Prior to the promulgation of pre-made tracked recovery boards and winches - When bogged we would; Cut branches for traction, Cut and fold sides of milk crate, Use long handled shovel and dig wheel/s out, Collect and place rocks in mud to get traction.
All of these methodologies work, some require effort - I still use them. I'm not losing valuable space and carrying capacity to give recovery gear a ride around Australia.
Nowdays I rarely do any serious off-roading - but in case, when I do I carry a Tirfur/Come-along winch.

It is always preferable to; be aware where you are driving and avoid situations that could cause getting bogged - leave exploration to the young ones.

Let the air out of the tyres and slow down. 

If you are still struggling, let more air out and slow down some more.
Carry a shovel and a compressor.

Cheers,

Peter

Maybe you could also investigate "BOG Out recovery kit"?  Uses a flexible ladder device, fixed to something solid, to wrap around the vehicle tyres and then notionally drive out.

-- Edited by watsea on Saturday 4th of September 2021 10:44:41 AM

Hi Mike,

I bought a 4x4 Triton to NOT get bogged (LOL) and tow the van. Over the years Ive managed with a two wheel drive Ford Escort panel Van and as mentioned above a small spade and some sticks or car mat. But this has mostly been in Gippsland. For a while I had a small cheapo turfer but i was using the Ford Escort. It got me out of a few bogs. Still have it hanging in the garage. LOL

Ive recently been doing more trips and also in sandy country alone so felt I needed something. And I didnt want to add the weight of a winch. And you need an anchor point with them, not always available.

This was my solution, yet to be tested. I figure as Im conservative I will never get into strife. But good cheap insurance.

1. I always carry shackles and a good length of heavy rope.

2, Now always carry a small fold up shovel when I go away. (Aldi)

3. Purchased a set of light weight recovery tracks off Ebay. (see attached) I figure they only need to be used once to pay for them selves. So longevity is not an issue. I see there are even cheaper ones on Aliexpress.

4. Purchased an Aldi recovery strap when they had them.

5. For various reasons Id been thinking about a compressor. So bought a small Ozito, allowing me to reduce tyre pressure if needed. A bit slow but does the job. The lead was a bit short so you may need to extend it some how.

 

Edit: just checked and the ozito compressor I bought was twin cylinder.

 

 

-- Edited by oldbloke on Saturday 4th of September 2021 01:41:52 PM

I bought Max Trax some time ago and have used them several times myself and lots of times to help others out of unfortunate situations.    My experience is that the nylon devices are 20 times better than the plastic lookalike.     Max Trax are more expensive than the plastic alternatives but you only want recovery gear when you need it and you also want it to work.   The Max Trax are stiff enough and durable enough to use as levelling ramps so my kit is often used for more than simple recovery ramps.    One hint, I often leave the rear wheels of the ute on the Max Trax overnight.    Sometimes good traction over dew covered grass is a good thing first up in the morning. 

if you used them once an they worked, money well spent

Could only have been that bloody great aerial weight that bogged a 70 tojo

I have some of these, but have never seen fit to carry them as yet.
The point of difference is that they can be used to bridge a big hole. The plastic fantastics can not do that.

Cheers,

Peter

Where have I seen that stuff?

I,don't see the point in buying the best/dearest. Let's face it, unless your into full on 4x4 you don't need a he'll of a lot, mainly common sense.

"Hi Peter.Presumably you know that the genuine Maxtraxx can bridge drains? Max capacity is 3500kg.Cheers"

Why would there be that much weight on each wheel? What does the average Ute weight?

 

 

 

Edit:

Average loaded Ute is 3000kg. Div by 4 is 750kg

 

Yeh  walkway material. Lol

-- Edited by oldbloke on Saturday 4th of September 2021 08:42:32 PM

There used to be an unwritten law in Darwin in the early 70s.
Use 4wd HI ratio, perhaps down to 3rd gear LO ratio to get you into the good spots, but keep the rest to get you out!! Otherwise you have lost the plot & may have to wait for some obliging person to assist in recovery. And in tidal areas, you may be kissing your vehicle goodbye!

Warren-Pat_01 wrote:

---

There used to be an unwritten law in Darwin in the early 70s.
Use 4wd HI ratio, perhaps down to 3rd gear LO ratio to get you into the good spots, but keep the rest to get you out!! Otherwise you have lost the plot & may have to wait for some obliging person to assist in recovery. And in tidal areas, you may be kissing your vehicle goodbye!

---

 I know lots of places that law would never work 

I have 4 sand tracks. Never used them for their intended purpose. 6m tow rope & 20m extension from ARB.

 

Have used the tow rope once to remove a bogged truck with 3 tonnes of roof tiles (they said they will buy their own tow rope after that experience).

 

A few times have been on soft dry sand tracks, then let tyres down a bit more & continued without issues.

 

We wouldn't have driven where we did without the "insurance" of sand tracks & tow ropes.

 

I bought the Anaconda tracks for $99pr, if they break or get stolen so be it. Also bought 2 shovels on special to get an extra extension piece to increase overall length from 820 to 1100mm. So in effect I have spare ends!

 

I personally prefer the neutral colour of sand tracks. I don't need advertising on the car.