Getting Unstuck

Sooner or later, every four wheeler will get stuck. It is part of the game. When it happens, don't panic. Survey the situation, stay calm, and be patient. It takes time to get unstuck.

In mud, snow, and sand the first thing to try is to rock forward and backward by gently accelerating in a forward and reverse gear. If this doesn't work have your passengers try to push you out. The important thing to remember is DO NOT KEEP SPINNING YOUR TIRES when you are truly stuck. Spinning tires will only dig you in deeper and make the recovery job more difficult.

Once you are stuck the hard work begins if you are traveling alone (one vehicle). The first thing to do is shovel away mud, dirt, snow, or sand from under the vehicle and to clear a path, so the tires can get traction. If you still can't get out you will need to jack the vehicle up and fill the holes under the tires with sand, rock, logs, brush, packed snow or a combination of these items. If the jack sinks into the ground, you will need to place a base under it. A two foot by two foot by three quarter inch piece of plywood works very well. If you don't have a piece of wood use what is available.

Traction is what is needed to get the vehicle moving once the debris is cleared. Carpet strips, floor mats, brush, clothing, sleeping bags, and rocks can be placed under the tires and in the direction of travel as traction aids. Tire chains will help in snow and some types of mud.

If you get high centered on rock, a stump, or log, the first thing to do is survey the situation and figure out the best way to get unstuck without damaging the vehicle. Take your time. If you are stuck on an object that can be moved, jack the vehicle up and clear away the obstacle. If you must crawl under a vehicle (avoid this if possible, vehicles supported by jacks are very unstable) that is supported by a jack secure the vehicle with spare wheels, logs, or rocks placed under the frame of the vehicle. If the obstacle can't be moved, jack the vehicle up and fill under the tires so that you can drive over the obstacle.

If you are traveling with another vehicle, it can often pull you out with a recovery strap once a path is cleared. (See "Using Recovery Straps"). The best way to get unstuck is with a winch (power or hand come along). Use a tree, rock, ground anchor or another vehicle as an attaching point and clear away obstacles before winching. (See "Winching"). After the stuck vehicle is recovered a thorough damage inspection is necessary. Remove debris lodged in the running gear and exhaust system, check for chassis damage, steering system damage, and water contamination. Make the necessary repairs before continuing on your journey.