Offroad-Express

Maxtrax seem awfully popular in Oz, and waffle boards (sand ladders) seem very popular with Brits going to Africa. But of these self-recovery devices, which ones have people found more useful in NZ conditions? - e.g. mud more often than snow (I guess we all know we'll come across sand if we go to the beach, but not otherwise!). Has the bridging capability of waffle boards been found to be really useful? I'd really appreciate answers from loners, as in groups its a bit obvious that winching and snatching are most popular here.

Waffle boards are completely different from sand ladders.

Sand ladders are similar to the Maxtrax in that they are used to get traction in sand or muddy conditions. The maxtrax are probably better in mud but if you spin the wheels you quickly burn off the little 'spikes' that are supposed to aid traction.

Waffle boards is the name given to a type of bridging ladder in the UK because they look like waffles. These can actually take the weight of a vehicle over a deep ditch or provide a ramp to climb a bank etc where as the Maxtrax are not suitable and alloy sand ladders bend and buckle.

Because they are able to take the weight of a vehicle waffle boards are heavier than the other options. Alloy expensive so the sand ladders tend to be pricey as well. Both are not readily available within NZ although I know a at least one company that can source them if required.

Maxtrax are readily available within NZ and therefore the more common choice.

I have used all types in varying circumstances to varying degrees of success. Guess it comes down to where you intend to go. If all else fails assistance is usually close to hand within NZ and the recovery only costs 8k.

What do you drive?
1rugger uses a couple of steel ramps (x3) with tread plate on top that can lock together if I remember correctly.
He has a Hilux though so it is easier for him to toss them in the back than it would be for some dude with a 413.
Flick him a PM and I'm sure he will tell you the pros and cons.

Ralfie wrote: If all else fails assistance is usually close to hand within NZ and the recovery only costs 8k.

Cheap at twice the price..... That's never going to get old on here.

I would say waffle boards are much more useful as they can do everything a sand ladder or Maxtrax can do but they can also bridge you over a ditch and support the weight of the vehicle.

Only downside is they are heavier and take up more space.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motor ... 221351.htm

These seem light at 7.5kg each.
Dunno what the price is like compared to anything else tho.