What to do to 2wd to avoid getting stuck

All I know is, I learned my limitations on the 2WD with a locker, and had to sit out on many off road trips because it required at least 4WD...so I had fun in the desert and that was great and all but I always wanted to know what those tough trails were like...then I traded in for a 4x4, and the feeling of putting it in 4LO and just crawling up something with open diffs my 2WD would have slipped and slid all over and never gone up, just gives you that awesome feeling inside . Locked 2WD is great for desert running and minor trails, but I've got stuck in stupid places because I got over confident with the locker and thought I had 4x4 and when I tried to get off a tough trail I got stuck. Nothing is more embarrassing than having to sit on a trail and wait until some Jeeper rolls up with dual lockers and pulls your prerunner off a stupid spot to get stuck in.

 

Too late now, but in the future, DEFLATE the tires... Mexican fishermen drive through deep sand to get to their nets along the beach, in old 2WD trucks... They have bald, deflated tires and create an instant dune buggy!

If you look closely at the rock crawlers, they are deflated and the tires wrinkle over the rocks, like an octopus crawling over a reef. Yes, they have 4WD and lockers, but if they didn't run with low pressure, they would spin the tires and go nowhere.

 

Very true, I always deflate my tires on my 4x4 to 15 psi when wheeling on rocky terrain, 10psi when in sand.

Be careful though because going that low on some tires can cause problems (going flat, coming off the wheel, etc.). I have E rated K02's and they can go pretty low without issue.

 

I always have and always will deflate tires. About 16 on trails and 10-12 in the sand. There are just some things a 2WD can't do, period.

 

Glad my post was helpful. I'll add that airing down makes a huge difference in traction but also in comfort. I didn't air down a for years and years because I never invested in a good compressor. That was stupid. I am so much happier now running any lengthy trail or washboard road with tires at 18 PSI and having a permanently wired compressor for relatively quick airing up when I get back to pavement. As others mentioned, invest in good LT tires with strong sidewalls.

Also remember that if you deal with very steep terrain that the 4LO setting is a huge help in going down scary steep roads regardless of traction. That's one advantage to 4WD that doesn't relate to traction.

You know the kinds of roads you drive on and have a lot of experience doing it already. So I'm sure you'll do fine with whatever you choose. Obviously there are roads that are 4WD only or that are less painful with 4WD, but 2WD will get many people everywhere they want to go with just a little more thought, preparation and effort. Other people may want to go different places that really do require 4WD. Only you know what's good for you!

 

I'm with everyone else, not sure what kind of tires you run but maybe look into some decent ATs.

 

I'm with everyone else, not sure what kind of tires you run but maybe look into some decent ATs.

 

this post was great. lots of great info for us prerunners. i'm one of those that had no idea i'd enjoy "offroading", and went with a friend, and now love it. the 2x4 regret is real. but... I haven't been stuck (yet) and know my limitations. I have an 2006 so it's mechanical LSD, K02s, and a 2.5" lift. I can get through most of what Southern California offers and when I see a 4x4 only trail, I don't take it. Also I haven't looked for trouble too much. I'm one of those that enjoys getting through a rough road in hopes if finding a good spot to camp or relax away from people. Recovery gear and airing down are all good tips.

 

High lift jack... u can jack ur truck out...winch it out...change a tire..etc

All for 125 bucks with all the goodie accesories...