Getting stuck is part of the off-road experience, but staying stuck doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re buried in soft sand, bogged down in thick mud, or spinning your tires on snow-covered trails, having the right tools can mean the difference between calling for help and continuing your adventure. One of the most effective and accessible recovery tools you can carry is the traction board, also known as a recovery board.
Traction boards are rugged, portable devices designed to give your tires grip when conventional traction is lost. Made from high-strength materials like fiber-reinforced nylon, they can withstand tremendous weight and abuse from heavy vehicles clawing their way out of trouble. Their surfaces are lined with raised cleats that lock into your tires’ tread while simultaneously digging into the terrain. This creates a grippy, stable surface that bridges the gap between your stuck rig and solid ground.
Simple in concept and reliable in execution, traction boards give off-roaders a self-recovery option that doesn’t rely on another vehicle, winch, or tow strap. They're lightweight, require no external power, and take up minimal space, making them a must-have for trail rigs, overland vehicles, and even 4x4s used in snowy or remote conditions.
How to Use a Traction Board
Getting the most out of your traction boards requires a little preparation and patience. If you find yourself stuck in sand, mud, or snow, your first move should be to reduce tire pressure if it hasn’t already been adjusted. Lowering pressure increases your tire’s contact area with the ground, improving grip and reducing the chance of spinning.
Next, clear out as much debris as possible from around the tires. Even a few inches of clearance in front of the tire can make a big difference in deep snow or mud. Once the area is cleared, slide the traction board under the tire in the direction of intended travel. A 45-degree angle is ideal, helping the tire climb onto the board while keeping the board engaged with the terrain.
If the surface is especially soft or uneven, take the time to pack dirt, sand, or rocks underneath the board to give it a solid base. Some off-roaders carry a small entrenching tool for exactly this reason, but even your traction board can be used as a makeshift shovel if needed.
Engage your vehicle’s low-range gearing if available. Be sure to go easy on the throttle. Spinning the tires too fast can melt or damage the board’s surface and may actually dig you in deeper. Let the traction board do the work, allowing your tires to climb out gradually.
If you don’t make it out on the first attempt, reset and try again. Sometimes repositioning the boards or using more than one pair can help. When used together, traction boards can be laid end to end to form a temporary trail or path over difficult ground. This technique is especially useful in long stretches of sand dunes or when crossing boggy areas.
While their primary purpose is vehicle recovery, traction boards offer a surprising amount of versatility. In situations where you need a bit more clearance to clear a rocky section or crest an obstacle, placing a traction board under your tires can give you that added lift and help prevent your undercarriage from getting hung up. This is especially helpful for vehicles with stock ride heights or modest suspension lifts. You can also use traction boards as a platform for one or more tires when ascending ledges or obstacles, giving you just enough elevation to prevent contact between your vehicle’s side or underbody and the trail.
Traction boards can also be used to level out uneven surfaces for camping setups, rooftop tents, or when parking on sloped terrain. Need a stable surface to place a jack in soft soil? A traction board can serve as a makeshift baseplate. In emergencies, they can act as a walking platform over mud, snow, or sharp debris, useful when assessing trail conditions ahead of your vehicle or helping a passenger navigate difficult terrain on foot.
And if you forgot a shovel or need to dig out tires, the underside of many traction boards, including Borne Off-Road’s, is shaped for scooping debris. They can be a surprisingly effective tool for clearing space when space is tight and gear is limited.
The Borne Off-Road Advantage
When you’re relying on your gear to get you out of trouble, quality is non-negotiable. Borne Off-Road traction boards are engineered for strength, flexibility, and performance in the harshest conditions. Each board is constructed from impact-resistant, fiber-reinforced nylon and supports up to 20,000 pounds of vehicle weight. The flexible design conforms to uneven surfaces, allowing the board to grip terrain better than rigid alternatives.
The cleated face provides aggressive traction across sand, snow, gravel, rocks, or mud, while integrated handles make handling and repositioning the boards quick and intuitive. The low-profile design stacks to just over four inches for easy storage, and an included durable carry bag keeps everything neat and clean when not in use.
To help locate boards that get buried during recovery, each set includes a pair of recovery leashes. High-quality mounting brackets and hardware make it easy to secure the boards to your vehicle, and a hardware storage bag is included to keep loose components organized.
Every kit comes with two traction boards, two mounting brackets, four mounting hardware sets, two recovery leashes, a hardware storage bag, and a traction board storage bag. Like all Borne Off-Road gear, the traction boards are backed by our Lifetime Warranty and offered in a variety of colors to match your vehicle and your style.
Off-roading is about adventure, exploration, and the freedom to push beyond the pavement. But even with a capable rig, preparation is key. With Borne Off-Road traction boards in your recovery kit, you’ll be ready to handle unexpected challenges on the trail and keep moving forward. Whether you're wheeling solo, traveling deep into the backcountry, or just hitting the beach for a weekend escape, traction boards are a smart investment in your off-road safety and self-reliance.
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