I'm seeking opinions as to the value of plastic 4WD recovery ramps, they look good in theory but I wonder how well (or not) they work in reality in mud and/or sand. Since I bought the caravan and no longer visit serious 4WD locations I sold my winch but I still travel in forests and out the way places so any aid to recovery if bogged will be welcome.
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.
Santa said
09:07 AM Sep 4, 2021
Morning Mike, I've spent a lot of time in sand hill country northern SA, like possum long handled shovel and cut branches always got us out of trouble.
At the first sign of bogging down, stop, don't dig yourself in, have seen so many keep spinning the wheels until down to the sill panels, then your completely stuffed and wont get out with out help.
Reckon Possum has it right "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."
I'm too old to be messing with those problems now.
I wouldn't bother with the ramps, just something else to carry.
Peter_n_Margaret said
09:41 AM Sep 4, 2021
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
Jacksa said
10:05 AM Sep 4, 2021
The recovery tracks have helped me often, and recently saved two vehicles from being taken by the high tide. If you go on sand, spend the money.
Cheers
Jacob
watsea said
10:42 AM Sep 4, 2021
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
PeterInSa said
10:42 AM Sep 4, 2021
We go bush, sometimes in wet weather and have recovery tracks as back up to the winch.
Have these below at $99 a pair ( tan colour but not the best colour in my opinion), not as long as some:
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
Since I have come back to a 2 wheel drive, their was a situation recentl, where I had wheel slip, and I could have been caught out. So have ordered a bullbar to be made, that is aluminium and has a winch capability, and got some cheapo maxtrax. I used to carry ply with ridges made of timber glued and screwed, on them, back in the old days of 2wd driving, so what I will have for my future trips, with these add on's, should help me out. My wife got us in the pickle as I warned her it is not a 4 wd but, she was confident, but, no, we were almost caught up on a gully. I just managed to rock it, yes in an automatic, and got us out.
Izabarack said
02:17 PM Sep 4, 2021
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.
Possum3 said
02:47 PM Sep 4, 2021
Izabarack wrote:
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.
That would be a good idea for Front Wheel Drive Motorhomes (Fiat, etc.)
dogbox said
03:07 PM Sep 4, 2021
if you used them once an they worked, money well spent
Peter_n_Margaret said
03:32 PM Sep 4, 2021
Personally, I think that they are a bit of a "fashion" option. I doubt they do anything that can not also be done with tyre pressure reductions and since anyone going bush MUST carry a compressor, they are just something else to carry. And of course they MUST be in bright colours so everyone knows you have them.
Came across this bloke stuck to the floor in a river in Kakadu recently. He had exhausted the options of shovel plus his 4 recovery boards so made a $200 donation to the RFDS for us to winch him out.
The other useful devise to carry, especially if travelling with someone else is a snatch strap, buy LEARN THE DANGERS and how to use one.
Could only have been that bloody great aerial weight that bogged a 70 tojo
dogbox said
05:12 PM Sep 4, 2021
the bright colours are a must not so much as so everyone knows you have them, but makes them easier to find when they are buried in the mud
Peter_n_Margaret said
05:25 PM Sep 4, 2021
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.
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
Hi Peter.Presumably you know that the genuine Maxtraxx can bridge drains? Max capacity is 3500kg.Cheers
-- Edited by yobarr on Saturday 4th of September 2021 06:30:07 PM
oldbloke said
07:32 PM Sep 4, 2021
Where have I seen that stuff?
Aus-Kiwi said
07:34 PM Sep 4, 2021
Can fit old rim on outside wheel . Adapting to studs . Then good rope to pull / winch you out ! Tied from rim to tree etc .
oldbloke said
07:40 PM Sep 4, 2021
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.
Peter_n_Margaret said
07:51 PM Sep 4, 2021
yobarr wrote:
Hi Peter.Presumably you know that the genuine Maxtraxx can bridge drains? Max capacity is 3500kg.Cheers
I can not imagine them bridging anything very wide without stacking several on top of each other and that quickly becomes unstable.
The stuff I have is fibreglass walkway material. Get some from a scrap yard and cut it to any length or width you want.
There is about 1.8T on that piece.
Cheers,
Peter
oldbloke said
07:52 PM Sep 4, 2021
"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
JackoFJR said
12:10 AM Sep 5, 2021
( Hi Peter. Presumably you know that the genuine Maxtraxx can bridge drains? Max capacity is 3500kg.Cheers )
A single Maxtraxx will not bridge a hole or a drain unless you have enough to be able to stack .
I have some the same as Peter they can be used as a ramp , bridge .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdcFwUVSTFI
-- Edited by JackoFJR on Sunday 5th of September 2021 12:20:10 AM
Warren-Pat_01 said
11:49 PM Sep 5, 2021
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!
Peter_n_Margaret said
09:25 AM Sep 6, 2021
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!
Na...
Can not even drive across the Simpson (or many other places) using that "law".
Tidal areas must be treated with great respect however.
Cheers,
Peter
JackoFJR said
12:41 PM Sep 6, 2021
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
Mike Harding said
03:03 PM Sep 6, 2021
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 :)
Whenarewethere said
03:20 PM Sep 6, 2021
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.
rgren2 said
05:34 PM Sep 6, 2021
Mike Harding wrote:
I'm seeking opinions as to the value of plastic 4WD recovery ramps, they look good in theory but I wonder how well (or not) they work in reality in mud and/or sand. Since I bought the caravan and no longer visit serious 4WD locations I sold my winch but I still travel in forests and out the way places so any aid to recovery if bogged will be welcome.
I'm seeking opinions as to the value of plastic 4WD recovery ramps, they look good in theory but I wonder how well (or not) they work in reality in mud and/or sand. Since I bought the caravan and no longer visit serious 4WD locations I sold my winch but I still travel in forests and out the way places so any aid to recovery if bogged will be welcome.
Aldi have a pair on special for $129 today:
Aldi recovery ramps
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.
Morning Mike, I've spent a lot of time in sand hill country northern SA, like possum long handled shovel and cut branches always got us out of trouble.
At the first sign of bogging down, stop, don't dig yourself in, have seen so many keep spinning the wheels until down to the sill panels, then your completely stuffed and wont get out with out help.
Reckon Possum has it right "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."
I'm too old to be messing with those problems now.
I wouldn't bother with the ramps, just something else to carry.
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
Cheers
Jacob
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
Have these below at $99 a pair ( tan colour but not the best colour in my opinion), not as long as some:
www.anacondastores.com/camping-hiking/4wd/recovery/dune-4wd-black-recovery-boards/BP90161743
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.
That would be a good idea for Front Wheel Drive Motorhomes (Fiat, etc.)
Personally, I think that they are a bit of a "fashion" option. I doubt they do anything that can not also be done with tyre pressure reductions and since anyone going bush MUST carry a compressor, they are just something else to carry.
And of course they MUST be in bright colours so everyone knows you have them.
Came across this bloke stuck to the floor in a river in Kakadu recently. He had exhausted the options of shovel plus his 4 recovery boards so made a $200 donation to the RFDS for us to winch him out.
The other useful devise to carry, especially if travelling with someone else is a snatch strap, buy LEARN THE DANGERS and how to use one.
Cheers,
Peter
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
Hi Peter.Presumably you know that the genuine Maxtraxx can bridge drains? Max capacity is 3500kg.Cheers
-- Edited by yobarr on Saturday 4th of September 2021 06:30:07 PM
I can not imagine them bridging anything very wide without stacking several on top of each other and that quickly becomes unstable.
The stuff I have is fibreglass walkway material. Get some from a scrap yard and cut it to any length or width you want.
There is about 1.8T on that piece.
Cheers,
Peter
"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
( Hi Peter. Presumably you know that the genuine Maxtraxx can bridge drains? Max capacity is 3500kg.Cheers )
A single Maxtraxx will not bridge a hole or a drain unless you have enough to be able to stack .
I have some the same as Peter they can be used as a ramp , bridge .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdcFwUVSTFI
-- Edited by JackoFJR on Sunday 5th of September 2021 12:20:10 AM
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!
Na...
Can not even drive across the Simpson (or many other places) using that "law".
Tidal areas must be treated with great respect however.
Cheers,
Peter
I know lots of places that law would never work
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 :)
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.
Dare say they are sold out now.
Here is another option.
plastic mud chains - Bing
Cheers,
Peter