No matter whether you’re going rock crawling or overlanding, being properly prepared in case you get stuck is essential. Depending on who you ask, getting stuck can either rock or suck. What some people see as a pain in the neck, others see as a challenge and a natural occurrence of their 4WD experience. Where you stand on the issue may have more to do with your equipment than your patience and temperament. With the right recovery tools though, getting stuck isn’t anything more than a minor inconvenience.
However, before you get stuck in the first place, consider backing up onto your tracks and getting into a different line, as the ground behind you will be packed from the weight your vehicle put into it. Momentum is your friend in dire situations, so keep your foot on the gas if you think you can make it through. If that doesn’t work and your tyres are spinning in the mud without moving, shovel the mud, sand or snow out from underneath your tyres, then stuff the area with recovery tracks 4WD, or items like branches and rocks that provide traction.
As an off-road enthusiast myself, I find recovery tracks 4WD to be essential pieces of equipment whenever I go cruising off the beaten trail. They’re easily portable, affordable and can get you out of any situation with relative ease. Recovery tracks provide friction for your tyres, allowing you to gain some much needed momentum out of a sticky situation.
Since we live in Australia, a country with some of the harshest weather conditions and terrain, make sure you buy recovery tracks that are suitable for use here. Most high-end models have an inbuilt shovel that will help you remove sand, mud or snow around your tyres, making it much easier to get out. The nesting design of the recovery tracks saves you space in the trunk, while the ergonomic handles let you carry them around effortlessly.
If you have more money to spend, you can consider investing in a winch as well. The value of a quality winch is immense. In fact, you’ll never have to worry about getting stuck in a mud hole again with a winch by your side. These strong and durable pieces of equipment come in very handy when things get sticky. The only thing you have to worry about is having something to pull you out, like a tree or another vehicle. Winches feature series-wound motors, which are prone to overheating and are efficient at high speeds. Their power can range from 4-5 horsepower to 7-8 or even more, but the truth is, you don’t need more than that.