5 must have Off Road Van Life Gear - Recovery Basics when Stuck

[@Levi_Allen]

Take a shot every time I say “stuck”

[@glenhoddinott3799]

Followed this advice. Now I'm dead.

[@nahko]

@@glenhoddinott3799 no, you’re stuck ! 😂

[@daniquegodwin]

I just realized that Levi shaved.

[@josephsalerno-spc8507]

stuck...

[@ourkaravan]

What you've said applies directly to the 4x4 Sprinters as well. Most people don't know that a Sprinter "4x4" won't go into 4wd without some movement from the front tires...so if you're already stuck, the Mercedes "4x4" ironically won't engage. (People generally learn this about Sprinters after they've gotten stuck.) Where do you carry the winch when not in use?

[@Levi_Allen]

I have a dedicated spot in my back drawer. I do wish I had the short length van when on trails though. Clearance is tough for us at times

[@ourkaravan]

@@Levi_Allen The extra space is nice though, especially when you've got more than two people to transport and sleep. The height of the van has been my biggest limiting factor off-road.

[@JakeFrew]

Dude this is soooo helpful for the upcoming winter!! Thanks so much for all the valuable info!! 🙌🙌🙏

[@Levi_Allen]

Happy to help!

[@OutdoorAdventureTV]

I regularly head out into the desert often out of cell service. I have two additional items that I take with me. First is a tire plug kit so I can repair punctures and get back into town for a proper repair. The second is a SPOT tracker. We create YouTuibe videos as we explore old abandoned mines way out in the desert. Having rescuers know exact lat-lon of our vehicle if we are overdue could save hours, or days of searching just to find location of our vehicle before they can even start the search for us. Secondly, we've had a number of close calls with rattlesnakes. Having a SPOT tracker allows us to request emergency medical assistance if one of us gets seriously injured. I've been watching Matt's Offroad Recovery and it's great fun to watch. I don't want to be featured on his channel! :-)

[@DavidHaney1]

This was great. I'm in a DIY Conversion Van with only rear wheel drive and so many times I've been on a steep or sketchy forest road or on a sandy beach, and I've come so close to getting stuck .. but some how I powered thru each time and have been fortunate (or just lucky) and never got stuck. I swear my next rig will be AWD or 4x4. However with that said, watching this video with the recommendations applied to your own read wheel drive rig really helps with my own perspective for my current 2 rear wheel drive rig. BTW, the increased suspension is prime. So glad I added a leaf spring and air shocks to mine. Completely changes the stability of the ride wirh the weight added. Thanks again so much. Glad I found your channel and enjoy getting the notifications when you release each one.

[@calumkz]

really good informative video! for tires I always recommend General Grabber AT3s they have a higher weight rating and better in winter and snow than the BFGs... many people also say they're also quieter on road. ive driven through the arctic in Scandinavia through Sweden, Norway and Finish Lapland from November - January all the way to Nordkapp (northern most point of Norway) and didn't use chains once all winter on or off road in deep snow and solid ice... would love to see you try a set and do a comparison especially for winter driving.

[@nomadherper]

Super helpful, Levi... Thank you. We spend a lot of time in the desert and a winch anchor is a huge help when there are no trees or rocks on which to tie off.

[@Levi_Allen]

That’s something I never think about until it’s probably too late! Thanks for the reminder

[@Everlanders]

All great tips! In addition to the ARB deflater, we also carry a set of Staun deflaters which can deflate all four tires at the same time to a preset pressure. I use them frequently when we are approaching a long stretch of rough or soft roads... They are spun on the valve stems and then you can continue driving as they let out the pressure, once they hit the set point they close up and stop. In our case we have dual valve stems, so I can watch the pressure come down on the TPMS.

[@Levi_Allen]

Anytime I want to complain about tire cost, I just remember that I’m glad I don’t have to pay for military tires like yours 😅 Do you use any device to auto shut off air at a certain PSI? I’m so bad at watching the pump

[@nickhiggs2830]

Love that your new favouite channel is MattsOffRoadRecovery, there is something very therapeutic to his content..

[@aberdeendeltaforce]

Just stumbled across you guys, wow, finally someone that has a sprinter that actually gets used, so many brand new $200,000,00+ sprinter vans with all the bells and whistles that never make it out a camp site. It’s actually more about oh….look at my van than taking it out and getting it dirty, I think most people on you tube that have a quarter a million dollar van would have a heart attack at the thought of a dent or a scratch. Thank you for your very informative and real upload. Subbed 👍

[@imountainmedia]

Hi Levi, I noticed awhile ago that your headlights need to desperately be de-fogged. A cheap way to do it without spending a lot of cash is to use turtle wax cut polish first and then polish with Mother’s metal polish until crystal clear. For added protection afterwards, use your favorite car wax to extend the life of your hard work. If you do a video on this, it will likely get a lot of views.

[@kirkfortin2103]

This is NO DOUBT one of the best Van Life videos i have ever seen, really glad i subscribed man! Thank YOU!

[@wyntersynergyundignified]

Even being pretend stuck, I appreciate the lengths you went to to make this video!

[@goldensilverfox]

The more wraps of cable or rope you have on your winch the bigger the spool and it acts like higher gearing. Hooking to something further away has a dramatic effect by lowering the gearing making your winch stronger, that being said my superwinch cautions not to use it under load with less than two wraps on the drum. Thanks for another great video :)

[@themcpeters]

We just experienced the slip differential issue and got stuck in the sand. Wouldn’t have been an issue with 4x4. Our recovery boards (also off brand) dug us in even further. We’ve used them in the past with some luck but most of the time the tires just spin and eat up the plastic. I’m struggling to even buy another set. Granted I wasn’t airing down the tire enough because my compressor is trash 😅 I was stoked to find that you had made a video about this. Going to feel much better after we pick these products up.

[@damononthehill]

Fallen Wild Peak At3, another good tire option that is just as well reviewed as the ko2( but the Wildpeak does better in the snow). It comes in an E rated option if you need it

[@amphihans]

Overlanding in a 2WD Fiat Ducato Professional, upgraded from 3.3 ton to 3.5 ton, VB-FullAir suspension on all wheels. It is a 2X4 so NOT a 4x4. In MY opinion 4x4 is a wast of money and diesel for what we want to do. The difference is we do not go Off Road we are Overlanding. But I do know we take it right to the edge of getting stuck sometimes. Just wish I had some decent recovery points at the front because the original front tow point is shit and can only be used in a strait line. The Navi is a Garmen Overlander that also shows very nice places to camp. Driving on the shortest distance between two points, include unpaved roads, avoid motorways. It is really the nicest way to get your self into interesting places and problems. We are definitely NOT Riding on Camper Tyres with 5.5 bar pressure. The Van has Cooper Discoverer A/T3 235/75R16 MS tyres 3 bar max pressure! Mostly I ride with the tyres at 2.7 bar, if the road turns to off road I go down to 1.5 bar. Recovery gear is: A 4 Ton 3 Hook Double Gear Ratchet Style Hand Power Puller a 10 meter 5 ton Ratchet Tie Down and a 3 meter 5 ton tow cable. A 12V 35 year old air compressor. (I shit you not) 2 very cheap Recovery Track Mats. 40 cm by 40 cm wooden support for the jack, 1 spare tire that is the same as the other 4 tires I envy your for the front bumper and 12V winch. ;-)

[@davidlaing2700]

Well done guys…great video and love your passion. greetings from OZ

[@SkipODonnell]

Great info Levi! Short hair, trimmed beard and a collared shirt. You’re looking really cleaned up this video (despite getting a little dirty) + bonus points on ur outfits working well together!

[@StacyForest738]

I hadn't thought about the direct connect clips to the batter for the air compressor instead of the 12 v plug, thanks!

[@AreYouMyPeople]

One of the best videos I’ve seen in this category. Thank you!

[@geoffheith]

I've got the ARB deflator, the SmittyBuilt portable compressor, Tred 4x4 recovery boards, Ko2's as well and Bilstein and OME shocks and coils. Working on building a hidden winch on the front, but that will be next year.

[@unimog404]

Check out the Tirfor 800 or 1600 would be enough to pull a sprinter fan out. It is a hand winch with steel cable system. For most people more then enough to recover the van. Alway install really good recovery points on your truck. Especially with snatch straps! My Unimog has a 8000 pound winch directly driven via the gearbox by the diesel engine. I will have 2 snatch blocks in my kit. and a cheap option for tree protectors is hoisting straps. I have 3 ton hoisting straps super cheap and they are tested at 21 ton before they break. I got plenty of 4.75 ton shackles. My Unimog has 4wheel drive and can be locked 100% on portal axles. So When I got stuck Im screwed way more then where you get stuck :D When you get stuck don't rush when you are not in any danger. If you have danger of tiping over or sliding into a deep ditch first secure you van or truck and then see what you can do instead of making it worse. Yes Matt his channel is fun to watch :)

[@JoshSfaks]

Great video man! super helpful and some decent tips! Always look forward to the videos

[@alanwestport]

This was a truly informative video.

[@sanjanasukumar3177]

love this!! so informative and love the bit about the basics.

[@SigKappel]

Please put in some CANADIAN amazon links too Levi. I'm interested in that snow chain package you were talking about.

[@Levi_Allen]

Security Chain Company Super Z6, SZ435, Cable Chain for Pickups & SUVs - Set of 2 www.amazon.ca/dp/B000HZDFVY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabt1_rIEVFb3JN6977?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

[@BrokeOverLand]

You are definitely in sync. Loving the gear videos. Keep them coming.

[@Levi_Allen]

Broke OverLand - any tips from your experience?

[@BrokeOverLand]

@@Levi_Allen yeah, get stuck close to friends with big trucks. ;-) At least until you get to know the limits of you rig and get comfortable with your recovery gear. The best time to learn a piece of gear is before you need it.

[@isaiahsepiol5800]

great to see you again friend!

[@geoffheith]

LOVE Matts channel as well!! Dude when you're back let's go get stuck somewhere together!

[@Levi_Allen]

Let’s do it

[@aaronblueandme8127]

Thanks for a really helpful video. Even though I have a Transit I will definitely be upgrading my tyres to those BFGs.

[@pystol57]

Very helpful information, thank you for sharing!!!

[@dachshund1245]

Just starting watching your channel and I love your energy dude :)

[@kasiembright]

Great video! I need to buy all these. Building out my transit 2020 van currently! It's also 2wd😬👍🏽

[@jamescraven76]

I have a hand winch, rated to 4 tonne, and I made two 2 ft pegs and a coupling plate to couple both pegs together so I can winch in the middle of a field without need for a tree etc . I also have a high lift jack with wheel cradle (seen as the VW LT/ Sprinter doesn't have sill jacking points) can lift the bogged wheel out the ground and put traction boards fully under the wheel

[@Levi_Allen]

Oh I love that idea. I leave my high lift at home because of the lack of jack points on sprinters. Good idea James! I hope you are doing well

[@jamescraven76]

@@Levi_Allen doing good buddy cheers!

[@justchillinout2002]

Great video and all very practical tips!

[@TheCanadianBubba]

Looking good Mr.Allen !

[@adriansienko3619]

Great video my father has the same van!

[@alexandersmith6165]

Subbed for a good while back ,but saw a certain someone on PM new vid! 😊 haha good to see you guys making a name for yourselves ,keep it going ! x

[@Moto290]

Thank you Levi

[@ms.docileone]

i saw my dad use 2 or 3 come-a-longs to get his 2 ton truck (with us 6 kids in the back) out of many "tight spots" and navigate over dirt logging roads, lol

[@LivingWithoutWalls]

sick video dude loved this!!

[@sonicacoustics9176]

This is such a nice content! Awesome! :)

[@Luke-nj4bj]

Hey Levi, love your videos man. At the time of this video, was your van weight around the gvw of 8550lbs?

[@Levi_Allen]

Yes, basically exactly 8600 loaded up. Full water tanks. So I would only half fill. We reduced weight after this. To get better margins

[@nickcowley8757]

Ko2 definitely agood option. Hitting on two years going strong on my ford ranger

[@coltentodhunter7551]

sort of whimsical how well your cap matches your plaid shirt LOL

[@averagealice8877]

I’m still not sure if the Maxtrax work for heavier 2WD vehicles like mine. They’re expensive as well. I recently got stuck in the sand in the desert and it was $500 to tow the van 20 feet. But my insurance covered the bill!

[@krimke881]

Great reminder

[@ballwizz23]

I feel like the shovel and board are the bare minimum. I keep a shovel in my sedan and use my rubber tire mats the same way and they have gotten me out of a few snowy spots.

[@lenward474]

Saw a demo of fastflate system. Does four tires at once with single gauge.

[@Levi_Allen]

Len Ward - that is rad

[@SonnyGreenwichJr]

Another great on Levi, and I don't even have a van! haha! Positive vibrations from almost nice but chilly Ireland! ☘️☮️🤘🏽🤠👍🏽☮️☘️

[@jamesa.pavlovlmt]

Levi Beard looks, good mate.

[@JRs-Garage]

Great video!

[@G4NoChallenge]

An electric winch can nearly alway get your vehicle moving but is very costly, rarely gets used so is not a good investment, if not firmly attached to a very strong part of the vehicle it can break loose and cause a lot of damage and injuries through the whiplash effect of the cable and looks a bit unsightly on a campervan - a very very cheap alternative is a heavy duty hand winch [4 tonne 39GBP on UK ebay], yes its very slow and requires a bit of muscle but does the job nice and slowly so everything is under control. If there is not a tree, rock or strong lamp post within range, another vehicle can be used as an anchor - just be sure to take along a few long towing straps! Shovel - when you get stuck, often the vehicle sinks in mud, sand or snow aided by the driver wrongfully over revving the engine in an attempt to get moving resulting in spinning the wheels making them dig deeper. The main purpose of a shovel is to dig out the wheels, the differential and any other under body parts that are stuck so there is less when driving out.

[@Levi_Allen]

I’m just curious, do you have a camper van?

[@G4NoChallenge]

@@Levi_Allen just building a sprinter, had a 7 tonne 4x4 before that and an old merc before that.

[@Levi_Allen]

NoChallenge - when hand winching do you prefer someone inside giving a little gas? I’ve hand winched my van alone a couple times and it surely does take some patience. Maybe because I was using a 4:1 pulley system with a multiplier, but it took me hours to get unstuck

[@G4NoChallenge]

@@Levi_Allen - yep, when u loose traction u need the driver to give min gas and that applies to winching - thats why tractors have BIG wheels so they turn slowly and get a grip...a typical driver when they loose traction gives max gas and spins the wheels digging down and going nowhere. I have used a Brano brand hand winch from Czech Republic that has pulled my camper out of 20 mts of mud track in 20 mins. I wrote 2 books about 4x4 driving, mag articles, etc, so know a bit about recovery.

[@curiouscampervans]

Great stuff as always! How do you think those chains would work on dually tires? I'm looking for a set for my t1n.

[@Levi_Allen]

I have no experience with Duallies. I would guess you could put one set of chains on the outermost wheel, but I can’t confirm that

[@DerSascha]

great infos and helpful tipps! And i love the "bookmarks" you put in your videos lately. I appriciate the extra affort you put in your videos! Thanks! :-)

[@hobosapienskimohman]

Thank you for a good video. Where can I order that cap?

[@CheeseOnEverything]

socket set, drill and drill bits, I'm guessing you have all that since you're using dewalt tools already.

[@ultra_daryll]

What lights do you have up top and at the bottom?

[@Embarq007]

Be cautious of using the ball on your trailer hitch as a recovery point, always use a hitch with a design for use as a recovery point

[@awolter333]

Great video man! Question - is there a reason you went with the Viair brand over ARB? It seems EVERYONE uses the ARB single/double inflator in the off road community, I never really considered other brands.

[@Levi_Allen]

awolter333 - from what I remember the first viair pump I bought was cheaper than the arb alternative, and I’ve just stuck with that brand. I know arb makes some of the best on board compressors available

[@pappykozzmo3165]

I got kids, so they make ok maxtrax but we also have harnesses for them so they can "winch" us out of most situations 👦👧

[@mojomagic8148]

As always Levi, great content. But, get rid of that open differential! LSD is the only way to go - limited-slip differential that is... 🖖

[@Levi_Allen]

I don't know of an easy swap that also keeps traction control benefits for highway driving in snow

[@mojomagic8148]

@@Levi_Allen LSD diffs provide the best, optimum traction in all conditions, especially slippery ones. Open diffs are a disaster as you have experienced - too often. I don't know what year your Sprinter is, but I believe there is a way to modify the existing open diff. 🖖

[@Levi_Allen]

@@mojomagic8148 - I don't know anybody that has done a LSD swap on a 02-06' sprinter mine is 04

[@mojomagic8148]

@@Levi_Allen I have few friends to ask. I'll email you if I find anything. Travel Well.

[@chasinggeckos8843]

Great help. I signed up but no luck. I keep getting a response “ please confirm email”. Then nada. What am I doing wrong?

[@marcusallenyt]

great content . bread look amazing

[@Levi_Allen]

Gotta get that bread

[@KatherineCrosbie]

How do you know what pressure to air down to?

[@Levi_Allen]

It depends massively on the tire size, type of tire, and weight of the vehicle. And also driving conditions. If I’m driving a logging road I’ll drop my rear psi from 80 down to 50-65. If we are driving in sand I’ll drop all the way to 20-30. And if we get stuck I’ve gone as low as 15 but to scared to go much lower and pop my tire off the rim. In the video above I dropped to 18psi. All of this is based off my tire size and the type of tires I have. Some road specific tires should never be dropped that low.

[@KatherineCrosbie]

@@Levi_Allen very helpful. Thanks. I have the Arb deflator but haven’t used it yet.

[@lenward474]

Oops that's speedflate system for deflation

[@wn1212]

Shovel should have been #1.

[@Levi_Allen]

Nice

[@shanebauman6555]

For the DC compressor, harbor freight sells a very similar one for 70 bucks. You can usually get it down to 60 bucks with coupons www.harborfreight.com/12v-150-psi-compact-air-compressor-63184.html

[@ryanbiscobarnes]

I'm not in the van life but I like to ATV and like to film wildlife so my SpotX communicator (Inreach by Garmin is another brand) is my #1 safety item. Im out of cell range most times and dont have s sat phone. If something goes south I can txt or email people from my contact list in a emergency.

[@teedawg2112]

Woohoo

[@korkalba8658]

I stopped watching after seeing the tire deflater.