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11-14-06, 04:56 PM
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 #1 | | Forum Regular
Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Chandler, AZ
Posts: 227
| Bridging Ladder Buying Tips
I have been hunting for bridging ladders for some time and found:
a) the ones available from various offroad outfitters are very expensive ($250)
b) you don't save much going to distributors of molded fiberglass grating because they aren't interested in dealing with such small pieces
c) I didn't have any luck getting the local molded fiberglass grating distributor to cough up any scrap pieces.
I eventually found someone on e-bay who was selling used grating (and used is as good as new for this purpose) for $12/s.f. I have a few tips to offer if you plan to buy something like this:
a) I would not buy anything less than 2" thick. Molded grating is typically available in 1" and 1.5" thicknesses as well, but I think that is a bit thin.
b) When you order grating be sure and specify you want the edges "banded" or "closed". The first time I ordered I just said I wanted 36" x 12". This resulted in the edges being "open” instead of a smooth perimeter around the entire ladder.
c) I would recommend 12" wide and at least 36" long. Don't go too long, or there will be too much deflection at the center when loaded. I'd keep it between 36"-48".
The ladders only weigh about 4 pounds/s.f., which make them a lightweight tool for helping out with approach/departure angles, bridging ruts, and getting traction in sand and mud.
__________________ Carter D.
97 FZJ80, 135,000 miles, 285 Revos, OME 861/862, HIR, tire carrier mod, driver seat extension, aux fan, Air Lift bags, Scion T1808
Chandler, AZ  | 
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11-14-06, 05:46 PM
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#2 | | You want to do what...?
Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: PRK
Posts: 12,572
| nice, thanks for the tip.
how much would they sink in sand? add a plate?
local building supplies outfit might have this kind of stuff?
__________________  : '97: 90K, 3xlock, 285 MT/Rs on steelies, Hanna sliders, 851+1.5"/863/N73/N74E/SD24, ARB bull with M12, Kaymar with duals, Kaymar rack, Slee TC skid, 2m/440, more stuff, loose nut behind the wheel!). Custom HD roo bar for sale!  : '03: 125K
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11-14-06, 08:13 PM
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#3 | | Forum Regular
Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Chandler, AZ
Posts: 227
| Although they have more open area than conventional sand ladders, they would probably do quite well in the sand. They are stiff enough to distribute the weight of the vehicle over their entire area.
You will not find this stuff at building supply places. Molded fiberglass grating is predominantly used for industrial facilities (especially those dealing with chemicals) and for trench covers.
__________________ Carter D.
97 FZJ80, 135,000 miles, 285 Revos, OME 861/862, HIR, tire carrier mod, driver seat extension, aux fan, Air Lift bags, Scion T1808
Chandler, AZ
Last edited by cartercd; 11-17-06 at 08:48 PM.
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11-14-06, 08:55 PM
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#4 | | Site Addict
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,039
| just the thing to cross railroad tracks...and an iron will...
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11-16-06, 08:49 AM
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#5 | | 250+ Club
Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Walla Walla, WA
Posts: 322
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__________________ '97 LX450 Locked (w/CDL switch) ~102k - ARB'd (10k T-Max) - Lightforce 240's - Custom Rear Bumper - RT03's - OME'd - M/T Sliders
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