Why can't a DR be mounted at 9 o'clock if needed?

[Nvreloader]

A little history here to provide more info, on the above question.
My first love is riding wild horse/cow trails cross country, the major problem is the rear derailleur keep getting bent/destroyed by the Sage brush that is along side these trails.

I have replaced at least 3 different DR, and straighten the DR several times etc. These DR are 9/11 spds and SRAM makes on both bikes, these bikes are a Wart Hog MD 750 and a Juggs 4 Ultra 750, both are Fat Tired, and are loaded with all the safety/survival gear & bike tools/parts I may need. (Fingers crossed)

Yes, I have a C-ph, but there is lots of areas that have little to no reception, and most of my rides are 10-15+ miles cross country from the closest 4x4 road. I have the bikes set up for single spd/gears if needed, as a last resort.

So my question is this:
Is it possible to mount a rear derailleur, so that the tension arm is around the 9 o'clock in the rear area, behind and in the free area, (normally this tension arm hangs around the 6 o'clock position), AND THERE IS proper function and chain clearance to operate correctly?
Does it really make a difference where the tension arm is located.

It would sure solve a lot of headaches when riding.

Your thoughts and suggestions..........

 

[gromike]

The derailleur can be at that almost 9 o'clock position, but only in the smallest cog. I'm sure there's better options in the hardcore MTB world. I just run the regular stuff. A hub drive can be your friend in those bent derailleur situations, as can be a chain breaker and a quick link connector.

 

[6zfshdb]

I've never seen it done but no reason not to try. I think it will depend on the size of your largest cog.

I sometimes ride under the same conditions and always carry a spare derailleur hanger. It's often easier to swap it than carry tools to straighten a bent one. I ride a hub bike though, so drivetrain failures won't necessarily strand me.

For areas with no cell coverage, I also carry a Garmin GPS with Inreach satellite based texting service. My Verizon smartphone also has an emergency satellite communication feature but it uses low orbit satellites which don't reach deep river valleys where I often ride. Inreach uses higher orbit Iridium satellites, which have better coverage in severe topographic locations.

I've also found that telling someone you're stuck isn't the same as actually getting someone to help you in a remote location. AAA, Uber, etc. just won't respond unless you can walk out to a hard road. Still, these satellite services can get specialized rescue teams to you for life saving emergencies.