Technology has advanced from cut up milk crates wired together with the likes of Maxtraxx, X-trax, Tred’s and other Recovery Tracks flooding the market. Maxtraxx and Treds are both a plastic based ‘plank’ with spiked teeth for traction, and both feature a shovel end, both Australian made and come in a variety of colours. Maxtraxx have been around much longer than Treds and have earnt a good reputation, however Treds come in 2 size options. Both seemed to work well and get the job done, however the longer maxtraxx seemed more useful, for a couple of reasons, easier to use as a shovel, more comfortable to hold/carry/transport, and the extra length helped in softer sand to get the car moving on solid surface, where as I found I ‘ran out of track’ in difficult conditions with the Treds.
One thing I did notice with both products is that any wheel spin on the plastic lugs would cause them to melt/wear off, and both manufacturers warn against spinning wheels, its important that tires are deflated adequately and they are wedged under the vehicle well, if the wheels are at full suspension extension they may not grip without the weight of the vehicle on the recovery device, so its critical you don’t overspin wheels and sink the car in the sand once bogged, as this means the tracks may not get you out, given the resistance of the vehicle if its bellied out.
Now for the alternatives, Xtrax and Roll out Recovery Tracks, they are heavy duty rubber, with s/s wire cables connecting the segments that form the track, they are heavier, but more compact and more versatile, didn’t work in the sand as well as the solid plastic options, yet still got the job done which is the important thing. I have found the Xtrax useful in other terrains, coming across a deep rut/bog hole, they can be laid out flat or rolled up to fill in the hole and make it easier to pass the obstacle. Similarly, that goes for rocky terrain, where I have rolled them out over sharp rocky ledges to reduce the chance of puncture tires and also turn a steep step up into a moderate ramp.
Now for the specs!
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Important notes:
All of these devices are effective at the first signs of getting bogged, they should all be able to get you out of sand if used before your vehicle is bellied out or tires are dug in deep.
They are susceptible to damage if wheels are spinning, tires should be deflated between 7-14psi depending on the conditions.
Its best to clear sand around all wheels in front and behind so there’s a clear path for the vehicle.
I personally own the Maxtraxx, X-Trax and TREDs and can vouch for their performances.
Adrian