Advice for driving on the beach!

[Mikeymac25]

So im new to owning a 4x4 went on the beach today aired down tires had it in 4x4 sand mode all went smooth BUT idk if im missing something such as do i lock the rear diff? Do i turn traction control off or all the way off? Should i be in just 4x4 high or the sand mode like i was? Im sure this thread is on here buried somewhere but i can’t find it.

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[Msfitoy]

Air down to 15-20lbs, 4 high...drive slow, right lane, stay away from the salt water, look out for sun bathers and animals...that's it...

 

[TannerVoss1231]

Locking the diff will make little to no difference. Turn traction control off. 4 high is fine. I put mine in tow/haul mode so it doesn't skip gears which can slow you down just enough to get stuck if you are in DEEP sand.
It's not complicated. Just air down and keep it in 4 and that truck should have no issues

 

[AzScorpion]

Air down to 15-20lbs, 4 high...drive slow, right lane, stay away from the salt water, look out for sun bathers and animals...that's it...

This!^^^

Just a small add on to what Sid mentioned.... I like to have a set of traction boards and a shovel just in case you do get buried. It's very easy to do in sand.

 

[Toytec]

Bring a small shovel just in case. An added bonus: I like to carry my bottle jack and a 2x10 piece of board.
Don't forget a couple chairs and some brewski's.

 

[veedubtuner]

Watch out for sunbathers!

https://www.wmbfnews.com/2024/07/01...stracted-ran-over-woman-beach-lawsuit-claims/


My dumbass read "horny"

 

[Jon Olivier]

Watch out for sunbathers!

https://www.wmbfnews.com/2024/07/01...stracted-ran-over-woman-beach-lawsuit-claims/


My dumbass read "horny"

Quote from the article: "in a full-sized 2020 Ford Ranger beach patrol truck. " When did Rangers become "full-sized"?

 

[subquark]

Sand must be different these days. I used to drive the beaches of Galveston Island and South Padre Island back in the 1980s. I never let air out of the old L78-15 tires on that FJ40. I did, however, have a winch and lots of ropes (none of that pansy "recovery" strap nonsense back then, kinetic what?!?), and lots of chain.

I also had a shovel, as mentioned, and that got me out a couple of times.

I did have to get yanked out by two 4x4s once. I thought I was gonna lose that FJ.

I was driving way out in South Padre where the waves were washing up - it was denser sand but then it kept getting steeper and I tried to turn off of it. Big mistake, lost momentum, sunk, and spun towards the Gulf. That sucked. And tide was coming in and the starter was going under. I kept it running on a high idle with a little choke (ah the good old days with a manual choke on the dashboard). =)

I got on the CB and despite being 20 miles from the closest road, a 4x4 van came up. I had already run a rope and he yanked and got stuck. My heart sank ... =(

Then some 4x4 pickup came and hooked up to the van. Both were able to pull me out. Phew!

Ah, to be young and dumb again. I think I was probably 17 years old. =)

not me but my FJ is red too:

 

[SFCHAMBERS]

Year round I carry a folding shovel and a tow strap. I have carried these items since I got my first 4x4 a 78 F250, in 1980. But also remember no fast starts, spinning tires means digging in. Also avoid sudden stops, same results. Most important have fun.

 

[rang19ca]

Everything mentioned above and watch out for Bikinis?

 

[AzScorpion]

Everything mentioned above and watch out for Bikinis?

Chuck, Don't you mean watch for the bikinis? ?

 

[Mikeymac25]

Appreciate all the input… just gonna send it

 

[Msfitoy]

This!^^^

Just a small add on to what Sid mentioned.... I like to have a set of traction boards and a shovel just in case you do get buried. It's very easy to do in sand.

Well, if you insist... ?

 

[GreyAreaRanger]

Two trucks with open rear ends and two with lockers, all were rwd. As long as you are easy on the throttle and following the path that most other vehicles have already taken, you should be fine. There is a member here somewhere that has had some really bad luck with frisbees so watch out for those.

As for the bikinis, is it good manners to look at the 98% that isn't covered or 2% that is? Just food for thought.

 

[Cmar]

Wherever possible also always try to park with your car at right angles to the beach with the front facing down slope, otherwise it's sooo easy to get stuck when taking off again if the sand is soft. As said above, turn off traction control it may get confused in soft sand, and want to dig you in. A bit of slip in sand is good - momentum is your friend.

Road tyres or AT's are usually better in sand than muddies because the less aggressive tread doesn't want to dig in as much, and they are usually not as stiff in the carcass and bag out better when aired down.

Don't make sudden turns at speed with your tyres aired down, you can easily pull a bead off the rim or have it unexpectedly dig in and roll your truck.
If driving through lots of soft stuff check the inside of your rims for clumps of sand. Or you may find when you hit the tar again you have mysteriously bad wheel balance issues. Watch out for soft spots in the sand, if the sand looks just damp it's usually nice and hard, if it looks a bit shiny beware.

And also as said above, bring a snatch strap, and maxi tracks ( that's what we call em over here) or sand mats, and a small shovel.

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