Maxtrax

[flyingwil]

Do they have a weight limit ?

Not that is published by the manufacturer.

According to MAXTRAX: "The MAXTRAX are designed for standard 4x4's of around 3500kg, however we know of a few customers who have used them successfully in sand on expedition trucks (Hinos and Fusos) weighing in excess of 6000kg.

We've tested MAXTRAX with very heavily laden Toyota LandCruisers, Nissan Patrols, and even a 5 tonne Coaster bus with no problems. The type of heavy duty polymer used in MAXTRAX is the same material used in modern roof rack systems, automatic weapons, military knives and vehicle components so it's super tough!"

Can they be used as crossings and as a mini-ladder to bridge a gap uphill/downhill ?

Unfortunately no, they are not designed to be used as a ladder.

And what does the bottom shape/grips looks like ?

The bottom looks very similar to the top. I"ll see if I can run out and get a picture for you tomorrow. I'll post it up as soon as I take the picture.

 

[flyingwil]

And what does the bottom shape/grips looks like ?

Here is a picture of the back portion of the MAXTRAX:

Sorry for the bad lighting. The set on the right is showing the bottom, where the set on the left is showing the top. In testing the bottom provided enough grip in snow, ice, mud, sand, rocks, and sand.

 

[FlyNdrive]

I had an opportunity to meet with Brad McCarthy of MAXTRAX yesterday. He told me the story about how he designed them and the time he got stuck that got the idea going.

He was up on Cape York QLD when he got stuck in powder sand. He spent the next 6 hours recovering the vehicle and when the tide came in he started salvaging everything he could from the vehicle. When he got back he came up with several designs for the product with adding the shovel side spikes and than contacted plastics companies about composite materials. He tried many plastics compositions for just the right balance of for strength. He said that they are strong enough to stack 2 together and use as a bridging ladder.

I got 2 sets of the Black MAXTRAX. Brad made the orange color so they could be seen better, but the black is the most UV stable color, but look out for the soon to be released pink MAXTRAX for the Kim McGrath Breast Cancer Foundation. I think they will be OZ release only though.

-Ben

 

[winch wench]

is one of those sets mine???

:victory:

 

[Willman]

I had an opportunity to meet with Brad McCarthy of MAXTRAX yesterday. He told me the story about how he designed them and the time he got stuck that got the idea going.

He was up on Cape York QLD when he got stuck in powder sand. He spent the next 6 hours recovering the vehicle and when the tide came in he started salvaging everything he could from the vehicle. When he got back he came up with several designs for the product with adding the shovel side spikes and than contacted plastics companies about composite materials. He tried many plastics compositions for just the right balance of for strength. He said that they are strong enough to stack 2 together and use as a bridging ladder.

I got 2 sets of the Black MAXTRAX. Brad made the orange color so they could be seen better, but the black is the most UV stable color, but look out for the soon to be released pink MAXTRAX for the Kim McGrath Breast Cancer Foundation. I think they will be OZ release only though.

-Ben

Nice reporting Ben!

They are on my list after i get my Pull-Pal!

Looks like getting 2 sets is key here.

The black color looks cool.....but i think the Orange color would be better to see after the recovery has been done....Don't want to lose these bad boys!

:ylsmoke:

 

[Superu]

Hey Wil.

Just curious, besides the obvious weight savings, what makes these that much better in terms of performance than aluminum sand ladders?

 

[FlyNdrive]

Nice reporting Ben!

They are on my list after i get my Pull-Pal!

Looks like getting 2 sets is key here.

The black color looks cool.....but i think the Orange color would be better to see after the recovery has been done....Don't want to lose these bad boys!

:ylsmoke:

Thanks for reminding me I need to get the PulPall before the free shipping ends at Sierra Expeditions. remember me Wil if I get back from OZ too late.

Matt (LiveFreeAndRoam) has actually lost one in Cape York, QLD. After an hour of searching he gave up. I told him to tie a string to them and tie a flag to it, so the flag can remain clear and you just have to pull the string.

We head out to Birdsville and the Simpson Desert, so I'm sure we will put the MAXTRAX to good use.

-Ben

 

[flyingwil]

Hey Wil.

Just curious, besides the obvious weight savings, what makes these that much better in terms of performance than aluminum sand ladders?

If you look at those in the picture above, you can see that they do not provide the grip required in wet or slippery conditions. The MAXTRAX design allows for grip to the tires in ALL weather and environmental conditions, providing the well needed traction allowing you to recover. A good example off the top of my head would be a wet recovery going uphill, where traction is the key to recovery, the design of the MAXTRAX would not be an issue, where I think the Aluminum Ladders may present a traction issue. I honestly have not used them, and am only judging by the pictures.

 

[FlyNdrive]

I can vouch for the MAXTRAX. I just crossed the Simpson Desert with no other recovery gear other than 2 sets of MAXTERAX and they were put well to use on all 4 vehicles including one pulling a camper.

They are Fair Dinkum!

-Ben

 

[flyingwil]

Free shipping to cont us for a limited time!

 

[Pskhaat]

FWIW, Wil is confident maxtrax would have helped me in this situation:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=432541

I need to consider how to mount 'em.

 

[flyingwil]

FWIW, Wil is confident maxtrax would have helped me in this situation:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=432541

I need to consider how to mount 'em.

They fit pretty nice under the RTT on my truck. When stacked the holes line up nicely allowing for easier configuration of mounting solutions.

 

[Pskhaat]

I'm curious if I could fab something up in replacement of the wind deflector on the LCs. Wonder if that would hold it...

 

[flyingwil]

I'm curious if I could fab something up in replacement of the wind deflector on the LCs. Wonder if that would hold it...

That'd be pretty cool. Maybe you can, and still have both like an "L" bracket of some sort. I'd be curious to hear if the shape of the MAXTRAX would cause wind noise.

 

[corbin8or]

I can make something for you Scott... we can talk when we finally get together for troopy seat brackets. ha ha ha:wings: