Recovery boards turn solo extractions in sand/mud/snow into a five-minute job.
Traction recovery boards are molded composite ramps with aggressive lugs designed to slip under a stuck tire and provide grip in surfaces where the tire can't generate any. They've become standard kit for overland and beach driving. The genuine MaxTrax MkII is the original; X-Bull, GoTreads, and ARB TRED Pro are common alternatives ranging from budget to premium.
Mounting: typically on a roof rack with dedicated Quickfist or MaxTrax-brand mounts. Some XJ owners mount them flat on the inside of a swing-out tire carrier or against the rear cargo wall. Don't strap them against hot exhaust components.
Use: air down, clear the area in front of the tires, wedge the board under the contact patch with the leading edge in front, gently drive onto them. The lugs of cheap clones may shred under spinning tires — drive smoothly, not full-throttle.
| Part | Vendor | Est. price |
|---|---|---|
| MaxTrax MkII (pair) | MaxTrax | ~$300 |
| X-Bull recovery boards (pair) | X-Bull | ~$110 |
| ARB TRED Pro (pair) | ARB | ~$350 |
Written and maintained by an AZ wheeler and driveway wrencher. Always cross-reference your factory service manual — modifications affect vehicle safety and warranty. Work at your own risk.