Recovery Gear
Recovery gear that gets you unstuck from sand, mud and snow, from recovery boards to mounting pins, leashes and carry bags. Our range features Maxtrax, the recovery boards trusted by four-wheel drivers around the world.
Recovery boards give your tyres something to grip when you are bogged, and double as a shovel to clear sand or mud. Mount them securely on your roof platform with the right mounting brackets, and carry a spade for bigger digs.
See the boards in person at our Grey Lynn concept store, or order online for tracked delivery across New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions about recovery gear
What are recovery boards and how do they work?
Recovery boards, also called traction boards, are tough, flexible boards with cleated surfaces that you wedge under your tyres when you are stuck in sand, mud or snow. Your tyres grip the cleats instead of spinning, letting the vehicle drive itself out. They are one of the safest self-recovery tools, because they do not need another vehicle, a winch or a snatch strap, and they can be used again and again.
How do I use recovery boards properly?
Stop spinning your wheels as soon as you are stuck, then dig away sand or mud in front of the tyres that are bogged. Push the boards firmly under the front of the tyres at a shallow angle, select low range if you have it, and drive out slowly and steadily without spinning the wheels. Once you are free, keep going until you reach firm ground, then walk back for the boards.
Do I need one pair or two pairs of recovery boards?
One pair under the driving wheels that are stuck is enough for most recoveries, especially in a lighter vehicle or when you dig out properly first. Many experienced drivers carry two pairs, which lets them place boards under all four wheels in deep sand or soft mud, or leapfrog boards across a long soft section. For beach driving and remote trips, two pairs give extra confidence.
Should I lower my tyre pressures for sand driving?
Yes, lowering tyre pressures is one of the most effective ways to avoid getting stuck in sand. A softer tyre spreads out and floats over the sand rather than digging in. The right pressure depends on your vehicle, tyres and load, so follow guidance for your setup, drive slowly while aired down, and reinflate before returning to sealed roads. A tyre gauge and compressor are essential if you air down.
Can recovery boards be used as a shovel?
Yes, most recovery boards are shaped so one end works as a shovel for digging sand, mud or snow away from your tyres, which is usually the first step in any recovery. That saves carrying a separate spade on shorter trips, though a proper long-handled shovel is still handy for big digs. Wear gloves, as sand and grit make the boards rough on your hands.
How should I mount recovery boards on my vehicle?
Recovery boards are best mounted on a roof platform, rear carrier or side bracket using dedicated mounting pins or brackets that lock them in place. Mount them where you can reach them easily when you are stuck, as you will need them in a hurry. Lockable pins deter theft. Avoid carrying them loose inside the vehicle, where sand and mud spread everywhere and they can become a hazard in an accident.
What other recovery gear should I carry?
Alongside recovery boards, a basic kit includes a long-handled shovel, a tyre deflator and pressure gauge, a compressor, gloves and a first-aid kit. For trickier terrain, people add a rated snatch strap, soft shackles and rated recovery points fitted to the vehicle, along with training in how to use them safely. Travelling with another vehicle on remote tracks is always the safest option.