Yesterday my buddy and I were riding in woods without trails. At one point he mentioned about checking out a path so that we didn't pop a tire. That got me worrying about what we would do if a tire popped. The woods were not huge but big enough that getting an atv out without a tire would be a problem. How likely are sticks and logs to puncture a tire? On my Jeep once I did have a stick go through the sidewall of a tire so I know it is possible. Anybody ever pop a tire in the woods?

 

Nothing like what you're describing. Picked up a nail here and there that required a plug. Had one sidewall rip that took 3 plugs. That fix lasted 3 more years.

 

I have had sticks to puncture tires. While riding and put a hole where 3 plugs would fill it but not seal it so I carry a small compressor that plugs into The round plug would be a cig. Lighter in a car and just limped back and kept stopping to put air in it as we went. But The main thing is when they come off The bead a ratchet strap is handy then we take The tire off and strap it down til it seals The put a little air in and release tension slowly on The strap it sometimes takes a few tries but can usually get The job done. I guess it all depends on what you usually carry when you are riding. I try to be prepared for just nearly anything cause I've had to limp a three wheeled 4-wheeler several miles through The woods and mud before its not fun and not as simple as being towed back cause your ride quit or The like.

 

i've never lost a tire due to a puncture out on the trails, yet. but my son has bent a rim on a tree stump that was 5" tall with a 1" diameter. $125 later, everything was good. i schooled him on watching the trail and his surroundings. i too carry a compressor with us on the ride. although i don't use the ratchet strap trick for reseating the bead, i use ether and matches. works for me, i've done it for years. BUT, it's probably not the most recommended way to do it. the ratchet strap trick takes a little longer and is much safer. the ratchet strap is quite successful.

 

I have green slime in all my tires and carry a plug kit and compressor with me

 

Are most ATV tires tubeless?

 

Yes

 

I've never seen one with a tube in it.

 

Not 10 minutes into riding a brand new quad I got a 4 plug slash in a front sidewall. Over the years I have punctured plenty of tires and seen many more. In almost all cases the cause was riding in shale. I have ridden a few miles back to the truck several times on a flat. That sucks, but by taking my time and avoiding the big rocks/ruts I have yet to destroy a rim doing it. The best bet is to always run a 6 ply tire, keep a repair kit with you, and always ride with a buddy. Beadlocks and products liek tireballs or tire johnnies can keep you going if you puncture a tire if you are REALLY worried about it.

 

Try desert racing guys. Flat tires happen all the time. Depending on the vehicle you're racing, and whether or not you're carrying a spare, you may just have to make it to the next pit, or the finish, with a flat tire. I've ridden dirt bikes for 80 miles at a time with a flat - - - not fun. ATVs aren't so bad, if you're running bead locks, just run it flat.

For ATV trail riding I carry a good tire repair kit that has tire plugs, a reaming tool, tire glue, a mini air compressor, and starter fluid / matches to reset the bead. Those items never leave my ATVs storage compartment.