Stuck in the Mud Living in a Van

[@evah787]

Alex is a BOMB.... Thank you Alex, I was nervous for you guys😯

[@fvm2116]

Likely the only guy who can get stuck in the mud in the middle of nowhere and laugh smile thru it all. Thumbs up for the ALWAYS inspiring positive attitude.

[@joekrueger615]

Made me anxious just watching!

[@midwestprepper924]

It is great to see that there are still people in this world that will help a stranger out when needed, a big thanks to Alex.

[@Higher_human1]

Stay above 5-10 mph next time and never slow down and you should have a better shot next time! Way to stay positive props to good people like Alex

[@jaybrown7777]

I got stuck in deep snow recently in the middle of nowhere. No help for miles. I prayed and and swam out it . Hallelujah.

[@michaelmcerlean9103]

Wow, no guardrails on those mountain roads? Beautiful Country!

[@kuraqueen6593]

Good on you Alex, your act of kindness is a reminder that this world has more great people in it than we think. Blessings to you and your family. Brian I said many bad words on your behalf, especially when you were going uphill, this has been one of the most nerve wracking videos that I have watched in a long time.

[@BRBTechTalk]

For future reference if you are stuck that time of year and it gets colder at night the mud does become thicker when it freezes. So when you get stuck and it is above freezing once it gets frost in the mud you have better traction and as someone else said carry an air pump with you and air down it helps a lot. What tires are you using? It is hard to tell in your videos the type of tire you have but, yes an aggressive tire will save your bacon when traveling on dirt roads. The other thing to consider in that time of year is getting parked and waking up to 6 or 8 inches of fresh snow on the ground and in a one wheel drive you would be screwed as far as getting out of there goes. I have watched many of your videos, I love your sense of adventure. Right now I have a FJ Cruiser with over $7,000 in modifications (it is for sale) so I can go pretty much anyplace I want. However I can't live in it, I want to do what you are doing but man I need something bigger. Life circumstances are kind of forcing me to vanlife. I can do the portable shower thing and the emergency bucket for a toiled but I need to stretch out more and some more room for stuff like recovery gear and tools. I have been stuck in a 4x4 several times and I am dreading going back to a one wheel drive van or motorhome. First thing I am going to do once I get my van is put on meaty tires, they might wear out on the pavement faster but when you need traction boondocking back roads, the benefit out weighs the cost. Keep up the good work Brian.

[@Tsiri09]

Always follow your instincts. And have shovels and other tools to get unstuck when/if it happens.

[@judycarey9051]

Snow makes it even more beautiful. Steep drop offs with no guardrail scare me to death. What a great guy. Thank you, Alex.

[@jwmiller1995]

Life is full of twists and turns and a few mud puddles that takes us down our path. Just enjoy the ride and travel safe!

[@SimplyConnie247]

You had me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happened next! And then laughing a little when you said you'd never go down a road like that again (been there, done that). Oh the lessons we learn on the road :) I'm so glad help was available and you didn't have to wait until Monday.

[@johnwinden8511]

It's events like your getting stuck that adds to the adventure, not that you necessarily want them. I have had more than my share of such experiences in my travels and you do learn from them and plan for some that my happen again. Think what you may miss out on though if you don't take a bit of a risk sometimes. You often times find that there are some good people out there and that we should do the same to help out some person that has gotten hung up somehow as well. I really enjoy your posts and look foreword to the next, thank you. John

[@jbsubscribes6399]

I love it when wonderful people like Alex show up in our lives! The snow is so peaceful and beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

[@Gardneronthewater]

I watch tons of boondockers vlogs and I'm pretty sure yours have been the best so far. Well off I go to watch some more ! Keep posting bro! Safe travels

[@thegoatman62]

Thanks for taking us along on your exciting journey! A big gold star for Alex!

[@Kaylem13]

easy mud/wet/snow stuck ideas : let air out of drive tyres = wider spread and lower profile (tank tracks), will need footpump/12v to re-air - use other material you can find (wood, soil, gravel, sand even dry leaves and throw under and in front of drive wheels - carry a foldable spade with you to dig your way out - re position weight on/off drive wheels. These are free and easy and when off roading it is inevitable that you Will Get Stuck at some/few times. Other than that, ask for help (as you do) or recovery truck/tractor. I never needed that as one of the first ideas always worked for me. great vid, thanks man. uk van man here

[@dominiquebt]

Love this video! I think experiences like this give you the opportunity to meet the best people - If I were traveling in the area, I'd go drop off some fresh-baked cookies!:)

[@CVigi]

What a Blessing he was there to help you Brian!! Safe travels and remember "to follow your dreams"!

[@ericschmidt1987]

I like Brian's attitude. Different vide then other KZbin van travellers he doesn't push his life style. I'm a fan!

[@michellec4857]

What a great guy! It's really nice to see Good people that are willing to help a stranger out still around! Great video

[@kodeywhitewolf8528]

There are tons of 'good people" out there with a helpful hand....Glad it all worked out for ya What' s life without experiences

[@GrizAdams111]

You should look into getting a come-a-long and a high lift jack/farmers jack and your own tow strap...You could do self recovery with a come along if there are trees near by and with a high lift jack you could lift you van up and put stuff under your tires. The other thing you can do with a high lift jack is if you have a tire stuck in a hole is jack up you van and the push it off the jack and out of the hole. I'm sure there are video on self recovery on KZbin.

[@TheMan-wg8xm]

+Scott faith When I lived in Northern Canada the come-a-long and high lift jack was standard equipment. That equipment and good people saved me many times.

[@dangeroustoman]

that is why one should always carry tire chains, when things start getting bad going in or out throw them on and they provide a lot of grip.

[@nickymeyers1559]

What a nice guy that helped you out! It just shows that there are really good people out there!

[@lisarichards1956]

I was yelling right along with Anthony! After living 14 years in Colorado and 35 years in northern Minnesota, I was doing a lot of inward wincing watching you slip and slide. Glad there was a helpful, kindred spirit nearby. (You may be able to tell, I'm binge watching these videos, ha ha!)

[@AdventureVanMan]

Lol...I will never forget that day! :)

[@TheRealJerseyJoe]

Yay Alex -- You are awesome dude !!!

[@seanandtracey1]

Excellent video Brian. I love how you stay calm in a bad situation. Lesson learned. And yes, there still is LOTS of good people in this world that help others. Stay safe! :)

[@MajorWeakness]

a cable winch puller at harbor freight is 24.00 and will pull your van out of these situations. Great video and your prayer was answered!

[@sohereiam8261]

Wow, so glad Alex was there to help you out! Another lesson learned, good for you.

[@SD-om1kg]

I love the Durango area! The folks are so nice and scenery is spectacular. Come back when the weather starts getting warmer. There are boondocking spots in the valleys along the "Million Dollar Hwy" around Mineral Creek that are breathtaking. It's one of our bucket list items! We'll be in the area this summer!

[@AFewMinutesWithjman]

Alex seemed as psyched as you were once you were in the clear and out of the mud. Man you are lucky that he was there. Live and learn, glad things worked out. ~ jman

[@laudalady61]

Whoa! Thank God somebody else was around to help you! Could you have just parked in one of the neighbors driveways that were gone for the season? (just curious) You've seen some beautiful sites along your travels! Plenty more ahead of you! You ROCK Brian! , Keep even coming! Be safe!

[@AngelaM]

Well your channel name IS Adventure Van Man! =) glad things worked out for you, my heart was racing just watching. Love your attitude and outlook on things in life.

[@tomg7008]

a winch that can be switched from the front bumper to the rear would be a really good investment ,only because you like to visit these type of places,at least that what I plan on doing ,that's why these videos are so great ,you can try to plan at least for some of these problems..

[@XsyntrikNomad]

What a great video and what a wonderful attitude you always have Brian. This is going to be one of my faves!

[@sarahjackson6714]

Decided to go through your old videos that I have not seen , you sure were lucky to have an angel close by!

[@TheCalnat]

You are very blessed, it does pay to be a a good and helpful man yourself.

[@MrChangeordie]

Right on 😊 That prayer was heard for sure. Glad Alex was there 😊✌

[@bevr2164]

Thank you Lord for your provision for Brian......Whew. Like you said, you are an official boondocker now.. some kind of right of passage. Glad you didn"t have to wait long to get rescued :)

[@aspudkicker]

Hi Brian. In life its so easy to get into trouble, and so hard to get out of trouble without a helping hand. Stay safe, healthy, happy and contented my friend.

[@ChristinaColoradoan]

Always have to keep the momentum... Thank goodness for Alex 🌞

[@TravelingTroy]

Good thing you found Alex or you would've had to start rationing the food and water while you wait it out. At least your were in a camper van with supplies. It's nice to know you don't have to panic. Fix a meal, get some rest and try to tackle the issue refreshed, thinking clearly.

[@mattcaluda]

you should get a "come a long" and a few straps. it's lightweight and can get you out of some tricky spots.

[@janicehart5397]

great idea!!!

[@1MasterLi]

There will always be people ready to help...now, pay it forward...good video..thumbs up.

[@joycebarnett5813]

I used to live in Montrose Co. You went thru it to get to Durango Co and have been on those kind of roads. It doesn't take much to get stuck if you don't have the right rig. So blessed that Alex was home. great video. thanks for sharing.

[@mrich3879]

A tractor would definitely work...pine boughs work great for traction in that situation. A few ropes, a hi-lift jack and some know-how and you would've been fine on your own.

[@roamingfree6968]

Had my heart pounding @ 7 min mark. Road Angels watching over you. 👰

[@kayguerrero8256]

Am vaning vicariously right along wth you & am so glad you didn't have to stay stuck for days.So glad you made it thru parts of Texas too.Love all your videos. "Y'all come back now, ya hear?" From Ft Worth,Texas

[@little0big0man0]

What a great guy for doing that for you Brian!

[@Camp_Runamuck]

You've not lived till you've done highway 550 .. I just ordered a $1000. Posi track carrier for my differential to help avoid getting stuck like that and your video just made it clear that was a good investment

[@auntmemeintennessee8033]

Bless Alex... What a great guy!

[@paulevangelista2842]

That was part of the adventure. Thanks for sharing..

[@rvpandamonium]

Wow awesome snow views. Glad you got out, that was very nice of him. Stay safe :)

[@jessamygoddard4112]

What an angel! Lucky for you he was there! Take care xxx

[@KatandzR]

550, is one of the prettiest roads I have been on.. Brian, you lucked out... glad you got out..enjoy. 🌞🌞🌞

[@freespirit6209]

Good people are everywhere - they just seldom make the news! Nice little story.

[@TommyboyGTP]

Open differentials are no good off road. Might be time to check into investing in a true locker, like an ARB that is actuated by compressed air. You'd be amazed how much of a difference it makes when both rears are spinning evenly with a locked 50/50 torque split.

[@davidmckeown6313]

Cool video,and at least you were having a go , have fun adventuring

[@GregHinzeworkinprogress]

A rule I try to follow is if a road is nasty to start it gets worse turn around.

[@tonym5878]

that guy has some good karma coming his way. you can't help but feel someone is looking out for you Brian. glad you're back on the road.

[@RickMartinYouTube]

Thanks Alex. You don't see people helping strangers much anymore.

[@donh423]

Great video. Positive perspective turned a bad time good, with help. Good tips on the tire chains and carpet, probably tow straps as well. Thumbs up!

[@darfirst]

Two thumb's up to Alex! I'm so glad you got out safe and sound. Scary vid but happy ending.

[@GEAUXFRUGAL]

I have seen people (online) take larger long zip ties and rubber hose and make mudders out of their regular street tires. They would take some discarded hose and run the zip tie through the hose and that contacted the mud the zip tie went through the holes on the rim. This is a small light weight way to potentially get out of a mud hole. Same could be done with bailing wire.

[@vtwinkicker]

Been there done that! What Greg Hinze said below is so true, it never gets better the further in you go. Happy trails Brian!

[@kejobo]

+vtwinkicker I've had relationships like that. Ha!

[@nomaddaze]

pressure in your tires way down will help a little bit,,, pressure them back up as soon as possible afterwards and Drive slowly until you can......... there's also a really cool product out called zip-grip-go you'll have to Google them it's a little hard to explain but they are basically zip ties with grippy fingers that go on your tire, they're only good for one use but a pack is like 20 bucks totally worth having in your van/RV for slippery situations

[@LindaWolfe20]

Wow! Now I know our van will not do this... thanks for the heads up on where to go and not to go.... Glad you was able to get help....

[@wonderingby6770]

Oh I knew you weren't going to make it. Guess you didn't hear me yelling at you to just back up . Haha. Good things happen to good people. Take care

[@CampervanKevin]

"I am going to get stuck here"- be careful what words you "speak into existence"

[@favoriteturd8236]

♤♤♤

[@dennism6664]

+Campervan Kevin amen

[@TSunshineful]

One of your best videos! Really good on the road experience. Love your upbeat personality.

[@janicepeck4828]

wow Great man was able to pull out of mud. Lessen learned sure enjoyed seeing Co mts,snow. I sure miss Co. Jp

[@carlaifera5254]

......hi brian......🙋‍♀️......another great vid......ty.

[@Tatiacha]

:-) I lived in sw Colorado for 12 years I know exactly how those roads get! I lived up 8 miles of dirt only it was one that was plowed but still the snow and rain on colorado dirt makes the most nasty clay mess. Everyone pretty much kept snow tires for traction on until after spring melt dried out. That was a Colorado initiation lol

[@docgannon]

now you know the limits, and you you tested your self! great job Brian!

[@peterkunka2694]

Evening, Brian. I'm a new subscriber (from the Phoenix, AZ area) and have really enjoyed your series of videos.... informative, educational, and on-point. My girlfriend and I are "weekend tent campers" (great videos of Quartzsite, Sedona, Flagstaff and Grand Canyon while in our State!), and while we have looked at motorhomes/5th wheels, we're not impressed with the build quality vs cost. You have a lot of talent, sharing your story and travels, while introducing us to the idea of traveling in a van comfortably, safely and economically. Our best wishes to your future videos and travels! Now, that snow on the dirt road in this video... you should have turned around at that point. ;) But, that's the fun, learning and experiencing along the way. And, a quick shout-out to Alex for the rescue! Anyway, we're packing and leaving for Colorado tomorrow. While we'll be staying in hotel's during the 1,800 mile roundtrip... we have a new, fresh perspective and appreciation for taking in the land, views, and sights along the way. Thank you, sir, for that!

[@mohdfiruzali2276]

it,s a great lesson you have learn today! do not ever attempt to try it again! safe travel!

[@gdyupgal4u]

Great lil adventure glad you had help getting out

[@dstorm7752]

A set of chains... Also, there was a ton of nearby natural material such as sticks which could have been placed in front and back of the tires to extricate yourself.

[@mtwomn8940]

+D Storm Had to do that once. Pulled a bunch of branches off some pine trees to get traction. It worked.

[@ShadeTreeGarage68]

Have you ever considered installing an electric winch on the front of the van?

[@chadone9]

"Should I do it?....I'm doing it!". Every time I have said that, I came to regret it. Just part of doing it your way. I did however, invest in a good stout winch and it saved me many times. I have been there, done that many times but I never seemed to change my attitude. Only way to live. Greatly enjoy your videos.

[@sonomaview]

On winter roads and over summits, watch out for black ice too (especially on sides of roads that don't get the sun to melt it). :)

[@GatorLife57]

Thumbs up. ENJOY....THE SIMPLE LIFE

[@RollingEarthShip]

I would've pulled you out Brian, with my 2x2 slick tires van. Glad you made it out. 👍🏻😄🚐

[@thunderdansbigride9286]

Whew, that was a close one!

[@jg-xx8oh]

Just remember when driving ,snow, is your friend when needing to stop and gain traction, ice is a different story black ice will kill you or others so if you ever start sliding head toward the snow at sides of road for traction. I'm from Winnipeg Canada we get a lot of snow and ice lol

[@helmitpeak]

You were real lucky, follow your gut feeling always. Glad you got out of that mess. By the way, when driving in snowy cold weather be on the alert for black ice on the road, if you hit a section with the black ice you will lose control. That happen to me once and I found myself on the other side of the road facing the opposite direction, scared the hell out of me. It was a clear day but cold. It's called black ice because it's the same color as the road, you can't see it so drive slower and be prepared.

[@davidlutz2242]

Good people are all around us all the time.

[@Kimbopolo]

Whew! Glad you got outta that one (and with such a positive attitude). And I admire the restraint you used in your language! ;-)

[@cindeluke1195]

Enjoyed this very much. Such freedom.

[@tilozoru1255]

yeah, i was cringing from the get go! back up and floor it next time... may make it...

[@IrenesVanventures]

Wow, I was on the edge of my seat on that one. 😯 So happy for you that it all worked out for you in the end. 😄

[@aHigherPower]

Oh boy that looked scary. lol Always great to see people help each other, good stuff. Thumbs up!

[@dennism6664]

amen to Campervan Kevin's commentLooks like you had quite the adventure

[@CITAP1]

Yeah, when the road looks questionable in the middle of nowhere, best to not do it. I've eve been stuck in the snow on mountian roads going camping to early. Glad all worked out.

[@sylviajones3249]

Whew! That was a blessing.

[@TerrydeAlaska]

cool video...you can always jack up the van and put sticks and limbs under the tire to build up the hole and then let it off the jack and drive forward. Best bet is to avoid roads like that in your van.....

[@electricguysvcs]

Cool - Glad you got out. I have a van and a small S-10 4 by 4 I don't think I would attempt half the stuff you did so far with a van. Stay safe man

[@favoriteturd8236]

I was in suspense! :-)