Beach Driving

[Rapter554]

I have a 96' XLT 4x4 5spd with 28 inch BFG AT's. I have recently moved to college and have started driving on the beach a lot. I have noticed that I have to keep my momentum moving much fast than many other 4x4 out there to make it through the deep parts of the sand. I know that if I get wider tires that will help with the floatation, but im unsure of how wide would work the best and because im on a tight buget what width would fit on my stock rims. I'm thinking of getting 31x10.50's or 11.50's. Also would at locking differential help on the sand? Sorry for the newbie questions.

 

[DeRocha]

Air pressure...You must air down to 12-15 psi to enable your tires to "Float" on the surface of the sand instead of sinking to your axles...

 

[Rx4phun]

you can put 11.5" wide tires on stock rims but they would be hard to find in a 31" tire and even harder to fit without rubbing the fender. Most Xs but not all can fit 31x10.5 tires at stock height. You might need just a little lift which is easy just do a torsion twist in the front (free) and put either an add a leaf or shackles in the rear (~ $60) which will give you ~1.5" which will fit the 31x10.5 on stock rims well. Also reducing your tire pressure to 12-15 lbs would a very good idea if you dont want to get stuck, regardless of your tire size
Gary

 

[unclemeat]

You should be able to fit a 30.5x9.5 tire on you X without any modification. You may not need to air down quite that low. However lower tire pressure means less stress on the drivetrain. Momentium is the key to driving on sand. Only steer when you are moving. Also keep a shovel in your X.

 

['96explorereddiebauer]

Haha...I was driving on the north end of Carolina Beach and got stuck there. 2 hours, 10 guys, and 2 trucks finally pulled me out of the beach. I have 31" stock tires and aired down to 15 psi. Well, I took the truck to the dealer and found out that my shift motor went out of whack. I was sooooo mad!!!

 

[Rhett]

Around here, you can also do "beach" driving along the Mississippi River, but it's not as open as an ocean beach of course. Sand is similar though, and you can get hung up if you're not careful. Basically, you need carry a shovel and some traction material (like some long boards, etc.) and air down some.

 

[Premier]

Get some sand ladders......

 

[unclemeat]

It is also a good idea to stay above the high tide line. That way if you get stuck you wont loose the vehicle.