Monday, October 27th, 2025, at 5:56 p.m. (ET), we received a request for help with an offroad recovery in West Virginia. The requester, Carlos Martinez, submitted the following information: “Stuck in mud, forgot recovery gear at home. Transfer case may also be having issues preventing 4×4 from engaging properly. Not far from road, probably just need to be pulled a bit. Any help will be appreciated, can cover expenses if needed. / I’m with the vehicle / I can help cover the cost of fuel.”
Our administrator, Al Fontan, contacted the requester and verified the contact information provided, GPS location, and current situation before sending the request to local volunteers. In this particular recovery, we contacted volunteers within a 60-mile radius.
From the group of contacted volunteers we got Andrew Koch and Sean Martin taking over the recovery. Andrew was 80 miles away and Sean about 50 miles from the request.
Andrew and Sean, both marked themselves as engaging, began coordinating in our lobby. Andrew arrived first and was able to easily pull the vehicle out. Sean arrived just as Andrew was finishing the recovery.
They both send us some notes, and Andrew who got there and performed the recovery included some photos.
Andrew’s Notes:
This was a Mitsubishi Delica, a JDM AWD minivan, that had been outfitted as an overland rig. As it was a JDM model, it was right hand drive, too! Not something you see often.
The situation was pure bad luck, just a deep hole in the trail that they slipped into with one rear wheel. The rear suspension was flexed out far enough that the right-rear wheel had no traction and was just
spinning.
The vehicle had no recovery points, so I used a Yankum double-loop soft shackle around the rear axle and Yankum rope to one of the recovery points on the front of my Ranger.
A gentle tug got them out of the hole, not even a kinetic pull, and I helped to guide them as they backed up the trail to a turnaround spot about 400 feet behind them, then guided them back out to pavement.
Sean’s notes:
Only tip. I can think of is the helper talking more. Where this vehicle was was service but like 10 miles down road nothing for miles. So if the other person got there first the helper would never know. Other than that very smooth this is I think the 3rd one I went thru you guys. Look forward to helping more.
We want to thank both volunteers for such great job. You guys are amazing!
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