Recovery boards and what we use.

Using 6 Max traxs to level out the ground to get the D110 though without touching the left bank

Types of Boards we use:

Waffle boards 50mm and Maxtrax are used by us depending on the location and terrain we are going to, our general day to day carry for most trips is the Maxtrax which we can use for most situations. On our more extreme tours we tend to carry Waffle boards been slightly longer and having better aid for bridging over gaps and climbing steep terrain due to they don't flex as much compared to Maxtrax or cheap alternatives. 

In the realm of off-roading and vehicle recovery, having the right tools at your disposal can mean the difference between a successful recovery and a frustrating ordeal. Recovery boards, also known as traction boards or recovery tracks, have gained significant popularity among off-road enthusiasts and professionals alike. In this article, we will delve into the functionality, benefits, and considerations of waffle recovery boards, shedding light on their importance in vehicle recovery situations.

 Understanding Recovery Boards:

Recovery boards are specialized traction devices designed to assist in the recovery of stuck or immobilized vehicles. They typically consist of a sturdy, lightweight material, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and are formed with a distinct waffle-like pattern on the surface. This pattern, comprising of raised squares or hexagons, provides enhanced traction and grip when placed under a vehicle's wheels.

Functionality and Benefits: The primary function of recovery boards is to provide traction in challenging terrain conditions, such as deep mud, snow, sand, or slippery surfaces. When a vehicle gets stuck in such conditions, the wheels often struggle to gain traction, resulting in wheel spin and further sinking into the terrain. By placing waffle recovery boards under the wheels, the raised pattern engages with the tire's tread, allowing the vehicle to gain traction and drive out of the predicament.

  1. Versatility: Recovery boards are suitable for a wide range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, SUVs, and off-road vehicles. Their versatility makes them a valuable tool for both casual off-roaders and professional recovery teams.

  2. Lightweight and Portable: Most recovery boards are lightweight and designed to be easily transported. They can be stored in a vehicle's trunk, roof rack, or even strapped to the exterior, ensuring they are readily available whenever needed.

  3. Easy to Use: Using recovery boards is a straightforward process. They are placed in front of or behind the stuck wheels, ensuring the patterned surface is in contact with the tire. Once properly positioned, the driver can slowly accelerate, allowing the boards to provide the necessary traction for vehicle recovery.

  4. Durability:  Recovery boards are typically constructed from durable materials that can withstand the weight and torque of vehicles. They are designed to resist impact, bending, and degradation from exposure to various environmental conditions.

Considerations: While recovery boards offer numerous advantages, it is essential to consider a few factors before purchasing or using them:

  1. Quality: Ensure you invest in high-quality recovery boards from reputable manufacturers. Inferior or counterfeit products may not provide the necessary strength or durability, compromising your recovery efforts.

  2. Proper Application: It is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and use recovery boards correctly. Placing them at the appropriate angle and ensuring proper engagement with the tire's tread pattern is crucial for optimal traction.

  3. Terrain Compatibility: While recovery boards work effectively in most off-road scenarios, it is essential to understand their limitations. Extremely soft or excessively rocky terrains may pose challenges where alternative recovery methods may be required.

Conclusion: Recovery boards have become a vital tool for off-roaders and recovery professionals, offering a reliable solution for vehicle recovery in challenging terrain. Their versatility, ease of use, and portability make them an essential component of any recovery kit. By investing in high-quality boards and understanding their proper application, off-roaders can enhance their safety and confidence when venturing into difficult terrain.

Maxtrax recovery on a sandy beach

 

Maxtrax: The Ultimate Off-Road Traction Recovery Device

Introduction: When it comes to off-road adventures, encountering challenging terrains and getting stuck is always a possibility. In such situations, having the right tools for vehicle recovery is crucial. One such tool that has gained widespread recognition and popularity among off-road enthusiasts and professionals is Maxtrax. In this article, we will explore the features, benefits, and applications of Maxtrax, the ultimate off-road traction recovery device.

Understanding Maxtrax: Maxtrax is a brand of vehicle recovery tracks designed to provide traction in various off-road conditions. These tracks are made from a durable, lightweight, and UV-stabilized material, usually high-quality engineering-grade nylon. Maxtrax stands out due to its unique design, which features a series of rugged, raised tracks that engage with the vehicle's tires, helping it gain traction and maneuver out of challenging situations.

Features and Benefits:

  1. Excellent Traction: Maxtrax utilizes a specialized design with aggressive, deep treads that bite into surfaces like sand, mud, snow, or slippery terrain. This traction-enhancing feature allows vehicles to maintain grip, preventing wheel spin and facilitating recovery.

  2. Lightweight and Portable: Maxtrax recovery tracks are designed to be lightweight, making them easy to carry and transport. They can be conveniently stored on a vehicle's roof rack, inside the trunk, or attached to the exterior, ensuring quick access when needed.

  3. Durability: Maxtrax is constructed from high-quality materials that are resistant to impact, bending, and UV degradation. They can withstand the weight and torque of vehicles while maintaining their structural integrity in demanding off-road conditions.

  4. Versatility: Maxtrax is suitable for a wide range of vehicles, including cars, trucks, SUVs, and even heavy-duty off-road vehicles. Whether you're embarking on a weekend camping trip or participating in a professional off-road event, Maxtrax can assist in recovering your vehicle.

  5. Ease of Use: Using Maxtrax recovery tracks is a straightforward process. They are placed under the vehicle's wheels, allowing the aggressive treads to engage with the tires. The driver can then slowly accelerate, leveraging the enhanced traction provided by Maxtrax to escape the stuck situation.

Applications and Considerations: Maxtrax recovery tracks have proven to be invaluable in various off-road scenarios:

  1. Sand: Maxtrax performs exceptionally well in sandy conditions, where vehicles often sink and struggle to gain traction. The tracks' design helps distribute the weight and provides the necessary grip to traverse sandy terrains.

  2. Mud: When vehicles get bogged down in muddy terrain, Maxtrax's deep treads can effectively bite into the mud, allowing the tires to gain traction and extract the vehicle.

  3. Snow: Maxtrax is also a reliable tool for winter off-roading adventures. The tracks' design helps vehicles navigate through snow and icy conditions, providing the needed traction to overcome slippery surfaces.

  4. Rocky Terrain: While Maxtrax excels in softer terrains, it may not be as effective on extremely rocky surfaces. In such cases, alternative recovery methods like winching or using specialized rock-crawling equipment may be more suitable.

Difference between waffle boards and Maxtrax.

Maxtrax and waffle boards are both popular recovery tools used in off-road and recovery situations, but they have some differences in design and functionality. Here's a comparison between Maxtrax and waffle boards:

  1. Design:

    • Maxtrax: Maxtrax is a brand of vehicle recovery boards that are designed as rigid, durable plastic boards. They typically feature a textured surface with raised lugs or treads for traction.
    • Waffle Boards: Waffle boards, also known as sand ladders or bridging ladders, have a distinctive waffle-like pattern with square or rectangular holes. They are usually made of metal, such as aluminum or steel, or sometimes reinforced plastic.

  2. Material:

    • Maxtrax: Maxtrax boards are made of UV-stabilized, flexible, and durable engineering-grade reinforced nylon. This material is designed to withstand the forces encountered during vehicle recovery operations.
    • Waffle Boards: Waffle boards are commonly made of metal, such as aluminum or steel, to provide strength and rigidity. Some waffle boards may also be made of reinforced plastic materials for lighter weight.

  3. Flexibility:

    • Maxtrax: Maxtrax boards have some flexibility, which allows them to conform to the shape of the terrain, providing better traction. This flexibility also enables them to be used in various recovery scenarios, including sand, mud, and snow.
    • Waffle Boards: Waffle boards are generally rigid and lack flexibility. They are intended to provide a solid platform for the vehicle's tires to grip onto and bridge gaps or overcome obstacles like soft sand or mud.

  4. Size and Weight:

    • Maxtrax: Maxtrax boards are typically available in a standard size of about 45 inches (114 cm) long, 13 inches (33 cm) wide, and 2.75 inches (7 cm) tall. They weigh around 8 to 9 kilograms (17 to 20 pounds) per pair.
    • Waffle Boards: Waffle boards come in different sizes, but they are generally larger and heavier than Maxtrax boards. The dimensions can vary depending on the manufacturer and specific model.

  5. Versatility:

    • Maxtrax: Maxtrax boards are primarily designed for traction in various off-road conditions. They can be used individually or as a pair to provide traction under the vehicle's tires and help it get unstuck.
    • Waffle Boards: Waffle boards, in addition to providing traction, are often used to bridge gaps or create a stable platform over soft ground. They can be placed side by side to create a continuous surface for the vehicle to drive on.

  6. Price:

    • Maxtrax: Maxtrax boards are generally more expensive compared to waffle boards due to their specialized design, material, and brand recognition.
    • Waffle Boards: Waffle boards, being simpler in design and often made of less expensive materials, tend to be more affordable.

Both items we use if your interested in adding these to your kit list can be found here:

Waffle boards:   

Maxtrax

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