FAQ

G'day and thanks for checking out MAXTRAX FAQs. Below are the most common questions asked of MAXTRAX. If you have questions that aren't answered here, contact us and let us know. We'll send back a reply and add your question to MAXTRAX FAQs.

Q: How do you make MAXTRAX?

A: MAXTRAX are injection moulded in Sydney Australia from high quality engineering-grade reinforced polymer (Nylon), renowned for its strength, toughness and resistance to harsh environments.

Q: I have a pair of the original MAXTRAX. Will they stack neatly with the new MKII MAXTRAX?

A: Sorry, no. The new MKII MAXTRAX are an improved design on the original. We used a lot of customer feedback in developing the new design for the MKII and added improvements and features such as more teeth (now 88) for even better grip, 3 longitudinal beams (instead of 2) for added strength and changed the circular holes in the 'corners' into keyholes to fit the new mounting pins and linking straps.

Q: I have the original MAXTRAX. Will the new Mounting Pins and Linking Straps work with them?

A: Sorry, no. The new MKII's have keyholes holes in the 'corners' (rather than circular holes) to fit the new mounting pins and linking straps.

Q: Does MAXTRAX work in mud?

A: MAXTRAX works in all kinds of terrain including sand, snow, and mud.

Q: How well does MAXTRAX work in snow?

A: We have tested MAXTRAX in 'hub deep' Australian snow, and they worked a treat providing great traction.

Q: Is it dangerous to use MAXTRAX?

A: Our main focus during the development of MAXTRAX was to produce a vehicle recovery device that makes extracting a bogged vehicle a very safe procedure. There are no highly stressed components or massive forces involved in a MAXTRAX vehicle recovery; it all happens at a gentle pace.

Q: What size vehicle can they cope with?

A: 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.

Q: They're only plastic! Won't MAXTRAX just snap?

A: 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!

Q: How heavy are MAXTRAX?

A: MAXTRAX are sold in pairs. Each individual MAXTRAX weighs just 3.8 kilograms (8.4 pounds).

Q: How big are they?

A: Each MAXTRAX unit is 115 cm (3.77') long, 33 cm (13") wide and 7cm (3") high.

Q: Are they are stackable?

A: Yes, MAXTRAX fit snugly together. Two stacked MAXTRAX are just 8.5 cm (3.3") high; four are only 11.5 cm (4.6") high.

Q: How do I carry MAXTRAX in my vehicle?

A: MAXTRAX can be stored inside your vehicle in our heavy-duty PVC vinyl carry bag (fits two sets of MAXTRAX) or outside tied to a rear spare wheel or fixed to your roof rack bars using our new MAXTRAX Mounting Pin Set.

Q: How do we pack up MAXTRAX once we're out of the bog?

A: With MAXTRAX its simply a matter of pulling them out of the sand or mud, giving a shake or a bang on the ground to loosen the debris and chucking them into the carry bag or onto an external mounting bracket or roof rack.

Q: How long do MAXTRAX last?

A: We gave a set to the crew on the Manta Ray Barge at the southern end of Queensland's Fraser Island in March 2006 and they reckon they've recovered well over 200 vehicles with them since then. Although they're looking a lot worse for wear, they still work! Used properly, as per the instructions, MAXTRAX should last the average driver many recoveries.

Q: Will MAXTRAX work with my vehicle's tyre pattern?

A: MAXTRAX work with most common tyre tread patterns except low profile high performance road tyres. We recommend at least 'All Terrain' tyres as the greater the tread depth and the more aggressive the tread, the more effective MAXTRAX are.

Q: I tow an offroad camper trailer, do I need one or two pairs of MAXTRAX?

A: One pair (2 units), of MAXTRAX will do but two pairs (4 units), make vehicle extraction even easier. I'd be packing four if I was heading across the desert or to remote areas towing a trailer.

Q: Can MAXTRAX be used with other vehicle recovery equipment?

A: MAXTRAX will get you going again most of the time. Using MAXTRAX with other recovery equipment reduces the stress on your 4WD, your vehicle recovery gear, the bush and yourself. Lets face it; time around a campfire is better spent than time around a bogged 4WD.

Q: Do I need any outside help to use MAXTRAX?

A: MAXTRAX have been designed to make recovering a bogged 4WD vehicle a one-person operation, so even if you're the only soul for miles you should be able get yourself out, single-handed. You won't need another vehicle (as with snatching) or an anchor point (as in winching)!

Q: Are any of the pro's using MAXTRAX?

A: We've sold MAXTRAX to government agencies, mining companies, fire and rescue services, 4WD tour operators, 4WD driver trainers,  offroad rally teams (check out the Dakar!) and the UN.

Q: Can MAXTRAX be used as a jack base?

A: MAXTRAX are not designed to be used as a jack base.

Q: Can I use MAXTRAX as a ramp to load my quad bike onto a trailer?

A: MAXTRAX are not meant to be used as bridge or a ramp but should easily handle the weight of a quad bike when used with care.

Q: Can I use MAXTRAX for anything else?

A: MAXTRAX are very handy as a portable boat ramp; launching off the beach or a muddy creek bank just became a whole lot easier!

Q: Where can I have a look at or buy a set of MAXTRAX?

A: MAXTRAX are available through this website and selected retail outlets, and we are currently fielding enquiries from more resellers and retailers from around Australia and the world.