one cool/flexible option I looked into before committing to a winch bumper was a winch in a cradle. Get that and have someone weld a receiver on the front and you can have a winch in front or behind and take it off when unnecessary. That option has a fair number of downsides as well but still a cool idea.
Snow chains to the rescue for sure!!
Your rig doesn’t have traction control? Considering lockers or torsen?
I’m going to buy another set. Having them on all 4 would be awesome!
@@JonDZ_Adventuring me as well
Great save…. What was up with his rig? I noticed only the front tires were spinning and the rears took longer, if at all to kick in? Great advice on hard points and pulling. Thanks for sharing the adventure.
Thanks Richard. Nicks Xterra is 4WD open diff. The variance in speed front to rear is due to the front and rear open diffs. It looked like the front driver and rear passenger tires were over spinning.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring Ahhh…. Thanks… I assume that’s where, if we had them, we would engage lockers? Sorry, but fairly new to all of this. I once had an older Jeep Cherokee that had two modes of 4x4. One of them I believe would have been considered locking all four wheels to spin. Miss that old rig…. Now have a 2018 Subaru Outback.
Should've used kinetic rope. it streches so you can get as much momentum as needed.
Unfortunately we didn’t have one. We just used what we had at the time.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring still works
It's good to stay calm but it can be fun also because it's part of what we do. It's part of overall experience. Is there a way to install a winch like an 8,000 or 10,000 lbs? Great video again Jon
Well said DJ! Although I’ve never seen a vehicle sink that deep in snow, I was not deterred. I knew we’d get out with enough work.
I’ve seen some people make custom steel bumpers with winch mounts, but nothing available yet for the midsized Hondas.
Been waiting for this one. I have the same chains. That xterra wasn’t helping much spinning two wheels. Did you guys turn around or keep at it and get to the hot springs?
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Did you try to dig ruts back to hard packed snow? Looked like you kept pulling him along in the soft stuff. Wonder if a winch would have helped at all.
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Minivans have as much steel as a pickup truck, so yeah they are built stout. Though I doubt your receiver is rated anywhere near the forces you imparted on it. Nevertheless they are extremely strong points.
We turned around the moment we recovered and just camped right there. A Ford 350 diesel with a monster lift, 40 inch tires and large snow chains on all 4 tires (took him 20 minutes to chain up) was able to drive down the road. He had about 4 feet of ground clearance though, or so it seemed.
I’m not sure if a winch would have helped. I remember we had a Jeep stick that had a winch, and it wasn’t able to pull him out of being buried to the body.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring yeah, it would probably just pull the vehicle towards the stuck vehicle unless you have a very good anchor point.
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Those trucks look ridiculous everywhere but deep snow, mud, and water… haha.
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Glad you made it out safe.
If that's not an advertisement for chains I don't know what is (:
Looking forward to your thoughts on a RTT.
I should have chained up sooner. I always get tunnel visioned during recoveries 😃.
There’s a lot to report back with the RTT. I upgraded the aluminum floor with adhesive carpet tiles, so I’m looking forward to seeing how much of a difference that makes. I have some other DIY ideas to make the RTT as bullet proof as can be. 40 mph Winds were an issue, my solution is to tighten up the fabric by stitching it together more taught.
Might I suggest next time leave the trucks at the trailhead and take the snowshoes/cross country skis out across the snow? You'll have a lot more fun...
Good job but you guys really needed kinetic rope here. You needed momentum but had to really moderate it here to prevent damage. The Kinetic gives you the ability to use a lot more momentum while stretching out the shock to a point where it is much less likely to damage either vehicle's tow point. Non klnetic Tow straps are for towing and road recoveries, not for snow/mud snatching.. In a low traction high resistance situation a LOT more momentum and a stretchy strap or rope is going to softly jerk you out a lot more efficiently. Most of the force of your momentum goes to a longer period of pull which actually increases your chances of success DRAMATICALLY. Instant shock loaded jerks waste MOST of the force and are much better and breaking and bending metal than moving vehicles. Kinetic tools cost a lot, but in the long run they are worth every cent because they allow a MUCH higher percentage of the recovery force to be effective while greatly lowering the chance of damage to vehicles. You can also use much MORE momentum because of the dynamic of the force being spread over say a second of time vs a fraction of a second. That kinetic jerk is very effective. . Especially if as in this case you are trying non recovery rated strap down points. They CAN work ok as long as you are spreading out the work and not load shocking them which can cause quick failure. I would have immediately turned around here and used the hitch to start with, especially with static straps, which again, are a poor choice here given the alternatives easily available on the market. I've got a 3/4 X 30' kinetic rope that has good reviews for a relatively cheaper system at $80 (www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DPCSJHV?th=1), and I feel like it is probably too short for a situation like this, which is where I would incorporate a cheaper non-kinetic flat strap into my system as a lightweight and strong length. This video reminds me that my setup as well is not perfect. I need one of your straps, and you need one of mine. And that is where we both can save money. I don't need TWO kinetic ropes for more length. I can use my relatively expensive 30' kinetic combined with a more economical and compact 30' flat strap to give me that added length required in situations like this. Databyter
I bought a kinetic rope a week after making this video 😃. During this recovery, I tried not to use too much force. The snow chains really came in handy though.
Can you guys try and do the Trans New Hampshire Route?
We’re from California. I don’t have any plans to travel to the east coast anytime soon, I’m sorry 😢. I’d like to make a trip out to Alaska at some point in my life, but I hear the trip takes 3 months, so I’ll just have to wait until I retire from work 😭
You'e Razer Crest needs a winch!
Just seen you on Carmenita
I saw a Taco and a charcoal Lexus GX, were you one of them?
I was at the starbucks on the corner of south st/orangethorpe…
I’ve always heard you put chain on the front of AWD for more steering control.
Yeah, but then your rear end will fish tail, which turns out to be a loss of control. Hooking them up to the rear will give you more traction. Hook them up to all 4, and you get the best of both worlds.
Chains typically don’t fit on AWDs, and instead cables have to be used.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring this is true the Subaru owners manual specifies cables.
@@brandtdaniels back when I had the Forester XT, the owners manual said that cables are not recommended, and to hook them up to all 4 if I did. Makes sense, because the center diff would get overworked.
Most owners manual don't want chains on because they don't want to be liable for scratching rims. Lifted suv with larger tire can fit chains on easy unless tire is to big and hits fender.
Make sure the Xterra is in low all xterras have abls which is a crawl control clone and will use brakes to get the opposite wheel to turn to help get unstuck
That plus winter tires like Nokian Hakkapelitas would have helped. I got stuck only once in the 20 years that I have owned an Xterra. Drove into a snowbank at night and wasn't using winter tires at that time.
Where’s Nancy?? I don’t see her digging?!?! 😂
She was jealous you all went to Baja
She could have come with us and left Nick behind! 😂
Missed u guys on that trip. U guys are always super fun to hang/wheel & chill with! 🤙🏾
@@robh6854 missed you all too. The pictures look awesome! That mountain trail looked legit! So, I’d Mengel pass was a level 4, what would that trail be considered?
@@JonDZ_Adventuring Hmmmmm
🤔 On that trail I’d say the same overall…. I would def like to hear Kevin and Huey’s opinion….. there’s def some steeper grades though which Branden couldn’t make without burning up his clutch due to grade and terrain,,, trying to maneuver minor to moderate obstacles AND keep traction.
I’m thinking due to those sections you would have some say it’s a 5….. the advantage of the smaller footprint is the ability to navigate between the large rocks with the right transmission of course.
With your expertise experience u could rock it and not have to take nearly the time it took us with trying to get Branden through. The trip was def still enjoyable and it was a good exercise for me PERSONALLY to relax, engage the challenge and enjoy the folks you’re out with. 👍🏾
A bunch of folks in the Baja forums were trippin we got the subi through! 😂
People will want to check their owner's manual as to where to mount chains. For my Jeep Cherokee (KL) 4x4 Trailhawk the manual says to put them only on the front wheels. Plus, you have to drop the tire size from 245's down to 225's!!!!
If all you have is a tow strap, twist the strap into a spiral and it’ll act a little like a kinetic rope.
Interesting tip!
hit the vtec jon !!!!
🤣🤣🤣
The nissan is not 4 wheel drive or 4x4?
It’s 4WD
Next time start with snow chains
That’s good advice
Not sure about this, (well, I am kinda actually) but your GPS coordinates are nowhere near the hot springs near Mammoth out there in the flats. By design perhaps?
Yes. There’s several hot springs out there (about 6) and our plan was to camp by one of the more secluded ones. The hotsprings off the road were over crowded. I haven’t been to those in over a decade.
@@JonDZ_Adventuring There are probably closer to a dozen, perhaps more out there actually. Some folks have built them up rather nicely. Once upon a time we could actually swim across Hot Creek and enjoy the up welling springs in the creek, but sadly that was taken away from us some years ago. Some interesting times out there for sure. Take care.
I'm always afraid to snap a vehicle out in fear that the strap might break and snap back into the rear window and break it.
Yeah, scary stuff. Good reason to pick up some soft shackles
Why did he go off the track
At 0:11 you can see that the tracks stop, then there’s a ditch to the right.
Skinny snow tires
Snow tires are awsome but when .5% of driving is done on snow then it won't make sense for California. If we were in the north then yes most people have 2 sets of tires. But any tire can become a snow tire with chains.
@@durtyflyadventures snow tires ate better than chains. Mount 2 on basic steel wheels and put them on 1 axle when you plan on playing in the snow.. makes all the difference... for true magic, stud them also
Yet again wrong main advice. Never get off the main trail .. you never know what's underneath the snow and how deep it goes.
At 3:02 you can see that what looks like the track stops just 5 feet further than where the Xterra got stuck. There’s foliage (maybe a row of bushes) that looks like the track. He was sinking either way. Other roads were blocked off by large man made berms. I think this road should have been closed off too.