Does anyone in this group have experience using wooden or metalic
planks to get over tough obstacles? This would be a possible way to
get a stock jeep deep into tough trails without the cost of major
modifications (and not having to move rocks and ruin the fun for tall
lifted jeeps). I've heard of this being done for desert and jungle
expeditions. How thick a wooden plank would be needed to support a YJ
safely?

"nrs" <neale_rs (AT) yahoo (DOT) com> wrote

spinning tire sends it straight at someone's head? A stock Jeep can go
pretty far too. "Desert and jungle expeditions" implies a convoy and the
ability to carry lots of recovery equipment too. I suspect that what you
have heard of consists of building a plank bridge over a sink hole or the
like.

Earle

On May 11, 9:43 am, "Earle Horton" <e... (AT) angloburgues (DOT) usa> wrote:
Earle,

Point well taken. There are dangers or course but I think it can be
done with the right equipment and safety precautions. About someone´s
head, just make sure nobody is close and about a plank breaking, it is
just a matter of making it strong enough so it won't break. Winches
can be pretty dangerous too. I've read about metal sand planks being
used in sandy deserts and planks are used all the time as ramps to get
jeeps onto flat trailers. Also, Mark Smith crossed the Darien Gap in
Panama using 5 stock CJ7 jeeps using planks, for a bit on this see
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darien_Gap.

The size and weight of the lumber is proportional to the expanse you want to
traverse.




"nrs" <neale_rs (AT) yahoo (DOT) com> wrote

The danger is proportional as well.





"nrs" <neale_rs (AT) yahoo (DOT) com> wrote

"nrs" <neale_rs (AT) yahoo (DOT) com> wrote

On May 11, 9:43 am, "Earle Horton" <e... (AT) angloburgues (DOT) usa> wrote:
Earle,

Point well taken. There are dangers or course but I think it can be
done with the right equipment and safety precautions. About someone´s
head, just make sure nobody is close and about a plank breaking, it is
just a matter of making it strong enough so it won't break. Winches
can be pretty dangerous too. I've read about metal sand planks being
used in sandy deserts and planks are used all the time as ramps to get
jeeps onto flat trailers. Also, Mark Smith crossed the Darien Gap in
Panama using 5 stock CJ7 jeeps using planks, for a bit on this see
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darien_Gap.


There is no set answer to your quiry. I'm certain that almost everybody here
has had to find a log or board to put under a tire, but I'm also pretty sure
that the goal was only to get the respective tire out of a hole. If you
wanted to carry enough lumber to get you through everything, you'd need
modifications to your Jeep. You may as well install a lift kit and search
the local area for remedies when you get stuck. Better than hauling around
an assortment of boards, install a winch that can pull you off of or out of
obsticles as you come across them or fall into them.

nrs wrote:
Don't use them. If your vehicle is not properly outfitted to get over
the obstacle then go around or go back. Those devices are for emergency
use and what ever you do, do not use wood! Wood is far too slipery when
wet and too weak to support a vehicle properly.

It's safer, and cheaper, to make small upgrades in ride height, skid protection,
and learn the limits of your vehicle.

--
DougW

On May 11, 2:46 pm, "DougW" <post.repl... (AT) invalid (DOT) address> wrote:
I guess I won´t be investing in a bumper-supported overhead rack to
carry planks then. It would have looked pretty strange anyway.
Thanks to all who replied.

Earle Horton proclaimed:

Nah, you can use ladder like steel contraptions over SMALL gaps in
terrain. I've used not planks but heavier lumber for the same purpose
and yes it is stupid, although I've also crossed bridges that weren't
much more than a few 4x4's and some 2x6's

nrs proclaimed:

I wouldn't try anything less than a 2x6 and then only for a very narrow
gap. A 4x8 would be even better, and once you get into the 6x6 or
bigger you are capable of really heavy trucks. Still, there are steel
assemblies with two or three I-beams and cross beams like latter rungs
only just a couple inches apart that work. As does a hunk of that funny
steel grating that is used for heavy bridge load bearing surfaces.