Thoughts on Adverse Impacts Associated w/ 4-Wheeling on the Beach???

[rpr]

Way back when, I used to do a lot of 4-wheeling on the beach with my 1981 full size Blazer. It may be a coincidence, but the body on that thing was held together by the paint after 4 or 5 years.

With today's newer vehicles and better paint/sealants from the factory, specifically as they relate to my 1997 XLT, is the beach as corrosive as it used to be on the older vehicles? I really miss the beach and would love to get my truck back out in the sand, but I don't want to trash the thing. Any opinions?

Another question. My '97 XLT is all stock, whereas I had 33x1250s on the 'ol '81 Blazer. Think a stock '97 XLT will pull itself along OK on the beach?

 

[VairKing]

What kind of beach are we talking about? I dont think sand will hurt any metal, it actually cleans a lot of your parts. Several people here including myself take our rigs up to silver lake all the time and beat on em a bit.

 

[Jason_25]

You should be fine.

I have never seen a 95+ with any significant amount of rust on it. Mostly it's the older models that rust alot.

 

[Robb]

I have some friends down in Nags Head, NC. Their modern autos seem to be holding out better than older ones. They have had some that literally rusted away. They get some smaller problems with rust, but nothing like it used to be.

rpr - it's the salt water (and salty air) that rusts out metals on vehicles. I assume silver lake is fresh water, and shouldn't be any problem.

 

[Byrd91]

Sand isn't corrosive but salt water is. Even the mist at the beach is salty and can be corrosive. But a good wash, even a drive through one should take care of it completely. Also, while your stock Explorer tires won't do as well as the 33's, air them down a little and they'll pull you right along.

 

[rpr]

Tx for the replies. For the record, I was talking about a saltwater beach (south shore of Long Island).

Byrd91: I've heard conflicting info about washing trucks after you leave the beach. Most folks, like you, recommend it. But a few feel strongly that it can make matters worse. As both you and Morrisey0 mentioned, it is the saltwater/mist that is corrosive, not the sand particles themselves. These folks contend that dry sand from the beach contains adsorbed salt, that won't typically be readily released from the sand particle before it is blown off the truck (provided it stays dry). The theory is that the adsorbed salt is typically released from the sand particle when it becomes wet (when you wash the truck). So washing your truck after leaving the beach essentially rinses salt off the sand particles and sends it into every nook and cranny of your truck.

Kind of makes sense, no?

 

[Robb]

rpr, that was the most intelligent thing I have heard all day.

But, if you leave the sand, won't it eventually get wet anyway? Then just sit there? At least if you are washing it, you are removing the sand for good. And with enough rinsing, shouldn't it take care of everything.

 

[Jason_25]

If you are truly concerned, drive up it on ramps and use a powerwasher, that's sure to do it. That's what I do every time my truck is on the beach.

 

[Robb]

rpr, sorry about that assumption of fresh water, I got the posts confused. That comment was for VairKing.

Jason_25, start a thread, you about to hit the millenium. If you hadn't noticed.

 

[rpr]

Morrisey0: I think they believe that the majority of the sand will eventually blow off the truck before it ever gets wet. However, a good undercarriage wash and rinse will probably do a fair job of removing the majority of the sand/salt as well.

In any case, I'm sure my '97 XLT is a lot more corrossion resistant than my '81 Blazer was. I think the only corrosion protection the '81 Blazer had was the leaking oil pan gasket that kept everything nice and lubed on the undercarriage. Things started to go downhill fast after I fixed that leak.

 

[RonB]

My 94 EB is on the Beaches of NJ at least 100 days a year due to my love of Surf fishing. Besides losing the Autohubs on the beach I have no other complaints about how it handles. I have no rust problems either.

Dead Link Removed

 

[PicoG4]

I live on hatteras island all summer. Every day I take my explorer out on the beach. Even with 15 psi it could use some wider tires. Driving on the sand isn't even about having 4wheel drive its having displacement. If you ask me the engine compartment takes the biggest blow on the beach because the front tires will kick sand up there and any grease or anything is a magnet for sand. If you ask me washing the underside of the truck and the engine bay with some degreaser before you head out on the sand will help you out alot. Also a good power wash along with some compressed air will get rid of the sand. Explorers hold up well down there. Be lucky you don't have a chevy. Every silverado That had a chrome bumber is carrying to chunks of rust.

 

[VBVA]

I live an hour and a half from the outer banks, nc - go surfing there all the time. I never had any problems in my Toyota on the sand, it floated right on top. With my Ex I air down to around 20 psi on all 4 tires and go. Make sure to keep your momentum up so you don't get bogged down. And don't forget to wash your Ex out ASAP, hitting the underbody as well to prevent rust and corrosion. Enjoy the beach, I find it one of the best places to off-road!