MUD TRUCKS

Mud Trucks are motor vehicles that have been custom engineered for Off-road use. The 4x4 trucks can be made in many different sizes. People also choose many power configurations on what kind of engine they use. The majority of these trucks are configured with custom suspension for better ride quality.

The engine type ranges from gasoline engines to diesel engines. Diesel is very popular in the largest sizes since the motor can handle more weight restrictions. Mud Trucks can be found worldwide but these trucks are most popular in the United States of America.

History

The history of these trucks can go back to the earlier 1900s. This would be when you were able to change a stock tire out with a larger on and start to drive Off-road. In the 1970s, the Mud Truck style of custom trucks started to become more popular. People started to custom engineer parts for their trucks and the aftermarket started to make Off-road parts more available for consumer use. Mudding was becoming very popular with the younger generation during this time.

Truck pull games started around the nation. Soon people would be playing more tug of war with their own trucks for bragging rights. Also, monster trucks started to become a large entertainer sport in the United States during the 1980’s. These trucks would use a configuration of extremely large tires and created their own custom suspension lifts to make running over jumps and vehicles easier. Performance shops started to use custom military grade axels for these mud trucks to be able to perform without constantly breaking down due to the larger tires. Most of the trucks that were used came from American made manufacturers.

Mud races started to enter the scene in the 1980’s. The trucks would race in numerous arenas around the United States. The term mud bogging because popular during this time as well. As time went on, Mud Trucks started to evolve. This evolution consisted of custom fabrication work with fiber glass and new suspension techniques to become faster than their opponents. Some of these trucks would weigh around 8,000 to 10,000 pounds.

Later, the drivers started to use nitrous for the gas engines to gain a speed boost over the competition. The sky was the limit for these trucks. Even the diesels were being modified with larger turbos. From the 1990’s to today, you can find a large amount of mud truck events near your location. Thanks to social media, we are able to find more about various shows around the nation.

Mud Truck Design

The most popular design is a full size pickup truck that consists of very large tires and a lifted suspension. Depending on the truck, the suspension setups will vary from a leaf spring setup or a coil over configuration. A Jeep setup is also popular in the mudding world. They are one of the most popular mud terrain vehicles around. Throughout the years, Jeeps have their own smaller versions of a pickup truck that people turn into a larger style mud vehicle.

Small trucks are also configured to be mud trucks. There is a big fan following on the smaller style designs for Off-road use. Some say it’s easier to make you way out of a mud hole when your truck is so much lighter in weight compared to the big ones.

Sport utility vehicles also known as SUVs, can be designed and custom configured to change into a vehicle made for mudding. People choose this type because they can fit their entire family inside to enjoy the mud bogging action.

Uses

Mud Bogging

Mud bogging is a sport. This requires you to drive off-road through large mud hole. The goal of this sport is to see if your mud truck can make it out of the mud hole.

Mud Racing

Mud Racing is also a motorsport. This requires you to race other drivers through a designated track that is full of muddy tracks and trails. The goal is to beat the other driver’s time around the race track.

Drag Racing

Drag racing your truck through a mud strip is also popular. This requires you to line up next to another driver and race them when the signal has been given. Being faster than your opponent is key for drag racing.

Truck Pulls

Truck pulls is another use for mud trucks and all other trucks in general. Truck pull contest are held nationwide with large cash prizes at stake. Truck pulls require you to hook your truck up to a heavy sled and see how far you can drag it down a track. The winner is determined by the longest distance that the sled was dragged. Another version is hooking up to someone else’s truck to see who’s truck can out pull the other truck at the same time.

Climbing

Climbing is another use. Some mud trucks and especially jeeps can enter in rock climbing contests. The goal is to climb over large rocks with your truck moving to the end of the obstacle course.

Mud Truck Modification

Big Tires

Using a larger tire size over your stock tires increases your ground clearance on your truck. Other parts might need to be upgraded in order for the larger tires to fit on the vehicle properly.

Suspension Lift

This is a mod to the suspension that could include a new custom suspension setup. Bigger coil springs or leaf springs could be used for the mud truck setup. Most people do this modification to make the truck taller off the ground and also to change the angles of other suspension parts on the truck.

Body Lift

A body lift consists of spacers used where the body and frame mount together. This makes your body look taller off the ground and raises the body up to a few inches. Most of the time, you will need to add additional parts to compensate for the new parts.

Axle Lift

Different types of axels can be used to increase for some extra ground clearance. Axels can be used from multiple vehicles and can be changed from truck to truck.

Tire Traction

It is important to choose a tire with a mud type tread in order to gain better traction while off-roading. Many different tire manufacturers offer a mud traction tire specifically for this purpose. Larger trucks can also use tractor tires depending on their custom setup.

Manufacturer Warranty Loss

Any of the altercations to your mud truck can cause the loss of your manufacturer warranty from the factory. Some people will buy a new truck and add a custom suspension lift. This will void your suspension warranty. See your local truck dealer for more information.

Mud Parks

You will be able to search online for family off-road mud parks. Most of these mud parks are for Mudding use with many types of trucks. These parks also provided entertainment such as racing or truck pulls that you will be able to enter. The parks are all around the nation.

Mud parks are specifically designed for Mud Truck hobbyist.Most of these mud parks are on large acres of land and use campgrounds for the people who attend. This is an outdoor lifestyle. Plenty of vendors are normally provided for food and recreation.