Please remember that when vehicles get stuck that's often when trail damage occurs. Old-time Jeepers used what they called pioneer tools to get themselves unstuck. They carried axes, shovels and Hi-Lift jacks, and often they literally made a new road to get clear of a mud hole or obstacle. Today, our forests see a lot more use, and if everyone tried this slash-and-burn method of extraction, then every hillside would look like a war zone. You got yourself into that mess; try to tiptoe out without making a scar that's going to last 10 years.
Whichever situation you find yourself in, remember to use your imagination-it's always your best tool when things go wrong in the dark timber! Maybe next time we'll visit the remaining, less-likely problems, such as losing your ATV in a runoff-swollen mountain creek; having a sudden crankshaft explosion when climbing a rocky pass; or holing a final-drive housing on a piece of 100-year-old angle iron. All of which actually happened on my last adventure! And that was just on day one!
Adventure Checklist
Get your machine ready for anythingNext weekend is the big ride. You've planned for this trip all year: finding that incredible area you've never ridden before, checking the topo maps and arranging vacation time. Your ATV is all dialed in-at least it was the last time you rode it-but in the back of your mind you know you've got to take this ride a little more seriously than your average weekend jaunt. This trip will be an extreme adventure, so everyone and everything has to be totally prepared. During a deep-woods excursion, equipment failure won't just ruin your vacation-it could possibly cost you your life.
In situations like this, a master checklist, something to remind you of every item that needs to be eyeballed before departing, is a must. Even professional guides who spend their whole summers on the trail still use a written checklist to remind themselves of crucial tasks. So here is ATV Rider's adventure checklist of all items that need to be in top shape before you take to the trail for your extreme adventure ride.
Tires and More
As for optimum tire pressure, manufacturers will specify a range of pressures, usually between 3 and 5 psi, which varies depending on the terrain. For rocky rides, fill to the max setting (8 to 10 psi); this will keep your machine riding higher and will stop the tire from blowing a bead if you graze a sharp rock. For soft terrain, go to a mid- or low-pressure setting (3 to 5 psi). This will maximize traction and keep you from getting stuck (or at least make it easier to get out).
Be aware that two identical tires may have different rolling diameters even if inflated to the same pressure. Most experienced backcountry riders will set one front and one rear tire with a pressure gauge and then adjust the other tire either visually or with a tape measure to get the same rolling diameter. The easy way to do this is to park your machine on a level concrete surface and fill one tire to the desired pressure, then gradually fill (or deflate) the other tire until the bumper or axle sits level according to a tape measure. Repeat for the other side.
If your tires are worn, remember that when riding in extreme conditions you're by definition using all that your machine can give you. Tires that perform OK in normal situations will slip and slide when you're really punishing them. This is annoying when climbing or accelerating, but it can be deadly when trying to stop or when picking your way along a very steep trail. Some riders keep two sets of tires mounted, one for easy trail rides and another for extreme adventures.
In rugged conditions, you will frequently be using the hand controls only, so make sure they're accessible and properly set. Controls should be adjusted to be comfortable to use when sitting or kneeling on the seat. Normally this means you have to angle the thumb throttle up a bit from the stock position.
If your machine has adjustable suspension, you'll probably want to crank the spring preload to its highest setting. A loaded machine will ride steadier if the suspension is stiff, plus a firm preload might buy you an inch or more of available ground clearance. If the ride turns out to be smoother than you expected, you can always soften the suspension up by hand later on the trail.
If you're going to be riding in wet conditions, check to see that all of your drain and vent hoses are in place and properly routed. Check the air-filter drain hose, too.
Essential Equipment for Adventure Riding
Survival gear for your trusty steed
What to bring...just in case
Tow straps (2)
Spare tiedowns, ratchet-type (2)
Winch (one winch-equipped ATV per group)
U-clamps for winch cable repair (2)
Tire chains (for snow or slippery conditions)
GPS and mount, plus spare batteries or power cord
Tire repair kit, including rubber cement and 10-20tire plugs
Tire inflation kit, pump or air sourceFlashlight, head-mounted like Petzl is bestBox/open combo wrenches sized 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 17 and 19mm
Large sockets as needed to remove wheelsAdjustable crescent that goes up to 131/44 inches (38mm)
Screwdrivers, Phillips and slottedVise-Grip pliersHacksaw bladeAssorted hose clamps and zip-tiesSmall roll of duct tape3 feet of mechanic's wire1-foot section of radiator hose (sized to fit your machine)
Assorted nuts, bolts, washers
Spare fuses
3 feet of 18-gauge electrical wire
1 quart of engine oil
1 gallon of water (liquid-cooled machine)
4 feet of fuel line (for siphon or repair)
QuikSteel two-part epoxy
Throttle cable
Spark plug(s)
Spare headlight bulbs
Spare ignition key
Butane lighter/torch
Small folding camp shovel
Small wood saw or hatchet
First-aid kit
50-foot nylon paracord
-Dennis Peterson