Sand Flag

[Burmonster]

to tell the truth, my attempt failed... i made it about 2.5m long, just had some 10mm rod with some orange sparky tube around it, but it was way to heavy and had a bow in it. i think a fishing rod or bit of bamboo might be the cheap DIYer way to go.

[Ben]

Originally Posted by Crackles

Jack don't waste your time with electrical conduit as it's too heavy & thick it wont stand up in the wind when driving then when you go under a tree it breaks too easy. (Seen many try it)
Look for some fibreglass rod or just buy a commericial one which will be far easier to transport.

I've done Beachport about 8 times now, with conduit every time without an issue, including 100k/h on the road back to base. I've probably made a new flag most years because I forget/can't find the old one, and I'm still way up on buying an expensive one.

The biggest issue is mounting, but I usually just gaffa it to the spare tyre carrier on the TJ. This year I did do a new model that was taller, just cut it in half so it fit inside the Jeep on the way there and then just used a tape and joiner.

Also rigged up a proper bracket for it this time around.

That said, keep an eye out in the bargain bin at Rays and the like, I know a few who have picked up the squid poles for $15.

[multihull]

Originally Posted by Burmonster

hi, i was goin to have a go at making a sand flag for beach driving.
has an1 made a sand flage before?? an tips?? is there a better product than silicone to hold the rod to the pvc??

Here's a picture of one I made when doing the Simpson desert a few years ago. I used a tent pole and my 8 yo daughter’s pink T shirt. It worked a treat. The pole doesn't have to be high tech but it needs to stay rigid. Conduit is to bendy, bamboo is great!
I also use to do off roading racing and in the Portland Sand Enduro the bamboo pole was great. Even when you rolled it just snapped off near the base then you'd re fasten it with the hose clamps on the roll cage allbeit a bit shorter.
However being serious the taller the pole the better and it should be close to the front.

[tazwegion]

Originally Posted by tcf

I believe in the mines they must be at least 3m from the ground. I bought one for $100. Yes it's expensive but can't beat breaking it down into 3 lengths for storage. I've also seen many a 'pole' whipped up at home end up in the sh!thouse cos they just fall apart.

Those rods used in the exoskeleton of a tent will breakdown into 3 (or so) pieces, just add a nifty flag and "hey presto!"

[tcf]

Originally Posted by tazwegion

Those rods used in the exoskeleton of a tent will breakdown into 3 (or so) pieces, just add a nifty flag and "hey presto!"

They are really too flexible. My sandflag is solid core and 2-3 x the thickness. I'd imagine at 20kmh + the tent pole would be keeled over on top of the roof.

[tazwegion]

There's always squid poles... I know amateur radio operators modify them for antenna's so mobile use should not prove to be an issue

[Tonka Jeep]

I just made mine out of a squid pole $8 (Link was posted earlier in thread).
Bought a proper mine flag for $25. (Google, there are heaps).
Welded a small piece of tube to the bull bar for the squid pole to slide into, and bam.

3m in length, and collapses down to 1m.

Done.