Traction Board Storage Hack for Subaru Forester
Using traction boards to level the car. Photo by David Wong.
Let me tell you about a mountain pass we took one Colorado winter.
Somewhere between Vail and Denver, we found ourselves in a dead stop on a snow covered dirt road detour after an i70 closure. A 2WD sedan, who unknowingly followed Waze into this mess, sat with tires spinning on a patch of icy packed snow, creating a line of cars behind it. No cell service. No shovel. No traction boards. Just a line of cars trying unsuccessfully to help as time burned and the detour backed up even further, hoping the next driver would have the right recovery tools. One by one, everyone left the driver behind, making plans to call and get them help once they got cell service again.
That moment stuck with me.
Because when it comes to recovery gear, you don’t think you need it.. until you need it.
Alltop Mini Traction Boards mounted to rear seats with lashing straps.
Why You Should Always Carry Traction Boards
Traction boards are like a flask of whiskey in your desk drawer. You hope you don’t need them one day, but you feel better knowing they’re there. Whether you're stuck in snow, sand, or a muddy shoulder on a forest road, recovery boards give you a fighting chance to self-rescue.
And if you drive a Subaru, like our 2020 Forester, space is limited. Between a rooftop tent, water containers, cooler, camera gear, and a dog that rides like royalty in the back seat, there’s no room for unused gear. If something’s coming along, it better have a purpose (or two).
So when I picked up a pair of ALL-TOP Mini Traction Recovery Boards, I knew I didn’t want them flopping around in the trunk or frying from the Colorado sun on the roof. I wanted them out of the way, but easily accessible.
The Storage Hack: Mounting to the rear seat back
I strapped the mini recovery boards directly to the rear seat backs of my Forester’s 60/40 split. Not on the roof. Not on the hood. Just flush-mounted to the seat back using simple lashing straps, right through the child seat anchor points.
Because the rear seats recline slightly, there’s a natural angled gap that’s perfect for sliding something flat behind them. And unlike full-size traction boards, the ALL-TOP Minis are short enough not to interfere with seat-folding functionality, crucial if you still use that space for passengers or dogs.
Access to recovery gear was also top of mind. Drop the seat down, grab the boards, and access everything from the rear passenger door. No climbing up to the roof or pulling all your gear out.
Traction boards are easily accessible by folding the rear seat.
Why I Chose the ALL-TOP Mini Traction Boards
Let’s be honest. These aren't a pair of MaxTrax MKII that cost more than a flight to Mexico. The ALL-TOP Mini Traction Boards are compact, affordable, and made for those who know what they are getting into. Plus they come with a 2-year hassle-free warranty.
Quick Specs:
Length: 22.5 inches
Material: Reinforced nylon
Weight: ~4 lbs for the pair
Price: Way less than your insurance deductible
They work. They fit. And they do double duty as leveling pads when I’m camping on uneven dirt. Remember that part earlier about gear having two purposes?
How to Mount Mini Traction Boards Inside a Subaru Forester
Tools:
2 lashing straps (cam or ratchet style)
Secure anchor points (child seat connectors work great)
Patience for threading straps without swearing (takes 60 seconds)
Steps:
Stack the traction boards together.
Thread the straps through the traction board handles and behind the seat-back anchor points.
Cinch tight until the boards sit flush against the seat back.
Test fold the seat to make sure nothing binds or shifts and tighten again
Pros and Cons of This Storage Setup
✅ Pros
Saves Cargo Space: Doesn’t eat up precious trunk real estate.
Retains Seat Functionality: Still fold either side of the 60/40 split.
Protected from the Elements: No sun fade, no road grime.
Always Packed: No “did I bring them?” moments.
Dual-Use: Handy for leveling your rig on sketchy terrain.
⚠️ Cons
Not for hardcore recovery: Minis aren’t ideal for sand dunes or deep ruts.
Lower Lift Height: Can’t stack them like Tri-Lynx Levelers.
Interior Install Required: Slight learning curve to strap them securely.
Doesn’t Flex Bragging Rights: If you're here to pose, go with MaxTrax MKII
Final Thoughts
This setup isn’t for rock crawlers and isn’t the best solution for the worst situations. It’s for the rest of us: the road trippers, the weekend campers, the forest road roamers who want to be a little more prepared without sacrificing comfort, cargo space, or our dog’s spot in the backseat.
If you're building out your Subaru Forester or any compact SUV for car camping, this is one of the smartest, more affordable pieces of gear you can get. Recovery boards should live in your vehicle, not in your garage collecting dust.
Using traction boards to level the car. Photo by David Wong.
This post is based on personal experience and may contain affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps support future adventures and keeps this blog going.