Originally posted by Tim Samaras
Well, for me its 4x4.
I had a FWD Caravan...and got stuck big time in NC KS on May 12th, 1995 (anybody remember that day?).
We were following a GREAT supercell, and decided to simply pull off the road to get some pictures as the storm moved east. We were east of Sylvian Grove (As I recall....), and pulled off to the apron...what appeared to be at the time...PAVEMENT! But no...it was mud...and sunk the front two tires right to the CV joints in my old '91 Caravan. We were definately stuck. What's a chaser to do? Get out the camcorder and tape the monster storm fading to the east.
Soon, a chaser in a white mini-pickup came by and offered a ride to the next town (I'm sorry, but I forgot your name). He dropped us off and I walked into the motel asking for help. This is a very small town...hotel was the only thing around. The lady at the desk made a phone call to the local sheriff, and within minutes the sheriff walked in. "What do you boys need" he asked. "I'm stuck axle-deep down the road..I'm going to need a tow". He piled us in his police car and went back to the "Porcupine on a skateboard", then called his son that had some monster pickup truck that had tires the size of my van (or so it seems) come by.
Next thing I know...me being stuck in Kansas mud became a town event. 25+ other people showed up to offer help. We had the whole town out there. The kid hooked up his monster tow chain between his truck and my lil' van...and with his dad the sheriff yelling at him to do it right...my van came right out. They refused any offers of money..didn't want to hear about it. Terrific midwestern hospitality.
We hobbled the van down the road trying to catch up to the monster supercell and caught the final tornado of the evening after dark. We couldn't drive fast at all, as the wheels were packed with mud disturbing the wheel balance.
Nope...I love having all wheel drive now. Can't tell you how many times it's saved my butt..
Tim