Explorer on the beach...

[LJ4174]

So, heading to the beach in a few days, Outer Banks, NC... In the past I have driven my jeep on the beach, aired the tires down and such...

Thinking about taking my 2005 XLT Sport out on the beach... Any thoughts to this? Is it a bad idea? Anyone ever do it? If so, do you air your tires down and what does that do with the air pressure sensors? I will have my wife and 3 kids with me and would rather not spend my time on vacation stuck!!!

Thoughts or experiences?

Thanks...

LJ

 

[Ronin8002]

She'll do fine in the sand. Air down as you would with any other vehicle. It won't hurt the TPMS but if its low enough you'll get a beep every now and then, no big deal. If you are 4WD then use 4 HI instead of AUTO or 4 LO.

 

[AKbrener]

Depending on where you go in the Outer banks you will find some easy to drive on sand, or some very soft, with deep rutted sand. If you are going to be up in the Nags head, Duck area I think it should be good in those truck beaches, but get down to Avon or Hatteras and it is very soft and very deep. I used to have a 96 AWD v8 explorer and in some spots i was basically plowing the center of the rut with the front bumper.

Tips:
Air down your tires before you get over the dune, its pretty soft and crazy right on the other side from everyone coming and going different directions.
Stay in the ruts the bottoms should be a bit more firm.
Keep your speed up a bit, I would say 20 or so. there is a "street" alongside the dunes where everyone drives, and then you will ahve to turn across to get closer to the water, just find a path and follow it or make your own and power through.

I would keep a small shovel and a couple boards in the back in case you do get stuck, those can help you get some forward momentum.

 

[unclemeat]

If you are going to be on the southern beaches, use low range in the sand. It will place lots less stress on the drive train. You do not want to heat up your transmission and cause damage.