Beach wheeling + camping

[kyle_uran]

Highly considering a trip from Houston to Padre Island National Sea Shore the second weekend in October. It's been a while since i've been camping at a beach, and that was a State Park with amenities.

Padre Island National Sea Shore is a barrier island in South Texas along the Gulf of Mexico. There is 60 miles until the end of the island from the paved road that is accessible. I would likely do between 20-30 miles i'm assuming.

I drive a 2003 T4R with V8 AWD and have 265/75/17 Cooper Discover ATP, a all-terain tire. I do have a front stock tow points (tie down?), rear hitch mount shackle, and a 20' tow strap. I do not have a compressor or onboard air, though considering a 10 lbs. compressed air tank or CO2.

What beach camping and wheeling tips and tricks do y'all have?

 

[dagen]

Highly considering a trip from Houston to Padre Island National Sea Shore the second weekend in October. It's been a while since i've been camping at a beach, and that was a State Park with amenities.

Padre Island National Sea Shore is a barrier island in South Texas along the Gulf of Mexico. There is 60 miles until the end of the island from the paved road that is accessible. I would likely do between 20-30 miles i'm assuming.

I drive a 2003 T4R with V8 AWD and have 265/75/17 Cooper Discover ATP, a all-terain tire. I do have a front stock tow points (tie down?), rear hitch mount shackle, and a 20' tow strap. I do not have a compressor or onboard air, though considering a 10 lbs. compressed air tank or CO2.

What beach camping and wheeling tips and tricks do y'all have?

I've been out wheeling at Pismo and I aired down to 20PSI on all wheels. The difference it made in traction was huge.
If you can, a set of Maxtrax and a shovel would be a good idea too if there is soft sand. The hard pack stuff near the waters edge is always a little easier to drive on, just be aware of changes in the tide if you're parking near the water for any length of time.

 

[Muzzle of Bees]

I have driven that stretch in a stock xterra many times. Down as far as big shell beach. Have not been there yet with the new 4Runner. My 03 xterra had the stock general tires. My 06 was wearing Goodyear silent armor tires.
Don't worry about airing down your tires. You will easily see where you need to drive very early in your journey. The track is unpredictable, but not too challenging. If the track close to the dunes is really soft you will need to stay closer to water. You will make better time too. You can easily back into an area near the dunes where it is soft and set up camp. Don't worry about taking wood with you. You can find lots of driftwood to burn. Take an old blanket to cover the glass that will get the wind. The windows will easily pit. Take a good cooler and keep it up high or inside your vehicle at night. The coyotes will get your food fast at night. You will begin to see them along the beach at dusk. TAKE BUG SPRAY.

Have fun.

 

[Bodie the Dog]

More tips

Do air down. In my mostly stock 94 4runner, 31" tires, I'll go down to 15psi. If you don't air down, you will soon enough discover how well your transmission is doing. The first time my transmission ever overheated was the time I forgot to air down. Humboldt County, ya know?

Plus, you'll hear your engine whining out, and get extra attention from the shore fishermen and clammers, clearly identifying yourself as a N00b.

The sand near the water is usually firmest, but watch ahead of your vehicle for shiny spots in the sand, indicative of water and possibly extra soft/deep sand. It only takes a little pothole to mess you up. Also watch for streams crossing the beach, and their attendant speed bump. But no worries, you'll find your rhythm soon enough.

As he said, lots of firewood, but keep your eyes open so you don't run into it. Or into peds and their dogs. And never turn your back on the ocean. Sleeper waves are a real hazard. Don't run over the Plovers, but otherwise go have fun!