Stuff I learned at the Dunes

[mac66]

Took my 92 XLT and my Polaris 400 ATV to Silver Lake Sand Dunes this week for the first time. Silver Lake is on the west shore of Michigan and is a state park with hundreds of acres of sand dunes on which to ride.

I have been there a few times with my full size 91 Bronco but not with my Explorer or with my 4X4 ATV which I keep at my property in northern michigan.

Anyway this is what I learned.

1. Air down your tires BEFORE going out on the dunes. (I know, DUH! but I was excited and forgot until I got stuck in the entrance trail going in)

2. A 4 door Explorer has a long wheel base. This is a problem when cresting the tops of steep sand dunes. I think some lift and/or larger tires would be helpful. (again, DUH!)

3. I was using 31X10.5 MTs I had from my Bronco. They worked fine when aired low, though they rubbed a bit while turning. This was not a problem when aired up.

4. If you can go to Silver Lake during the week you pretty much have the place to yourself. We (my daughter and son and I ) rode Wednesday evening until sundown and only saw one other person in the whole place.

5. This may be blasphemy, but just about any ATV is better on the dunes than an Explorer. They are funner to ride as well.

6. I beat the heck out of my Explorer for three days and didn't break anything. I was impressed particularly since mine is a 92, I drove 220 miles to get there, it has over 159,000 miles on it and stuff has a tendency to break after 11 years.

7. Finally, I learned that dune riding is a hell of a lot of fun no matter how many times you do it.

 

[udmsvt]

thats cool. wish i couldve made it. i have lived in mi my whole life and never been to the dunes. my truck wasnt done yet, otherwise i wouldve been there. its done now, but i want to regear asap.

 

[clarkkent]

wow.. man u live from from the dunes.. i live here in san luis obispo CA.. about 15 miles from the Pismo Dunes.. I go there almost every other day in my mountaineer.. You missed alot of tips on "how to drive in sand"

1. Pump your gas pedal "Vroom, Vroom Vroom!"
so that you don't dig too much

2. You can tell by soft sand by looking at how its' textured. Soft sand looks "soft and untouched". Packed sand looks rough and packed.

3. Never park to close to the water. its like quicksand. Ever go to the beach and stand on the shore, and wait for a wave to come by, your feet sink. It only takes 15 minutes for the water to fully engulf your vehicle. I've seen 5 trucks do this.

4. Stay away from Salt water. Salt water eats your paint. Even though you dont get water on your truck, even salty sand can eat your paint. remember to get a car wash after.

5. When mobbing through the beach area, try not to run over and dried up kelp, washed up seaweed or watever. Seaweed, kelp and especailly seaweed whips can get tangled up in your suspension and axles.

6. Stay away from carving bowls. Explorers have a tendency to flip on highways, and especially on a 45 degree incline sideways.

7. Dont jump your truck unless you have proper suspension. NO BODYLIFTS OR TORSION TWISTS can withstand a five foot jump.

8. BRING A ROPE

9. NeVER DUNE ALONE>> Bring a Second Truck. and be safe, bring a third just in case the second truck gets stuck trying to pull your dumb ass out!

those are probably the only rules that have come to my mind.. if i misse'd any tell me..

DONT BE DUMB OUT THERE! KEEP THE DUNES OPEN BY NOT BEING STOOPID>> DONT LITTER!

 

[mac66]

Good point clarkkent.

Of course Lake Michigan is fresh water so no problem with salt.

They don't let you go right down to the water, probably for the reasons you mentioned. They have it blocked off at least 25 yards. That way you can drive down, park, lay on the beach or picnic without gettting run over.

One tip I forgot is to always carry a tow strap or two and to have tow hooks front and back. I got stuck a couple times by high centering on the top of steep hills. There were always guys willing to pull you off, but not many wanted to use their own strap.

Here's a couple other things I learned.

-Tie everything down real good in the back. It will go flying if you don't.

-Don't take carbonated beverages with you unless you are going to drive slow and sit for a long time. They will get shook up.

 

[Ken Cooke]

Originally posted by mac66
6. I beat the heck out of my Explorer for three days and didn't break anything. I was impressed particularly since mine is a 92, I drove 220 miles to get there, it has over 159,000 miles on it and stuff has a tendency to break after 11 years.

7. Finally, I learned that dune riding is a hell of a lot of fun no matter how many times you do it.

I've seen more crazy stuff on the dunes than you would believe...How about a Navigator on 22's!?! Or, a lifted Escalade w/Swamper SX's!?! Sand is so fun, just don't jump your truck...You'll be sorry!!!
-Ken

 

[clarkkent]

haha tell me that agen.. i jump my truck alll the time and i never learn man.. i brake alignment every time and i think my spindles are a little bent.. so bent my truck dont look lifted anymore!! haha