Expedition Ladders

[CameraCruiser]

I've been looking for info on short expedition ladders, and I don't even know if that is what they are called. In essence it is nothing more than a short ramp that can be used to overcome a large step or aid in getting out of sand.

I guess that I am surprised that I have not seen anyone using anything like this in all of the great wheeling pictures I have seen in the trip forums.

To me it would seem like one of the best things to have on the roof rack to be kept at hand when needed. I'd rather grab something like this instead of destroying some valuable sheet metal. Not to mention that it has to be a lot lighter and easier to use than moving and piling up stone ramps near difficult steps (which I have seen pictures of).

Any thoughts? Are these just seen as cheats?

Thanks

 

[e9999]

there has been at least one or 2 threads on those that I recall of, maybe a year ago or so. Some discussion of plastic ones too (grates).
Thing is that there is a big difference between corrugated metal for Sahara Land Rover sand stucks and a true ladder, stress wise. You're talking 1500 lbs or so on each one to bridge a gap, they'll have to be strong (read heavy).

 

[petrolhog]

Check this out
http://www.rangerovers.net/outfitting/offroadmisc/ladders.html#top

 

[lowenbrau]

These guys seem to have sand ladders all figured out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoSSbg4y72k

 

[CameraCruiser]

Check this out
http://www.rangerovers.net/outfitting/offroadmisc/ladders.html#top

Great, Ok they call them bridge ladders. I followed the link there and it said that the weight of a fully outfitted Lanc Cruiser would be no probllem.

It seems that a set of ladders would preclude taking the winch out sometimes, and the combo of winch and ladders would cover even more ground and prevent some bending of sheet metal.

The video of the Tatra 6X6 sand solution would be a nice bat trick too.

Thanks,

Rob

 

[SamoL]

Great - now you only need a set of 10" wide tires so the tires will fit into these bridge ladders

Regards
Samo

 

[e9999]

as is usually the case with older technology, think about how often you see them in real life..
Personally, never seen a real ladder used offroad or even on the screen for that matter. Whereas I've seen plenty of movies and photos of rigs with sand "ladders" stored on board, and even of some actually used.
That tells me something about the practical usefulness of the obstacle ladders.

 

[CameraCruiser]

as is usually the case with older technology, think about how often you see them in real life..
Personally, never seen a real ladder used offroad or even on the screen for that matter. Whereas I've seen plenty of movies and photos of rigs with sand "ladders" stored on board, and even of some actually used.
That tells me something about the practical usefulness of the obstacle ladders.

That is/was kind of my point I guess in asking about them. I have looked at lots of amazing wheeling pictures here and I don't think I ever saw a picture of them being used. So my point in asking was two fold,

1. Are they not used because they are seen as cheats? Which I gather they are not.

or

2. Are they not used because they are not as useful as one might perceive? In this case the one perceiving is me.

To me they make a lot of sense. I have always used a ramp when loading a motorcycle in the back of truck, and what is a truck bed other than a 3 foot step?

Anyway, this is good change of pace from talking about oil change intervals (not that there is anything wrong with that).

Cheers

 

[lowenbrau]

I think they are used far more frequently in the Sahara than anywhere else. The dunes are endless and quite steep and at times are about the consistancy of flour. There is nothing to winch to and your only hope for survival is a shovel and a sand mat. If I was traveling there I would have a set. If I had a set I'd probably find some use for them in North America as well but I don't so I don't.

 

[barrypt5]

I recently bought a set of these "bridging ladders" myself. I have to admit I have not used them except to test them in my driveway. I got the ones made out of fiberglass, when I tested it in my driveway there was some cracking sounds happening but I had 2x4's as far out on one of they as I could go, maybe not a great idea. Anyways here is a website in the UK that sells them http://www.bridgingladders.co.uk/ and you can see from this ebay auction they look very similar. I got mine from this ebay guy as well and they ended up being about half the price of the fiberglass dealer near where I live. anyways here is the ebay seller...good luck

http://cgi.ebay.com/2-FIBERGLASS-MO...ryZ26197QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

barrypt5

 

[CameraCruiser]

I recently bought a set of these "bridging ladders" myself. I have to admit I have not used them except to test them in my driveway. I got the ones made out of fiberglass, when I tested it in my driveway there was some cracking sounds happening but I had 2x4's as far out on one of they as I could go, maybe not a great idea. Anyways here is a website in the UK that sells them http://www.bridgingladders.co.uk/ and you can see from this ebay auction they look very similar. I got mine from this ebay guy as well and they ended up being about half the price of the fiberglass dealer near where I live. anyways here is the ebay seller...good luck

http://cgi.ebay.com/2-FIBERGLASS-MO...ryZ26197QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

barrypt5

Thanks Barry,

I like the idea of saving weight, but I think I would prefer the slow deformation of a metal ladder instead of the snap of figerglass.

Good info, and I will look more into these options when the time comes.

 

[SamoL]

Well - I've actually used the sand ladders(on a soft beach sand the car wouldn't go down hill):

And it would be great if I would have a bridge ladder with me:

So: yes, they are usfull. Bridge ladder might be heavy, so I'll just stick to carrying sand ladders.
In a Sahara having any kind of sand ladders is a must. But natives don't have them. They usually even don't have 4WD

Regards
Samo

 

[e9999]

snip

In a Sahara having any kind of sand ladders is a must. But natives don't have them. They usually even don't have 4WD

Regards
Samo

not only are the natives likely much more savvy about sand driving, but they also probably shake their heads in disbelief muttering something like "these damn tourists want to go where...??? sheesh.... "

 

[CameraCruiser]

Samo,

Thanks for posting the pictures. Your second picture is what I am talking about. Sometimes a little bit of a bridge is all you need to keep you on your intended route.

Thanks,
Rob