How To Prepare for a Weekend of Mud Riding with Your ATV
If you own an ATV, then you probably have already heard of one of the most fun things that you can do with it – mudding. You may have bought your new quad and think that you can just go jump straight into the dirt and mud. Think again! Even though you see other people hopping in, the water is not fine unless you’re prepared. Luckily, we’ve got some tips to help you do just that so you can enjoy a weekend of ATV mudding.
Snorkeling Isn’t Just for Divers
If you pay close attention, you’ll notice that there are plenty of professional mud hogs on their quads with special snorkels on their ATVs7. Why is that? This protects their engine’s components from getting clogged. If you don’t do this, you’ll end up with a possible clogged radiator, electrical system, air flow system, or worse. You can buy these special snorkels to help prepare your mud-ready ATV.
Treads and Threads Matter
Mud-ready ATVs don’t just have regular tires on them. If you’re wanting to go mudding, you’ll want to put on your mud tires and maybe even some tire chains to help you get the best experience. You aren’t going to be able to go mudding with racing slicks or factory tires.
Guard Against the Mud with a Kit
You can buy a special kit so you can go mudding in your ATV. These mudguard kits can help you by adding extensions for your fender in order to keep the mud from going where it doesn’t need to. If you’re mudding with friends or a group, you should definitely buy one of these kits to keep them from getting covered by your overspray.
Be Ready for Pulling
While it isn’t always necessary when mudding, it’s a pretty general rule that you should have an ATV winch installed on your quad. This will allow you to get out of a jam (or your friends too). Use the right gear that can help keep you from getting stuck. You can find all sorts of guides on how to install an ATV winch as well.
Tips for New ATV Mud Riders
There are some things aside from the paragraphs above.
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It’s one thing to show off when you’re mudding. It’s another thing to look like you didn’t learn your lesson. Always pay attention to those around you so you know what holes they avoid to keep from getting stuck.
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Don’t think that just because one person can make it through a deep spot you can too.
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Don’t keep going into the same spots you got stuck at before.
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Follow your mud gut. If you think there’s a spot you have a chance to get stuck in, switch to AWD or 4WD mode before plowing through the thickness. You may also want to downshift to a lower gear before you bog.
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You aren’t going to stay clean and dry. If you are someone who doesn’t like getting their hands dirty, then the mudding life may not be for you – and that’s perfectly okay!
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Don’t forget to use that buddy system. If you go mudding alone, there is a chance for danger. Always bring at least one friend in case someone needs to call for help or help you from getting stuck.
If you’re wanting to have a great weekend mudding with your ATV, then you should always practice at least a little common sense, and a little bit of planning. With some of the tips we’ve provided in this guide, you can have a good weekend getaway by yourself or with a group.
