First Time Sand Dunes. Tips?

[jobes]

I have a stock 99 limited with duratrac tires and I am thinking of hitting the sand dunes, specifically, pismo beach.

I am going to air down to about 15-20 PSI. Should I drive in 4WD or 4H? I did some research and it looks like some of the hills require a lot of speed to get up without getting stuck.

Can't find too many threads of 4runner playing in the dunes. Is there a reason why?

Any tips?

 

[98WhiteT4R]

4hi should be fine

 

[EraSevera]

Be ready to put in some new wheel bearings. Also sand requires you to run at high RPMs so be ready for some heat.

 

[Kanger328]

Air down to 15. Build momentum when going uphill...BUT be VERY vigilant as to where you're going. Sometimes you'll be going up an incline thinking it'll be a gradual descent once you reach the top, but it can turn out to be a sudden drop off (almost like a cliff). The sand can make it very hard to distinguish terrain features. I think you're required to have flags on your vehicle now too? Try not to slam brakes. If you do while drifting (well, you shouldn't drift anyway) or while you're turning while going fast, you can go tumbling.

 

[shadow247]

Air down to 15. Build momentum when going uphill...BUT be VERY vigilant as to where you're going. Sometimes you'll be going up an incline thinking it'll be a gradual descent once you reach the top, but it can turn out to be a sudden drop off (almost like a cliff). The sand can make it very hard to distinguish terrain features. I think you're required to have flags on your vehicle now too? Try not to slam brakes. If you do while drifting (well, you shouldn't drift anyway) or while you're turning while going fast, you can go tumbling.

To add to this, since you have Duratracs - which are pretty aggressive - avoid spinning as much as possible. If you start to get stuck, do not just gun it, you will end up more stuck. Instead back up and try again. I have seen too many people get stuck in their jacked up trucks on mud tires, while I drive by in my basically stock Runner with street radials because I drive like I have some sense.

 

[snivilous]

Don't stop pointing uphill.

 

[RedSled]

Take a shovel with you.

 

[PhdNPrerunners]

Take it from someone who used to live there and air down to 12 in the front and 10 in the rear. Put it in 4HI and you will able to to go all over the place. When I had my Tacoma out there I never got stuck once or used 4LO. Also the wheel bearing statement is false. I went to the dunes multiple times a week for years and never had to replace my wheels bearings on my Tacoma. Good luck and have fun! Also a word of advice on the hard pack don't go over 15 mph cause the rangers out are quick to give tickets for speeding.

 

[Net4n6]

If you have doubt, don't do it. I meant if you see some areas that you don't feel comfortable, don't try. I saw a F150 caught air (not high at all) and broke its front axle.

Have fun, but not stupid fun.