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AdventureBuddies · 05-31-08, 10:33 AM

Interesting discussion. I agree that sand ladders are probably not necessary for the average US weekend wheeler. My opinion is that an expedition rig should carry bridging ladders which of course can double as sand ladders. For a 7500 lb rig with overhanging bumpers and a minimal lift, there are times when a bridging ladder could help you through a section that would be a piece of cake for a lighter, more lifted, better approach/departure angle type rig.

As for sand types, I have been to many Western US sand dune areas and beaches, and I'd say our sand is pretty easy to deal with. A few years ago I was traveling in Egypt and was out near the Libyan border in a place they call the "Great Sand Sea" (part of the Sahara) and there were places where walking barefoot on that sand I was sinking to my ankles. I've never seen anything like it in the states. That's the kind of sand you can get stuck in and that's the kind of sand where you definately want wide tires because there's no frim surface below. However, there were other places where the sand was so firm you could ride a bike on it. The changes in consistency probably have something to do with wind loading.

Anyway, if you're driving across Africa as I plan to do, it seems like it would make sense to carry sand ladders (or for me, bridging ladders) just in case. After all, if you're truly in the middle of nowhere, by yourself, with nothing for hundreds of miles in any direction, I can assure you that you don't want to get stuck and be sitting there cursing the day you decided that you didn't need sand ladders.

As for how to use them on the back tires (and recover them): tie 15 ft of rope to the front, outside of the sand ladder. Tie the other end to a tow loop on the outside of your bumper. Run the middle of the rope out away from the car to ensure that the tire will never roll over the rope - you don't need it wrapped around your axle, pinching brake lines. Do the same for the other side. You probably would benefit from lifting the tires and setting them back on the ladders. Now drive with your ladders in tow until you reach firm ground.

Ok, so after all that, anyone know where to get those nifty fiberglass waffleboards that can be bridging and sand ladders? I mean get them cheaply?

05-31-08, 10:33 AM	#49
AdventureBuddies IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: SoCal Posts: 207	Interesting discussion. I agree that sand ladders are probably not necessary for the average US weekend wheeler. My opinion is that an expedition rig should carry bridging ladders which of course can double as sand ladders. For a 7500 lb rig with overhanging bumpers and a minimal lift, there are times when a bridging ladder could help you through a section that would be a piece of cake for a lighter, more lifted, better approach/departure angle type rig. As for sand types, I have been to many Western US sand dune areas and beaches, and I'd say our sand is pretty easy to deal with. A few years ago I was traveling in Egypt and was out near the Libyan border in a place they call the "Great Sand Sea" (part of the Sahara) and there were places where walking barefoot on that sand I was sinking to my ankles. I've never seen anything like it in the states. That's the kind of sand you can get stuck in and that's the kind of sand where you definately want wide tires because there's no frim surface below. However, there were other places where the sand was so firm you could ride a bike on it. The changes in consistency probably have something to do with wind loading. Anyway, if you're driving across Africa as I plan to do, it seems like it would make sense to carry sand ladders (or for me, bridging ladders) just in case. After all, if you're truly in the middle of nowhere, by yourself, with nothing for hundreds of miles in any direction, I can assure you that you don't want to get stuck and be sitting there cursing the day you decided that you didn't need sand ladders. As for how to use them on the back tires (and recover them): tie 15 ft of rope to the front, outside of the sand ladder. Tie the other end to a tow loop on the outside of your bumper. Run the middle of the rope out away from the car to ensure that the tire will never roll over the rope - you don't need it wrapped around your axle, pinching brake lines. Do the same for the other side. You probably would benefit from lifting the tires and setting them back on the ladders. Now drive with your ladders in tow until you reach firm ground. Ok, so after all that, anyone know where to get those nifty fiberglass waffleboards that can be bridging and sand ladders? I mean get them cheaply? __________________ 97 CE: BFG AT 315s, OME heavies, 3x locked pin7, 4.56, ARB front, M12000, Kaymar rear, snorkle, Husky, seat covers, sub tank, Maggiolina Grand Tour RTT. "It's a shame that at this moment all of the people who best know how to govern the world are busy drinking beer."