4X4 Tips - Using Spare Tyre as Beach Ground Anchor.

Step 1: Clear Away Excess Sand

The first step is to clear away any excess sand from in front of your tyres and Bullbar. This will help reduce any unnecessary drag that will be working against your winching efforts. A shovel is the best method to move around the sand so always pack a shovel.

Step 2: Preparation

Extend your winch rope to a length where it will allow your winch to work at maximum pulling potential. Next, mark out your hole by doing a rough trace around the spare Tyre and start digging. You want the hole to be deep enough to cover the Tyre with at least 200mm of sand. If in doubt, dig a little deeper and do not cart your sand too far away from the hole as this makes for extra work.

Step 3: Connecting to Spare Tyre

If you have a tree trunk protector feed it through the center of your wheel. Avoid putting the trunk protector through any spokes as it can warp and damage the Tyre. Also, do a quick check for any sharp edges that may be on the Rim itself to avoid any damage to your recovery gear. Once the Tyre is correctly rigged up, start covering it in thoroughly with loose sand while keeping a small channel clear for the trunk protector as shown above.

Step 4: Connecting Recovery Gear

With the Tyre correctly buried and attached to the tree trunk protector it is time to rig it up to your recovery gear. Ensure to put a winch blanket on the rope at the halfway point between the Tyre and the vehicle.

Step 5: Give it a Crack

Get everyone to stand clear, do one final check and give it a crack. Keep an eye on the spare wheel, attempt in low range and keep your Tyre spinning to a minimal. You want to work with the speed of your winch until you hit firm ground. Once out of the bog and on firm ground take up the slack of the winch rope and get reasonably close to your spare wheel.

Remove some of the excess sand and use the winch to assist with pulling the spare Tyre out of the hole. Ensure you give all of your recovery gear a good wash to ensure longevity.

Before you head off on your travels make sure you fill in the big hole left behind by the spare Tyre.