Traction Mats - Recovery Tracks - Best for Campervan

RoboLB · Senior Member

Traction Mats - Recovery Tracks - Best for Campervan

Gaylehere · Guru

Don't over think things too much. We have the Merc in my avatar and the only thing we've ever used was a block of wood, tyre width by a foot long (30cm) which we've used twice that I can recall. Once on black soil when it had rained overnight (just to give a wheel something to grip on to get us rolling and once again to put under a tyre when we got the back in some sand. Hubby dug out a bit of sand with a shovel, put the block of wood down and that was all that was needed. We were a big disappointment to those wanting to watch some drama. Others will probably come along with advice though. Cheers.

Bobdown · Guru

Bloody hell Rob, you are like a virgin on his wedding night !! All these questions, you must lay awake at night thinking about all different scenarios with campervans............. smile smile smile

Hope you get your new one soon, then you can play with it all day. Forget the mats.

Cheers Bob

PS: Nothing wrong with asking questions and being prepared, I'll bet you can't wait to get out there, good on you.

PeterInSa · Guru

I have 2 Ramps mounted vertically on the rear on the drivers side step in our Sprinter and 1 at the rear of the passenger side step held in my Ockie straps.

Have used them as Recovery Boards once in the past as well as levelling Ramps when out Bush.

Similar:
www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/explore-explore-caravan-leveller-ramps-pair/220166.html

Whenarewethere · Guru

Grass issues

Are We Lost · Guru

I agree with not going for the ideal type of recovery solution unless you want to get a bit more adventurous. I have used small branches from trees to get out of difficult situations in the past. It is surprising what a difference a bit of bracken can make. In most cases, once you get moving you will be OK.

I used to travel with a couple of cheap doormats and planned to peg them down with tent pegs if needed. Never got to try my solution. But the doormats can perform double duty as ..... door mats, so nothing extra to take up room. Now that I remembered this, maybe I should get a couple.

Whenarewethere · Guru

Anaconda have 2 for $99 currently. I have them but to date haven't needed them but there are a few places I wouldn't have gone without the "insurance".

https://www.anacondastores.com/camping-hiking/4wd/recovery/dune-4wd-blue-recovery-boards/BP90161744-blue

-- Edited by Whenarewethere on Wednesday 27th of July 2022 06:09:21 PM

dabbler · Guru

Most solutions will take the same space as a pair of recovery boards and I'd find the space. Some recovery boards are close the strength and durability of Maxtrax but most aren't even close. (You get what you pay for.) Maxtrax and better alternatives can be use as shovels, ramps or bridges and Maxtrax are designed to be stacked. But if you're worried about wet grass and FWD then try reversing out or wait for the sun to appear. SCA, BCF, Anaconda all have member specials on recovery boards.

Whenarewethere · Guru

I got the cheap ones, better they break in use then chuck them out, rather than expensive ones sprouting legs & having none, unless you can lock them away.

RoboLB · Senior Member

Bobdown wrote:
Bloody hell Rob, you are like a virgin on his wedding night !! All these questions, you must lay awake at night thinking about all different scenarios with campervans.............
Hope you get your new one soon, then you can play with it all day. Forget the mats.
Cheers Bob
PS: Nothing wrong with asking questions and being prepared, I'll bet you can't wait to get out there, good on you.

LOL. Got to do something while I'm waiting..........

Shopping! biggrin

86GTS · Guru

It might be a good idea to carry a 4x4 snatch strap as well.
We always carry one on our travels.
We've used it to assist a front wheel drive motor home parked on wet grass overnight that couldn't get moving in the morning.
We've also pulled a Wicked Camper & a Holden Commodore Sports Wagon out of deep sand.
Both times NOT using the tow ball on our 4x4.ute.
It also helped a Holden Colorado to pull us out of deep sticky mud.
We wouldn't leave home without it.

Wannabe nomad · Senior Member

I have 2 maxtrax as insurance never needed them yet for me as I'm a newbie, but we got a campervan out if trouble stuck in sand at a fee camp in Jan, got em out in a jiffy.

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Prob better off with chains ? Better tyres for conditions ??

Optimark · Member

We travelled with a Mercedes Sprinter motorhome for over 10,000 km's on an extended trip. The Sprinter is rear wheel drive, but it did have issues on wet grass on a very gentle slope. The solution was to drop the air pressure right down, then they simply drove out. They couldn't believe the difference this simple step made.

While we were the ones with the compressor, another camper watching, mentioned that after seeing the traction difference, they were going to seriously look into getting an air compressor.

Having a compressor is also very good if you are travelling for extended periods on gravel roads; one can simply drop the air to an appropriate pressure, drive in relative comfort and your vehicle will thank you for the softer ride, then air up after the bitumen resumes.

That said, a pair of Maxtrax would be my go to solution, they are quick, really easy to store, and as a bonus, they work, and work, and keep on working.

Mick.

RoboLB · Senior Member

Optimark wrote:
We travelled with a Mercedes Sprinter motorhome for over 10,000 km's on an extended trip. The Sprinter is rear wheel drive, but it did have issues on wet grass on a very gentle slope. The solution was to drop the air pressure right down, then they simply drove out. They couldn't believe the difference this simple step made.

While we were the ones with the compressor, another camper watching, mentioned that after seeing the traction difference, they were going to seriously look into getting an air compressor.

Having a compressor is also very good if you are travelling for extended periods on gravel roads; one can simply drop the air to an appropriate pressure, drive in relative comfort and your vehicle will thank you for the softer ride, then air up after the bitumen resumes.

That said, a pair of Maxtrax would be my go to solution, they are quick, really easy to store, and as a bonus, they work, and work, and keep on working.

Mick.

Thanks Mick. Yes we have a decent air compressor.

And we'll probably throw in a pair of folding traction mats (like the Go treads) 'just in case'. They won't take up much space.

RoboLB · Senior Member

86GTS wrote:
It might be a good idea to carry a 4x4 snatch strap as well.
We always carry one on our travels.
We've used it to assist a front wheel drive motor home parked on wet grass overnight that couldn't get moving in the morning.
We've also pulled a Wicked Camper & a Holden Commodore Sports Wagon out of deep sand.
Both times NOT using the tow ball on our 4x4.ute.
It also helped a Holden Colorado to pull us out of deep sticky mud.
We wouldn't leave home without it.

Yes, good idea.

I have a snatch strap on order and a couple of soft shackles.

Did a bit of research on their use.

Some horrendous accidents using tow balls!

cobberdog · Senior Member

Dune

-- Edited by cobberdog on Sunday 31st of July 2022 05:57:14 PM

Mike Harding · Guru

RoboLB wrote:
.
I have a snatch strap on order and a couple of soft shackles.
Did a bit of research on their use.
Some horrendous accidents using tow balls!

If you use a snatch strap on a campervan or motorhome then on your own head be it.

Whenarewethere · Guru

Most surfaces all that is needed is a gentle easing off.

Are We Lost · Guru

Where is the strong point where you would attach such strap?

RoboLB · Senior Member

Mike Harding wrote:
RoboLB wrote:
.
I have a snatch strap on order and a couple of soft shackles.
Did a bit of research on their use.
Some horrendous accidents using tow balls!
If you use a snatch strap on a campervan or motorhome then on your own head be it.

It would have to be on a 'rated' towing/recovery point of course.

Mike Harding · Guru

RoboLB wrote:
It would have to be on a 'rated' towing/recovery point of course.

I apologise if I'm sounding grumpy about this... but that is because I was clear in my opinion in your 2/4WD post that snatch straps are the work of the devil.

So: please inform me how you will assess the forces likely to be imparted by a snatch strap in any given situation in order to make an accurate decision regarding whether your "rated" (what does that mean?) recovery point is adequate?

Throw the bloody snatch strap in the bin!

Possum3 · Guru

A tirfor winch is best for recovery or moving vehicles - it can be attached front or rear (even side) when needed stored in boot when not (unlike a fixed winch). Small ratchet winches can offer similar ease of use at a moderate cost, but they normally have limited length of travel so need to be used in conjunction with a rope/sling.
On 4WD Training Courses I use to demonstrate this recovery method using various anchor points ie. another vehicle, a tree, a star picket, the spare tyre may also be used if it is buried as an anchor.

Rarely does recovery become necessary if tyres are at correct pressures, and careful driving techniques are employed - simple branches and rocks may assist to traverse muddy areas.

Tirfor; www.ebay.com.au/itm/255606961905

Ratchet winch; www.ebay.com.au/itm/163093574596

RoboLB · Senior Member

Mike Harding wrote:
RoboLB wrote:
It would have to be on a 'rated' towing/recovery point of course.
I apologise if I'm sounding grumpy about this... but that is because I was clear in my opinion in your 2/4WD post that snatch straps are the work of the devil.
So: please inform me how you will assess the forces likely to be imparted by a snatch strap in any given situation in order to make an accurate decision regarding whether your "rated" (what does that mean?) recovery point is adequate?
Throw the bloody snatch strap in the bin!

Well, maybe I need to do some more research!

I have plenty of time.......

My understanding thus far, is that they are an accepted way of pulling a stuck vehicle out. If pulling is required.

In my case, we are highly unlikely to be 'that' stuck. We are not 4W driving.

However there is a small chance, being 2WD and FWD, as many have pointed out, that we could get bogged.

In such an instance I would at least like to have the means of getting unbogged.

So if calling upon someone for a tow, required different equipment, them I am all ears. But I am not finding other techniques this far in my research.

Perhaps I am missing something?

By all means call me ultra cautious, but I have spent a lifetime in a rather dangerous occupation, preparing for things that I hope will never happen, but taking some comfort, in at least being prepared.

It might be best if I stop posting these Newbie questions ......

RoboLB · Senior Member

Mike Harding wrote:
RoboLB wrote:
It would have to be on a 'rated' towing/recovery point of course.
I apologise if I'm sounding grumpy about this... but that is because I was clear in my opinion in your 2/4WD post that snatch straps are the work of the devil.
So: please inform me how you will assess the forces likely to be imparted by a snatch strap in any given situation in order to make an accurate decision regarding whether your "rated" (what does that mean?) recovery point is adequate?
Throw the bloody snatch strap in the bin!

Mike. I re-read the post you referred to.

OK, I get it. Tow straps not snatch straps. On a rated point as you highlight.

Yes, I did 'get' the shackles point. Lots of good advice about that around. (Missiles)

Are We Lost · Guru

Now that you have said tow straps, that is a lot better. The manufacturers of 4WD vehicles know that some owners are going to use snatch straps, so there is usually a bit more strength to cater for that. All you need is some smart driver who snatches you out with a bit more oomph than your vehicle can handle. That could ruin your plans for a long time.

But back to post #1, you said .....

"It's really just in case we get caught out on soggy grass campsites and stuff like that. Or a soft patch on an unsealed road or something. Nothing too serious."

I think some on here are overthinking your requirements and planning for a beach recovery or some typical 4WD only areas. Earlier I suggested you can do great things with branches, or my (never used) solution was two door mats with tent pegs holding them down. With over 50 years driving and camping before I got my 4WD I have never been stuck to the point I could not get myself free. One time in my Falcon, the wheels broke through the crust of a salt lake. I was by myself and it took a few hours but I was able to get myself out with no assistance, just with branches and bare hands.

Once you start using the vehicle, if you experience a few occasions when you have difficulty, then maybe look for a proper solution. In your case I would not carryrecovery tracks because space is precious.

Mike Harding · Guru

RoboLB wrote:
It might be best if I stop posting these Newbie questions ......

That's up to you but you have, quite reasonably, asked a fair few and that's what forums such as this are for, not only for you but the historical record provides information for others.

What frustrates me, and I assume others, is when we take the time to carefully respond and people just seem to ignore that advice. Not unnaturally one asks oneself "Why did I bother?"

As far as I know snatch straps were developed to aid sand recoveries and, in some ways, they are a workable idea for that very specific application. But consider: a vehicle stuck in sand is largely a known mass being extracted from a known situation, largely.

Now; put that same vehicle into a clay bog up to its axels and it is a *vastly* different situation with *vastly* different forces required to extract that vehicle as opposed to the sand.

Snatch straps are an all or nothing solution and if it doesn't work the first time I can almost guarantee you that the pull-er will drive at twice the speed the second time and so on until very bad things happen.

With tow straps, plasma rope and the like one gets a feel, a sense of what's happening and can back off if it seems appropriate.

I agree with Possum that a hand winch is best (but bloody hard work! :) ) - I have now sold mine as I felt the amount of use it would have with a caravan/car combination was not worth the weight and space it took. I do sometimes wonder if that was wise.

I suspect that if you use a snatch strap on a monocoque vehicle you'll likely tear the thing apart.

If you get stuck in a camper van it won't be because you were trying to cross the Davis High Plain it'll be because you've driven 5m too far into a bog hole and all you'll need is a gentle tow backwards a few metres and you'll be on the road again.

When I see a bog hole I don't like the look of I get out walk alongside it and poke it with a stick and if I still don't like it I turn around. Get out there, give it a try and if you get stuck once (and I doubt you will) buy a pair of Maxtrax.

Plain Truth · Guru

I wouldn't worry about a Tirfor,I still have got one in the shed,from the 1980',they are heavy take a lot of room and as Mike said they are hard work.

Once you get bogged a couple times you make sure to try to avoid having to use it.

For your use, a couple of the cheaper but reasonable quality type Max Trax are the go,still got to store them somewhere.

RoboLB · Senior Member

Mike Harding wrote:
RoboLB wrote:
It might be best if I stop posting these Newbie questions ......
That's up to you but you have, quite reasonably, asked a fair few and that's what forums such as this are for, not only for you but the historical record provides information for others.
What frustrates me, and I assume others, is when we take the time to carefully respond and people just seem to ignore that advice. Not unnaturally one asks oneself "Why did I bother?"
As far as I know snatch straps were developed to aid sand recoveries and, in some ways, they are a workable idea for that very specific application. But consider: a vehicle stuck in sand is largely a known mass being extracted from a known situation, largely.
Now; put that same vehicle into a clay bog up to its axels and it is a *vastly* different situation with *vastly* different forces required to extract that vehicle as opposed to the sand.
Snatch straps are an all or nothing solution and if it doesn't work the first time I can almost guarantee you that the pull-er will drive at twice the speed the second time and so on until very bad things happen.
With tow straps, plasma rope and the like one gets a feel, a sense of what's happening and can back off if it seems appropriate.
I agree with Possum that a hand winch is best (but bloody hard work! :) ) - I have now sold mine as I felt the amount of use it would have with a caravan/car combination was not worth the weight and space it took. I do sometimes wonder if that was wise.
I suspect that if you use a snatch strap on a monocoque vehicle you'll likely tear the thing apart.
If you get stuck in a camper van it won't be because you were trying to cross the Davis High Plain it'll be because you've driven 5m too far into a bog hole and all you'll need is a gentle tow backwards a few metres and you'll be on the road again.
When I see a bog hole I don't like the look of I get out walk alongside it and poke it with a stick and if I still don't like it I turn around. Get out there, give it a try and if you get stuck once (and I doubt you will) buy a pair of Maxtrax.

A good perspective Mike. thanks. Detailed answers are very much appreciated, but not always understood first time around. Thanks

lkyphl · Member

Two good sized hessian bags, half fill them with nearby dirt/sand whatever, roll the tops a couple of turns, put them in front of the driving wheels. They take up little space,

Phil