4×4 Recovery Tracks: What to Look For

Just like any recreational sporting activity, venturing into the wild is all about having fun. However, doing so requires staying safe, as the former can’t happen without the latter. To ensure you’re safe on your trip, you should, first of all, tell a friend or family member who isn’t going on said trip. You should also check the weather for the day, as well as any hazards like fire or a sandstorm. 

Be it camping or simply exploring the bush, you should always have water, a tyre inflator, communication devices (other than your phone) and gear that will help you or a friend out of a bog.

One of the most useful items you can carry in your 4WD recovery kit is a set of recovery tracks. Simple, lightweight and surprisingly effective, they can make the difference between a quick self-recovery and being stuck waiting hours for assistance. Knowing what to look for when buying them, and how to use them correctly will make your off-road adventures safer and far more enjoyable.

What to Look for in a Recovery Track

Size

The first and most important factor to consider with recovery tracks when it comes to compatibility is their size. You shouldn’t get long recovery boards that stick out of your small ute and vice versa. Make sure that your new 4×4 recovery tracks are able to provide about 70 cm of grip or more, depending on the size of your vehicle. 

Material

Plastic is your best friend when it comes to recovery boards as the polymer-based material is not prone to corrosion and it’s lightweight, too. No matter the size of the board, you should preferably go for one made of UV-resistant and high-strength plastic, such as glass-filled nylon and HDPE. You can also go for composite boards that mix different materials together, so you get a bit of everything. 

Surface

The surface of off-road recovery tracks has a pattern that helps provide your tyres with traction. The cleat pattern, as it’s also known, is usually comprised of either cleats or teeth that make for a stable surface for your vehicle to gain traction on. The more complex the pattern looks, usually, the better the grip level of the board.

Capacity

The only type of capacity you should keep in mind with 4×4 recovery tracks is their weight capacity. The weight of your vehicle should be supported by the board so that it doesn’t get damaged when it’s under it – check the board’s weight rating to avoid this.

Convenience

There are features that aren’t present on every traction board, but they are a good addition to it, making it a more complete package. Built-in handles help you handle the board more easily, while mounting brackets make it easier to store it on your vehicle. You can also go for boards with LED lights on them to make your recovery in the dark less daunting.

Using Recovery Tracks

Mud

When extracting your vehicle from muddy terrain, you should start by clearing out any excess mud in front of the tyres. This creates space for the board to be placed as close to the tyres as possible. The board should be clear of mud, and you should accelerate gradually onto it.

Sand

Sand recovery starts with the tyres themselves, as you need to set the pressure between 15 and 20 PSI. This will help the tyres grip the board better and turn in the sand without sinking further. Then place the boards either in front of or behind the tyres and slowly drive onto them so that they can lift your vehicle out of the sand.

Rocky Terrain

When stuck on a rocky patch of a path, you should first remove rocks that are in front or behind the tyres, mainly those that are pushed up against the tyres. Clear a path forward and place the boards in front/ behind the tyres and accelerate slowly so that the vehicle lifts itself out of the rocks.

Benefits of Recovery Tracks

Simplicity

The simple design of 4WD recovery tracks is what makes them easy to use. As long as you know what to do beforehand on different types of terrain and where to position the board for the best results, you are on the right path towards a successful and safe recovery.

Portability

While not all boards are made the same, even longer ones are still easy to carry around since they are made of light materials. You can rest assured, even with the largest board there is, you’ll still be able to do a swift recovery without it being at the expense of safety.

Cost-Effectiveness

You don’t get a 4×4 accessory that is more cost-effective for vehicle recovery than boards. They may cost more than other types of recovery gear, but their role in the recovery process makes them essential to it and therefore worth every penny.

Longevity

Since they’re made of plastic, off-road recovery tracks are able to last a long time, thus further solidifying their cost-effectiveness. Their longevity means you’re making an investment, not just purchasing a piece of plastic. As long as you use it and take care of it accordingly and don’t exceed its weight limit, you’re going to have it by your side for years to come.