Project Come-A-Long

Boondocking recovery tools, used when you’re stuck in the mud or desert sand. Set of three: Tekton power puller, recovery straps and D-ring shackles.

Daily issue one of Vanlife is knowing where you will sleep that night. Campsites can change on a daily basis, but likely every few days. The simplest form is the private campground; available along highways, in cities and sometimes in idyllic locations. Mostly very convenient, but they have some undesired features too. Often filled up and crowded, loud and noisy and often pricey.
America is fortunate to have many public lands, available for use by the public, including camping. While the bulk is located in the West, with some effort, one can do the same on the East coast. Camping on these lands is free or at reduced prices, but usually with fewer or no amenities.

Boondocking Recovery Tool

Power Puller

Boondocking recovery tools, used when you’re stuck in the mud or desert sand. Set of three: Tekton power puller, recovery straps and D-ring shackles.

My preference is boondocking, which means spending no or little money towards campground fees, yet enjoying some of the best views America has to offer. This usually means, getting off paved roads and staying many miles away from the closest towns. When rain is in the forecast, you may have to pack up and leave your site early, to avoid getting pinned down for days, because the road out is mud only.
But the off-road search for an overnight spot alone, can be hazardous for your vehicle; getting stuck in desert sand or persistent snow, can make life difficult in the middle of nowhere, without any help in sight.

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Project Materials

Don’t count on calling for road assistance, because cell phone reception is in these cases often not existant. If you can reach out and find help, it’s generally hours away and usually very expensive. This is where the come-a-long can be a lifesaver. Whether you’re stuck in a forest mud pool or hit a patch of soft sand in one of the many desert areas, a power puller like this, in combination with a couple of straps and D-rings, you stand a good chance of saving the day. With enough straps, you can use a nearby tree to pull yourself out of the mud and when stuck in the desert or on a sandy beach, you may tie the strap to your spare tire, which you bury deep in the sand. It may take most of the day, but after getting back on the road, you know, that it’s been all worth it. When boondocking frequently, you can be sure, you’ll need it some day. And for about $100.00 for the set, you may be able to help someone else ouy of a pickle too.

Project Photos

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