Driving in Beach Sand with 2WD

[nathannookie]

Is it possible to drive in beach sand, or small dunes, with 2WD if you air down the tires?

 

[rando]

Yes, I've done this with my Toyota pickup and other vehicles at Pismo. If you stay down on the hard stuff near the water, you won't even need to air down. For soft flat sand, you'll probably need to let out air (each vehicle and tire combination is different). As far as dune rolling, you CAN make it with 2wd though you will need to be really careful and even then you MUST be able to enlist the help of other people when you get stuck. Another 4wd with a tow strap can usually get you out. As a backup, you can try getting a couple of guys to jump up and down on your rear bumper ... this is a good technique with pickups but I'm not sure how you'd do it safely with a 4runner.

You should be aware that even with a 4wd system, it is entirely possible (even common) to get stuck in the dunes. Worst case you can always call for a tow but be prepared to pay the big $$$ for that 'emergency' service. If it were up to me, I'd avoid the dunes and stick to the flatland nearer the beach. Getting stuck isn't really much fun.

It's good to see a fellow Redondo member here.

Have fun!

 

[nathannookie]

I'll stick to the flatlands sand

Thanks,

Yeah, I used to have a 4WD, and yes, even then, got stuck in the bigger dunes.... UNLESS I aired down quite a bit. In the morning, or at night, when the sand was damp, it was much easier too.

Guys have told me that if you air down 'enough' you can do a lot with 2WD, but, like you suggested, I'll stick to the beach area. And yes, "All Tow" is expensive up there.

 

[Good Times]

I've seen a few 2wd do some crazy stuff on the dunes. Heck even saw a 2wd pull out a 2wd that was stuck

As long as you air down ALOT and I mean down to single digits, then you should be fine.

EDIT:
Make sure you have friends that can pull you out if you get stuck

 

[Thai]

Momentum...keep momentum!!!!

Oh yeah, you should have an air compressor to air UP when you finish playing!

 

[nathannookie]

I wonder how much one can 'air down' before the tires could come off the rims? Maybe 8-9 lbs.

Yeah, I need a compressor.

 

[patin22]

I wonder how much one can 'air down' before the tires could come off the rims? Maybe 8-9 lbs.

Yeah, I need a compressor.

Yeah, I can't imagine going any lower than that. I once saw a guy reseat the tire bead on his rim with starter fluid - I guess it's a relatively well known emergency practice, but it's still a little freaky!

 

[zworker]

letting air out in snow also helps..

 

[Chief_Surf]

Is it possible to drive in beach sand, or small dunes, with 2WD if you air down the tires?

Have you been doing much off-roading with your 2wd. I just got one and I'm trying to figure out how to do it without breaking the bank. Is there a specific lift you did or other modifications? And what about speed vs slow? Does that change the kit at all?

 

[ads2539]

~19 yr old thread, a new forum record?

 

[Chief_Surf]

~19 yr old thread, a new forum record?

Gotta ask somewhere I suppose!

 

[Useatorquewrench]

Sure, with some proper skill and cahones

 

[Smack95]

wowa coolio