How to Get Your UTV Un-Stuck From the Sand Dunes

Mar. 29 2020 Conquer the Dunes By Berts Mega Mall

Berts Mega Mall | Powersports Hub 


Riding the sand dunes is one of the most thrilling experiences for any off-road enthusiast but no matter how skilled and cautious you are at the dunes, everyone is bound to get stuck in the sand at some point. Getting your vehicle stuck in the sand can be a great hassle if you have no idea how to get your vehicle unstuck. The best way to handle getting stuck in the dunes is being prepared for the situation. Knowing what to do and having the appropriate tools needed to extricate your vehicle from the sand is essential. If you manage to get your vehicle stuck in the sand dunes here are a few tips that have worked for us and other drivers we know.

 

Have the Right Tools:

 

Before you head out for a ride at the sand dunes make sure that you are prepared with the appropriate tools you will need in case you get stuck in the sand. Store them away in your vehicle so that you will have access to them in case you get stuck away from your campsite. Anytime you plan a sand riding excursion, or someone in your group, make sure to pack these sand essentials:

  • Shovel
  • Traction Mats
  • Tow Straps
  • Rope (14’ or longer)
  • Tire Pressure Gauge

 

Let Air Out of Your Tires:

 

If your vehicle is stuck in the sand, many people believe that the first thing you should do is step on the gas and your vehicle will eventually get unstuck. That is not true! Pushing the gas pedal could actually spin the tires and dig you in deeper making your situation worse. The first thing you should try to do is lower the pressure on your tires. The key to driving on sand is flotation so lowering the tire pressure will increase the surface area and provide more traction. If you lowered the tire pressure before heading to the dunes, try lowering the pressure even more (to the point just before the tire will come off the rim). Use the tire pressure gauge to reduce the tire pressure on all the tires and drive your vehicle out of the clutter it was in.
 

Back Up onto Traction Mats:

 

If lowering the tire pressure of your vehicle does not work, try using traction mats to remove your vehicle from being stuck. These mats give your tires a stable, high friction surface to grab onto when your wheels are sliding in the sand. You must first remove as much sand away from the tires as possible. (You can use a shovel or your hands if you do not have a shovel available). Once the sand has been removed, place the traction mats in front or behind the drive wheels of your vehicle. Drive the vehicle upon the mats, and drive away slowly to get unstuck.

 

Break Out the Shovel:


 Sometimes deep sand pits require a little more work to get out of once you are stuck. A shovel is the single most useful tool for getting a vehicle unstuck. If your vehicle is stuck deep into the sand, use a shovel to dig in front of each tire to remove the sand that has built up. Make a hard-packed path that extends at least a few feet in front of the tires. You’ll also need to clear the sand away from beneath the underbelly of the vehicle before trying to drive out. The less sand that’s touching your vehicle, the less resistance there will be when you try to take it out of the sand. Once you have removes all the sand that is stuck in the tires, you can drive the vehicle out slowly. 


Bonus Tip: If you do not have a shovel, you can always use your hands to dig the sand away from your tires.
 

Get a Tow: 


If all of your efforts have not gotten your vehicle out of the sand, it is time to get outside assistance. If there is someone nearby with a 4WD vehicle, ask them if they can help you get your vehicle out of the sand. Get your tow straps and rope and attach them to both your vehicle and theirs. Their vehicle can pull your vehicle toward the firmer ground and out of the sand in no time. It is recommended to always ride with a buddy in case something like this happens, but if you are riding alone, you can always ask someone riding nearby if they can help you out.

Conclusion:
Getting your UTV stuck in the sand dunes is not fun, but it will eventually happen to everyone. The best way to deal with the situation is to be prepared when it happens. Having the right tools in your vehicle when you go out riding is essential to be fully prepared. Methods like letting air out of your tires, using traction mats, using a shovel to dig your way out, and using a tow rope are just some ways you can get your UTV unstuck from the sand. You will be able to continue riding the dunes in no time!

Related:
Tips to Avoid Getting Your UTV Stuck in the Dunes
How to Master the Dunes in a UTV
Tips to Avoid a "Witch's Eye" at the Sand Dunes
Tips to Avoid a "Razorback" at the Sand Dunes
 

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