Trailer needs to be pulled out of wet spot

[tomhole]

Allright, here's an interesting one. Went to get the HTT out from the farm to tow it to the dealer for some new axles and what not. From where it is parked, I have to go down a 30 ft incline (3' drop) and then back up while making a 90 deg left. I hadn't considered the wet ground as I normally have no trouble getting back up the hill. Well, not this time. I gave up early so as not to get anything buried. The ground isn't muddy, just wet. It is mowed grass (like a yard) We have a forecast for light rain for the next 2 days and I need to get the trailer out to tow it off to the dealer. Trailer weighs 5000 lbs. Here are some pics:

http://www.pbase.com/tomhole/rockwood_roo_23ss

My truck is 2WD and I have access to myriad 4WD, but with the ground in the condition it is in, wet, not muddy, I'm not sure 4WD will help. And I really don't want to tear up the grass anymore than I already have, which isn't too bad yet. My plan was to park the truck at the top of the hill and pull the trailer up with one of these:

http://www.wyeth-scott.com/




I would attach one end to the truck receiver with a ball in there. I was going to use the safety chains to attach the other end and then just come-along it up the 20' grade by keeping lumber under the hitch jack. The main wheels are not buried at all and the truck should stay put at the top of the hill as it is drier.

Will the safety chains hold or should I use a 10,000 lbs tow strap and use a more secure connection back by the WD bar hangers? One on each side?

Just don't want to be suprised by a safety chain flying at me at 300 mph or my hitch jack suddenly giving way. I can see no unusual forces that I am planning on exerting on the system, but my experience is limited.

Thanks,

TOm

[2000LtdKen]

I would think about backing my truck down there and hooking up to the trailer. Call a friend with a properly rated tow strap and attach it to the hook on the front of your Tundra. He is out on the road and giving you a little extra pulling power. Should be pretty easy.

Don't hook a tow strap to the ball. That's dangerous. The ball can come flying off at mach 5 and seriously injure or kill someone.

You could hook it too the hitch pin by itself in the receiver or you can buy a receiver clevis to attach the tow strap with.

Or if you know someone with an electric winch they could hook up and pull you really easy.

Ken

[tomhole]

Hmmm, the idea of having my truck hooked to the trailer and someone pulling me from the front has merit. That accomplishes several things. 1. It rests the trailer on my hitch and not on the tongue jack wheel and b. it allows the vehicle that is pulling to get out of the muck and get traction in a better spot. I think that will be the way to go.

Thanks,

TOm

[brandkd]

Do you know anyone with a helicopter? Someone that has an electric winch on their truck would be helpful too.