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Driving in sand

3K views 15 replies 10 participants last post by  batty505 
#1 ·
Hey guys, so I'm going to chincoteague in two weeks to propose:dance:. I thought it'd be romantic to propose on the beach at sunset in a nice secluded area. I looked up the national wildlife refuge number and called them. They do allow driving on the beach as long as you have a permit, so no big deal. I'm only worried about driving in the sand. How easy is it to get stuck? I'm running 30s mud terrain. Does anyone have any pointers or any tricks to pass along? I'd be extremely grateful.

I'll be bringing my jack and a square foot board so I can jack it up a little and a few 2x6s and my military shovel. I also know to air down around 20psi. What else should I know and do?

Thanks guys!
 
#2 ·
you can also use 4lo... 4hi over works the tranny and it'll run hot.
 
#4 ·
hay thats a pretty cool idea
 
#7 ·
If you are camping I would recommend the Assateague State Park. I camped there in my VW Bus and cant wait to get back up there in the jeep. The sunrises are spectacular and this time of year the beach will be all yours. I think the cost to drive on the beach was $50 but I am not sure so you should call ahead.

I like the I-Loop on the beach side. The sites are basically a slab (see photo) with no power but they have several bath houses which are large, clean, and have hot showers (which the women folk seem to fancy). The only down side of staying at the State park is that the Red Cup rule applies.

Note: The federal park is on the bay side and has no facilities so make sure you go over the bridge to the State park.

I know you said you are going to Chincateague but I wanted you to know that there are options.

Congratulation! Good luck...(Take and post pictures of the happy couple).
 

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#8 ·
Yeah the price has gone up to 70 bucks now for a permit. But I think it'll be worth it to find that perfect spot to watch the sunset and propose. I also know in September most of the beach crowd is gone. :)
 
#9 ·
Awesome idea for the proposal. I take my Jeep to Hatteras a lot. I always use 4H, Ive only had to switch to 4L a couple times. Driving on the sand isn't really hard. Just make sure you air down your tires like you said. The softer the sand the harder it is to drive on. The hardest part is getting going again when you stop in the soft sand. If I feel like I'm starting to get stuck I just turn my wheels a little to get out of the rut. Good luck!
 
#10 ·
I don't know your area, but...

I drive in soft sand very often, for long distances, sometimes alone (which is wrong). I think it's the easiest thing to drive on. Here, we are down to 10 psi maximum (stock tires), in hot weather maybe 8 or 9. With the right PSI the stock Sport Wrangler JK is almost unstoppable in sand unless you drive foolishly.

The main danger is getting your underside caught on a dune top, but in our sand it takes only 20-30 minutes to dig out a Wrangler buried to the frame, it's easy even in a sandstorm. On a dune or flat ground, with any vehicle, we dig out the underside and leave the wheels alone, so it makes a low area under the vehicle. Don't dig out the wheels. Dig out ALL THE WAY before you try to drive out, you don't want to dig twice. You will want to panic and drive out after 50% the first time, control yourself. :D

Usually you can drive out in 4-low if you are stuck, just turn the wheel maximum one way and go and the other way and go, slowly going out step by step. Use 1 or R going toward any slope or the firmer ground.

I only use 4-low in special cases, for example going up a very steep dune with soft sand or getting out of a soft spot.

Sand tracks or wood can help if you are stuck on flat ground, but also dig out the center if you want the best chance of escaping in one move.

Sorry to ramble, I love sand driving a lot... :D
 
#13 ·
Hey freelance
Congrats ! :)
Regarding driving in sand, it's hard to say other then if the sand is really dry and powdery, you will have to lower your tire lower then if it's hard packed and damp. In the mornings when it's damp I find I can run 15-20 psi, if the afternoon when everyone's been shredding sand, I've run my tires down to 10 -13psi. Even lower if it's been very dry.
With your tire pressure really low just be careful you don't unseat your tire while driving. I've seen folk do that alot.

I keep recovery gear in an old backpack. It contains a keeper yank strap, & a Clevis hook with hitch point.
hope this helps
Mike
 
#14 ·
Yeah I read about airing down. I'm thinking I'll go to 15psi right off the bat. I have a few 2x6s i'll be taking along. They are about 5 feet long. I also have a military shovel, a good jack, and a tow strap. Hopefully if I get into any trouble the boards and shovel will save me. And if not maybe a nice passerby can use the tow strap to save my sorry rear.

I'm also wondering if I should use 4low or 4hi. I know 4low has more torque. But is that going to cause my tires to spin too much when I start off since traction will be low in the sand. I know spinning will only cause you to dig a hole and get stuck. I've not been able to find any articles that really support 4hi or 4 low. Does anyone have any first hand experiences with either? Or any opinion on which would be better?
Thanks guys!
 
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