What is mudding? Well, if you clicked on this article to find out about the latest spa treatments, you won’t find what you’re looking for here. But, if you’re ready to go on a 4×4 adventure that’s going to make all your’ playing in the dirt’ dreams come true – keep reading.
Mudding is probably one of the most exhilarating Overlanding experiences an off-roader can take on. But, it could also be one of the most challenging if you don’t have the right gear or knowledge of how to get through that boggy stretch of land. Read below as we let you in on all there is to know about mudding with your Defender.
What is Mudding?
Mudding goes by many names, including mud bogging, mudslinging, and mud racing. It involves seeking out muddy patches, puddles, and stretches of land and taking on the challenge of making your way through it all.
It may sound like an absolute nightmare for the average driver. But, for an off-roader behind the wheel of a Defender – it’s the next tick of their Overlanding bucket list. However, even for the most willing of off-roaders, mudding is not an easy sport to master.
But we know a true off-roader lives for the challenge. And besides, we’re here to help! If you’re ready to master the mud, read our tips for mudding in your Defender.
3 Ways to Master the Mud With Your Defender
1. Use Mud-Terrain Tires
As you probably know by now, your tires are the make or break for your off-road adventure. You wear certain kinds of shoes depending on where you’re going, right? Well, the same goes for the type of terrain you’re driving on. Think of your tires as the ‘shoes’ carrying you and your Defender through the beaten path.
When it comes to driving through mud, you need a tire that provides aggressive off-road tread and traction. It’s said that the best kind of tires for slippery mud are the ones found on Classic Land Rover Defenders.
But no matter what kind of tires you use, its pressure needs to be as low as it would be when driving through sand. If your tire pressure is too high, mud can find its way through your wheels, which could lead to deflation. But a lower tire pressure will provide a longer footprint and increase your chances of getting through the dirt.
2. Slosh Before You Drive
What is mudding if you don’t get a little dirty? If you’re hoping to avoid getting mud on your shoes or anywhere else for that matter, you should probably re-think taking on this Overlanding experience. At some point, you’ll have to get up close and personal with the muddy patch you dare to cross – to get a better idea of what you’re working with.
Things to Consider When Inspecting Mud:
- Weather Conditions
- The Type of Mud (e.g., Clay, Soil, Sand, etc.)
- Water Level
- Vehicle Weight
Not all mud is made equal, and so you’ll need to take a specific approach depending on what type you’re dealing with. Determining how deep and sloshy the puddle is will give you a better idea of the technique you need to use.
3. See the Mud, Be the Mud
If your vehicle is equipped with terrain response, select the ‘mud driving’ option before driving off. If not, don’t worry, you’ve got this.
When you’re driving on a long stretch of mud, you want to keep your Defender going at a reasonable speed. The trick with driving through mud is going fast enough to not sink or get stuck, but also slow enough to not drive over hidden obstacles that could cause major damage. And you also want to avoid sudden or aggressive steering or sudden braking.
If possible, stick to a path where the ground is more compacted. If you do encounter watery puddles, you should drive through them rather than around them. Yes, we know; this sounds crazy. But, the ground underneath the water is actually more solid than what surrounds it.
Tools for Getting Unstuck
In the likely event that you do get stuck, you’ll need the following recovery gear to save your Defender from the mud monster:
Spade
You can scoop up mud and debris from the underside of your vehicle. And it also helps you create a better road surface.
Recovery Tracks
To provide your Defender with some traction when there is none.
Tire Chains
Useful for when the going gets tough. Make sure to wrap these around your tires before you hit the mud.
Play Dirty With Your Defender
Looking for an excuse to be a kid again? Mudding might just be your ticket. This Overlanding experience has its challenges, but once you’ve mastered it you can get through any kind of terrain.
Don’t forget to show your Defender some post-adventure TLC, so you can keep going on adventures that push you into the unknown.
Contact us today and we’ll provide you with a Defender that will always get you through to the other side.