Question:
I couldnt find a Stupid section so I posted here..
I had a load (US Army. Armored Simi Tractor) heavy as H$%#. To be delivered to Herlong California.
Having GPS and been useing it for some time now with no problems, my confidence with this this thing had grown.
Just about 5 miles from drop GPS sez Make right turn and I do. Ah! nothing unusual another gravel road. After about 2 miles I begin to wonder. Wow I still dont see any form of life and think maybe I should turn around. But Where ? This is a 2 lane gravel road with 3 foot ditchs on both sides. So I continue. OH goodie the road is now a one lane road turning into dirt.
After another mile I decide I need to find place to turn around but nowhere to do so. So I continue an come upon a view of the Base where I am suppose to deliver and think shew that was a close call. And rethink about trusting GPS.
I follow the road around the corner and come to a locked gate. OH CHIT !!!! Of corse I try to turn arund and get stuck in sand. Now I have really screwed up.
I walk over to the gate to read sign thinking there was a Phone number to the base on this a metal sign attached to the fence.
Only thing it sez is This is property of Union Pacific RR. and below is a phone # to a towing company
Needless to say I lost confidence in GPS, about 4 hrs of time and $625.00 for a push out of the sand. Driver of tow truck sed he pulls drivers outta this sand at least 5 times a week. His comment didnt help the hurt I was suffering ............
30 yrs driving and still a rookie or just plan stupid
Answer:
Putting a stupid section here would be like putting a stupid lane on the interstate.It would just fill up.

Answer:
When you're in unfamiliar terrain, I myself, would have parked it and called ahead for specific directions. If calling ahead is not feasible, I would come to within 5 to 10 miles of my destination, drop the trailer and load, and bobtail to scout the area ahead. To minimize theft, I'd put a king-pin lock on the trailer. Leave a cellphone number on the trailer to advice property owners whom to call to have the trailer removed ASAP. I've come close to trapping myself into a narrow road, and had avoided it by bobtailing and scouting the area ahead. Once, after realizing the directions they gave me was wrong, I had to back up in reverse for about a mile. I was sooo glad I dropped the trailer and scouted ahead. Myself, I also carried a 20-foot tow chain to help other drivers when they're stuck. Did you try calling over the CB radio to see if anyone had a chain and can come over to pull you out?

Answer:
No need to call anyone on CB
That surly would have givin the tow driver a double dose of his high rates. 2 trucks r better than 1 in a days work.
He had to cable me out from about 50 ft away so he didn't get stuck also.
With what I haul and to who. A dirt road is nothing unusual. And didn't think nothing of it until it turned to dirt and then sand. I wasn't ready to back it out 3 miles. now I am.
Answer:
I have a GPS and It's always a temptation to over rely on it sometimes. One of the things that you really have to watch out for is taking it too literal, and not taking it literally enough. Kind of hard to strike the right balance on that one. At least you didn't damage anything like a driveshaft when you got stuck. that always adds insult to injury.As long as the paperwork's clean, you boys can do whatever you want to out on the road" Mad Max ...1979

Answer:
GPS technology is certainly a big help for truckers, but always bare in mind that the data they input into these electronic hardware assumes the user is driving a passenger vehicle. When it starts to steer you outside designated truck routes, and along narrow or dirt roads, you should be on your guard and give serious consideration to dropping the trailer and scouting ahead to see what the destination route looks like. There may be a low bridge, or an old bridge thats only rated to handle a maximum 20 tons ahead of you. When I was pulling flatbed, it was bad enough I was steered along a dirt road, I came upon a wooden bridge with no tonnage limit sign, and thats when I decided to park it and walk up to the nearest farmhouse. After they reassured me the bridge will hold 40 tons, I was still skeptical. I later saw a tanker loaded with milk go across the bridge, and that was my reassurance it was OK to cross.

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ya know situation's like this need's to be posted on a Newbie forum it may save a newbie from making a mistake and/or use a little bit better judgement,as we all know driving a Big Truck is not like driving your P/U around so Newbie's take note.
Answer:
Another dirt road this morning. Near Goodsprings Nevada (just north of Jean).
Delivery was going to power plant outside of town in the boonies.. I went into town and called person in charge of this new instalation and asked if he would please come into town next to the Fire Dept where I will be waiting for an escort
After explaining my last episode. we laughed over breakfast which I had bought in appreciation for his escort service.
Answer:

Just curious....How far off thectual place of delivery?

Answer:
From where I got stuck I could have walked to the base in 5 mins. (if there wasnt a 8' fence between us) At most 1/4 mile.
After getting back on the hwy, I had to drive 10-15 miles to get to the base. Wonder if I should send the Bill to telenav for not seeing a locked gate
Answer:
hey it's all Bush's fault.
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GPS navigation does have to include some human intervention these days. I remember last year when Monty was using GPS and called to chat. He ended up north of his destination. I fired up Google Earth and was giving him feedback on his position. At that time, I was thinking what a combination... GPS maps and Google Earth satellite maps on a laptop.
The more Google enhances their imagery, the more attractive the dual mode map idea will become.

Answer:
I was using telenav. I also have Google maps and blackberry maps on pearl 8100.. I have started up GPS on google but havent really looked into its options. I have GPS reciever connected via bluetooth to my BB. With telenav you can key in address's or call them in and they will send the directions to your phones gps system.
What ever happened to Monty ! Is the ole fart still around ? prolly on vacation again