STUCK IN THE SNOW! Do These $60 Recovery Boards (Traction Mats) Work??

My car (a RAV4) got stuck in some snow. I bought some super cheap recovery boards/traction mats (Yeeoy Traction Mats, which are basically Maxtrax clones) a month ago and get them out for the first time. Do they work? Are they any good??
** Here's the link to the boards: amzn.to/2XGUhDw
DATE FILMED: January 2021
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#recoveryboards #tractionmats #maxtraxclones

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks for watching! Here's the Amazon link to the recovery boards in this video: amzn.to/2XGUhDw

[@lindamcauley4728]

7777r

[@smashandburn1]

Pretty brave sending help away before you've even tested the boards

[@iykej6]

Right 🤣

[@hvega8199]

Lol yup that tundra could’ve pulled his moms suv out the snow easily.

[@turkey4957]

Nice of that guy in the Tundra to check on you just to be sure, always good to be safe when going by people stuck in conditions that could be bad without supplies and preparations.

[@SUVRVing]

I agree! I appreciated it, but I figured I'd be able to get out one way or another. I also had a shovel, kitty litter, a second set of smaller traction mats, etc.

[@wlacalle]

You may want to use your boards as a shovel to move some of the snow from behind your tires first, this will make it easier to climb out. 👍

[@SUVRVing]

👍

[@carpediem3044]

Great idea!

[@RicG.]

I think I would've asked that guy that offered help, to wait until I knew I could get out. But that's me. 😎

[@SUVRVing]

But then how would I have made a video out of it?? 😁

[@RicG.]

@@SUVRVing If that guy was willing to wait until you videotaped yourself trying to successfully get out, then you could've done it. I'm not criticizing you at all. I'm just more cautious........LOL. Have a great day Tristan. 😎

[@TheSunGoethDown]

It was nice to see someone offer help.

[@softroadingthewest]

Nice! I've been carrying these same boards for a couple of years but have yet to have an "opportunity" to try them out (not complaining, LOL). For as infrequently as I would use them, I just could not justify the expense of actual MaxTrax. Very reassuring to see these actually work when needed.

[@jerrymyahzcat]

I have 4 actual MaxTrax. Never used them but worth having the genuine item. Always carry as many boards as you have driven wheels and don’t leave them on your roof for years in the sun deteriorating as if you do they will crumble when you go to use them. Only carry them when needed.

[@douglasrykerd6266]

Thanks for the link, the price had actually gone down. Just ordered a pair as these will be so much easier to handle than my old PSP mats.

[@broadsword6650]

The advice I’ve seen is to use the board as a shovel to remove some snow from behind the wheel, so the board can be as level as possible and the wheel doesn’t have to climb up on to it. Then jam the lip of the board firmly under the wheel so it’s in solid contact but without tilting the board too much.

[@SUVRVing]

If the ground is flat, that's great. If the ground is sloping downward, you can't really position the board to be level. Thanks for watching.

[@computergroup256]

@@SUVRVing BroadSword means to have the board as parallel as is reasonably possible to the ground (or slope of the ground).

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

Abd don't stand BEHIND it, because people don't understand the concept of EASING it out. It'll wind up 20 feet behind you.

[@13Voodoobilly69]

@@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823I just floor it. If someone is in the way it’s their fault. 😄

[@annpettus1775]

Thanks -- Mine (Zesuper) came with no instructions or suggestions, so I need info like this!

[@kimipoo]

👏 i actually used my rugged suv mats (all rubber) to rescue a car from the beach..love from Texas..love your videos so helpful ☺

[@OspreyFlyer]

Good Idea! 👍

[@SUVRVing]

I've got those too 👍

[@dtmsolid1234]

I literally just got stuck this afternoon 😂 at G town

[@susans7091]

You have convinced me to get recovery boards! However, at 74, with the 4x4s I have had I have always managed to get out, even in snow in the mountains. But hey, they don't cost that much so it sounds like a good idea. I have been thinking about going to the southwest and I hear that sand there can also be a problem. And, since I have a terrible problem even staying on two tracks, they could certainly be helpful!

[@outsider1253]

I’ve come across your channel the other day and really enjoyed your content. I subscribed.

[@myotherlinefishing]

Dude! Like you and I both agreed upon on that other video of yours... totally worth it even if they only work once. 🙂🎉🍾. Glad you got out. Cheers!

[@dianahurt4398]

Perfect timing! Thank you!! I was just checking for an alternative to Max Trax. Although I really want a pair, I just can't justify the cost right now.

[@lynnef3297]

Glad they worked! 😀 And what a beautiful day !!

[@SUVRVing]

It really was! Thanks for watching, Lynne.

[@davidheflin5847]

My wife and I enjoy watching your channel! Great videos!

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks for watching, guys!

[@TheDenisedrake]

Thanks for showing us the process. We do a lot of off-roading and don't have those yet because the original are so expensive.

[@brianlanders5306]

Make your own out of scrap lumber, they don't have to be fancy, just something to get out of a bad situation.

[@robbiebgood5343]

Nice review -thanks

[@karlschreiber9286]

Good. Congratulations. About 40 years ago I drove a 4WD at the army. One time in a hard winter I sliddered in about four foot high snow out of the road. The officer besides me in fact my boss wasn't very amused about that. He did nothing except of screaming. Don't ask me how I get out of that stuff. But I got it after a while. 😥 Take care

[@SUVRVing]

Lol sounds like an experience you'd rather forget! Thanks Karl.

[@tinabeane]

Wonderful they worked!!!!

[@mawacal]

i travel in a van and never go anywhere without max tracks, tow strap and shackles. i learned the hard way. one day ill get a winch too!

[@WeOutHere]

Good to see they work, I bought the cheap ones as well but havent used them yet.

[@SUVRVing]

I never expected to use mine, but I'm glad I had them!

[@DazeeChild]

I just found you today and really liked your content (binged 6 videos). I am looking into buying a camping vehicle..new subbie

[@kevinshepler2314]

I recently bought the go-treads folding traction boards but no snow in south central Arizona to test them at the moment

[@thestylesworld]

Thanks for the video. I think there should be 4 pieces to put under each tire. If they make it with rubber coating, it'll increase the traction.

[@freedomdove]

Very nice of that guy to stop and ask if you needed help. 🙂

[@SUVRVing]

Agreed! People are generally friendly out in these parts.

[@richardmcfadden1587]

On that note, I'm 77 and disabled. Last June I blew a tire on a dirt road in the middle of nowhere in Utah. I live in Arkansas. I called AAA and was waiting when two men about my age stopped to see if I was OK. My car was loaded with camping gear. Despite all that, they unloaded my hear, got the spare, replaced the tire and reloaded the car. As a bonus they had me follow them to some petroglyphs. We live in a paranoid society. People are wonderful. It's a very small minority who are not.

[@carpediem3044]

@@richardmcfadden1587 Yes, I find most people (wherever you live in the world) are helpful in those situations, thankfully.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

Agree. Tho I'll walk and leave anyone there who won't hear the request to use L and go VERY VERY slow or ROCK the car out of the hole! I saw a kid trying this with a 70s huge sedan. Would. NOT. Listen...the world is in trouble. 0 verbal or reading comprehension today.

[@MillerTheOfficialGaming]

Great video

[@kshmu]

You need some Blizzak tires! But that's awesome it worked and that someone stopped to check on you. You don't see that often these days.

[@annpettus1775]

That's why I like living in Baja. Someone always helps!

[@jeffreywhitaker5154]

Niiice!! That was close. But nice save T. 👍🏾

[@SUVRVing]

Lol thanks!

[@mikesalas2683]

Thx for showing how to use boards

[@normaevett]

I've carried traction mats for about 40 years. I hardly ever need them but have loaned them to neighbors and when people were blocking my path. Mine are soft rubber with kind of like little bolts and washers in them. They're great!

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

I haven't seen anything like that, but I have it for my boots and they're brilliant. Both springs or screws will work. You have to grease them both and replace screws every season.

[@heavycream6682]

Pretty wild to see you've made camper out of my moms car! Hers is literally the same year and color with about 40k miles on it.

[@evilcam]

I am glad to see that these worked, and that someone pulled over to see if you needed their help. On that note, since you were unable to get out when the tracks were under the front wheel, are you considering buying another set of these so you have one for each wheel, if you ever find yourself in deeper or wetter snow?

[@SUVRVing]

Nah, I don't want to lug around 4 of those things. Thanks for watching!

[@nj4x4fever2]

Thanks for sharing, these are great for sand too. Guess how I know?

[@rorynelson7548]

That damn traction control will get ya

[@charlottewilson4680]

This was great.

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks! 😁

[@SkepticalRaptor]

I have a Nissan Rogue which is roughly equivalent to your SUV, though I think I have another inch or two of ground clearance. I went with Pirelli all terrain tires to deal with these situations, and I am very happy with it, although I may have spent $800 more for my tires than you did for those mats. You may want to consider investing in tires for this or your upcoming SUV (that you hinted at a few episodes ago). You are always off road and in some treacherous conditions, so the A/T tires may save your life, literally. I wish I had room for that mat, because I just know it would come in handy.

[@TriggermanEst91]

Up in the northeast you gotta know how to rock your vehicles momentum.

[@SUVRVing]

👍

[@kimsargeant8126]

That’s for sure. I had to rock out of a snow bank at an intersection that I slid through. When we were out, my four year old said, “do it again mommy.”

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

Too bad nobody listens. Either they think 4wd is the end all (amd defies physics, ie, stopping fast, which it doesn't) and don't listen when you say use L and gently ease it out. Then I go back in the friggin house and you're on your own.

[@tbotiOG]

Fyi, rav4’s are AWD and not 4wd, check TFL for a demo . There are pros and cons to both systems, but there function and purpose is very different.

[@debbiebrazzell9364]

I have gotten myself out of wintry situations using a bucket of ashes and truck floor mats many times

[@LeaveNoTrashBehind]

Dang you need to get some better tires on that little Rav4. Not hating on those at all, I think they're cool.

[@ronsmith1364]

thanks Tristan

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks for watching!

[@stevelabanauskas9947]

A trick somebody showed me years ago. If a wheel or wheels start to spin, gently apply the brake to stop the spinning, The non-spinning had better traction and may possibly pull the vehicle out of being stuck. It has worked for me in slightly stuck situations. It probably won't work if you're seriously stuck.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

Cat litter. Put salt in your summer cooler, heavily wrapped in a bag (s) and with silica so it doesn't turn into a brick in the cold. Along w heavy blanket or sleeping bag and water for both you and the car (distilled)

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

I was thinking a yoga mat might work if you're smart and understand what L is for on the transmission (to very gently ease it out). Spinning the wheels doesn't work, makes more ice and makes the whole thing a huge mess. The only way is to gently rock it out or ease it out. And have a serious iron shovel in there somewhere. Not those stupid plastic ones. Your granddad's ugly, rusty worn-out looking thing. Stash that in a contractor bag for just that occasion. Lol. Fits your foot perfectly for serious snow and ice moving. I have not tried the yoga mat. Sometimes the floor mats will work. Just don't try to bully it out and maybe. They make a nice ice walker thing for your boots w replaceable screw bits. They work nearly 100% of the time. Some have springs that also work if you remember to grease them every use. You'd think they'd use STAINLESS, but NOPE...(salt + metal=rust. Lol)

[@WillN2Go1]

Wow. Great video (How many videos about products like this is there someone standing behind a table talking... (REI)) I think I'll get some for my Tesla Model Y. Maxtraxs are the real deal... but these seem pretty close. (Are the orange ones the same as the black ones?? Amazon's listing says Poly for the orange and nothing for the black.... (typical Amazon BS)) Also do you think my Tesla Model Y would do as well as your RAV 4 in those conditions? (I took it out in the slushy snow and it did pretty good - but what I think all I really learned is that when you don't get stuck it's all kind of the same so no real information. )

[@andreawilhelm8207]

This was the most helpful video. I'm so glad you took the time to video this. You mention having 4 wheel drive when you tried putting them in the back - for those with FWD only, would putting them in the back not work at all, then?

[@escapeartist8581]

Yay!

[@lenward474]

Gotta hate fake 4wd. Bites you when you forget but runs great with traction off. Great real demo thanks.

[@SUVRVing]

I forgot all about turning traction off until I was editing the video and saw the tires not spin! Oh well, at least I'll remember to do it next time.

[@user-rr6eb2wi2l]

Nice! 👍🏻

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks!

[@michaelkostic233]

Add a folding shovel or use the boards to shovel some of the snow. They dont work as good, pointed up like that. Instead of climbing out your climbing up a small hill first to get out. :)

[@tquist61]

That's great! Years ago, when I was a college student delivering pizza late at night, I got my truck stuck (2wd) in the snow. The snow wasn't very deep, but the tires were just spinning, and I was going nowhere. There was no one around to help. The way I got myself out was to put the car in reverse, leave the driver's side door open, hop out and push my truck out of the snow while the tires were spinning slowly in reverse. As the truck started to break free, I ran around and hopped in - then drove away. Perhaps not one of the smartest things I've ever done, but (at least that time) it worked! Just don't tell my kids what I did!

[@richardb.7054]

Lol, I am definitely prone to being an idiot in these situations. I'll pick myself up a pair for sure. Ty

[@SUVRVing]

Better to have them and not need them than need them and not have them!

[@vagabondtom2969]

Thanks for the review 👍. What, no Michelin man pants ?

[@SUVRVing]

They were in the car! I brought them along for ice fishing but don't wear them when I'm just driving around 😁

[@shishkabobmiller2693]

I’m pretty sure that would’ve came out by just turning off the traction control.

[@Morongobill]

No these are not dishwashing gloves, they are pot and pan scrubbing gloves😉 Fantastic recovery, wonder how the traction mats would do in desert sand?

[@SUVRVing]

I think they'd do just as well in the sand. If I ever have the misfortune of testing that out, I'll let you know 😁

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

Or fooling around in the toilet tank...? They're excellent for that. Bluettes. Now made in Mexico and not nearly as great as the older US ones. Can't feel any cold.

[@solosaga5091]

"If you're prone to being an idiot..." Dang, if THAT'S the logic, I would need to buy the company, hahahaha.

[@WillN2Go1]

Wait, you heard that too? I thought it was my inner voice reminding me.

[@1ACL]

Do you have "chains" or some such? There are alot of new cute ones I wonder if they work.

[@SUVRVing]

Nope, I don't usually carry chains. Thanks for watching.

[@debbiebrazzell9364]

Chains are great for ice but don't help much in deep snow

[@liannaarchibald4591]

Surprised that the mats did not work under the front wheels. Still looked iffy.

[@NilDreams]

Just put them in my Amazon cart, thanks!They are $47.99 now.

[@threedogsandacamper503]

I carry a pair of these in my class c RV along with a small shovel....just in case.

[@SUVRVing]

You can never be too prepared, eh? Thanks for watching!

[@LaidBackPedalPusher]

!Yay! (

[@SUVRVing]

Lol thanks Mary!

[@crabbypadty393]

If that was an actual 4wd vehicle I think they would have worked both ways.

[@DavidUthmann]

I'm curious what the boards look like after use. Any wear or damage?

[@hs-bk4xx]

With that much wheel spin, I would say the studs would have been grinded significantly

[@JamesJReid]

bang!

[@SUVRVing]

Yep! Lol thanks for watching, James.

[@mindyschocolate]

Shouldn’t they be used under the tires that actually spin? Like front wheel drive the boards should be under the front tires, rear drive boards under rear tires?

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

Unless they're in 4wd.

[@arthursmith643]

Toss a jug of kitty litter in the trunk in winter. Makes excellent traction. Pour some in front and back of the wheels. Rock the car a bit if you must. Drive away. Its gritty and much better than sand.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

I thought to keep salt well wrapped in an old cooler for this. Of course, may not work if it's 0F, tho...a yoga mat might work, too. If you're very careful not to rip it and don't let anyone stand back there. It'll go flying if it doesn't grab right.

[@rayk.5833]

those boards saved you a ton of shoveling and time .

[@bobmoto3528]

Regular street tires on a 4WD capable vehicle is a mistake I see all the time. All terrain tire would prevent most issues.

[@1I2am3Dani4]

I have found proper winter tyres often outperform all-season AT tyres when used on snowy roads, offroad the situation is a bit different though.

[@bobmoto3528]

@@1I2am3Dani4 True, paved roads and winter tires are the best combination.

[@suzettecalleja3122]

Would you of needed them if you had taken traction control off first? Just curious for my own information. Thank you. I thought you did this just so you could try these out and do a video. Ha ha .

[@SUVRVing]

I think I still would have needed them, but I think there's a better chance that they would have worked when I first put them under the front tires. Thanks for watching!

[@brettrohlfingvideo]

2 years ago: $60. Today: $141. Brutal.

[@ReuvenEtzion]

I paid $300 for maxtrax and have never used them because I’m scared to ruin them 😏

[@dakashades]

As well as watching this channel SUV RVing I watch the Australian guy on Seek Adventure. I have a 4WD but I’m always worried about getting stuck somewhere on my own. He recently did a video comparing the Max Trax against the cheaper ones. I found it amazing what they can do with these recovery boards. He hasn’t used them in snow as we don’t get a lot here in Oz but I guess sand would be similar. I think I’ll get the Max Trax as they stack together better and are a little longer. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpysY6SGqMZsbKs

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

Lol. I'm sure Home Depot would have 8,500 things that would do the same thing for. next to nothing, tho. Even a small bit of wood with nails/screws very short on both sides (just enough to grab) would do it. Or springs. I'm not paying 300 for them. That's stupid af. Lol. I learned before they HAD FW drive. I can manage w an 81 Olds Cutlass like I did for years. Lol

[@bluelady214]

I still have a folding snow shovel and 2 sets of strap on chains from years ago. Take up less room, work better and cost less.

[@SUVRVing]

👍

[@FrankBarcenas]

You ripped the bottom part of your front facia off. It looks like it's dangling under the front after you pulled out.

[@SUVRVing]

Yep. It's been like that for years, long before this happened. Thanks for watching.

[@chelsea7229]

$5 in kitty litter will always be my staple.

[@chelsea7229]

@Frugal Family Living True! But a fold up shovel is part of my standard travel/camping kit, so there’s always one in the car:-)

[@donalddday7741]

never used when 4 wheeling my f-150 but did a couple of times in my semi it worked did not feel like chaining to go a few feet on ice

[@SUVRVing]

Oh don't worry, I've got that too!

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

@@chelsea7229 Ah, so you're not from a snow state, then...? You'll break a plastic shovel in .05 seconds where there's no BS snow. It's extremely heavy and half-frozen. You want the ugly iron one from your gramp's house. Works great. Just wrap it in a plastic bag (rust and water)

[@tarajane1334]

I didn’t think this would work bc of how big and clunky they are.. I’ve tried just your regular floor mats in your car and those work..

[@1ACL]

Yep I learned the hard way to never park or try to turn around if it entails going downwards into snow. If you can help it. Surprised 4WD didn't get you out. What's it for then?

[@SUVRVing]

4WD is not a magical cure-all elixir. There will be some situations where it can get you out and some where it can't. Thanks for watching.

[@donalddday7741]

just looked on amazon 47 dollars, plus shipping ?

[@SUVRVing]

Great 👍 Prices on Amazon do tend to fluctuate. Thanks for watching.

[@richardkeyes986]

Sure your not from 2C land?

[@mikele5306]

👍👍👍👍🍟

[@SUVRVing]

Thanks Mike 👍

[@rottieshepcalibre9156]

4WD or AWD? your RAV4

[@SUVRVing]

4WD

[@bobnelson4776]

Just tried mine. They didn't work at all.

[@arieschick1]

A Subaru CrossTrek and Recovery Boards will get you out

[@rupertsweetie9330]

Does anyone else think he should get a Jeep JLU Rubicon?

[@SUVRVing]

If you're buying, I'll take it!

[@stevehansen6792]

Great Video #1 Comment

[@SUVRVing]

👍

[@nizo6673]

Also u might wanna have a shovel in ur cargo box, you’ll thank me later👍🏽👍🏽

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

The heavy ugly iron one your granddad had. That's the one you want. It's perfect. Fits your foot and hands just beautifully. Plus, nobody wants to steal ugly stuff.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

A: if anazon reviews are any clue, probably not.

[@SUVRVing]

I’ve used them multiple times. They work great.

[@DeeMoback]

Carry some fertilizer

[@SUVRVing]

I have kitty litter.

[@DeeMoback]

@@SUVRVing yeah...that works....try some fertilizer.....but what could I possibly know.... we really enjoy the vids

[@Mspisascam]

Ps. Don't drive in snow when you're from California (just guessing)

[@jerrymyahzcat]

Pity the vehicle has a rubbish 4WD system. It can’t even drive the rear wheels when the front are spinning madly.

[@usmc2msu213]

You have AWD, but had you had 4 wheel drive, you’d been out without the boards. 😉

[@SUVRVing]

suvrving.com/4wd/

[@usmc2msu213]

@@SUVRVing I get that is says that on the back, but it is semantics. It’s an AWD system. Obviously it is not true four wheel drive as you cannot select high or low range. You also do not have a front differential, only a transfer case. For people that don’t know the difference, they would be confused as to why you would need traction boards for 6” of snow. Not trying to troll and I really love your videos. Just wanted to make it clear for viewers that there is a difference.

[@blueboats7530]

@@usmc2msu213 You are right, but between the product marketing and peoples' attention spans it's difficult to communicate. I hope people can focus on if it's "full time" there's going to be a traction problem in situations like this and they need to change the settings in the vehicle as Tristan showed in that text overlay.

[@usmc2msu213]

@@blueboats7530 true. My other thought after the fact...if someone has true 4x4, they already know. 👍🏻

[@lifeisgood7762]

@USMC 2MSU and @Blue boats... good info for the rest of us who may not know... I’m currently looking at AWD vehicles, so helpful to know I’ll need to take it out of traction control if I need it get out of trouble. Thanks for the insights!

[@Cowicide]

Link goes to boards that are over double the price of 60 dollar. :(

[@ocfilmsdotcom]

haha, of course they are going to work. The ones that sell for $400 are just paying for all of the marketing to convince you that you need them because they are better.. I don't fall for that. Besides, it's better to have something than nothing because it was too expensive to afford.