If you choose B-quality, are you really prepared for the adventure?

The picture shows a sand plate that we only used once. Sand plates are an essential tool for off-road travel. They help your vehicle get loose in challenging terrain such as mud, sand, snow or rocky surfaces. Sand plates are especially indispensable when traveling solo, as they give you the freedom to save yourself without having to rely on others. In situations where a winch is not possible, for example due to a lack of anchor points, sand plates can literally make all the difference.

But then you have to be able to trust your equipment.

Cheap Can Be Expensive

We made the mistake of choosing a B-brand sand plates, to save money. Unfortunately, this turned out not to be a smart choice. After only one use, the grip pins were completely worn out. Within 30 days, the plates were useless, and we returned them immediately.

The lesson? Cheap turned out to be expensive.

Then we opted for the MaxTrax Xtreme sand plates. These are equipped with aluminum grip pins, which are considerably stronger than plastic. In addition, these pins are replaceable, which extends the life of the plates. We have been using them intensively for years and have never had to replace a pin.

Do you want quality, but do you find the MaxTrax Xtreme too expensive? The MaxTrax Classic is an excellent alternative. These plates do not have aluminum pins, but are made of technically reinforced nylon: super strong and flexible. If a pin does wear out after a lot of use, here is a handy tip we received for worn pins: use an M8 stainless steel bolt and nut to repair the plates.

Essential Addition to Your Checklist

Make sure you always bring a set of M8 stainless steel bolts and nuts with you on your travels. This way you are prepared for unexpected situations.

Why Quality is Crucial

The sandbar example is just one of many situations where quality makes all the difference. You never want to be let down by your gear, especially when you’re out in the wilderness. That’s why we only choose high-quality products that you can trust, and we want to pass on that same trust with the products in our webshop.

The Main Applications of Sandbanks

1. Getting out of sand, mud or snow:
   Place the sand plates under the wheels of your vehicle to create traction and pull yourself out of soft ground.
2. Grip on slippery rocks:
   Wet or muddy rocks can be slippery. Sandbars provide the stability you need.
3. Self-rescue:
   Perfect for solo travelers as you can rescue yourself independently of a winch or help from others.
4. Stabilizer:
   Use the plates as a sturdy base for your car jack on soft surfaces.
5. Levellers for camping:
   Not every camping spot is level. With sand plates you can level your camper or roof tent, even on uneven terrain.

Share Your Experiences

Do you have any experiences with cheap is expensive during off-road travel? We would love to hear from you! Share your story via our contact form , and who knows, you might inspire others to be better prepared when they go on the road.

Conclusion:
Reliable tools make the difference between a carefree adventure and a carefree journey. Invest in quality, because you deserve to trust your gear, wherever you are. Discover our carefully selected products in the webshop and set off with peace of mind!