Recovery ramp for a bogged vehicle - opinions?

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Recovery ramp for a bogged vehicle - opinions?

bomurra · Veteran Member

Mike Harding wrote:
Thank you to all who replied and *especially* to the two respondents who actually answered my question.
I have done some more research and decided not to buy the Aldi offerings, I think their design is not the best for mud, which will be my major issue. The MaxTraxs (sp?) and similar designs do seem to be the best when it comes to pushing the mud away and giving the tyres a good surface upon which to grip so, I guess, I'll cough up the cash and buy a pair - I only hope that, like my winch, they are rarely used :)

Hi Mke,

You will not regret buying quality, "it doesn't cost, it pays dividends" should you need to use them.

You purchase them once then have them for many years to come.

Carrying these is like insurance, would you drive your car without it.

Also suggest a snatch strap, complete with appropriate shackles is a good carry.

Regards,

Bob

Whenarewethere · Guru

Another option. I don't have this product so can't actually comment on it.

https://www.bogout.com/?v=6cc98ba2045f

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

Whenarewethere wrote:
Another option. I don't have this product so can't actually comment on it.
https://www.bogout.com/?v=6cc98ba2045f

Problem with that is that it is only a couple of meters long. If you are not "out" by the time you reach the end, you will have great difficulty having a second go because the devise is all wrapped up around a bogged wheel.

Cheers,

Peter

Whenarewethere · Guru

Swings & roundabouts with all systems.

A civilized option would be a Discovery, raise wheels, put tracks under, lower wheels. You just need pockets with more depth!

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Well ? Just fit a Chev badge !! A good stake , rope , Jenny block, hand winch is another option ? I use a little momentum when driving in the first place to get me through . Get caught every so often with soft or very slippery conditions . I try these days to stay on at least metal roads . Due to my previous occupation block & tackle or hand winches ( mauls ) are second nature ! Preference is light, easy storage , multi use !

Craig1 · Guru

and of course, never ever let anyone try to recover you using the actual tow ball.

yobarr · Guru

Craig1 wrote:
and of course, never ever let anyone try to recover you using the actual tow ball.

Luckily,this towball hit the car.Drivers of the tow vehicle have been killed by flying towballs.Cheers

Gary and Barb · Senior Member

Look, ANY system that can get you out of trouble is valuable. Recovery tracks are another cheap and viable option and light to carry. If you never have to use them then good luck! Many in my 4X4 club have had winches for years and never used them in anger. If you do have a need for tracks or a winch, they are worth their weight in gold. All systems have shortcomings, including winches. I have a Hi Lift jack with winching chains to assist my cheapie recovery tracks (if needed). The jacks are also fraught, but their benefits are immense. Certainly take the advice to carry snatch straps and the standard recovery gear so that someone with a winch can help you. It's easy to say 'stay out of trouble', but the bush has all sorts of unexpected hazards.

Travel well

oxleigh · Veteran Member

In my Hillman Hunter days I made unbog mats from strips of the woven mesh off old bet frames, wider than the tyres and about 4 metres long, rolled up when not in use. I tied a long rope on each one, when in a bog situation placed under the rear wheels and unrolled ahead or behind the wheels depending which direction I was to get out, tie the rope to the bumper bar and go like mad, if it was a long muddy section we just kept going and the mats were dragged out behind the car so we did not have to stop and risk loosing momentum. I used them in the Subaru 4wd wagon as well and also a Ford Escort. I later devised a handbrake which was on a side to side pivot so I could put the rear brake on whichever rear wheel was spinning.

Had a million dollars worth of fun for about $2,000 worth of cars.

Sorry no pics, could not afford the film then.

Hairyone · Veteran Member

Gday,
I think you will find anyone who says they are no good, hasn't tried them. There are always other options like branches etc but if you start ripping the vegetation out of sand dunes these days you'll get in all sorts of trouble.....quite simply they work real well in lots of circumstances are light weight and not too expensive.
There are cheaper versions of the Maxtrax's which some might be ok, but the general consensus between the serious 4x4ers are spend the money on Maxtrax .....personally, I've got a set of the cheaper ones as they were given to me by my sons mate because the first time he used them, a few of the grip lugs broke off and he upgraded , but Im not using 33inch tyres and 500horses, so I reckon they'll get me out of trouble a few times......So in a nut shell if you go in areas where this type of recovery would work and you have the room, they're a great bit of gear....cheers

Hairyone · Veteran Member

Just looked at the Aldi ones in your link......no Idea on the quality and grip, bit the way the handles are set up they would make good shovels in the sand too.....

martio · Newbie

Hi Mike

Agree with others that these are indeed a great traction aid. Use mine heaps. These are my first option to gain traction before lowering pressures even further as my tyres are always down off sealed roads anyway. I find it a quick and easy option. A mud bag is handy to throw the tracks in when clogged up and makes them easy to get at when needed often carried inside the vehicle. (See some people climbing over vehicles taking ages to remove their security system for storing them) High vis ones are great to find afterwards and when in a bag won't offend some peoples sensibilities for wank factor. As with most 4wd without lockers if you lift a front wheel they are great to stack and quickly get traction.

Would advise to make sure no one is behind and go slow and easy on the pedal as even maxtrax treads can be stripped spinning wheels.Also saw a guy dropped like a shot steer when he walked behind and his mate gunned it. Spitting the track out and cracking him right in the kneecap.

They are also excellent as a quick levelling device to drive the van on either single or stacked.

Have fun!

StreetsAhead · Veteran Member

Great video on testing Maxtrax and cheap Ebay version, in real life scenario on the beautiful beaches here in WA.

This guy is fun to watch as well. Plenty of other helpful information in his other videos.

www.youtube.com/watch

StreetsAhead · Veteran Member

I only use mine occasionally and so only use the cheaper brand, not the expensive $300 maxtrax. Plus I had a pair stolen from my Ute so its not so hard on the pocket.

Check out this Video which is doing a real world test on the Maxtrax V some ebay ones. They are having a great time here in WA.

(1) Maxtrax vs Knock-Off Recovery Tracks (Ebay X Bull) - YouTube