TractionMate was developed by Steven Paul from Durban, South Africa, and launched into the South African 4×4 and outdoor market in 2024. This innovative product was designed as a cost-effective, convenient, and space-saving recovery tool for overlanders and 4WD enthusiasts. It offers a quick solution to recover vehicles bogged down in sand and mud when navigating challenging, unfamiliar roads and routes across Africa and beyond—often in remote locations where roadside assistance or cellular coverage is unavailable. Such situations can leave you and your vehicle at nature’s mercy.
What is TractionMate?
Unlike traditional traction mats and tyre grabbers, TractionMate is mounted to the side of your wheel rim and extends over your tyre. This allows the TractionMate device to function as a paddle on the top and side of your wheel, helping it gain better traction in soft sand, thick mud, deep river crossings, or snow. Unlike many leading traction mat products that require re-insertion after every metre or so (depending on the terrain), TractionMate can be used continuously at low speeds. This eliminates the need for repetitive recovery processes and provides a more seamless recovery solution.
Additionally, TractionMate is up to 60% more affordable than other leading mat or ride-on recovery gear.
The TractionMate system consists of a cleverly designed T-shaped steel wheel bracket mounted to the side of your wheel rim using an industrial ratchet strap and secure housing. This temporary fixture acts as a paddle, providing your wheel and tyres with more surface area and enhanced traction at the top and side profile of your wheel during each rotation. This increased traction is vital for moving your vehicle steadily forward through challenging terrains such as thick sand, mud, or deep river crossings.
TractionMate can be installed in under two minutes and comes with a neat, compact storage and transport pouch manufactured from vinyl and canvas.
It can be used on most 4x4s and SUV vehicles that have a minimum of 60mm of spacing between the wheel arch and tyre. The Traction Mate product thickness, when placed on a tyre, is only 42mm high.
It is suitable for all gravel and off-road tyres, except low-profile tyres. The tyres tested below are standard 265/65/17.
Note that this product works best when fitted to vehicles with rear diff locking.
Click on the YouTube link below to watch the video:
Where Did the TractionMate Concept Originate?
The concept of TractionMate draws inspiration from a method used by farmers of old, who would attach large wooden poles to the rear tyres of tractors to aid in forward momentum for ploughing and planting. TractionMate applies this age-old idea using modern technology and innovative design.
How to install your TractionMate:
How to remove your TractionMate:
Benefits of Using TractionMate
- Cost-Effective: TractionMate offers exceptional performance at a fraction of the cost of other mud, sand, and snow recovery equipment. It is approximately 60% more affordable than two of South Africa’s leading recovery board brands.
- Compact and Portable: Its compact design ensures it fits seamlessly onto most 4×4, 4×2 and SUV vehicles.
- Durable and Dependable: Built to withstand harsh conditions, TractionMate performs reliably on various terrains, making it ideal for South Africa’s diverse climates and landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you mount TractionMate to all four of your vehicle’s tyres?
No, TractionMate is designed for use on the rear tyres only, as they are fixed and forward-facing, unlike front tyres, which swivel.
How will I know if TractionMate is suitable for my vehicle?
If there is a minimum of 60mm of spacing between your wheel arch and tyre, there should be sufficient room for TractionMate. The height of the Traction Mate when fitted to your tyre is 42mm. Traction Mate is suitable for most 4×4 and 4×2 vehicles, SUVs, and bakkies. However, it is not suitable for low-profile tyres.
Will TractionMate damage my tyre rims?
No, when used correctly, the protective buffer plate ensures that your rim remains undamaged.
How much does a Traction Mate cost?
The 2024 festive special is R4,995 excluding VAT for a pair of TractionMate products, which includes a handy storage case for storage and transportation. Nationwide delivery is available at only R150.
Where can I order TractionMate?
If you are interested in purchasing TractionMate or stocking it in your store, please complete the product enquiry form below. A member of the TractionMate team will assist you promptly. The product is available nationwide.
For more information, updated pricing, online ordering, or stock availability, fill in the enquiry form below, and a member of their team will respond to your message. Alternatively, customers can visit www.tractionmate.co.za or call Steven on 071 596 8873.
