TREDS V1 Off-Road Recovery Boards Overview

There’s an ongoing debate about whether TREDS or MAXTRAX are better. In reality, MAXTRAX is widely considered the top choice—just watch a few comparison videos on YouTube. Some off-road enthusiasts swear by TREDS, though others in forums claim they’re not worth it. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and budget.

Recovery tracks are an essential off-road accessory for exploring new trails. The real question is whether $175 for TREDS offers quality close to the $600 MAXTRAX. Cheaper recovery tracks are available, but options vary widely in performance and durability.

2024 Update: These are discontinued. ARB now owns TRED and offers a new option.

Find It Online:

• Updated TRED PRO: Check Price

What TRED Say’s

The TREDS are designed with a durable material suited for various terrains, including mud, sand, snow, and rocks. Their ramp design ensures optimal vehicle recovery across different conditions. They also come in multiple color options, unlike the MAXTRAX, which are typically orange or black.

The TREDS offer ergonomic handles for better grip and comfort during use, and their cleats and studs provide maximum traction to reduce strain on your vehicle.

Compared to MAXTRAX:
Both have solid designs, but the term “ergonomic” may be a stretch—off-roading isn’t typically focused on ergonomic features, but both tracks offer ease of use and reliable recovery performance.

Aggressive Cleats/ Teeth Design

The TREDS feature an aggressive cleat design that locks onto your tires, preventing wheel spin. However, this can cause the cleats to burn off if the tires get too hot, a known downside for both TREDS and MAXTRAX.

Compared to MAXTRAX:
While the TREDS have a studded nut design, MAXTRAX features sharper teeth, which are more aggressive and may provide better traction.

“Revolutionary” Shovel Design

The TREDS feature a “shovel” design, intended to clear debris for optimal track placement. However, this feature is debatable, especially since the newer TREDS Pro no longer includes it. For serious off-roading, a separate military-style folding shovel might be a better option.

Compared to MAXTRAX:
While MAXTRAX lacks the shovel feature, it can still be used as a shovel in a pinch. The TREDS’ “shovel” is just a shaved-off corner of the tracks.

The TREDS offer eight mounting holes, providing multiple options for attaching them to a roof rack. We plan to mount ours on a new full-length rack, and will update you when the install is complete.

Compared to MAXTRAX:
The TREDS have more mounting points, but MAXTRAX benefits from a wider range of aftermarket mounting solutions due to its popularity. However, the TREDS are significantly cheaper ($175 vs. $600 per pair).

Stable Channel Design for Solid Ground Placement

Like MAXTRAX, TREDS feature a unique channel design for easy stacking and storage. The underside is engineered for maximum ground traction, minimizing slippage and reducing the risk of the tracks being pulled under your tires.

Compared to MAXTRAX:
The differences are minimal, as both have a similar channel design on the underside.

Strength + Affordability

The TREDS are thoughtfully designed with superior strength, durability, functionality, and affordability.

Compared to MAXTRAX:
MAXTRAX wins on durability, while TREDS lead on affordability. If you’re a serious off-roader who frequently faces tough terrain, MAXTRAX is the way to go. For occasional off-roaders who might need recovery tracks someday, TREDS are a solid option. Many experienced wheelers with decades of off-roading swear by TREDS.

Lifetime Warranty:
TREDS stand out as the only recovery tracks offering a lifetime warranty, making them an attractive choice for long-term support.

Final Thoughts

They look great, feel incredibly durable, and the price is hard to beat. While there are other recovery tracks available for under $100, many lack proven performance or a solid reputation. We recommend sticking with TREDS or MAXTRAX, though there may be other good options out there.

If you’ve come across a set worth sharing, feel free to comment below.

In a future post, we’ll put these tracks to the test, but this overview should give you a solid idea of what to expect from TREDS and MAXTRAX.