Getting a 4WD stuck is half the fun, at least that’s what they say, but no one really breaks down exactly what to do next. But with the right exit strategy those telling you that getting stuck is half the fun, are more right than wrong.

So when tackling a tricky section of track, what is the most reasonable way to approach the obstacle to make sure you don’t cause any damage, or cop any grief when you might not be as “expert” as your buddies mate?

When approaching a tough obstacle, choosing the best line involves analyzing the terrain to find a path that will allows all of your tyres to stay in contact with the ground whilst also maintaining a comfortable center of gravity. This means that the only worry you might have an issue with is maintaining grip, which can be easily achieved by reducing the air pressures to a suitable pressure for the surface.

When the time comes, and it will, where your tyres can no longer claw you through or over the obstacles on the track, it might be time to recover your 4WD.

There are a plethora of options to getting your 4WD free, which can be broken down into 2 main categories, Dynamic and Controlled.  

The simplest and least equipment intensive, is a dynamic recovery, this often involves 2 vehicles, the rescuer and the 4WD that is stuck, with a simple rated snatch strap and 2x rated d-shackles along with a recovery damper. You can rig up an incredibly simple recovery, connecting rated recovery points (NEVER connecting to a towball).

 Simply extend the strap out to its full length, ensuring there are no twists. Once you have the Snatch strap stretched out it is important that you create an overlapping “Z” approximately in the middle whilst running a recovery dampener over the shackle on the towing vehicle.

The idea for a secure and safe snatch recovery is to have the tow vehicle take up the slack in the snatch strap, whilst building enough momentum to yank the stuck 4WD free. It starts with the tow vehicle putting the vehicle in low range, second gear and driving in as straight a line as possible away from the stuck vehicle. Whilst the tow vehicle is moving forward the stuck vehicle needs to keep the steering wheel pointed towards the tow vehicle, and whilst buckled up and ready to brake, let the tow vehicle pull it free whilst also driving forward in second gear, low range. Once traction on the stuck vehicle takes hold its important not to drive over the slack snatch strap by coordinating tooting horns or via CB radio, you can communicate to the towing vehicle that you are free.

The next step is to organise a winch recovery, this is more gear involved but it will save your bacon when you don’t have the luxury of someone to pull you free. A winch recovery uses a 12v motor which through intense reductions of gearing, can offer a huge amount of controlled pull with the push of a button. Winch recoveries require you to find a firm or solid tree to anchor against or you can even use another vehicle if you are left with no other option.

When you have an anchor selected its time to walk out your winch line, this can be done if you have a Domin8r Xtreme Winch by either using the clutch to free spool the cable out or by using the wireless control to pay out the drum. The ideal recovery is a straight line pull with minimal resistance, so once you have your cables winch hook at your anchor it’s a good idea to look back at your vehicle to make sure you have the cable running in a relatively straight line.

When the cable is near the anchor point some people try to over complicate the setup, this can be dangerous, particularly when adding in extra components that aren’t necessarily required. The less you use the better, by hooking your winch hook directly to your tree trunk protector you reduce the total mass in the system. When everything is hooked up, drape your recovery blanket over the metal components of the setup, this means that in the case of an emergency, the blanket will act like an air brake and keep the metal components from becoming projectiles.

Now all you need to do is ensure that your winch clutch is engaged, jump in the driver seat and press the winch in button on the remote whilst in gear and with the engine running, the winch will pull your tyres contact patch into traction, as soon as your vehicle can begin driving itself through the obstacle and reduce the tension on your winch cable, and you are clear of trouble.

Getting stuck offroad, doesn’t always end in drama, and with the right equipment and an appropriate mind set, getting stuck can turn into a good yarn over your campfire and a couple of beers with your mates.

To see the entire range of 4WD recovery accessories, head online to www.4WDSupacentre.com.au call us on 1800 88 39 64 or drop into one of our showrooms to see the range in person and pick up an excellent value bargain for much less than you would imagine!