Recovery tracks....

[Dan90]

Hi guys, I just wanted to hear peoples opinion regarding recovery tracks, you know the ones, brightly coloured and fitted to nearly every roof rack you see.

I have a set of treds and have tried to use the a couple of times on mud without to much luck.
I am interested to use them in sand as I do expect them to perform better.

I have been looking at storage options for them and trying to get a bracket for the rear wheel without too much success.

Anyway, my questions are really,
Are they actually any good?
What did we do before they were invented? (Old school sand ladders or milk crates)
Are they just a fasion statement?
Now i have heard some good stories about people using them at the beach, and I realise the one time recovery equipment works it has proved it's value, but I'm starting to think they are more of a fasion statement than anything.....
Some of the test videos iv'e watched are pretty suspect.

[Eevo]

quick and easy for a lot (but not all), situations.
the hardest part is storage

[PhilipA]

I have a set of Maxtrax on top of my camper trailer.

I have only used them once on a Range Rover Club sand driving training day, when we had an Evoque come along, and it bellied out on the ruts at Stockton. Logically it was then used for the debogging exercise.

There was a bit of a problem because the Evoque Highway tyres would not grab them unless they were right under the tyre but they worked well once positioned correctly.

I think they are great , but I hope I never have to use them. The later Maxtrax have an accessory kit with spikes that go through holes to mount them to roofracks
Regards Philip A

[squizzyhunter]

Carpet
Logs
Hi tech= planks with tec screws screwed in so the heads can be used for traction
My personal favorite is Blknights milk create ones though
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/projects-tutorials/48963-how-make-cheapy-sand-tracks-ladders-mats-whatevers-offsite-image-warnings.html

[weeds]

I think you will find MAXTRAX are way better than treds.

I have use my MAXTRAX to help two different cars that were having trouble in soft sand.....worked very well with zero damage to the MAXTRAX

I have also used 4 MAXTRAX, one under each wheel to stop me sliding forward during winching on very slippery hard pack dirt surface. I was on a day out with the owner of MAXTRAX

There are pros and cons with all version of recovery gear.

[joel0407]

Since you are in Perth. This mob are apparently good: FRP Non-Slip Mats for 4 Wheel Drive Vehicles - Grating FRP Australia (http://www.gratingfrpaustralia.com.au/products/recreational-aids.html).


I have just moved down from Darwin and plan on getting some soon as there is plenty of sand here and where there is sand, there isn't much to winch off.


It's cheaper to buy a whole sheet and cut it yourself if you have a few people wanting tracks so let me know if you want more.


Happy Days

[joel0407]

Check out this mob:


https://youtu.be/NLe71YjrUkI

[Blknight.aus]

carpets pretty good on sand too.

[PhilipA]

The thing against the bridging ladders is they weigh a heap more than Maxtrax. One of the reasons I bought Maxtrax even though the bridging ladders are probably more useful as bridges for steps etc.
Regards Philip A

[weeds]

I have some FRP bridging ladder material.....agree they are heavier and defiantly need a set of glove to handle them.

I used them once at cooma as a car ramp....carried them around for ages but never used.....dragged them to Moreton recently when k was wore about towing the camper, they get used.

[AndrewMilne]

Anyway, my questions are really,
Are they actually any good?
What did we do before they were invented? (Old school sand ladders or milk crates)

In answer to that one, people probably used a shovel (an axe is handy. too).
And in my view, anyone who carries "recovery tracks" but no shovel probably deserves to stay stuck.

[DefenderSte]

Has anybody ever used the Aluminium type like the Military use well the British Army have attached to their Land Rovers..??

Are they any good...??

[landy]

I have a set of Max Trax but haven't used them in anger yet. I really want to get bogged to justify them!
I have however used the GRP bridging ladders/Waffle boards on Fraser and rate them highly. Great for so much more than just bogged in sand etc. but agree heavy and you have to wear gloves.