MAXTRAX MKII vs ARB TRED Pro: Which Should You Buy?

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The short answer

The MAXTRAX MKII and the ARB TRED Pro are the two premium traction boards most overlanders end up choosing between, and both will get you out of sand, mud and snow. Buy MAXTRAX if you want the original, most widely trusted board with the biggest accessory ecosystem and many color options. Buy TRED Pro if you want a composite board with an aggressive tooth profile and leashes that come in some bundles. If you only head out a few times a year on easy trails, a budget board like X-BULL may be all you need.

MAXTRAX MKII vs ARB TRED Pro at a glance

Feature	MAXTRAX MKII	ARB TRED Pro	Amazon
Material	Engineering-grade reinforced nylon	EXOTRED composite (brand says)	Check price
Grip	Molded cleats on both sides	SIPE-LOCK grip profile with teeth	Check price
Shovel use	Ends shaped to dig	Ends shaped to dig	Check price
Colors	Many, including black, gunmetal, desert tan, lime green	Several, including black, blue, gray/orange	Check price
Mounting ecosystem	Very large: pin kits, mounts, bags	Growing: ARB and aftermarket mounts	Check price

How we compared them

We compared manufacturer specifications, owner reviews and published reviews from overlanding and off-road publications. We did not test these boards ourselves. We focused on grip in soft terrain, how boards survive spinning tires, how well they work as shovels, mounting options, weight and long-term owner feedback.

Grip and recovery performance

Both boards work the same basic way: wedge them in front of the stuck tires, drive slowly onto them, and let the cleats or teeth bite into the tire tread. MAXTRAX uses molded cleats that owners trust in sand, mud and snow. The TRED Pro uses a SIPE-LOCK grip profile and pronounced teeth, which many owners say bite aggressively in mud and on wet surfaces.

In soft sand, the most common use for traction boards, both do the job well when used correctly. Technique matters more than the brand: clear the sand in front of the tires, lower tire pressure, and avoid spinning the wheels on the board.

Durability

MAXTRAX MKII boards are made from flexible, reinforced nylon designed to bend under load and spring back. That flex is part of why they’re popular for bridging short gaps. ARB says its TRED Pro uses an EXOTRED composite, which owners describe as stiff and tough. Both can be damaged by spinning tires at high speed, which melts or chews the cleats on any board, so slow and steady throttle is the key to long life.

Mounting and ecosystem

MAXTRAX has been around the longest and has the largest ecosystem. Almost every roof rack, bed rack and spare tire mount has a MAXTRAX-compatible option, and pin kits and bags are easy to find. TRED Pro has its own ARB mounts and compatible aftermarket options, but you’ll want to confirm fit with your rack before buying. Both boards weigh enough that rack load matters, especially alongside a rooftop tent or awning.

Choose MAXTRAX MKII if…

• You want the benchmark. MAXTRAX is the most widely used and copied board on the market.
• You need easy mounting. Its mounting ecosystem is the largest.
• You want color choices. MAXTRAX sells many colors, including gunmetal gray and desert tan.

Check the MAXTRAX MKII on Amazon → →

Choose ARB TRED Pro if…

• You want an aggressive tooth profile. The SIPE-LOCK design bites hard into tread.
• You run ARB gear. ARB’s mounts and dealers make integration easy.
• You like a stiffer board. Owners describe the TRED Pro as rigid and tough.

Check the ARB TRED Pro on Amazon → →

What about budget boards?

Inexpensive boards like the X-BULL Recovery Tracks can work for occasional beach and snow use. Owners commonly report that budget boards are more brittle in cold weather and wear faster under spinning tires. If you travel remote routes where a failed board means a long wait for help, a premium board is worth the money. For easy weekend trails, a budget pair is better than none.

Check the X-BULL Recovery Tracks on Amazon → →

Verdict

MAXTRAX MKII is our pick for most overlanders because of its proven track record and unbeatable mounting ecosystem. The ARB TRED Pro is a strong alternative, especially for ARB-equipped rigs and drivers who see a lot of mud. Pair either with a winch for situations boards can’t handle; our guide to the best winches for overlanding covers the options.

How to use traction boards correctly

Good technique matters more than the brand of board. A typical self-recovery in sand or mud looks like this:

• Stop spinning. As soon as the wheels stop making progress, ease off. Spinning digs you deeper.
• Lower tire pressure. In sand, airing down increases the tire’s footprint and dramatically improves traction. Re-inflate before driving on pavement.
• Dig. Use the end of the board or a shovel to clear sand or mud in front of the stuck tires, and create a gentle ramp.
• Wedge the board in. Push the board firmly under the front of the tire, teeth or cleats facing up, as close to the tread as possible.
• Drive slowly. Use low range if you have it and gentle throttle. Let the tires grip the board instead of spinning on it.
• Keep momentum. Once you’re moving, keep going until you reach firm ground, then walk back for the boards.

Attach a leash to each board. In mud or water, boards can disappear under the surface, and a leash makes them easy to find.

Mounting and weight

Traction boards are usually mounted on a roof rack, bed rack, spare tire carrier or rear door. Choose a mount that’s easy to reach, because you’re more likely to use boards early, before you’re deeply stuck, if they’re quick to grab. Lockable pins deter theft at trailheads. Keep in mind that boards add to roof load along with your tent, awning and solar panels, and that mounting them high and to the side affects your vehicle’s center of gravity a little.

Boards and a winch: do you need both?

Traction boards handle most stuck situations in sand, snow and shallow mud, and they work without an anchor point. A winch handles steep climbs, deep mud and situations where you need to be pulled sideways or uphill. Many overlanders start with boards and a recovery kit, then add a winch as their trips get more remote.

FAQ

Are MAXTRAX worth the money?

For overlanders who travel remote routes or spend a lot of time in sand, mud or snow, yes. They’re durable, widely trusted and easy to mount. Occasional users may be fine with a cheaper board.

Are ARB TRED Pro boards as good as MAXTRAX?

They’re close competitors. The TRED Pro has an aggressive tooth profile that owners like in mud, while MAXTRAX has the longer track record and larger mounting ecosystem.

Do I need two or four traction boards?

Most overlanders carry one pair. Four boards help when all four wheels are stuck in deep sand or when traveling solo in remote areas.

Can traction boards be used as a bridge?

Some boards can bridge short gaps, but manufacturers place limits on this use. Check the maker’s guidance before using a board as a bridge, and never stand under a vehicle supported by boards.

How do I avoid damaging traction boards?

Use slow, steady throttle and avoid spinning the tires on the board. Spinning wheels heat and wear the cleats on any traction board.