Huang Shan Today

The reason I had been so cavalier about getting stuck was that I had taken one big precaution. I had added a Superwinch S9000 to the F250.With a rated line pull of 9,000 pounds, I figured it could handle anything Suman’s woods could throw at it. And because I installed the winch on a Superwinch portable winch platform, the unit slipped Into the front receiver nearly as easily as if I were sliding in a Class Ill drawbar.
But I must admit: This black mud was evil-looking stuff. Fortunately, the truck was positioned directly in front of some nearby trees, so I was assured an easy single-line pull, the simplest and most common winch setup.
Once the winch was properly rigged, I handed the remote control to Suman and hopped into the cab. The instant I felt the front tires lurch forward, I applied some throttle and the truck popped free.
Then I walked back to the gaping hole behind the truck. I could see Suman shaking his head; the imprint of the P250’s leaf springs were clearly visible in the mud. So was something else—a large, sunken tree trunk. No wonder the truck had been unable to free itself; the mud-clogged rear tires couldn’t climb over the slippery trunk. Even if the front tires had been able to gain purchase, the tree trunk effectively blocked any forward motion.
Take that as positive proof that the unexpected can sink you when you drive offroad. But if you prepare for trouble by bringing along a healthy dose of common sense and the proper equipment, you’ll make the going a lot smoother.