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Equipping the Overland Vehicle Vehicle accessories - Making your home away from home comfortable, safe and reliable.
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  #1  
Old 4 Apr 2006
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Sand ladders
I cant but help notice the ridiculous price these things fetch, however on my trips here in Spain in various DIY stores recently I have noticed that a suitable replacement for these ally ladders is a STEEL platform used in the buildng trade here (Scaffolding), they come in 2 meter lengths and only cost 30 euros each and are very strong, not only that but with a simple addition you could link up as many as you want, grip on them seems to be alot better too nd if they get damaged its no massive loss, easily repaired if they do happen to break, you dont find ally welders around every corner..its what I'll be taking with me
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Old 4 Apr 2006
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If you want them cheap AND aluminium just buy a budget ladder (an actual ladder) and a hacksaw. Strong enough for soft sand and change out of 30 euros for two. You can also use them to get on the roof!

Have to admit I've never tried it, but why not?
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  #3  
Old 7 May 2006
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heavy duty waffles are available from someone on ebay and only cosy 65-75 quid, which I think offers good value in terms of convenience, weight and portability. True sand ladders, as against steell or alloy psp are, IMHO, crap! they tend to get burried and don't really offer much supprt. you can't bridge with ally, but you can with waffles. I'm thinking of getting some as I use steel psp at the mo and it's bloody heavy! very good though!

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Old 10 May 2006
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Waffling....
Hi, cant reccomend fibreglass waffles enough - I have been using some for a few years and they are much better than alloy or heavy steel psp.

Try these guys: http://www.fibregrid.com/

First time I used them I winched a TLC 60 onto them with the 90 - on sand - he was heavily bogged and already aired down -and fully laden with a 350 litre diesel tank instead of rear seats - rather heavy !!!- I thought they would disintergrate - but no problem at all.

With a heavier vehicle (than mine) I would consider the thicker ones (red) for extended use.

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Old 10 May 2006
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I use the fiberglass "waffles" here in the UK when i'm stuck in mud.they work great!

never (yet) had the chance to try then in sand... one day!

You see them on ebay a lot, and the decent 4x4 suppliers like devon4x4 and frogs island 4x4 do them fairly cheaply.
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Old 10 May 2006
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Hello all,

Would someone please observe that sand is completely different from mud. You don't need a ladder or a waffle to regain traction. It's still there but you need to keep the tyres from digging in when they struggle pulling the axles and chassis along the surface. Just for 90 euro you can get these:

http://www.viermalvier.de/forum_php/...9-Soltrack.jpg

They are called Soltracks, are as light as cardboard and can double up as sleeping mats, well, sort of :-)
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  #7  
Old 11 May 2006
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Roman
Hello all,

Would someone please observe that sand is completely different from mud. You don't need a ladder or a waffle to regain traction. It's still there but you need to keep the tyres from digging in when they struggle pulling the axles and chassis along the surface. Just for 90 euro you can get these:

http://www.viermalvier.de/forum_php/...9-Soltrack.jpg

They are called Soltracks, are as light as cardboard and can double up as sleeping mats, well, sort of :-)
Whether sand or mud, the mat needs to be secured to the surface so that it's not kicked out. I've never used the Soltracks.

Used conveyor belting with lifts/paddles on one side work well.
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