Sand, mud, snow, or a loose gravel stretch are part of what makes an off-road trip worthwhile. Sometimes all-wheel drive, ground clearance, and good tires are not enough, and the vehicle gets stuck. We developed the VANYX sand boards with magnetic mount for exactly these moments: lightweight recovery boards that hold to the vehicle without tools and are ready to use in seconds.
What Sand Boards Are For
Anyone who travels off paved roads knows the risk. A brief lapse, too little momentum in the sand, or an unexpectedly soft surface is enough, and the tires dig in.
In that moment, sand boards create extra traction between tire and ground. They give the tire a grippy surface, spread the load, and allow a controlled pull-away on sand, mud, snow, or scree. In most cases you get free again without outside help.
On remote routes or longer tours in particular, that can be decisive. Instead of waiting for assistance, you free yourself and continue the journey.
Why the Mount Decides How Well They Work
For many overland vehicles, sand boards have long been part of the basic kit. The mounts are less popular.
Bolted systems take up space on the vehicle and stick out permanently. Tension straps wear over time and have to be checked regularly. In an emergency, many solutions are awkward, especially when the vehicle is already buried to the axle or your hands are covered in mud.
Recovery gear only helps if you can reach it quickly at the decisive moment. So we rethought the mount.
The VANYX Magnetic Mount
Instead of fixed brackets, we use powerful magnets. Each magnet delivers 55 kilograms of holding force and keeps the sand boards firmly on the body.
We build the mounts by hand in our own facility, specifically for use on off-road and overland vehicles. The result is a mount that sits solidly and can still be positioned flexibly.
Fitting is completely tool-free. No bracket to bolt on, no strap to tension, no complicated mechanism to operate. Place, attach, drive off.
Ready in Seconds
Anyone who has been stuck in mud or sand knows how much quick access matters.
This is where the magnetic system plays to its strength. The sand boards come off the vehicle in a few seconds, even with gloves on. They are ready to use right away.
After the recovery, you stow them just as quickly. No lashing, no retensioning, no fiddling with tools. You reach the screw grips easily and simply lift the boards off the magnets.
In spontaneous recovery situations, this easy access often makes the difference.
Built for Heavy Campers
Modern off-road campers weigh considerably more than classic four-by-fours. The demands on recovery gear are correspondingly high.
The VANYX sand boards are designed for exactly this. The aggressive tread provides optimal grip under the tires and transfers power even on difficult ground. Whether a sand dune, a snow-covered mountain pass, a muddy forest track, or a loose field of scree, the boards add safety and reduce the risk of getting stuck.
They also serve as a stable base for a jack when the ground is too soft for a secure stand.
Dimensions and Material
At around 6 kilograms, the sand boards stay light and easy to handle. The dimensions:
- Length: 106 cm
- Width: 31 cm
- Height: 7 cm
The material is UV-resistant, corrosion-proof, and built for permanent outdoor use. Dirt, water, or snow wipe off easily after use. When you do not need them, the boards stack to save space and travel on the vehicle itself.
Stuck? How to Use the Sand Boards
When the vehicle is stuck, calm matters more than power. Too much throttle usually makes things worse, because the tires dig in further.
- Stop and assess. Do not keep spinning the wheels. Get out, look at the ground, and check which wheels have lost grip.
- Lower the tire pressure. Let a little air out of the tires. Less pressure means a larger contact patch and more traction. Reinflate to road pressure after the recovery.
- Clear the tires. Remove sand, mud, or snow directly in front of and behind the tire. The cleaner the path, the better the board grips.
- Position the boards. Push the boards as far as possible under the driven wheels, tread facing up.
- Straighten the wheels. Sharply turned wheels increase resistance and make it harder to drive out.
- Pull away slowly. If available, engage four-wheel drive and the diff lock so both driven wheels grip. Then use little throttle and a steady motion. The goal is controlled grip, not momentum at any cost.
- Drive only a short distance. Once the vehicle is free, roll a few meters onto firm ground and stop.
- Clean and stow. Remove coarse dirt and put the boards back on the magnets. No tools, no lashing.
What It Means Out There
For many people, sand boards have become as natural a part of the vehicle as a spare wheel or a compressor. Not because you need them every day, but because they count exactly when things get difficult.
Sand boards are no substitute for anticipating the terrain, and no guarantee of mastering every surface. But they give you another way to act in difficult situations yourself. For heavy campers, overland vehicles, and self-sufficient travel, they are a small but sensible piece of safety.
Where to Go from Here
- Ready to get the sand boards on your vehicle? You will find all the details and variants in the shop: VANYX Sand Boards with Magnetic Mount.
- Equipping your vehicle piece by piece? More accessories for off-road and autonomy are in the VANYX Equipment.
- Not sure which option fits? Write to us via the contact form. We will get back to you with a recommendation that suits your vehicle.
- More terrain know-how in the Offroad & 4×4 category.
