Having just saw that video of the JK 2door nearly come to grief up Devils Gate inspired me to say the following. And it is all IMHO.
Let me start by saying that I have been seriously wheeling since 1976, have probably been stuck 5 or 6 times in my life where I needed help to get unstuck (some may think I don't try hard enough ) and very rarely do I need a spotter unless I trust him/her or I know they are experts on that trail.
There are things you learned at school that apply here. One of the traits of being a successful offroader is being able to read the ground angles, contours and steepness of pitch (IE how steep the hill is) and know exactly where your tires will track on the ground. That person on Devil's Gate simply steered the wrong way and in that case would have made it should they have kept the Jeep level by turning passenger earlier. Not sure if his spotter was a trail guy or a person with them. Another big fault I notice people do is turn their wheels way too much in short time. A good spotter will read the ground and predict where your Jeep should be prior to that becoming a necessity so they say 'passenger' they mean a little bit unless they state sharp and quick. The same applies to climbing a rocky boulder strewn hill. You have to read ahead and produce a game plan before you get to the obstacle. Know where your diffs and suspension hangers are and when they will hit something. Ever see those extreme crawler guys - they are not going fast, they are planning ahead, clearing obstacles and keeping the wheels planted as much as they can.
Mud? Big tires and lots of clearance but the only tip I can offer is a question - what is in the bottom of that hole that can damage your vehicle??
I hope this is of benefit to our less experienced 4 wheelers as it is only intended to make the Jeep experience better for you.

 

I don't go rock crawling, mainly because there aren't any trails around this area like that, most of our back roads and deer lease roads are more mud than anything else, but saying that, I've been stuck and needed a winch or help a couple of times, mud, soft bottom trails, but I have used my winch many times pulling other people out, mostly from them not paying attention to the trails or just going where they shouldn't have tried to go.
you are right, pay attention and look farther ahead than just in front of your bumper

 

I agree and you could add the wheeler that guns it on technical climbs when you signal them to move forward. They don't understand slow and steady. Proper gearing cant be stressed enough.

 

I agree Dirtman. Hopefully experienced wheelers will chime in and add to this with tips for our learner wheelers - and we were all learners once! My aim here is to make wheelin a great experience for all that are attracted to it and keep the Jeep movement going forever.

Next tips;
1. (in Canada) possibly USA as well we have to stay on the trails on public lands. Non-compliance is a ticketable offence up here - as high as $2000.
2. If you go wheelin try to have an experienced wheeler, with similar equipment, in front, watch where they go, (don't follow immediately) then repeat where they went. They know you are behind and inexperienced so won't exceed your capabilities.
3. CB or FM radios are good to have.

 

People need to remember, less is more. You don’t need to nail the go pedal on every obstacle. You give just enough to crawl. There are very few obstacles that need full power from the start.
if you come to an obstacle, and see the tire tracks going up, that is usually the line. Or at least close to the line.

 

As mentioned- lack of appropriate gearing for your application will result in needing more power to get it moving. I'm guilty. I recently regeared and while it doesn't add power, it certainly brought my crawl speeds back to where they should be without needing excessive throttle for speed bumps.

 

I think of gearing as putting the usable torque to a speed low enough to be useful, probably not the right words, but torque doesn't do you much good at high speeds on a trail

 

I may be new to the Jeep World, but I have been wheeling/off roading for years. I agree that knowing the line you need to take helps and knowing the terrain helps. I don't do extreme rock crawling as there just aren't many places in my area for that type of fun. However, living in the southern part of Arkansas we have plenty of swamp areas and mud holes to go have fun in. I have seen people just take off at a high rate of speed and hit the mud holes to just make it in and then stop stuck. They can't get going and have to be pulled out or winch out. While they are stuck I just drive on by them in the same mud hole at a steady turtle pace and don't even look back at them. I have been stuck a few times and just knowing the capabilities of your rig will most times get you unstuck without any help. Many folks down here in southern Arkansas just want to see how big of a splash they can make to cover their rigs in mud. They don't always use their mental acuity.

 

Another tip: If you are new to wheeling, and buy a 4WD vehicle most of us want to modify it (lift, exhaust, shocks, suspension stuff etc etc $$$$) but the single most effective first mod you should have is a good set of off road tires with a lower load range (usually C to E). C is softer so one gets more grip and rides nicer. E is harder riding but better for on road wear life. And first set with a basic stock vehicle for Jeep anyway is recommended no bigger than 33". 35" and larger you are starting to get into suspension add ons or fenders etc. Think $$$$$. Next is a winch for those lonely days out by yourself.

 

If you want some technical rock crawling not too far from home for you, come on over to Disney, OK some time. Mud is just a pain in the ass to clean up.

Agreed. And to add to this, just because you bought a new Jeep with big ass tires and all the cool stuff you can possible bolt on to it does not mean it will wheel well - or that you can wheel it.