There are no set rules to driving in mud. Unlike rocks or sand, which tend to be somewhat predictable, mud is always different. There are also different theories about tire designs and sizes. I will try to give my opinion to all of these. This is just my opinion though, and everyone has a different one. What works for one driver might not work for another.

Types of mud:

    Shallow, slimy: This can be tricky. If its on level ground, try to maintain a slow but constant speed. If there are ruts, you may have to give some extra throttle to keep the tires cleaned out so you can keep your direction. If you are going up hill, get a little speed up so you can use momentum to help climb the hill. NOT TOO FAST though! Either on level ground or on a hill, you don't want to stop in the mud. Even if its not deep, if its slimy enough you might not get going again. I've seen good trucks get stuck in 4" of slimy mud because they stopped in it. When going downhill, DON'T lock up your brakes! This is like driving on ice. If you have a standard, put it in the lowest gear and idle down the hill, only braking if you have to. If you have an auto, brake carefully to avoid locking tires.

    Shallow, sticky: This usually requires tire speed because the mud really packs into the tire's tread. You might use a gear higher than normal to keep the tires spinning.

    Deep mud: For any deep mud, stop and check how deep it is before you go in. Use a stick or anything else long to probe the mud. Check to see if it has a hard high center you might get hung up on. Feel to find out how the bottom is- is it hard, or very soft and deep? Are there any rocks, logs, or anything else in it?

    Deep, watery mud: This kind usually has a hard bottom, and is the result of flooding or heavy rains. Try to drive through slowly, but keeping enough speed to keep a small wake in front of you. This helps push the water and keep it slightly shallower under the truck.

    Deep, gooey mud: You have already checked for any obstacles in the mud, right? Now, you want to drive into the mud at a moderate speed, and once in, use the throttle to keep moving. The tires will be spinning, and you have to clean them out. Use plenty of throttle!

    Side hills: These are fun. Its kind of like driving on a dirt track, but slower. Make sure when the truck starts to slide down the hill, you steer toward the uphill side and use some throttle to keep you there. If you keep sliding down, try more throttle and/or more steering.

    The type of tires you use is just a matter of preference. There are two basic theories when it comes to tire design though.

1. Tall, skinny, very aggressive tread: This is best used to dig down through the mud to find something hard underneath.

2. Wide, mild tread: These are used to try to float in the mud. I have heard arguments that say no truck can float on mud, no matter what tire it uses. These guys never saw a Samurai go through a mud bog on 33x12.5 tires, while only sinking in less than a foot; only to be followed by a full size truck who digs two to three foot deep ruts.

    There are of course variations-If the mud is thick enough, a wide, tall, aggressive tire may claw through the best.

By: James Alton