Sand Ladders

Sand ladders/traction aids are purpose made articles that are placed under the wheels to aid traction. They are made from plastic, rubber, steel or alloy. The generic term, ‘sand ladders’ can be confusing as they are designed to work in mud, sand and wherever a vehicle can bog down. Some work, others don’t.

PSP (perforated steel plate)
Perforated steel plate (sometimes made from aluminum) was developed by the British in the second world war when they were used to assist vehicles in the mud and to build runways on slippery ground. They are bulky, heavy and awkward to use. They are highly effective in sand and all types of mud. Grip is often superior.

Trac-mats
Flexible sand ladders, called Trac-mats are more effective than traditional rigid types in most situations. Each section of the track is pressed with sharp projections that increases grip and they work in clay mud as well as in sand. Being flexible they tend to mold into the ground. Less digging is required to lay them and they do not kick up and damage the vehicle as sometimes happens with rigid types. However they have a higher tendency to ‘shoot’ under the vehicle as power is applied. They are also more compact, easy to stow and in most respects more versatile than rigid ladders.

Rubber mats
Lengths of rubber mat normally used as industrial flooring are being sold as de-bogging aids with various names. They are cheaper than metal, fairly effective in sand but utterly useless in mud. Rubber does not grip on rubber when wet.

Plastic ‘ladders’
In an attempt to bring sand ladders at a budget price various plastic alternatives have been introduced. A rigid type (illustrated) and clip-together plastic strips are available. Both options perform reasonably when dry but not as well when wet. In mud their performance is not good. The rigid types are effective in preventing a vehicle from sinking and are quite useful. Both must be well anchored to be effective.

Plastic sand ladders are a budget alternative. They work reasonably in sand but not particularly well in clay mud.

Steel ladders
Many off-road workshops fabricate simple steel ladders as traction aids. They are cheaper than PSP or Trac-mats but most seem to suffer in the same way – when they get muddy tires lose their grip. Some designs interlink for bridge building. Word of mouth recommendations are advised for these individual designs.