TLDR: they work great for me, even after many recoveries, but as with any tool you have to use them properly.
I have a Promaster van and have traveled to many places in the US and Canada with it. I also like to go a bit off the beaten track so I do end up getting stuck from time to time. I have used these to get unstuck many times in many different conditions, from the middle of nowhere in Canada to behind the house in muddy ground.
As with most tools, they're not a cure-all for any situation. Prevention is of course the best cure; if you think you'll get stuck, reevaluate and ask yourself if you really want to spend the next hour (or three) getting down and dirty. I keep these inside the vehicle so even in the best case scenario it's a whole process: Getting them out, setting them properly, using them, and then cleaning them off can easily take an hour.
How to use them is pretty simple - if you're only slightly stuck, just kick the metal bit of these boards under your tires and slowly drive free. If you're moderately stuck, air down the tires first (assuming you have a way to pump them back up.) If you're REALLY stuck, air down the tires, jack up the vehicle, pile some more dirt under the tires and THEN lower the vehicle down onto the recovery boards. This method will get you out of even the worst situations. Ideally you will want to always carry a jack, a shovel, and an air compressor in addition to these boards.
After two and a half years and quite a bit of use, they're holding up great. No damage, chips, cracks or anything at all.
| Manufacturer | MAXSA Innovations |
|---|---|
| Brand | Maxsa Innovations |
| Model | Escaper Buddy |
| Item Weight | 8.6 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 48 x 14.4 x 5 inches |
| Country of Origin | Taiwan |
| Item model number | 20333 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Exterior | Painted |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 20333 |
