Use of planks

This is an insane idea. What are you going to do when the plank breaks or a 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

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=B4s 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

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.

I guess I won=B4t 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.

Poor man's winch = Come-A-Long.

Saludos,

Earle

Thanks to everybody for the input. Will put this idea aside for a while and concentrate on vehicle mods.