MAXSA Jumbo Escaper Buddy Traction Mats Orange 2-Pack Review (2026)

Built for larger vehicles

MAXSA sells this pair under model number 20335 as its largest Escaper Buddy traction board, sized at roughly 59 inches long by 17 inches wide and 5 inches thick per mat. MAXSA markets it as around 40 percent larger than the brand's standard heavy-duty Escaper Buddy, aimed specifically at trucks, full-size SUVs and other large vehicles that a smaller traction board might not fully support under a wide tire. The raised track pattern molded into the surface is designed to bite into a spinning tire's tread and give it something to grip against instead of just spinning in place on loose mud, sand or snow. This extra length and width is the main reason to choose the Jumbo size over a compact traction board.

Material and how it works

The mats are made from polypropylene plastic, described by MAXSA as bendable so the mat flexes rather than snapping under load, and durable enough for repeated off-road recoveries. To use them, you work a mat under the front edge of a stuck tire so the raised tracks face up against the tread, then gently accelerate so the tire grips the mat instead of digging deeper into the mud, sand or snow. MAXSA's marketing states no towing or pushing is needed when the mats are positioned correctly under a spinning wheel. Because they are plastic rather than metal, they weigh far less than steel traction boards, which makes them easier to carry and stow, though it is also why they can flex or crack under enough load.

Trunk space and portability tradeoff

A pair of these Jumbo mats is noticeably larger than MAXSA's standard Escaper Buddy or many compact folding traction boards on the market, which is the direct tradeoff for the extra grip surface aimed at bigger tires. Anyone with a smaller trunk, a loaded cargo area, or a vehicle already packed for a camping trip should plan specific storage space for a pair this size rather than assuming they will tuck neatly into a side pocket or under a seat. The bright orange color helps offset some of that bulk in practical terms, since it makes the mats easy to spot after they are set down in mud or partially buried in snow during a recovery, which matters when you are also trying to keep track of gear in low light.

Durability under hard use

Plastic traction mats like this one can crack or shear under a heavily loaded vehicle with tires spinning at high RPM, particularly in cold weather when plastic tends to become more brittle, or when a mat is used on a sharp rock or edge that concentrates stress on one point. This is a known limitation of polypropylene traction boards generally, not unique to this model, and it is the reason metal traction boards exist as a heavier, pricier alternative for the hardest recovery situations. Keeping the accelerator input gentle and steady, rather than flooring the throttle, reduces the stress on the mats and lowers the chance of cracking during a recovery.

Verdict and who should size down

This Jumbo 2-pack fits owners of trucks, full-size SUVs and other large vehicles who want maximum traction surface for genuinely stuck situations and have the trunk space to carry a larger pair of boards. The bright orange color and simple no-tools operation make them approachable for drivers who are not experienced with recovery gear. Owners of smaller cars or crossovers, or anyone with limited cargo space, will likely be better served by MAXSA's standard-size Escaper Buddy or another compact traction board, since the Jumbo size trades portability for the extra grip area that larger, heavier vehicles typically need.

Frequently asked questions