Getting Your ATV Unstuck

Falling into a ditch can take the fun out of your ATV ride, particularly if the vehicle starts to sink into the muck. Luckily, getting your ATV out of the muck is difficult, not impossible. Just follow the steps in this helpful guide from Barnes Bros. Motorcycles & Off-Road, and you’ll be back to riding in no time!

1. Use a Winch

Winches are easy to use and very helpful for getting your ATV unstuck. All you have to do is attach one end of the winch to the front or back of the ATV and attach the other end to another vehicle, and pulling the quad out should be a cinch! There are also hand-powered winches called come-alongs for situations where another vehicle might not be on hand to offer assistance. If you pack a winch, be sure to pack tow straps to go along with it. 

2. Create Your Own Anchor

If you’re not using a come-along and no suitable vehicle is available to help you get your ATV out of the muck, you can create your own anchor by using a tree or other heavy object. If you can’t find a suitable object nearby to use as an anchor, a small steel rod with an eye bolt or a set of ice-climbing anchors can be used instead. 

3. Bring a Shovel

If you can’t use a winch, whether because you forgot it or you can’t find a suitable anchor, try digging your tires out using a collapsible shovel. Hopefully, this will give your ATV the traction it needs so that you can drive it out of the muck. 

4. Tilt Your ATV Back and Forth

Another method you can use if there’s no winch close at hand is to rock the ATV back and forth with your body weight. If you lean into the motion, you may be able to inch the vehicle forward until it can find purchase on the ground. 

Shop ATVs at Barnes Bros. Motorcycles & Off-Road in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. We also offer parts ordering, servicing, and financing. We’re proud to serve communities like Pittsburgh and Washington, Pennsylvania.