#22 Install A Snorkel
A lot of riding is done in relatively deep water (3-4 feet deep or more). It's not required as there are other trails and ways around them, but it's extremely tempting. This almost requires a snorkel kit and/or a good bit of judgment and restraint. That last few inches of depth in a mud hole can wreak havoc on an unprotected engine. If you think you may want to get in deep with the others, snorkel the airbox and transmission, carburetor and other small breather lines. If you choose not to snorkel, resolve to stay shallow and watch from a safer (mechanically) depth. Even a snorkel is intended as an insurance in the case of very brief creek crossings or such and not for extended cruising at periscope depths.
#23 Inspect Radiator
If you ride a water-cooled machine, this is an important tip. Do whatever is necessary to thoroughly clean your radiator from both sides before you go to the Mud Nationals. If you arrive with crud baked on your radiator, very little deep mud riding will be required before you quickly stop the airflow. Don't wait for the hot light, which usually comes on about a mile or so back in the woods. You'll then spend the rest of the day alternating between waiting for it to cool off and hunting a water hole to dunk it in.
#24 Winch Inspection
If you have a winch, clean all connections of corrosion, spool it out and respool neatly. This will help remove bird's nests and opportunities for kinking and a damaged cable. It's important to find out that it still works properly and is getting full power before you get stuck in a mud hole. While you're inspecting it, clean (scrape to bare metal) your battery connections and be sure it's fully charged.
#25 Tire Choice
If you still have stock tires and have been thinking of upgrading, this would be a good time if budget permits. Call a seller you trust who knows what works well in a good variety of conditions and can make a good recommendation for what works well. Don't just think Mud Nationals, but consider the conditions where you normally ride.
#26 Air Pressure Matters
Check the air pressure in your tires. About four psi gives the best traction and ride in wet conditions but is also more susceptible to unseating the bead if you hit a root or rock. That can be easily fixed, even on the trail with a small 12-volt compressor and a ratchet strap. If you choose a higher psi, such as 7-7.5 psi, beads are less likely to unseat.
#27 Winches Are For Winching
Avoid using a winch cable to jerk a stuck ATV out of the mud. The parts inside winches aren't engineered for that kind of sudden impact and will likely fail. The cable can also damage the ATV and seriously injure anyone in its path if it breaks. The best way to use a winch is to back off where you will be unspooling almost all of the cable (or use a snatch block). Tie off the rear of the ATV with the winch and lay a jacket or towel on the cable to slow it in case it breaks. Then winch the stuck vehicle out nice and slow.
#28 Waterproof Electrical Connections
If your ATV ever meets water, it's important to waterproof the electrical connections. Generously grease all spark plug boots and electrical connections on your quad with dielectric grease in order to protect against water. If your machine chugs or even dies when you cross water or mud holes, this might correct your problem.
#29 Protection From The Elements
If you enjoy sinking your quad in lots of deep mud and water, particularly if you aren't accustomed to it, you might want to grab a set of waders. We prefer the reinforced corduroy nylon, which helps minimize snagging and punctures and keeps you dry and well protected from the waist down.