Winching and Four Wheel Driving

If you have done much four wheel driving before, there is a good chance that you would have found yourself stuck at one stage or another. How you got out of that situation would have varied depending on how stuck you were, the people that you had with you, the recovery equipment that was available and the knowledge that you had of how to get out. By having a winch on your four wheel drive you have the best insurance for when you get stuck. It doesn't matter where or how you are stuck, a winch will be able to get you out if you know how to use it correctly. Of course, if you need to drive the opposite way to where your winch is mounted things can be a bit difficult, but you can work something else out without using the winch. Some people actually mount winches on both ends of their vehicles, for this very purpose!

Of course, you need to have one that is rated for pulling your four wheel drive through the mud up a steep incline, fully loaded and towing (if that is what you do). As long as you have that, and you know how to use a winch you should have no issues at all. I find that using a snatch strap is usually an easier option, but there are a number of times where I have used a winch instead, because it's safer and you have a bit of extra control.

Winching when you get stuck is a great way to get out, but it's also a very easy way to cause damage to yourself, or to a vehicle. There is a lot of force on a winch, and it wouldn't be the first time that something breaks when a recovery is taking place. Ensure that you have a dampening bag over the cable, and that you are winching in a safe way. No one should be standing within 20 metres, except the winch operator (who should hide behind the door of the vehicle!)

If I can offer any advice, it would be to take your time when deciding on how to recover a four wheel drive. By standing around for 5 minutes and looking at the situation, you will come up with several different ways to recover the four wheel drive, and you should be able to do it without any damage to people or vehicles.

If you want the safest, quickest and easiest vehicle recovery device, have a look at Maxtrax. Of course, no one should go four wheel driving without a Snatch Strap

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ATV Stereos - Getting the Right One for Your Needs

ATV stereos really add to the experience of your time on the trail. The number of stereos are growing every year. There are a couple of things to keep in mind when picking out the right unit.

One of the first things to consider when looking for a stereo is the durability of the unit. The day to day life of an ATV stereo is going to be a rough one. Therefore, you want to make sure that you buy a unit that is up to your demands.

One of the toughest things is the vibrations that your machine will be transferring into the stereo. Electronics are vulnerable to vibration and moisture. so make sure that the unit that you are looking at is going to be able to handle the elements.

The quality of the sound is also important. Consider if you are going to be listening to your system on a quiet trail ride and campsite, or if you are going to be using it to entertain a group of trail buddies.

If you are looking for personal music than you want to make sure that the unit is able to accept earphones or a helmet mic system. This will allow you to be able to enjoy distortion free music whenever wherever.

If on the other hand, you are going to be using the system to charge the party, than you'll have other needs. One of these needs will be the capacity and clarity of your speakers.

Speakers are one of the biggest components of your system. Most systems have acceptable power to run most speaker systems. The problem is that most speakers begin to degrade from the environment and physical abuse of riding. The cost of good ATV speakers might be surprising, but it is money well spent.

The head unit is the other important component of the system. The head unit is the most vulnerable component to weather and vibration. This needs to be protected from both. One way to protect the unit from vibration is to make sure that you mount it properly.

There are several ways and places to mount the stereo. When selecting a location consider protecting it from branches and various other shocks. Its mounting hardware should also insulate it from vibration and shocks. Most mounts incorporate rubber bushings that insulate it from slight vibrations, but any additional measures won't go to waste.

An ATV stereo is a great investment if you buy the right one for your needs and install it correctly.

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Keeping Your ATV Exhaust Quiet

In my opinion, it is becoming more and more important to keep exhaust noise pollution from Quads, UTV's, and ATC's down to a minimum. Not only are our communities being patrolled and monitored for sound pollution, so are our favorite riding areas and local race tracks. We as riders need to make sure we are doing everything we can to not irritate the people around us, who may not enjoy the same recreational activities that we do. There is no quicker way to get our favorite riding area's shut down than to run around full throttle with a super loud exhaust. It only takes a couple complaints to the authorities before they take action and shut the area down.

So what options do we have to get the power we want while maintaining an acceptable sound level? Here are a couple options on how to quiet your ATV exhaust:

1. Buy an aftermarket ATV silencer add on that attaches to the end of your exhaust. This isn't the best looking option but will certainly work to quiet things down.

2. Buy a stealth ATV exhaust system. Stealth ATV exhaust systems are typically slip on exhaust systems that replace your existing muffler. since this replaces your existing exhaust, it is your best option for long term use. There is no tip to come loose and fall off. Also typically a stealth exhaust system won't noticeably affect your performance over stock.

While all these options are great for silencing your ATV, none of them are very desirable when it comes to getting the most performance. With all this in mind, most ATV performance exhaust companies have realized this and begun making quieter high performance exhaust alternatives. Some examples are the FMF quiet series, DMC afterburner, HMF Quiet Race Series, FMF Q series. A lot of these aftermarket exhausts come with "quiet core" inserts that allow you to choose between maximum performance and lower sound levels. With this new breed of ATV and UTV exhaust systems we can be sure to get the best balance between power and sound.

Find all these great products and check out the decibel levels of some of the top aftermarket exhausts at http://www.exhausttracker.com/

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Brief Overview On ATV Trails In Oklahoma

If you have an all terrain vehicle, you must find out about the ATV riding areas. In Oklahoma, there are numerous places where you can have a great ride. Here is a list and overview on a few of them. By learning about these places, you will be able to see which favors you the most.

The A to Z Guest Ranch situated at Kiamichi Mountains is a suitable place to drive your own ATV. They have one of the popular ATV riding trails in Oklahoma wherein it would be fun to do it during the spring or fall so that you will be able to enjoy the breathtaking scenery even more.

The Beaver State Park ATV and ORV Area is another favorable location for riding. It is a wide area of sand dunes. You have to remember certain things though when you bring your vehicle. One of which is to place a flag to it. People love the place. Bring your one of the effective tazer products especially when doing it with many people.

Camp Gruber is a place that is fun to ride with when you have your all terrain vehicle. It is maintained and operated by Camp Gruber Recreation Trust Authority. The trail is a mixture of sand, dirt and rocks. This variation would make your ride fun and exciting. You will enjoy even more when with some company like your family or friends.

Draper Lake ORV Area in the southeastern region of Oklahoma City has become one of the favorites by many because of its stunning view and its proximity to the lake. The terrain can be tried even by a beginner who wishes to take on the challenge. You have to remember though that a riding permit is necessary.

Elk City Raceway is a popular choice among many riders. Many experienced individuals try out the location. You can check out the place and bring your own vehicle or rent one if you have none yet. When traveling using your ATV, you must remember to have your pepper sprays for safety.

The Kaw Lake ORV Area is not only a place that is best for motorcycles but for ATVs as well. The quality of the soil is sandy and you will be passing some wooded areas. You can even camp within the location if you wish to explore the area even more and do other outdoor activities.

Included in the list is the Lake Eufaula Damsite. It is very important that you read the rules that are posted at the parking area before you will try to explore the location with your ATV. You can visit the place all year round and spend some time relaxing with your vehicle.

The Pensacola Dam and Grand Lake O' the Cherokees are both popular tourist destinations in Oklahoma. The best thing about these locations is that you will be able to enjoy its view and explore it even more with the use of your ATV and by just following its trails.

This is just a short overview of few of the best ATV riding areas in Oklahoma that you can follow.

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Aluminum Loading Ramps - Choose The Right One

Aluminum loading ramps have a reputation for being the best ramp regardless of what type of load you need to move. The companies that build ramps make a huge variety of different ramps. You can find a ramp for loading heavy equipment or for loading a lighter recreational load. So what can you use an aluminum loading ramp for?

In an industrial setting, aluminum ramps can be used for loading heavy equipment like bobcats and forklifts. They are very much in use in factories where cargo has to be moved from transport truck to warehouse.

Recreationally, they are useful in loading up ATVs, street bikes, dirt bikes, snowmobiles and more into the bed of a pick-up or into a trailer. You can also use them to load things like lawn tractors and farm equipment. Or load a stock car onto the back of a flat bed trailer.

Aluminum loading ramps are strong enough to carry any load and they're tough enough to withstand some abuse. Be sure though that you get a ramp with the right weight capacity and that has been rated for the job you need it for.

There are differences between ramps that are being used commercially or industrially and ramps used by small business operators or homeowners.

Ultra heavy duty ramps that are used for loading heavy equipment are made with aircraft grade aluminum. As a result, they are able to withstand thousands of pounds of weight. They are also much wider and longer as well as being reinforced for added strength.

But consumers have no need for ramps like this. Even so, it is important that you get ramps that are suitable for what you intend to load. It's better to load some things with a single wide ramp. You can get by with a pair of narrower ramps for other loads.

When you go to buy a pair of ramps, look at the weight capacity. The amount that's listed will be the total weight allowed for both ramps. Never exceed this weight capacity. If necessary, get different ramps. Be sure to include in your calculations, the weight of the person who may be riding the equipment up the ramp. Overloading is dangerous.

There are many different sizes and types of aluminum loading ramps. Some have a textured surface. Some have holes drilled at intervals. Some have rubber padding. All of these are especially useful when slipping may be a problem.

You can choose from flat or arched ramps available in different lengths. It can be hard loading equipment like a riding lawnmower if you don't use an arched ramp. The mower deck sits so low to the ground that it easily gets hung up if there is not enough of an angle.

An aluminum ramp is portable. A larger ramp may come as a bi-fold or a tri-fold ramp. That allows the ramp to be folded up making for easy transport from one place to another.

In general, aluminum ramps are the first choice because of their versatility. No other ramp is so portable and so lightweight while at the same time being strong enough to load and unload practically anything.

When you purchase a set of aluminum loading ramps, you're making what could be a once in a lifetime purchase. Since these ramps do not rust and are able to stand up to wear and tear, you might never need to replace them.

For the very best in an aluminum loading ramp, visit my website. Don't use just any ramp. Protect your investment. Find out more about choosing quality ATV loading ramps.

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ATV Accessories Guide

When you first beginning heavy ATV riding and serious outdoors treks, you may feel like you need to buy every accessory in the store. You want it all because it looks so nice and you feel it will make you look more important or more of a professional. For your information's, beginners only need the basic ATV accessories and this article will explain what is necessary for the beginner.

There are many items and related products that you can buy, but the following list is only describes the basics and the importance of each. Especially if you are a young rider, these items are a necessity. If you are on a budget, then you need to be more concerned with the accessories that will keep you safe and not what will make you cool. If you buy the really important things listed below, you will be ready to hit the trails with safety as your number one thought.

The first ATV accessories you should buy is a helmet. No one should ever be an ATV without a helmet. There have been too many accidents where people were serious injured that could have been prevented if they had been wearing a helmet. And the choices for a stylish or cool looking helmet are huge, There is never an excuse for not putting you helmet on and wearing it even on a quick or short ride. Why take a chance?

The next ATV accessories that are god to own are gloves. Gloves will protect your hands from scrapes and scratches from tree limbs and bushes. They will give you a better grip in the handles and make holding on tightly more comfortable. They will cushion your fingers against scrapes on the ground in the event that you wreck. The gloves will actually take the beating for you. They will not protect against crushing if the wreck is severe, but they will keep minor scrapes at bay.

Protective eye gear is also essential for anyone who rides an ATV. Bugs, debris, and wind all can keep you from seeing clearly. It is a natural instinct to blink when something gets into your eye. And one blink is all it would take to veer off the road or hit an object. You can wear sunglasses or clear eyewear goggles. Just make sure the ones you choose are unbreakable.

The list ATV accessories go on and on. But these three items are basic, but important.

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Cover Your ATV or UTV

The All-Terrain Vehicle and Utility Vehicle that you just purchased shines brightly in the daylight sunshine. Only time will tell if the beautiful finish you now see will last. The best way to ensure that it keeps the 'like-new' look is to protect it with an All-Terrain Vehicle cover or Utility Vehicle cover.

Many companies sell covers that can help you keep the finish looking new. But which one do I get for my machine? You can purchase a high quality storage cover that can be folded up and placed in a bag to take with you.

Bird droppings are unpleasant and can actually damage the finish. Dust and debris can scratch the finish if you try to wipe it off. The sun can also damage the finish with its fading UV rays. So, having an All-Terrain Vehicle or Utility Vehicle cover on when not riding will help to maintain the great look of your machine.

The All-Terrain Vehicle cover should be constructed of a durable weather and water resistant polyester material. The cover should have a mildew resistant that protects against rain, snow, ice, dirt, dust and those harmful UV rays. The exterior of your cover should keep water away, while the interior is vented to allow the moisture to escape and keep your machine dry.

You should be able to tie down your Utility Vehicle cover and All-Terrain Vehicle cover while trailering it or just storing your machine. The cover will need a strong elastic hem cord around the bottom to help ensure a tight fit. Also include a built in trailering system with down straps with quick release buckles to keep your All-Terrain Vehicle or Utility Vehicle cover secure. Some added features should be air vents to help reduce inside moisture and wind lofting. A handy storage bag should be included.

There are different sizes of covers, so you will want to find one that fits your make and model of machine. If you purchase a cheap cover for your ride, it may not fit correctly and will last for only a season or two. However, if you put your money into a cover that fits right and is of good quality, then chances are good it will last a long time in protecting your All-Terrain Vehicle or Utility Vehicle.

An All-Terrain Vehicle or Utility Vehicle can be a costly recreational toy or working machine, so a rugged and durable cover is often a great investment for year round weather protection.

If you're interested in looking at various types of covers, take a look at http://www.covermymotorcycle.com/.

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