TRED recovery ramps

[mjmcdowell]

Ok...... so I saw these advertised and researched them saw some videos and read about them...... what's up, anyone have any experience with them? They seem like a affordable option to the "M" ones and the price seems reasonable and theycome in two lengths and all the colors. What say, anyone? mjmcdowell

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Some different opinions here:
Maxtrax vs TRED vs Tracmats vs X-Trax vs X-Jack

 

[X-plorenow]

I have a set and they are fantastic. They are a little firmer than the matrix so they can be used in a pinch as bridging ladders.

 

[BrianTN]

Has anyone used some ramps like these? Could be used as sand ladders, bridging ladders, ramps into bed of a truck, etc. And best part is they don't cost $300+ like Mantec or other brands.

 

[mjmcdowell]

Ramps.....

Has anyone used some ramps like these? Could be used as sand ladders, bridging ladders.
Brian, yes I made a set of bridging ladders from loading ramps. Mine look like ladders more than the ones you pictured tho. I have used them for crossing ditches and going up/down rock ledges here in the North East where I live. I never have had to use them as traction devices....... maybe next year on DE IV.... but then again that is why I bought the short TREDS for my Ford Ranger.....who knows. mjmcdowell

 

[BTC70]

BrianTN - look at the info on those

"750 pound Distributed load capacity per section"

This is why they're cheaper. I think you'd be hard pressed to find any 4x4 that isn't significantly in excess of those ramps' weight ratings.

 

[ADVrider76]

I have a set of the 1100 units and so far they are nice units. I would not want to use them as ramps except for something lighter, not the truck. They do work in the sand for added traction. I bought them after getting bogged down on the beach, but before I could use them with my worn out BFG A/T's I bought new tires and now don't bog down. I did try them paying around and they do seem to work well. I used them to get a front wheel drive car off the beach and they did the job. Worth having if you don't have a winch but still no substute to lockers and a winch.

Btw they are $150 from sierra expadition. I was able to get a blue set to match, just ask for a different color.

http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=12721

 

[whoshotjr]

I have a set of the 1100 units and so far they are nice units. I would not want to use them as ramps except for something lighter, not the truck. They do work in the sand for added traction. I bought them after getting bogged down on the beach, but before I could use them with my worn out BFG A/T's I bought new tires and now don't bog down. I did try them paying around and they do seem to work well. I used them to get a front wheel drive car off the beach and they did the job. Worth having if you don't have a winch but still no substute to lockers and a winch.

I've used the short and long TREDS and can confirm they do work in the sand, you do need to place them correctly under the tyres. Once they are placed correctly you'll find they work very well, unless you are high centred then a quick pull is often the quickest way out unless you want to do a lot of digging.

Depending on your vehicle the short boards may be easier to work with, particularly if used at the rear of the vehicle.

 

[TacoCreedmoor]

Does anyone have a recommendation for the 1100 vs the shorter 800 for a Taco? Just a weekend warrior. Not sure if the extra length is really necessary or not. It's only a $10 price difference, so not a big deal, so would like to get one that is tough enough for the truck, but I don't need to move heavy duty equipment/trailers/etc.

 

[Rattler]

I might pick up a pair of these. I think I would go for the 1100s for my Taco (2x cab).

 

[TacoCreedmoor]

I might pick up a pair of these. I think I would go for the 1100s for my Taco (2x cab).

Rattler, do you have any hesitation to possibly not being able to get the entire tread underneath the tire without hitting the truck? Meaning, if the tire is bogged down a bit, will the longer 1100's poke up into the truck too much? Or does it not really matter as you plan on digging out in front of the tire a bit so that it's more flat and sticks out the front of the truck?

 

[Rattler]

Rattler, do you have any hesitation to possibly not being able to get the entire tread underneath the tire without hitting the truck? Meaning, if the tire is bogged down a bit, will the longer 1100's poke up into the truck too much? Or does it not really matter as you plan on digging out in front of the tire a bit so that it's more flat and sticks out the front of the truck?

I am thinking the length would provide better floatation for a longer distance once up on it. Never thought about it poking up into the vehicle.

I may be able to source out some aluminum to use for them instead. Waiting to hear from a co-worker. . . . . .

 

[fireball]

Got to use my new TREDs for the first time yesterday out at Rausch Creek off road park. Still a good bit of snow on the ground and some slippery situations. They worked great! Very impressed with how they did. Was out with a stock 2nd gen 4R, a stock '14 JKU and my 6k# LC. Was able to provide lots of traction for the open diff 4R and give my LC a solid grip around some tight rocks and trees where it otherwise would've slid downhill because of the snowy lack of traction.

My only concern is that a good number of the "nibs" on the bottom broke off or are deformed. The ones on top which I think are the important ones are in good shape. Hopefully this isn't an issue. I'm headed down to VA in 2 weeks for a Bill Burke 4x4 class and will likely give them another solid test that weekend.

 

[Maverick1701]

I just saw these over on the sierra expeditions website....the thread about free shipping on orders of $100 brought me there.
They have them in all kinds of cool colors too.