“We Rolled Our Truck In Death Valley,” The True Story

“The road was muddy, with some water, but nothing seemingly challenging,” explains Shane. “However, the ruts were deeper than we thought. We were in first gear, sludging through, trying to keep momentum through the pools of slick clay, and getting tossed around. Then, the rear got thrown to the right, and we high sided up the bank on the left, and tipped over. It felt like slow motion.”

“It was the first time either of us had been in a vehicle that ended up on its side, but this seems to be the most peaceful way for it to happen,” he continues. “As we were tipping, it was alarming to see the water get closer and closer to the passenger side window, but it stopped just a foot or two before we were submerged. We didn’t hear anything crunch, break, or shatter.”

Shane says that, “climbing out of the vehicle took some finesse, doors get a lot heavier when you have to push them straight up! Lauren held the door open for me as I climbed out, and we jumped off the driver side front tire to the bank to avoid getting too muddy.” 

“I helped Riot out of the truck, and as soon as he hit the ground he was playing in the mud like nothing serious had happened,” Shane says. “I think that really helped us actually. Knowing that Riot was still able to have a good time helped both of us realize that even though this was bad, it could have been so much worse.”

The vehicle was resting on the passenger side tires, and one corner of the camper, undamaged. 

“The lack of damage was undoubtedly due to the GFC’s strength and durability,” Shane explains. “The entire weight of the truck was supported on the rear passenger corner of the camper.”

There was no cellphone signal, so Lauren and Shane started to evaluate their options. They had Starlink, but it was stored in their Turbocubby, on the downhill side of the vehicle. Luckily, Shane has the latest iPhone, which is equipped with satellite SOS. 

“We used that to text emergency services, who then relayed our information to the Park Service,” Shane says. “They said a tow truck and ranger would get to us in two to four hours.” 

The time was about 10:30 AM. Over the next few hours, the couple tell us a few dirt bikes rode by, and tried to help, but conditions were just too slippery to resolve with human power alone. By afternoon, the wind had picked up, whipping sand into their faces. By 4 PM, they started to think about finding a sheltered area to make camp for the night. That’s when they spotted a white Tacoma in the distance. 

“I approached the vehicle looking wind blasted and sunburned,” says Shane. “He said he had a recovery strap and offered to help. He got to the driver’s side of our truck, and I hooked the strap up to our rock slider and then to his tow receiver. Within 10 seconds, were were back on four wheels!”

Boy, the sense of relief and excitement we felt is hard to describe,” Shane explains. “After unhooking the strap, I hopped in the driver’s seat, and the truck fired up on the first turn of the key. I reversed down the side of the embankment, drove out of the mud pit, and got the truck to dry ground, where it was safe.”

At this point, there was still no sign of the ranger or tow truck. With darkness rapidly approaching, the couple decided to find a place to camp. “We made some dinner, decompressed, and fell asleep,” Shane says. 

A quick once over in daylight the next morning revealed remarkably little damage. “There was no damage to the truck thanks to the GFC,” explains Shane. “The the camper did get pushed out of alignment on the bed rails, but was still on the truck securely enough to function well and make the four to five hour trek back home.”

A couple weeks later, Shane brought the truck by our facility in Orange County. A close inspection revealed zero damage. We just loosed the bed mounts, scooted the camper a few millimeters back into alignment, and tightened everything up. 

“We learned that it's important to go with a friend and keep your recovery gear on the outside of the vehicle, or somewhere where it's easily accessible,” Shane says. “We learned to never trust the depth of muddy water. We learned that you can't rely on the emergency services to actually come and help even if they say they will be there. We learned that Jim Putney over at 22re Race Works knows how to rebuild engines the right way. We learned that the guys at Squirrel Concepts restore old pickups in such a way that even if your truck takes a dirt nap it was start with the first turn of the key. And most importantly, we learned that GoFastCampers are truly built strong. We are so grateful for our GFC.”