Sand Driving • Recovery • Part 2 of 3
Getting Unstuck from Sand: Recovery Methods That Actually Work
The ultimate overland challenge: soft sand. With the right steps and tools, most bogs become calm, repeatable recoveries: stop before digging, air down further, shovel a ramp, place boards, and apply light throttle.
First Moves: Stop, Assess, Air Down
- Stop immediately. Spinning digs trenches and builds berms in front of tyres.
- Air down further. Drop another 2–4 PSI (e.g., 16 → 12–14) to widen the footprint and float.
- Shovel a ramp. Clear ahead of tyres and scrape away any belly-out high spots.
- Try a smooth pull-away. Taller gear, light steady throttle. If it doesn’t move—stop and reset.
Smart Recoveries (Minus the Drama)
Principles
- Lift only as needed to pack sand/boards and reset approach angle.
- Rated points only — never tow balls. Keep people out of the line of pull.
- One spotter in charge with radios or clear hand signals.
Boards First
- Dig, seat boards firm under the leading edges, idle on — no roosting.
- If you move a metre and bog again, repeat the mini-cycle. Small wins stack.
Step-by-Step: “Lift, Pack, Drive Out”
- Optimise & prep: Drop PSI 2–4. Shovel clean ramps fore/aft; clear underbody sand.
- Position & lift: Use a wide jack base on sand; lift from rock sliders/bumper/chassis.
- Pack & stabilise: Pack sand/rocks/branches or recovery boards to form a solid ramp.
- Lower & drive: Lower onto the ramp; ease away in a taller gear with light throttle.
- Repeat if needed: Two small lifts beat one risky high lift or aggressive wheelspin.
Gear We Trust (Recovery Focus)
Hi-Lift Jack & Sand Base
- Strong mechanical lift; the wide base stops sinking in dunes.
- Lift just enough to pack boards — safer and faster.
ARB Recovery Air Jack + Base
- Huge footprint prevents sinking; ideal for solo soft-ground lifts.
Recovery Boards (Maxtrax/TRED class)
- Instant traction + ramp; reduces digging and stress on gear.
Kinetic Recovery Rope
- Smoother “pop” with lower shock loads than static straps.
Staun Tyre Deflators — Set & Forget (6–30 PSI)
- Clip on and walk away — auto-stops at your target PSI.
EZ FLATE M.O.A.B. Compressor (Auto-Stop, 10.6 CFM)
- Set PSI and let it auto-stop — perfect after a recovery.
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Crucial Safety Reminders
- Use only rated recovery points (never tow balls or mystery brackets).
- Keep bystanders clear of vehicles, straps, lines, and jacks. Wear gloves/eye protection.
- Inspect gear before use; retire frayed ropes, bent pins, or cracked boards.
- Reinflate to road-appropriate PSI before hardpack/highway transits.
The Bottom Line
Patience and pressure beat power. With good PSI management, a jack + base, and quality boards, 90% of sand bogs resolve without drama.
© Overland Gear Guide — Tested in the field by real overlanders.