Guide: How to Get Unstuck When Off-Roading
Regardless of where you like to drive, there’s always a chance you could get stuck. From heavy snow to deep trenches of mud, getting stuck and unstuck is a natural part of driving. If you like to go off-road with your truck or Jeep, you could find yourself in all kinds of sticky situations as you leave the pavement behind and explore new environments. But getting unstuck shouldn’t be too hard, especially if you have the right equipment.
We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting your off-road truck unstuck, so you can drive with more confidence.
Step One: Try Traction Pads or Recovery Boards
One of the easiest ways to get your off-road Jeep or truck out of a sticky situation is to place traction pads or recovery boards behind your tires when reversing. As you continue hitting the gas, your tires can easily spin out and dig a deeper hole for themselves in the dirt or snow. These pads or boards are typically made with durable nylon with a unique tread pattern, so your tires can grip the surface and move through the dirt and snow.
You can also use your floor mats or pieces of cardboard in a pinch, but it’s best to bring along a pair of traction pads just in case.
If your off-road truck or Jeep is so sunk in that you can’t even get the pads underneath your tires, your best bet is using an exhaust jack to raise your vehicle. These jacks have a large base that won’t sink in. You can also use shovels to dig out more room around your vehicle.
It’s also a good idea to bring along a buddy who can help you in these situations. They can always provide guidance and assistance in situations that might arise.
Step Two: Shackles and Elastic Straps
If traction pads don’t work, you’ll need to move on to shackles and elastic straps. Just to be safe, these should be rated for three times your vehicle’s gross weight, including all the accessories, passengers, and cargo. You’ll also need access to another vehicle with traction.
Attach the shackles and straps to the recovery points on both vehicles. Put both vehicles in first gear or low range. Move everyone back to avoid injury. The vehicle with traction should move forward slowly until the shackles and straps are pulled taut. Now, the vehicle with traction should try to pull out the stuck vehicle. Have the other driver gently push the gas until your vehicle comes loose.
Step Three: Winch
If all else fails, it’s time to move on to the winch. If you’re all by yourself, you’ll need to find a suitable anchor point, such as a thick tree. Use tree straps to avoid damaging the tree. Put your truck or Jeep in drive and winch just enough until you get unstuck.
If you have access to an off-road truck with a winch, this will be the most effective way to get your vehicle out of the mud or snow. The vehicle with the winch should be in neutral, and the driver should have a foot on the brakes. The other vehicle should winch slowly until your vehicle is free.
When winching, the last thing you want is the shackles coming loose and flying backward. To be safe, use synthetic winch lines and soft shackles to minimize the chances of injury. Everyone should be as far away from the scene as possible during this process. If you’re new to winching, it’s best to take a class or meet with an experienced pro before attempting this process yourself. Most vehicles require an aftermarket bumper if you are planning on installing a winch on your vehicle. See any local winch dealer for professional assistance.
Getting stuck is a natural part of life, but you can avoid these kinds of situations by going slow, driving around deep patches of mud and snow, and keeping an eye on the weather, which can change in a minute. Prepare for your next outdoor adventure and bring along a winch, traction pads, shackles, and elastic cables for more peace of mind. If you get stuck, you’ll have everything you need to resolve the situation.
You should also get in the habit of driving around with a buddy. This person can act as a lookout when driving off-road or getting unstuck.
Have fun and start investing in this equipment today!