Smittybuilt traction mats suck

[4Runner]

Bought the mats for 150$. Took them home and laid one on the curb and street to represent an angle. I stepped on it and bounced and it cracked. I weight 220. These are only meant to be used on flat surfaced. Buy the Max Trax, they flex. I am not happy.

 

[Mad Garden Gnome]

Sincerely, and redundant, aren't traction mats meant to only be used on flat surfaces? Do the Max Trax advertise for "ramp" ability?

 

[TxTerra]

im not sure of any traction mat that can double as a "bridging ladder". However, they should be able to withstand going up a curb. what would happen if you're on a incline and need the assistance? sorry, cant use them and use something else? doesnt that defeat the purpose of having something like this on board

 

[4Runner]

The max trax are used in situations where you need to bend and flex. Watching XO, they use them all the time and the bend and flex to ensure a proper ride. The smittybuilts do not have flex at all, almost as if they are made of a different compound.

 

[TxTerra]

are you familiar with the tred mats at all?

tred4x4.com

 

[4Runner]

I've never seen those, warranty must be nice! I will just use mine for sand and mud. I just got excited and wanted to test them out before I got stuck to see what they could do.

 

[Mad Garden Gnome]

im not sure of any traction mat that can double as a "bridging ladder". However, they should be able to withstand going up a curb. what would happen if you're on a incline and need the assistance? sorry, cant use them and use something else? doesnt that defeat the purpose of having something like this on board

Yes, they should be usable on an incline, but I do mean flat, not level. In other words, traveling through sand, inclined, you hit an extra soft spot. You dig in. You wedge the ramp under the front of your tires. Since you've dug in, the front of the ramp very well may be sticking up in the air, as your tire is down in a hole. As you role forward, wherever your tire is, and vehicle weight, the ramp is in contact with the ground. Not bridged over a gap.

Watch any Dakar race in it's entirety. You will see plenty of use.

 

[Mad Garden Gnome]

The max trax are used in situations where you need to bend and flex. Watching XO, they use them all the time and the bend and flex to ensure a proper ride. The smittybuilts do not have flex at all, almost as if they are made of a different compound.

XO?

 

[TxTerra]

im assuming its xpedition overland, am i correct @braden.d.locke

 

[Mad Garden Gnome]

XO?

[Facepalm]

 

[4Runner]

Yes Xpedition Overland. Great series, well the first one was. The second contained too much talking and not enough driving. Plus I am bias towards pines over cactus.

 

[Mad Garden Gnome]

I mostly read the forums. I will check out the series.

 

[4Runner]

Watch the first one in alaska. Its what made me want to start this new segment in my life of exploring.

 

[NorthStar96]

Its a really good documentary of the Overland experience. albeit they are well sponsored, and have all the top of the line gear, it makes one aware of the possibilities. I liked the pines of last season over, rather than the palms, of this season too.

 

[Mad Garden Gnome]

Okay. I got them confused with Expedition Portal. I shall watch tonight.

 

[Robert OB 33/48]

Well, I like them very much. Great filming and a good story. A bit too American for me. But hey, that is simply the case.
They do a really good reprensentation about Overlanding. It is not only rock crawling or mud diving, but seeing loads of new things.
I know for sure I will do Overlanding this year in Morocco, and yes, lots of interesting places to see, loads of new food and new people. And Ohw, there will be some driving too.

Greetings from Robert

 

[Mad Garden Gnome]

Back on the topic of recovery ramps.

 

[ShawnR]

Anyone have any thoughts, or know anything about this brand? I want Max Trax, but I'm on a budget.

 

[Philbobagginz]

I have the smitty builts, I didn't pay for them though, I won them in a raffle. I haven't needed to use them yet, so I hope they hold up when that time comes. I am looking into the TRED 800s just in case.

 

[roamingtimber]

Anyone have Tred's? I'm looking at a set of 800's. Price is great compared to maxtrax. Anyone have firsthand experience?