How To Use Recovery Tracks & Boards – Everything You Need to Know

Alright mate, recovery tracks are bloody ripper accessories for us off-road legends. They're pretty much a no-brainer when heading offroad. You never know when the sh*t will hit the fan, so it's vital to be ready with the correct equipment. One of the best things you could get is a recovery board, also known as a recovery device. Chuck a pair of these under your rig in a sticky situation and bam! You'll be back on the track in a flash. 

In this article, we're going to show you how to use those beaut recovery tracks. Beause let's be honest, it's all about getting them on right to keep yourself safe (and others around you) and avoid trashing your 4x4 in the meantime.

OK, let's get started.

TRED GT Recovery Device GREEN

What are Recovery Boards/Devices?

Recovery boards are like the secret weapon of off-roaders. They're these awesome contraptions that come in pairs and are designed to save your arse when you're stuck in a sticky situation. Picture them as big, sturdy planks with some serious grip.

So, when your wheels are spinning in loose or soft terrain, and it feels like you're going nowhere fast, these bad boys come to the rescue. You pop them under your wheels, and they work their magic. They dig in, providing extra traction and helping your tyres get a solid grip on the ground.

But that's not all. These boards also give your rig a bit of a boost. They lift it up, raising it out of dips, holes, or any other trouble you've managed to find yourself in. It's like they're sayin', "Hey, don't worry, mate, I gotcha covered!"

Oh, and did I mention they're a lifesaver in sand or mud? Yeah, when things get real slippery and you're afraid of your 4x4 turning into a sinking ship, these boards come to the rescue again. They offer some extra floatation, keeping your vehicle from getting bogged down and letting you cruise through that muddy mess like a legend.

We recommend the TRED range of recovery devices. The TRED GT in green is made for the traveler who wants to explore with confidence. Constructed using high-quality automotive-grade polypropylene, TRED GT delivers superior strength, impact resistance and durability. With a material formulation that performs all year round in ambient temperatures from 0°C to 55°C and a tough rigid design profile, TRED GT provides great reliability and performance in any off-road recovery situation. They come in a range of colours such as grey, red, black and blue.   

 SHOP the range of TRED Recovery Devices

How to use a Recovery Device?

Alright, let's run through the proper way to use those recovery boards. 

1. First things first, grab your trusty shovel and start clearing away the sand or mud from around the stuck wheels. Make sure you create a nice flat surface. It'll make inserting the boards easier and reduce the angle of attack.

2. Now, it's time to jam those recovery boards right under your wheels, pointing them in the direction you want go. But hold up! Before you do that, make sure all passengers and nosy onlookers are keeping a safe distance. We don't want anyone getting in the way of your epic escape.

3. Alright, engage that beastly 4WD mode and slowly mount the boards. Once your wheels catch some traction, feel free to increase the speed bit by bit. And off you go, leaving that sticky situation in your dust!

4. Once you've successfully escaped the clutches of trouble, don't forget to retrieve those trusty boards. They've done their job, so give them a pat on the back, or maybe just a quick wipe down.

5. Now, depending on the terrain, you might have to repeat these steps a few times, inching forward each time. But if you're lucky enough to nail it on the first go, stow those boards away safely. And hey, don't forget to give them a good clean later. It's best to keep your gear in top-notch condition, free from salt and debris. 

The TRED Pro is the gold standard of recovery boards designed for the serious adventurer who eats, sleeps, and breathes exploring. TRED Pro™ is the next generation of the world's most advanced all-in-one off-road vehicle recovery boards. It’s specifically designed to get your 4WD, ATV, and equipment out of seriously adventurous trouble when traction is lost in sand, mud or snow. Developed and manufactured in Australia, TRED Pro™ out-performs any other traction aid in the market allowing you to explore with confidence whatever the terrain.

Safety Tips

Alright, let's talk safety when it comes to using recovery boards.

First things first, throttle down, champ! Don't go revving your wheels like a madman. If you go too fast, you run the risk of your wheels jumping off the tracks and even wrecking the recovery boards. Take it slow and steady.

Now, here's a little tip: before you hop out of your vehicle, engage that trusty handbrake. Yeah, even if your 4x4's buried deep in the mud. It's easy to forget, but trust me, you don't want to be caught off guard and watch your wheels roll forward while you're trying to dig them out. Safety first!

Oh, and don't forget about your mates in the vehicle. Make sure they're all out of the vehciel and standing well clear of the action. When them wheels start spinning, they can kick up all sorts of debris like stones, twigs, and who knows what else flying through the air. Stand back and take care. 

Now, here's a nifty tip to make your life easier. Use the handy straps that come with the boards. They're there to help you out. When you're done with the boards and they're all submerged in the muck, those straps make it a breeze to recover them. Trust me, trying to find or free them without those straps can be like finding a needle in a haystack. Choosing a nice bright colour for your recovery boards can also make them easier to find in the mud or sand. 

TRED PRO Recovery Device in Red

Storage of Recovery Devices

OK, so if you've got yourself a top-notch roof rack, you're in luck because you can lock those boards down tight using the clamps that come with them. When it comes to getting the boards secured, you wanna make sure they are sitting nice and level, none of that wobbly business. Grab the fasteners that the manufacturer provides and attach those tracks to the roof. We don't want them twisting around. And hey, if you're running low on roof space, you can always stash those tracks inside your vehicle, or in your ute tray.

And here's a golden tip: don't go leaving your recovery tracks mounted and exposed to the harsh Aussie sun all the time. They ain't fans of UV rays, and they might just suffer some damage like cracking or fading. So, when you're cruising around the city, keep your tracks stored at home in the garage. 

The TRED HD is the ultimate recovery board for the off-road enthusiast whose trips demand exceptional quality gear. TRED HD is made from a high-quality custom blend engineered Nylon enabling high levels of flex while delivering superior strength and durability. The mix of elasticity and tough rigid design in the main body means that the TRED HD will maintain a high level of pressure on your tire to provide ultimate traction whilst still being able to take the flex from the vehicle’s weight on unstable and uneven ground. TRED HD’s special all-season formulation will aid you all year round in ambient temperatures from -15°C to 70°C.

How many devices do you recommend?

It's smart to have at least a pair of recovery tracks, but if you want be a true legend, go for four. Yeah, four tracks are the way to go!

Why, you ask? Well, having a stash of recovery tracks means you're ready for any situation that comes your way. When your rig's all bogged down, these babies can be a real lifesaver. They'll help you get back on track in no time, saving you from hours of frustration. We suggest getting different typres of recovery boards like 2 x TRED HD's and then 2 x TRED basic GT's. That way you have a choice of device to suit any situation.  

Now, here's another tip: if you're pulling a trailer, you might want to consider bringing along six tracks, because when you've got that extra load behind you, you want to make sure you've got all the traction you need to conquer any sticky situation.

Other Recovery Equipment

Some recovery devices come with a built-in shovel. But to be honest they can be more of pain than a pro. We suggest getting a separate, small shovel to keep in your truck and use that instead. 

Another handy tool to have in your arsenal is a tyre pressure gauge or some trusty tyre deflators. Depending on the terrain you're taking on, it might be a good idea to adjust your tyre pressure. Sometimes you will want to reduce the pressure to get some extra grip on the surface, and other times you might wanna pump them up a bit to tackle those rough tracks. It's all about finding that sweet spot for your vehicle.

Here are a few more recovery recommendations for you to consider:

1. Snatch Strap: This bad boy is like a superhero's cape for your vehicle. It's a heavy-duty, elastic strap designed to help pull you out of sticky situations. Just hook it up to a recovery point and let it do its magic.

2. Winch: Ah, the mighty winch! When you're well and truly stuck, a winch can save the day. It'll help you pull yourself out or even lend a hand to a mate in need.

3. Tree Trunk Protector: When nature becomes your ally, you wanna make sure you treat it right. A tree trunk protector is a thick, strong strap that wraps around a tree to protect it while you're winching yourself out. Keeping it green, my friend!

4. Portable Air Compressor: After all the fun in the dirt, it's time to get your tires back to their proper PSI. A portable air compressor will save the day, lettin' you inflate your tires and get back on the road in no time.

Conclusion

When you hit those off-road tracks, it's all about being prepared and having the right gear by your side. Whether it's the trusty recovery boards, the superhero snatch strap, or the mighty winch, these tools can turn a sticky situation into an epic adventure.

Remember, safety is paramount, so don't forget your tree trunk protector, and a sturdy pair of recovery gloves. And when it's time to hit the road again, a reliable portable air compressor will have your tyres pumped up and ready for action.

Being a true blue Aussie off-roader means being ready for anything that comes your way. So, assess your needs, know your terrain, and stock up on the gear that suits your style. With the right equipment in your arsenal, you'll tackle those boggy bogs, sandy dunes, and rocky trails like a legend.

Now, go out there, embrace the rugged beauty of this epic country, and create memories that'll last a lifetime. Stay safe, stay adventurous, and keep the spirit of off-roading alive. Cheers, mate!