Advice on how to tow a stuck 40' Safari

[Mudfrog]

I know it's a BIG challenge but if i were closer, getting it unstuck would be a challenge that i would see about undertaking. I'd bet that the motorhome would run if the old fuel was removed, new added, and a good battery or two was installed. That would be half the battle. Getting it on top of the ground would be the next.

With the good batteries, i'd bet there's a decent chance the jacks would work, maybe with a little prodding. Because the slide is out, the jacks are are probably extended as well. Would have to get them retracted if so. Can't tell by the picture but it wouldn't surprise me if the tires were all flat. Airing them up might bring the coach up high enough to get to the jacks where you could try to get a firm foundation under them. The whole thing looks to be sunk really low so it might take a few attempts of lifting with jacks, placing boards under tires, retracting jacks, putting higher foundation under jacks, lifting again, etc,,.

It would be a good day's work i'd imagine and at that end, might not be worth since the rig can't be driven legally anyway. Of course, getting it unstuck will help to figure out its overall shape and what's salvageable.

[beaverfever]

be sure you have a place to tow it to. if the tow truck hauls it to their yard they will charge big $$ a day for storage.

[nehog]

Originally Posted by StuckInYard

It's a 1997 Safari Continental M4040.

It doesn't start, entire bank of batteries are long dead. Generator not even turning over. Just went in it today and there's a buckle in the floor. It's in serious trouble.
The jacks are stuck. Don't know how to get them unstuck. They don't seem fully retracted but I can't tell because it's so low on the ground.
Maybe it's scrap at this point. I don't know. Just know I have to get it out of her yard or she won't be able to close on her house sale. Ugghhhh....

You've just listed a bunch of expensive stuff, and have not gotten to the bad stuff. That buckle in the floor is screaming to me that possibly the frame has rusted through...

Originally Posted by StuckInYard

I think she owes close to 30k.

Good gosh, do find out exactly. That's a lot of money, unless she's got a gold mine price for the house, that's going to hurt.

Originally Posted by BillJinOR

Totally not right but if she owes 30 grand tell the bank to come get it and walk away...

I suspect that if 30K is owed, the bank will try to force debt repayment.

Originally Posted by StuckInYard

... I wonder how long the new home owner would have to wait for the lender to come tow it out.

I doubt they would come and take it out. And if they did it would only be after a lengthy court case probably.

Note: this is one of the saddest things I've seen in some time.

IMHO, it is scrap... If you do Craig's list it as free and take it, make sure whoever does the taking has insurance against any damage to the house, or any other property!

[LETMGROW]

If I was in this situation the first thing I'd do would be to dig the full length of the camper plus the front and rear to gain some clearance and maybe get a good look at the undercarriage. If the underside looks sturdy I would keep digging so when the camper is towed out the lower panels don't get damaged.
If you decide to have a tow service come in to assist you be sure they have access to air bags designed for vehicle recovery use. Many heavy duty vehicle recovery trucks now carry air bags as standard equipment. These air bags are expensive. Consequently there is generally an added charge for using these in a recovery situation. Deflated, the air bags could be placed under the axles and when they are inflated they would lift the motor home so cribbing could be placed under the tires.
You said the MH is close to the house. Is the MH actually under the eves or is there clearance above the roof of the MH?
The suggestion you have an experienced RV tech. come in and inspect the MH is a valid suggestion. The tech. may be instrumental in helping you make the decision of whether to salvage the unit or scrap it.
The bank isn't going to be of much help I would suspect. It isn't their fault this unit was parked and neglected for ten years. They loaned someone money to purchase this unit in good faith it would be maintained and enjoyed. If the MH was let go back to the bank for default on the loan the bank would dispose of it and the borrower would be liable for the balance of the loan plus any charges in recovering the vehicle and any legal fees involved. Technically the MH couldn't be sold or disposed of by the registrant unless the loan was satisfied first. I am sure the loan is recorded and the MH is collateral. Their name no doubt shows somewhere on the title documents. It is against the law to sell or dispose of mortgaged property.
Lynn

[kustom]

i now a older couple who traded in a motorhome on a 30 ft trailer
some how there was a big screw up with dealer and bank

they paid bank $ 700 every month for 10 yrs called bank for payoff
bank said payoff was $16.000
dont known trade in value
but they had paid bank over $ 84.000
any way they were 86 & 84 yrs old
told bank come get it a week later truck came to pick it up for bank
it was well kept but whats a 10 yr old trailer worth

[idoxlr8]

I've got a young friend that does some mobile RV service in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. I trust him, can put you in touch with him if you want. PM Me your contact info and I'll tell him to give you a call.

[Sunny1]

Originally Posted by StuckInYard

I think it's beyond salvage at this point. The main issue would be not tearing apart the house while getting the thing out. And hoping it doesn't fall apart as they tow it out. What a nightmare!

Any updates???