Whether you take your truck on an adventurous mudding expedition or just happen to find some unexpected mud on an outdoor drive, getting stuck in the mud can be a major problem. Have you wondered how to get your 2-wheel drive truck out of the mud once you are stuck? To help you out, we did the research on the best ways of getting a truck unstuck from the mud.
To get a 2WD truck out of the mud, you may want to try the following options:
- Rock it out
- Reduce tire pressure
- Use a winch
- Increase traction
- Teamwork
- Call a tow truck
There are some tips and tricks to each method above, so keep reading to find out how each method can help you remove your truck from the mud. Next time you find yourself in this sticky situation, you'll know exactly what to do! We will also give you some ideas on how to prepare your truck for mud and how to properly clean your truck after a mudding excursion. It's time to dig deep into this dirty subject.
Always Assess the Mud Before Entering
If you are on an off-road adventure and you encounter mud, it is always important to gauge the type of mud you will be driving through. Several factors should be considered before trying to plow through the mud. Safety is priority number one!
Based on the type of mud you encounter, your driving method and technique may have to change. Knowing the consistency of the mud before you enter is extremely important.
Is it thin and watery or gooey and deep? Is there hard crust on top, or is it fresh? Knowing this is important before navigating your way through the mud.
Hidden dangers can also be present within the mud. Knowing what to look for can prevent accidents or damage to your truck. Hidden rocks or other debris can be lurking beneath the mud.
Large holes can also be found. Be extremely careful and check out the undersurface of the mud as much as you can before entering.
Finally, check to see if there are ruts from other vehicles left behind. It's best to choose your own path and not drive through mud that already has ruts present. Deep ruts can cause you to lose control of steering and also hold softer and wetter mud.
How to Get out of Mud
As noted earlier, several methods can be used to get your truck unstuck from the mud. You might have success on your first try, or you may have to try several of these methods to make your way out of your gooey situation.
Rock it Out
If you find yourself in the dreaded situation of being stuck in the mud, your first instinct might be to throw your truck in reverse and gun it as hard as you can to get yourself out. Doing this will cause more problems! The hole will become deeper, making it harder to get out.
Try to roll forward slowly and quickly shift between drive and reverse, essentially making a rocking motion. Slowly accelerate when moving back and forth between these two gears. This will help to level the surface of the mud and will help you gain traction. Try not to spin your wheels.
Reduce Tire Pressure
Another way to help you get out of the mud is by reducing your tire pressure. You can do this using a portable air compressor.
Reduce your air pressure to around 18-20 psi to gain more traction. Remember to reinflate your tires when you make your way out of the mud. You don't want to add more damage to your wheels!
Click here to see this portable air compressor on Amazon.
Use a Winch
A good winch can be used when you find yourself in the deepest and stickiest of mud. First, wrap the tow strap around a tree or a land anchor if there is a solid surface.
Make sure you have a winch powerful enough to pull your vehicle from the mud. Your winch should be able to pull at least 1.5 times your vehicle's weight.
Next, hook your winch directly to the truck frame or a point bolted to the frame. The bumper of a truck can break off easily and can be a danger to those around. Place something heavy in the middle of the strap to prevent the strap from snapping.
A heavy blanket or coat could be used. Always have passengers and bystanders stand several car lengths away to prevent injury if a strap does snap.
Increase Traction
This method is probably one of the easiest to try. Place a flat, dry, object in front or behind the tire to help provide traction, which will make it easier to drive out of the mud.
Many different items can be used to provide traction. Items such as tree branches, a flat box, wooden planks, rocks, or even your truck's floor mat can work wonders.
Can You Use Kitty Litter to Get Out of the Mud?
Surprisingly, kitty litter is something you can use to help provide traction when trying to get out of the mud. Sprinkling kitty litter in front of or behind the wheels may give you just enough traction to set you free.
Take a bag of kitty litter with you on your next mudding adventure if you have room. It might work purr-fectly in getting your truck out of the mud.
Teamwork
You may need to enlist the help of some friends to get your truck out of the mud. If your truck isn't too deep in the mud, a small push may be just what you need. Make sure the vehicle is in drive and not reverse. Be extremely careful, as this method can be dangerous.
Call a Tow Truck
If all else fails, this might be your final option. While this option is probably the easiest, it may also be the most expensive.
You can, however, take comfort knowing that using a tow truck will probably not cause any extra damage to your vehicle. A certified team of towers can have you pulled safely out of the mud in no time.
Check out this YouTube video to watch some of these methods in action:
Should You Go Fast or Slow Through Mud?
Going too fast through mud can cause you to lose control and get stuck even worse. Also, accelerating too quickly can cause your truck to sink even deeper in the mud.
However, driving too slowly can also be a problem, as the mud will pull you right in. Try driving at a medium speed and keep your initial momentum. Finding a balance between driving too quickly and too slowly may prove difficult. Drive as slow as possible but as fast as necessary.
How Do I Prepare My Truck for Mud?
There are several things you can do before taking your truck on a mudding adventure. Use the following tips to get ready for your next off-roading trip:
- Check your ground clearance
- Slightly lower your tire pressure
- Carry emergency supplies
- Get the right tires
- Add protection to other vehicle parts
- Know your vehicle's limits
Performing these simple tasks can save you several headaches later.
Does Mudding Ruin Your Truck?
If mudding is a hobby you enjoy, routine maintenance will be necessary to ensure your truck doesn't get ruined. The paint on your vehicle can be ruined if not properly washed after mudding.
Mud can get into many parts of your vehicle including the alternator, idler pulley, vents, electrical wires, and wheel bearings. Thorough cleaning and routinely servicing your truck can greatly help. Just know, mudding can cause lots of damage to your truck if not well taken care of.
How Do You Clean A Mudding Truck?
Cleaning the mud off your truck immediately after mudding is recommended. Hardened mud can make cleaning much more difficult and can damage your truck. Follow these steps to clean your truck after mudding:
- Pressure wash ASAP
- Wash and scrub
- Rinse
- Let dry and spray again
- Check under the hood and undercarriage and make sure everything is connected and working
In closing
While mudding can be an exhilarating experience, getting stuck in the mud can be stressful. Being prepared and knowing these methods ahead of time can make your off-roading adventure much more enjoyable.
Make sure you are thoroughly prepared before going on your next mudding adventure, and make sure you keep your mudding truck properly maintained and clean so it can be enjoyed on many more expeditions!
Check out the following articles for more useful information:
Does Traction Control Help In Snow And Rain?
10 Best Toyota Tacoma Mud Flaps That Will Protect Your Truck