Sand plates: Indispensable helpers for your off-road adventure

Traveling with your off-road vehicle away from paved roads quickly becomes an exciting adventure. It becomes particularly challenging when you are battling your way through rough terrain such as mud, sand or snow. This is where the sand plates come into play - an absolute must-have for every off-road vehicle. Their grippy surface ensures that your tires find the best grip from almost any angle. In this article, you can find out more about the numerous benefits that sand plates offer for your off-road experience.

Sand plates and holders are indispensable companions for all adventurers who venture off-road, away from tarmac roads and paved paths. If the vehicle gets stuck in soft or unstable terrain, they are crucial for getting it out again. Sand plates are also often referred to as traction mats and are an absolute lifesaver in difficult situations.

Thanks to their flat design, sand plates can be easily placed under the wheels of a vehicle. They ensure that you regain the necessary traction in difficult ground conditions. This allows you to make progress with your off-road vehicle in places where you would otherwise slip through or even get stuck.

The jagged surface of the sand plates ensures that the tire finds a firm grip even in mud. The sand plates made of robust plastic or aluminum are placed directly in front of or behind the tires in the direction of travel. This effectively prevents the tires from spinning and allows you to free your vehicle from the predicament.

Different materials are used in the production of sand sheets. They are most frequently made of metal, especially aluminum or steel. These metal bumpers are extremely robust and hard-wearing. A popular alternative are sand plates made of plastic, which are lightweight and just as durable.

In order to increase the friction and grip of the tires, the surfaces of the sand plates are usually provided with knobs and/or grooves. There are also models with grids reminiscent of shoe wipers or perforated variants. Some models offer additional features such as folding elements for space-saving storage or integrated handles to make carrying easier.

It has happened: You're stuck in sandy or muddy ground. To help you get back on track quickly, we have put together some helpful tips for you. The recovery boards or sand plates are your best starting aids.

1. Avoid aggravation If your tires no longer have any grip and are spinning, your vehicle will continue to dig in. In this case, take your foot off the gas! Don't try to get out of the situation without a starting aid. Otherwise, the tires will only shovel away more loose soil and your vehicle will sink deeper into the sand, mud or snow.
2. Handwork is required Take a shovel and remove as much loose soil as possible in front of the tires in the direction of travel. Depending on the situation, you may have to try to free yourself forwards or backwards. If the ground remains soft, it can help to dig a short track to prevent you from getting stuck again immediately after crossing the sand plates.

Now it's time for full physical support! If the tires are deep in the ground, you should also clear the flanks. This makes it easier to get out, especially if axles, differentials or other vehicle parts are resting on the ground. These could push dirt, sand or snow in front of you as you try to get out of the hole. Since recovery boards need the weight of the vehicle to give the tires the traction they need, this would be a real drag.

3.Place the sand plates correctly When trying to free yourself, it is crucial to wedge the sand plates deep enough between the tires and the ground. There is no point in simply pushing the recovery boards in front of the tires. Use your strength to create an optimal point of attack for the tires.

4.Prepare the vehicle If your vehicle does not have permanent all-wheel drive, make sure it is activated. For models with differential locks, you should also activate them.

5. Start off in a controlled manner Now it is important to start off in a controlled and determined manner. Make sure that the tires do not spin on the sand plates - this damages both the Bergeboards and the tires.

An important note: When driving off-road, only use the clutch to shift gears. Starting off with a slipping clutch is useless and increases the risk of losing control of your vehicle.

1. The shovel is used again

Your vehicle still won't move? Then stop trying and grab the shovel again. With good preparation, starting with sand plates often works on the first attempt. If that doesn't work, it's time to shovel again properly.

2.Check the air pressure

Less pressure in the tires increases the contact surface and improves traction. Especially on loose surfaces, it is advisable to reduce the air pressure from the outset to minimize the risk of getting stuck.

After the rescue, you should of course return the tire pressure to the regular level. That's why you should have a compressor with you on every adventure, it's essential.

3.After successful extrication

When your vehicle is finally freed, remember to take the sand plates with you again. You can fit them with optional straps to make them easier to find if they sink into the ground when you drive over them.

To prolong the life of your sand trays, it is important to clean them thoroughly after use. Mud, sand and other residues can damage the surface if they are not removed. Plus, you don't want the dirt and sand from the recovery operation in your camper or off-road vehicle. That's why we recommend mounting an airline rail on the outside of your vehicle.

The practical mounting kits contain everything you need to have the sand plates within easy reach - even in difficult conditions - and to secure them effortlessly after use. This not only protects the sand plates, but also prevents loosely attached boards from hitting the vehicle while driving and causing dents or scratches.

Off-road adventures are exciting and full of action. At the same time, they require driving skills and pose great challenges for both man and material. Sand plates for motorhomes or off-road vehicles are extremely user-friendly, practical and, above all, safe. These aids allow you to reliably free your vehicle from difficult situations - provided you are well prepared. They reduce the risk of tire damage during the recovery attempt by providing a stable and firm base. What's more, they are easy to store and transport. This makes them the perfect addition to any off-road kit.