Recovery traction mats on a budget

[osin]

Does anyone have a suggestion for a cheaper version of MaxTrax recovery traction mats?

I'm going to do some driving on the beach for the first time and I'm looking for some recovery mats, just in case. Does anyone have any experience with these or similar mats? http://amzn.to/2kluJrI

I think, I'll need 2 pairs, so the cheaper the better Keep in mind this is for casual sand or snow recovery. No mud.

Any suggestions are welcome

 

[e60ral]

I read a lot of good reviews for the X-Bull ones, including a video of somone using it as a ramp and it not breaking

I've ordered a set to try them out

 

[osin]

I read a lot of good reviews for the X-Bull ones, including a video of somone using it as a ramp and it not breaking

I've ordered a set to try them out

Thanks!
I saw that video as well X-Bull boards are on my radar as well.

 

[Bumbo]

I like these... got them off Amazon as well.

Good reviews too, and I've used twice and they are holding up fine. No signs of issues being in the sun either.

MAXSA Escaper Buddy Traction Mat (Set of 2) for Off-Road Mud, Sand, & Snow Vehicle Extraction Orange 20333

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AV2HONS/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[02gixxersix]

X-Bull is what I plan to buy as well. They get great reviews on Amazon.

 

[mgoblue]

old studded snowmobile tracks, work like a f'ing charm

 

[e60ral]

X-Bulls were just delivered, I did a quick test ramping up the curb and they did fine. looking forward to trying these on the trail.

 

[osin]

Thank you for all the replies.

For those interested, here is a video showing how "flexible" X-Bull boards are:
<iframe width="1280" height="720" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pkdhVcTNpBg" frameborder="0" gesture="media" allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>
jump to 6:40 minute mark

As it happens with all the gear these days, there are new knockoffs of XBull mats and are $10 cheaper: Offroad Boar but no reviews yet.

 

[Jetboy]

I have the Maxsa ones. They're perfect for looking very "overlandy" on my roof rack. And I have used them once ever - for making a flat sleeping area in the back of my 4runner on top of my gear. Upside down with a sleeping pad on them they can bridge your camping gear nicely. (Seriously I think they're as good as any other one, but they have had zero utility in any situation I've been other than using to get my camper leveled up.)

I have a second set I take on hardcore offroad trips. They're kinda hard to mount on the roof rack well, but they're great for the big obstacles! Also good for my street cred.

 

[jswilliams]

I'm having buffering issues but didn't the video show them doing allright? they didn't break or deform? I have these also but haven't needed them yet.

 

[miller507]

X-Bulls were just delivered, I did a quick test ramping up the curb and they did fine. looking forward to trying these on the trail.

what are you using to hold them down?

 

[4RN4FUN]

I ordered X-Bulls as well. Based on the reviews and cost comparison, it seemed to be a no brainer.

Mounted them up last night for an upcoming trip. I’m not sure if they’ll stay mounted full time or time.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[e60ral]

what are you using to hold them down?

threaded rod with a washer and wing nut, rubber strap to make sure they didn't vibrate

 

[joshuamiller]

Can you show what you used to mount?

What rubber strap did you use and what size wingnuts and bolt? Thank you!

 

[fng184r]

Save your money. It is a beach, just dont stop in the loose deep stuff.

 

[dade73]

I have a set of Xbulls and a set of Boar offroad. as far as I can tell, they are both the same. Boar offraod is just $5 cheaper on the mighty Amazon.

 

[anbbna]

I ordered X-Bulls as well. Based on the reviews and cost comparison, it seemed to be a no brainer.

Mounted them up last night for an upcoming trip. I’m not sure if they’ll stay mounted full time or time.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I like that roof rack. What brand/model is it?

 

[J.F. Sebastian]

Are these the same as the FieryRed products I'm seeing on Amazon? $100 for these sure beats $400 for Maxtrax...

 

[4RN4FUN]

I like that roof rack. What brand/model is it?

Thanks! It’s a Gobi no rise and I really like it.


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[mrblah]

I bought the x-bull boards and they have held up fine mounted on my vehicle 24/7. Not sure how durable they are, I've only used them once.


Only thing I don't like is they don't stack well at all...or don't stack nearly as nice as the maxtrax.


How I mounted mine to the roof rack are as follows x 4, in this exact order:

1 long carriage bolts
2 wide washers and 2 bolts to lock the carriage bolts to the rack
1 stainless steel standoffs that sit on the carriage bolts to keep the boards from vibrating or moving (can use electrical tape or rubber tubing).
1 nut that acts as a stop for the standoff
1 big washer to tighten the board down
1 more nut w/ plastic knob or 1 wing nut.
2 pistol locks (cable locks) to secure it from thieves.

you can find all of the above at home depot or ace hardware except for the: plastic knob w/ nut insert and the stainless standoffs, and the pistol locks (you can buy them at your sporting good store for all u non-pistol owning enthusiasts0