Traction Boards & Recovery Boards
Traction boards, also called recovery boards or recovery tracks, are the first recovery tool worth buying. No anchor point, no second vehicle, no wiring: dig, wedge the board under the tire and drive out. We carry the full MAXTRAX lineup (MKII, XTREME, LITE and MINI), DV8 Offroad Xtract boards, OVS recovery ramps, and the mounts, leashes and bags that keep them ready on your rack.
Not sure which size fits your truck? The guide below compares every board, or call (920) 249-7744 and a real human will help.
Guides for this category
Traction Boards & Recovery Boards FAQs
Do traction boards actually work?
Yes. The teeth grip the tire while the board spreads the load over soft ground, turning wheel spin into forward motion. Sand and snow recoveries that would take an hour of digging often take five minutes.
What's the difference between traction boards and recovery boards?
Nothing. Traction boards, recovery boards, recovery tracks and sand ladders are all names for the same tool: a toothed board you wedge under a stuck tire to drive out.
MAXTRAX MKII or XTREME: which should I buy?
Both are 1150 mm long and rated to 4,500 kg. The MKII has nylon teeth and suits most trucks and overland builds. The XTREME has 88 alloy teeth you can replace in the field, so it's worth it for heavy rigs, frequent use or anyone who can't afford a worn board.
What size recovery board do I need for my vehicle?
Full-size trucks and loaded overland rigs should run MKII or XTREME boards. The LITE (895 mm, rated to 3,500 kg) fits smaller SUVs and lighter builds. The MINI (640 mm) is for small 4x4s and tight storage.
What are the best traction boards for snow?
Any quality nylon board works in snow, as long as it stays flexible in the cold. MAXTRAX uses an engineering-grade nylon built for that, and the MKII's length helps bridge packed ruts. Leash them so a board buried in snow doesn't get left behind.
How many boards do I need, two or four?
Two handles most situations. Four helps in deep sand, in mud where the whole truck sinks, and when you're bridging ruts or helping a buddy. Start with two and a set of leashes, and add a second pair if your terrain keeps asking for it.
Traction boards or a winch: which first?
Boards. They cost less, need no bumper or wiring, don't need an anchor point, and handle the common cases: sand, snow, mud and high-centering. Add a winch when your travel gets remote or solo, and keep the boards in the kit.
