Expert Pick #06

Maxtrax MKII Recovery Boards.

Australian-designed recovery boards with engineered teeth that grip tires and terrain simultaneously — the original premium board that defined the category.

Maxtrax MKII Recovery Boards

The Verdict.

9.0/ 10

Gavler Meta-Score

Maxtrax MKII defined the premium recovery board category and remains among the best. The tooth design is engineered for tire interlock rather than simple grip, and the accessory ecosystem for external mounting is unmatched. At $279/pair, they're $20 less than ARB TRED Pro with the trade-off being no integrated leash system.

The Gavler Verdict

Precision Engineering

Engineered Tire-Interlock Teeth

Sized and spaced for common AT/MT tire patterns — board becomes tire extension rather than smooth surface.

UV-Stabilized Reinforced Nylon

Years of roof-rack sun exposure without brittleness — designed for permanent external mounting.

Widest Mounting Accessory Range

Roof rack, spare tire, wall mounts, and carrying bags — no custom fabrication needed for external carry.

Technical Specifications

MaterialUV-stabilized reinforced nylon
Length45 inches per board
Weight7.7 lbs per board
Load Rating4,000 lbs vehicle weight
IncludesPair (2 boards)

The Scoreboard

Expert Consensus90%
Community Rating91%

Category-defining product with the longest track record. Slightly lower expert scores than TRED Pro due to lack of leash system.

Cast Your Vote

Do you think Maxtrax MKII Recovery Boards deserves the #6 spot in Best Overlanding Recovery Gear?

Best Price Availability.

Prices checked April 2026

Global Critique

The board that created the category remains one of the best — Maxtrax's tooth design is the result of decades of iteration.

Overland Journal

Maxtrax mounting accessories make external carry trivially easy — no drilling, no fabrication.

Expedition Portal

The proven choice with the longest track record — your Maxtrax will outlast your vehicle.

GearJunkie