There is barely anyone who likes the mud. Can you imagine being stuck in the mud with your brand-new Jeep Wrangler? Sounds terrible, doesn’t it? However, if you are an adventurous driver and you like to conquer fresh off-roads everywhere you go, things like that are inevitable no matter how great a driver you are. Taking all that into consideration, we have come to the conclusion that we are bound to share the practical tips that we know of, which may come in more than useful in a ‘muddy’ situation.
Winch
One of the main things that you should always carry with you in the trunk is a quality winch. Find out more on Overlandsite. We know that the Best Jeep Winch is rarely a cheap one, and usually, the car needs to undergo some modifications for the winch to be properly used, but it is worth it. To find out more about the Best Jeep Winch, follow this link. The truth is that there are many situations when a winch comes in more than handy, and getting stuck in the mud is just one of many options. If you have a winch on you, you can not only get your own car out of the mud, but you can also help out a fellow adventure lover in times of need.
In case you still do not have a practical winch somewhere in the trunk, you need to consider getting one. Here is the list of main factors to evaluate before choosing the winch for your future off-road adventures:
Winch capacity – it would not matter much if you have a winch on you, which is not strong enough to pull your vehicle out. Since the variety of vehicles that may require winching is grand, so is the list of winch types on offer. The lowest rated line pull of the winch is about 2000 pounds, however, if your vehicle is twice as heave such a winch will do you no good. That is why when browsing through the winches, the first thing you should determine is the capacity. Simple math will help you deal with the task effectively – all you need to do is to multiply your vehicle gross weight by 1.5.
Electric or hydraulic – both types are equally practical but under different conditions. Hydraulic winches can run forever as long as the engine is running. Electric winches will help you out even when the engine is dead. However, the running cycle would be no more than 5 minutes. If you ask me, I would tell you that a quality electric winch is more than enough to pull yourself out of the mud.
Line length – it is quite obvious to assume that the longer the winch line, the better. The assumption is correct, but only to a certain extent. The truth is that long lines have a tendency to snarl up and jam. When you are stuck somewhere in the middle of nowhere, and you are trying to pull yourself out, trust me, you wouldn’t like to deal with any additional tasks. Besides, you can always get line expenders should you require some.
Winch motor – very often Jeep owners tend to debate which winch motor is the best – series wound or a permanent magnet. The truth is that both types are worthy of your consideration. What matters here is how often and where you are going to use the winch. If you are an occasional off-roader, the chances that you require the most powerful winch are slim. Besides, potent winches come at a price. On the other hand, if you are planning to conquer unknown trails weekly, you may require a winch that will serve you longer and will deal with any task. Thus, in case you feel like the first option is the one to relate to, then permanent magnet motor winch will suit you well. In the latter case, I would suggest that you consider investing in a Series Wound motor winch.
Other Practical Off-Roading Upgrades for Jeep Wrangler
Tires and Lift
Not every driver realizes all the damage that getting stuck in the mud can cause. It can get into the exhaust, and then the water can get into the engine and cause irreversible damage, you can mess the underside and so on. That is why experienced drivers who enjoy getting out of the city every now and then tend to invest into a set of mud tires. Of course, such a set can cost you a pretty penny, but in the long run, this may be the minor purchase when compared to the cost of the repair of the car. A lift kit is as useful when you are planning on conquering muds and deep waters. The fact is that the higher is the clearance of the car, the deeper mud or water it can get through.
Engine power
The more horsepower your engine has, the lesser are your chances of getting stuck in the mud. However, you need to keep in mind that when you consider switching the stock engine for the bigger one, you will surely lose the manufacturer’s warranty, and it is going to cost you a lot. We say that it is one of the most drastic measures to take against getting stuck in the muds. However, if you are a professional off-roader, you may as well consider doing that.
Lighting
It may seem unclear as to what does your lighting has to do with being stuck or unstuck from the muds. However, if you are driving around potentially muddy places during the night, you may easily underestimate the danger of something that seems like a minor puddle. Stronger lights may save you from making a mistake and get into a rut just because you haven’t seen it clearly.
As you can see, you do not necessarily need to get stuck in the mud if your car is well-equipped. Just a few modifications and you are ready to roll safely through any swampy areas.
