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quoteThe sight of a tag axle six-wheeled coachbuilt motorhome plunged nose down in mud, followed by attempts to tow it out backwards that then ripped off the back panel of the motorhome, might represent a worst case scenario – but it’s a reminder that any vehicle can get stuck, sometimes even in the mildest of conditions.
Many a motorhome comes a cropper when there’s mud around.
“Don’t slip, get a grip” is a useful motto. A set of grip mats will optimise your motorhome or campervan’s traction in any conditions where there’s the possibility of slippage, but they will struggle if you’re really dug in and/or not trying to get out as gently as possible. Ditto for more makeshift items such as pieces of carpet and plastic crates etc.
There are simple precautions you can take to avoid getting your motorhome stuck in the mud – such as not driving onto a campsite’s soft ground after a prolonged or intense period of rain.
Preparation is paramount. If you think conditions look like being tricky, it’s always worth stopping your vehicle and getting out to check for yourself.
If you’re on a campsite, staff will always be on hand to advise, of course.
There are also items you can add to your motorhome’s essential kit list, which could make all the difference…
Top tips for coping with mud when motorhoming
- Don’t make a mess? If a wheel starts spinning, stop. Gentle is the watchword. Churning up the grass on a campsite at the start of the season, for example, will not endear you to either subsequent site users or the owners.
- Do remember to park on your grip mats when you’re pitched up on grass. What looks like solid ground can sometimes become treacherous if the weather takes a turn for the worse.
- Constantly spinning your wheels? Consider enhanced tyres…
- Be aware of the location of your motorhome or campervan’s towing eye(s) – just in case you ever need to be towed out. They’re often underneath the passenger seat. Note, also, in the UK it’s illegal to leave a towing eye permanently fitted to the front of your vehicle.
- If you do get stuck, try to reduce your vehicle’s weight as much as possible (e.g. letting out any passengers, removing heavier items like a bagged awning etc). Reducing tyre pressure can also help. If feasible, try gently rocking your vehicle backwards and forwards to build up a little bit of momentum before trying to drive off – this will also give the opportunity to get grip mats, or similar, in position.
- Folk might want to offer help – beware they know which areas and sections of the bodywork they can push on (especially for coachbuilts). Even when you do get your motorhome out of mud, drive carefully.
- Mud could well stay in the tyre treads for quite a while – it will have an adverse effect on handling. A trip to the nearest vehicle wash might be in order!
Get the right motorhome insurance
If you have specialist motorhome insurance, check the cover for if you get stuck in mud, especially if you’re on a campsite or at a rally. Here at Caravan Guard, our uk motorhome breakdown cover included within our motorhome insurance policy includes stranded in mud recovery whilst in the UK, helping you to get your motorhome on to firm ground*.
Star Player #1
Milenco Giant Lattice Grip Mat
Heavy duty yet light in weight, this comes as an initial set of two, with a design that allows them to be locked together, if needed. Or you can buy as many sets as you want and create the equivalent of a small road! Milenco claims that they offer superior grip along with unrivalled surface area.
In plastic, each mat is 106cm x 33cm.
Key features Lattice design with high levels of grip, interlocking design, optional storage bag available, registered design
Expect to pay £33.99
Star Player #2
Fiamma Grip System
A set of two solid grips measuring 74cm x 22.5cm that can also be joined together should you need a longer run.
Lightweight at 0.4kg they also have “superior” traction and are can be used on mud and sand. They can also be used with Fiamma’s Level Up levelling ramps.
Key features UV-resistant polyethylene, easy to clean
Expect to pay £20
Star Player #3
OlPro Anti Slip Grip Mats
A straightforward set of mats that could well be all you need to get you off a slippery surface. Dimensions are 74cm x 22.5cm, and OlPro says they are designed for use in rain, snow, mud, sand or ice – and are particularly easy to keep clean.
Also, bright yellow colouring, like here, means they should always be visible – including if you need to reverse onto them. It also lessens the chance of them being accidentally left behind.
Key features Made from anti-slip polypropylene, light weight, lifetime warranty.
Expect to pay £17
Star Player #4
AA 3.5 Tonne Tow Rope
Suitable for the majority of motorhomes and campervans (there’s also a 4,000kg version), this tow rope is some 4m long and 15.4cm wide, with a thickness of 5.5cm. It could prove invaluable if you’re happy to be dragged out of a sticky situation – or indeed want to help others.
Metal hooks at each end mean it can be fitted and – more importantly – released quickly.
Consider a tow rope an essential for whatever motorhome or campervan you drive.
Key features Quick release metal hooks, British Standards-compliant, weight 0.64kg, supplied with carrybag
Expect to pay £10.99
www.halfords.com/motoring/trailers-towing
Star Player #5
Milenco Grip Mats
A set of two solid mats in black. Dimensions are 75cm long and 25.5cm wide, with a grip pattern that’s just a bit different, too.
They work the same way as others of this ilk. Although these can get you out of trouble by placing the mats close enough to the relevant wheels to get a grip on their open barbed tread, Milenco advises it’s always best to actually park on the mats initially.
It also adds, somewhat humorously: “You will still need a tractor if you are up to your axles in mud!”
Key features GRP construction, registered design
Expect to pay £23.99
Star Player #6
Safe Tread Traction Ramps
Also known as Sand Ladders, Waffle Boards or Bridging Ladders, these are made from GRP with a mesh and you can order them in a variety of sizes.
Choose how many and which size (100cm, 122cm, 146.5cm – all 31cm wide) as well as thickness – 25mm or 38mm. There’s also a choice of three colours – green, grey or yellow.
Safe Tread also do a heavy duty version, which are 50mm thick.
Key features Available in pairs only, all-GRP mesh construction, weights per pair range from 8kg-17kg
Expect to pay From £46.91
Over to you…
Got any advice on products or tricks that can help get a campervan or motorhome out of the mud to pass on to others? Feel free to add your comments below.
*Benefits are correct at the time of publication and are subject to terms and conditions, cover level and underwriting criteria. Click to read policy wording
Prices and information correct at time of publication (October 2025)
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