How to get unstuck from deep snow, simple tips for new four wheelers

Modern vehicles are well equipped for slick road conditions and adverse weather with many having traction control, electric lockers, multi terrain modes and more but that is no substitute for being prepared and having tools with you for when you do get stuck.
While out camping this spring I got hung up in some snow. Getting stuck is part of being outdoors in the mountains. I figured I would use the opportunity to make a video showing a few simple tips and truths about getting unstuck by yourself.
If you are new to Four wheeling or outdoor recreation in remote locations, being prepared is definitely important. It can be the difference between making it home in one piece and not. A good recovery kit, a well stocked emergency kit and a good working knowledge of how to use your kit will serve you well.
ALL LINKS REMOVED, Sorry but I do not support amazon and most other sites are ba n ed from use by creators on this platform.
Traction Boards, a very effective solution to "stuck":
Shovel, mid sized rounded :
Shovel, Mid sixed flat nose :
FISKARS HATCHET (MINIMUM I WOULD CARRY):
FOR AFTER DIGGING OR TAKING A BREAK :
COLD AND WORK MAKES HUNGRY:
I KEEP A BLANKET FOR WARMING UP ON HAND ALSO:
OR A WOOBIE:
A decent supply of water in a container that is not so full it will freeze and burst, and good quality food that will not spoil/melt/freeze is also a good idea, just a few things.

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

The inspiration for this video series came a few weeks before when I came across a vehicle stuck in a ditch. It was winter and snowy, 18 inches of powder with compact snow on the road and temps were mid 20s. This person had apparently driven for some 100+ yards or so down the ditch trying to get back on the road. One tire (driver-front) was still on the road. Now I know from the vehicle make and model that they had a full off-road kit with locker and traction control and could have easily made it back on the road- with proper training. I am certain after a short conversation with the person that they did not know how to put the vehicle into 4WD low, let alone engage the Locking differential. Such a shame to have paid all that money for such a capable vehicle and not know how to use it :( Sure the traction control was "helping" but would never get the vehicle out of the ditch. I very politely offered to assist but was refused....Go figure, I guess my 4 year old TRD PRO was too "hooligan" looking LOL they said they would wait for AAA. I drove by an hour later and they were still Waiting. The reality is They could have properly engaged the 4WD system and been on the road in about 5 minutes.

[@adamfraser8522]

Carrying a Garmin InReach device saved my ass on New Years Eve. Got my Ram sucked into ruts that pulled me sideways into heavy snow and was absolutely stuck (and alone) a long way from other humans. The Garmin is another great tool!

[@bigjeep2195]

I was stuck today and you are 100% correct on everything in this video. All I could do was dig. BTW lowering the tire pressure really helps a lot.

[@jamesbowie8874]

Awesome video. Just got back from an unintentional night in the truck. Good tips here!

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

Ha ha, nothing like hasty overnighter! Glad the vid was useful.

[@brettoetting]

Just came off the snow and now I’m here... you can figure out why LOL. Nice video and thanks!

[@MAXCOBRALAZERFACE]

Shovel, axe, come along, chains, those metal tracks, & the best tool to have 4wheeling is ride 2 vehicles deep.

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

Good advice, more fun with more people too !

[@TheSideup]

Great tips! I got stuck today, very amateur move. I just saw a 06 envoy come off a unplowed road, deep tracks in the snow. I figured if that dinky suv made it. I'll be just fine with my 4wd. Boy was I wrong. I made it across the one lane Bridge. Turned around and got stuck on that bridge. I was foolish to attempt it with not the best tires, no snow chains no shovel. Luckily the nicest guy, Phil, was working near by with the US geological survey. He helped me out with shovels, and chains. And got us out. I'm talking he didn't have gloves on, laying down in the snow. He did us a solid. So thankful for him. Lesson learned.

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

I think at one point or another we all do something similar, I sure know I have ha ha! Glad someone was there and helped you out!

[@MrMaxBoivin]

Also, if you give up thinking to come back later, the whole thing can get much harder. The snow under the vehicle can melt a little with the heat or be wet because of the sun. If you leave your vehicle, now this snow doesn't have sun and the temperature might drop as the day go out. The water in the snow can freeze and now it becomes much harder to shovel out.

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

Very true !

[@billymallery3917]

This was really helpful to me today. And into the future! Thanks man 👍🏼

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

Glad to hear it was helpful!

[@desmondehoppie4758]

Great. Very Informative. Thank You for taking the time to make this video

[@AgentXRifle]

That last point is key! Get stuck and can’t get out? At least people know where you should be! Currently got my jeep stuck, forgot shovels at home so ended up walking down the mountain and getting a guy with a big truck, still forgot the shovels and he almost got stuck (had to dig him out with gloves) and we decided to go home (was getting dark) Tomorrow morning we drive back up there with supplies and man power… ugh what a hassle but that is the cost of enjoying life!

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

Hope it all worked out for you! I was recently stuck pretty bad on a scouting trip, I have been carrying ActionTrax since a few people suggested them in this video. They have helped me get quite a few people out of the ditch as well as helped me out in the mountains. Best of luck, hope you got out !

[@yb5139]

I like the idea of using natural resources to el you out.

[@yb5139]

Help you out

[@DekiaryCarter]

Super helpful! Thank you

[@yb5139]

Thanks à lot. Great advice.

[@men-in-style]

Good job, man

[@TheLakingc]

We have a total of 4 ft as of this morning and another storm coming. I was ok at 2 feet on a hill (our long driveway) with the RAM 3500, but it was close...now i don't know and my roofs ...wow. a worrisome day! Haven't seen it this bad in 6 years! I am 74 and not in great shape. But you do what you have to. But i see that i better try to at least shovel the middle.

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

That is too much snow, no fun! Hope you get it all worked out!

[@daveybernard1056]

More and more, I'm starting to see the need to purchase Max Tracks

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

Good Call! I purchased a set of ActionTrax last spring and have used them several times to get people out of the ditch this winter already. Faster than putting chains on if you are not totally bogged! Great investment.

[@denol8391]

You crazy guy

[@tommyvue3494]

Why don't u try taking some air outta the tires?

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

This video is aimed towards people new to off road or back country travel. Most will not have the ability to put air back in their tires or even a tire pressure gauge. Most of the people I run across in a situation like this do not have snow chains or even a shovel let alone an air pump.

[@KowboyUSA]

That time of the year again, 80% of the snow has melted down in the valleys. Several feet of snow up here on the mountains is packed down, freezing solid every night, starting to thaw during the days and about the most getting your 4x4 stuck-able as it gets. On roads I pushed snow over my F-250's bumper last Winter, I can get stuck in just 12 inches now.

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

Yeah, I definitely prefer the fluffy early winter powder snow to this pea gravel compacted tank trap crap. Worst thing is it always seems to stick around longest on my favorite roads too!

[@Naughtism]

Yup im stuck in deep snow right now and this snow is the exactly the kind of snow you are speaking about. I had to bail and leave my truck for the night because it is dark cold and im figuring 3 or 4 hours of digging

[@KowboyUSA]

@@Naughtism It's the worst. Good luck getting yourself unstuck!

[@Naughtism]

@@KowboyUSA thank you took 5 hours of digging and a couple well placed boards but we made it!

[@Mountainrulers]

How is 1.0 turbo petrol manual performance and icy roads below freezing temperatures in hilly road? Wats ur tips.. ?

[@polarismudjunkie7094]

Personally I tend to shut the vehicle off in colder temperatures because I find the snow under the vehicle will turn hard

[@redsorgum]

maxtrax MK 2’s would be an excellent choice for getting traction, or something similar.

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

Absolutely !

[@lorus511]

I was expecting to see you winch yourself out as part of the minimum kit you carry but it just goes to show you can still manage without it.

[@chrismckay8584]

I’ve got stuck like this many times all you need is some elbow grease

[@thatswhatusdovesdo]

Ratchet straps chainsaw especially on the backroads u never know And if all else fails burn a hydro pole Someone is gonna come n fix that ✌

[@coolchewschannel3674]

I just got stuck like that but it was sand.

[@mfawls9624]

Never spin your tires. If they begin to spin, stop pressing the gas. You rock the vehicle...reverse, drive, reverse, drive...until you get the wheel to catch - WITHOUT spinning your tires! It's much easier with a stick, but do they even make those any more🤔

[@tonyserrano5826]

Or just buy and xm42🤘

[@lyttonmedic]

This guy keeps repeating himself….

[@rickt2419]

I know this is a demo video; But Honestly, with a capable 4x4 and a set of fairly aggressive tires like yours yet still get stuck that is an embarrassment. By the way, using branches are Not a good idea as they can tear/rip those CV Boots or once in a while rip a hydraulic line... If going off-road, prepare/bring old floor mats, a bag of cat litter and etc. may be the better alternatives.

[@Scablands_Scavenger]

Cool thanks for commenting, sounds like you should make a video using cat litter and floor mats. There is nothing embarrassing about trying to help people learn new things. I also covered "being prepared" at the 40s mark...but this video is intended to help those who might not have, and judging by the Analytics that is most viewers. I run across people all the time in the mountains in fancy rigs stuck in the ditch with no clue how to get un stuck. The point of using the branches and bark is to distribute the weight of the vehicle across the snow to lessen the contact pressure and increase flotation. Think snow shoe. It will also raise the vehicle up off the snow in case, like most instances the tires are spun with no forward momentum and the vehicle is resting on the frame. Kitty litter will aid in traction on firm ground but will not elevate the vehicle or increase the footprint of the tire, neither will using the vehicle floor mats...or as I normally call them trail trash as most people leave them in the hole they get stuck in. As to the point of a stick poking the CV boot, thats a fair point but if you are worried about that you should probably stay home, and I believe I cover being careful not to damage it and other components with the shovel at around 3:40. The biggest problem with posting a video like this, where you show an actual example of doing something for beginners is all the armchair "experts" come along and make criticisms without watching the whole video or reading the video description to get a little context before commenting how every thing you do is wrong.

[@mfawls9624]

You can shove a sweatshirt or whatever under the tire too. Just DO NOT spin your tires, EVER.

[@chevy66driver]

Step 1 buy a Chevy