I have a 2015 Wrangler Unlimited that is completely stock. This summer I'll be vacationing on the Outer Banks of NC where you can drive on the beach (Very Loose Sand). How does a stock wrangler with the 255/75r17 tires perform in sand? I wanting to do a TF Leveling and put some 295/70r17 Trail Grapplers on it but was wanting to wait until after my vacation.
My wife's complete stock JKU did fantastic in deep loose sand at island beach state park in NJ last year. I aired down to 18psi. Not even a hint of getting stuck.
How low in psi can I go before I risk busting the bead on the tire. That's the last thing I'd want to risk doing on the beach; it'd suck to change a tire on sand
You will do fine with a stock Wrangler, if you air down your tires. They use stock Wranglers for their wild horse tours and let the tourist drive them around.
When the temps get real hot, the sand gets real loose. Stay out of the deep areas, just follow the trails
Have driven thru patches here, past F-150s stuck in 4-Hi, when I'm unsure, I just go ahead and put in 4-Lo and crawl. Haven't yet felt need to air down. I'd check out and observe what the locals are doing.
For what it's worth, the first link I posted is specific to OBX and it has the tire pressures recommended down toward the bottom of the page. Also has info on the permits you need.
Should I consider getting a hi lift Jack in case I sink my jeep in the sand? Can a hi lift even be used on a stock wrangler? My jeep does not have rock rails
This is a high traffic tourist area. You can't swing a cat without hitting another jeep. I wouldn't waste your money on a high lift for this trip. If anything, take a tow strap. If you get stuck, a fellow jeeper will pull
Having spent a few days out at Portsmouth Island last summer (southern end of OBX) with my stock JKU I had zero problems with the sand. Just make sure you air down I want to say I was only down to like 12-15 psi
Having spent a few days out at Portsmouth Island last summer (southern end of OBX) with my stock JKU I had zero problems with the sand. Just make sure you air down I want to say I was only down to like 12-15 psi
This is a little off topic but I do a lot of fishing and plan on surf fishing while at the OBX. I'm trying to make a fishing pole holder on my jeep and was considering using the Surco spare tire mounted cargo basket and then mounting fishing pole holders to it. My fear is that I'll be putting too much weight on the spare tire mount. Any thoughts on that idea?
Here is the photo of the rack I'm considering:
This is a little off topic but I do a lot of fishing and plan on surf fishing while at the OBX. I'm trying to make a fishing pole holder on my jeep and was considering using the Surco spare tire mounted cargo basket and then mounting fishing pole holders to it. My fear is that I'll be putting too much weight on the spare tire mount. Any thoughts on that idea?
Here is the photo of the rack I'm considering:
Need to start a new thread. this has NOW been hijacked.. :tomatoes:
If this was in the hitch, Yes. Myself personally... I don't like the above, for the reason you mentioned. don't forget about possible twisting of the door or hinges.
which device/gadget/magic wand thingy, do you guys use to air down to a specific psi? and also after you are done with the beach drive, is it safe to drive on the regular roads upto highway speeds (60mph) until you find an air fill station?
Been to outer banks a dozen times w F150. Airing down was a must and was in 4-high. Stayed in Corolla and down to Atlantic beach area. drove about every beach down to cape Look out where you have to take a ferry to. Never saw any hard pack sand. This will be first year for the hard rock.
Honestly though, I've been going to Carolina Beach and the southern Outer Banks for 15+ years and never once needed to air down a Jeep, Chevy 4x4 or anything. Carolina Beach in particular is prone to deep ruts and its been fine. You aren't allowed to drive on the dunes anyway, so that isn't a problem. Airing down will only help if things do get loose though.
You'll be fine. Here's a pic at Carolina beach back when I was rolling on the stock 29's. I thought I would have some trouble but couldn't even get stuck when I tried to.
I agree, Iv never aired down on the beach. I used to drive a 2x4 Surban up and down the beaches of Texas and never aired down and never got stuck. Slow and steady was the name of my game. I dont know how many times I drove past people who were stuck going up to the acess roads because they floored it. Even had a guy try to stop me one time becouse he had his jacked up truck stuck and was telling me there was no way I would make it up to the road. Yeah I proved him wrong and never spun a tire.
You likely don't need to air down. I drive literally 100's of miles on the beach a year on eastern Long Island - very similar to the outer banks. Put it in 4 high (or 4 low if you are nervous) stay away from the water and wet sand, don't turn, stop or start hard. If you do all of that you will have difficulty trying to get stuck. If you do get stuck, slam it into 4 low and crawl out. Again, I drive on the beach almost every day and never get stuck - airing down never even crosses my mind. The trickiest part is usually getting off the beach as will likely be an incline - build up some speed (15 mph or so) when you start to lose traction on the incline keep your foot in it but don't add throttle, just keep your forward progress. Airing down for the beach lol.
Depends on regulation though, I drive the beaches here on long island as well (demo point, sore thumb, gilgo) and you're supposed to air down 50%. The State Police seem to go on streaks with their enforcement and it's not worth losing your permit.
I have never had to air down in my truck here in Emerald Isle SOBX. I have seen others in SUVs do it. Never seen a jeep air down. I don't think I'll have to in my jeep, hopefully it arrives before beach driving season is over. Fingers crossed!
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