Stuck? How to get yourself free again – Practical guide for campers & vanlife

Almost every camper knows it: You’re perfectly parked, the view is amazing – and when you start driving, suddenly only the wheels spin. Whether sand, snow, mud, or wet meadow – getting stuck happens faster than you think.

Especially with fully loaded vans, often without all-wheel drive, sometimes a small lapse in attention is enough. In this article, we show you how to sensibly free yourself, what to watch out for, and which basics simply must not be missing in your van.

A little story from St. Peter-Ording

We often spend summers in St. Peter-Ording. The coveted spots in the front rows with sea views are something else: The sand is soft, the ground deceptive – and many vehicles can’t get out when driving away.

On a beautiful, relaxed day it regularly happens: We sit comfortably by the van, look out over the water – and help one vehicle after another out of trouble with our sandboards.

The grateful faces, the brief conversation, the shared laughter – it’s exactly this camaraderie that makes vanlife special. And yes: Of course, it has happened to us too that we got stuck in what seemed like “solid” terrain. Especially when traveling alone, you quickly realize how important good preparation is.

Why non-all-wheel-drive vans often get stuck

Most campers don’t have all-wheel drive. Due to the vehicle’s heavy weight, the drive wheels quickly dig in on soft ground.

• Soft sand
• Wet meadows
• Snow & slush
• Dirt roads & damp grass turf

A classic mistake: too much gas. The more you accelerate, the deeper you dig in. That’s why the rule is always: stay calm, analyze the situation.

Step by step: How to free yourself effectively

1. Stop spinning

As soon as the wheels spin, the vehicle works against you. Better to get out once, look, feel – and then act deliberately.

2. Reduce tire pressure

One of the most effective pro tips:

• slightly reduce tire pressure (often just a few tenths of a bar are enough)
• larger contact area = significantly more grip

Important: Be sure to reinflate afterwards! A small 12-V compressor or, if necessary, even a bicycle pump is usually enough to get to the next gas station.

3. Shoveling out – targeted, not random

A small shovel often works wonders:

• shovel out in front of the drive wheels
• for front-wheel drive rather forward, for rear-wheel drive rather backward
• form no edges, but a small ramp

Just 30–50 cm of free space can be enough. Sometimes it also makes sense to deliberately take the way back – there you know the ground was at least somewhat more stable.

4. Using sandboards correctly

Place sandboards as close as possible to the tire under the drive wheels. Then start off calmly and evenly – no frantic acceleration.

In many situations, even the short sandboards are enough to regain grip.

👉 Detailed info about sandboards & holders can be found here:
Sandboards & Sandboard Holders – flexible, magnetic & ready for any adventure

Essentials for “first aid” in everyday camper life

You don’t need mountain gear like in an expedition vehicle. These basics are usually more than enough:

• Sandboards (short or long)
• small shovel
• Tow rope
• Jumper cables
• small compressor or air pump

Pro tip: Jump-starting with your own interior battery

If the cables are long enough and the battery accessible, many campers can even jump-start themselves – e.g., from the interior battery to the starter battery.

Especially in winter, it helps not only yourself but often other campers or drivers as well.

Tow rope & pushing – humanity belongs to it

A tow rope takes up hardly any space but can be worth its weight in gold:

• at festivals
• at campsites
• in snow or on wet ground

And honestly: Often, pushing together is enough. Ask the people around you – help is almost always given. These small moments connect us and are a big part of what makes Vanlife so special.

Conclusion

Getting stuck is part of everyday camper life. The crucial thing isn’t if it happens – but how well you are prepared.

With a bit of calm, the right approach, and a few simple tools, you can usually get yourself unstuck.

And when you help others along the way, that's exactly when the moments that make Vanlife special happen.

Be prepared. Stay relaxed. Keep driving together.