How to drive 05 T4R 2wd in sand

[spudbutter]

Hi, this is my first post on here. Looks like there are some knowledgable people that might be able to point me in the right direction... I enjoy ATVing and last weekend went to Pismo Beach (Oceano Dunes) to camp on the beach. I drove my 05 T4R SR5 (2wd) in the dunes towing my Outlander 800 Max. The Toyota did pretty good I guess, I didn't get stuck, but was scared with only a 2wd. I aired down to 10psi which helped... My question is has anyone really driven there 2wd T4R in deep sand before? All the big trucks were getting stuckat the access and I decided to hit the deeper sand pretty fast. By the time I got to the access road the trac control or whatever robbed all my momentum by cutting the throttle. This could be pretty bad. I made it, but if I had another 10-20 feet I don't know. What is the best way to drive this 05 T4R 2wd in the deep sand?? Are they any good in the sand? I just had short jaunts in the deep stuff, but worry towing the trailer. Is the Extra weight bad in sand, or does the extra weight on the rear tires help like in snow? Sorry for all the questions, but I like Pismo and want to know if I should be Sh%^$# my Pants or not every time I get into the deep stuff. Oh yeah, what about the auto lsd, is that good in the sand or does in inhibit anything?

 

[spudbutter]

A pic of the T4R and Outy from on top of a Dune.

 

[nserpa9248]

see the tires on your ATV? ones like that on the 4runner would kick ass on the sand!

Airing down, and getting a more agressive tread will help

Trailer is prob doing nothing but slowing you down...

 

[T?@\7]

air down & keep momentum i think would be two of your greatest friends in that situation.
I have a friend with an 05 f150 2wd, hes got it jacked up 6 inches and on 35's, but its still 2wd!! So he is currently in the process of refining his driving skills everytime we go out, which is probably the most crucial factor, driving skill....

I guess practice practice practice!
Im surprised though that you didnt sink anywhere being 2wd & having that trailer. I wish we had sh|t like that around here, fla is so damn flat!

 

[ProMed]

WFO!! :bigok:

 

[spudbutter]

Yeah, I know about the momentum, and low pressure but the auto lsd or something kicks in and steals all my momentum. Should I take out the ABS plug like I saw on other threads, or will I one wheel? Do I want the Auto LSD on or off? I found this video of a Taco at Pismo in 2wd, my rpms cut out on me, I punched it in the deep stuff, started off good then something slowly robbed my power????
Linky>>
http://youtube.com/watch?v=VK1mVZwWyG4

 

[T?@\7]

looks like a fun place you've got there!
But im not sure about what you should do as far as pulling plugs n stuff......

So are you not able to tip around in the sand like that?

btw- SICK setup! atv, tent, trailor, 4r & the Lady! :beer:

 

[fourwd1]

see the tires on your ATV? ones like that on the 4runner would kick ass on the sand!

Airing down, and getting a more agressive tread will help

Trailer is prob doing nothing but slowing you down...

Just the opposite, you "air down" because you want to float on top of the sand, not dig in. An aggressive tread will want to dig in.
You want a non-aggressive tread. I used to use some well worn flotation tires in the sand. That was on a beater truck, I'd never expose a new vehicle to the sand and salt of a beach. That stuff is so bad for a vehicle.

 

[nserpa9248]

hmm never really thought of it that way, then again, all the times ive seen things like dune buggys at the beach, they have "paddle" like tires and i figured that bigger knobs would serve the same purpose..

 

[fourwd1]

hmm never really thought of it that way, then again, all the times ive seen things like dune buggys at the beach, they have "paddle" like tires and i figured that bigger knobs would serve the same purpose..

True, but they're purpose built vehicles. Lightweight, lots of HP, and those paddle tires are big flotation tires.

 

[nserpa9248]

learn something new, and get my old ideas learned refined every day..

 

[spudbutter]

Thanks for the advice, I air down to about 10 pounds in each rear tire, I should probably do the fronts too. I guess my main question now is should I use the "Auto LSD" or disable the ABS? Something cuts my power and from what I read it is teh VSC or is it the Auto LSD. Remember it's only a 2wd. About the sand and salt, yeah I sort of cringe at that too. I do hose it off really well when I get home though. Is there any product for after beaches you know of. This is one of the cheaper trucks at this beach, mostly modded Chevs, and Fords so not sure how helpful they would be to a Yota if I got stuck. BTW, T?@/7, I went to Embry Riddle, and 4wd1, I used to live in Mountaintop next to Paragon in NEPA. It's a great place but I hear the airport is pretty much finalized. Sorry, lots of other good off road places in NEPA though.

 

[spudbutter]

Not a T4R, but thought you might like it. Keep th advicce coming guys- Thanks!

 

[Kmvreter]

I guess my main question now is should I use the "Auto LSD" or disable the ABS? Something cuts my power and from what I read it is teh VSC or is it the Auto LSD. Remember it's only a 2wd....

The VSC is cutting your throttle when it detects wheel spin. I thought the 2wd had a TRAC OFF switch? You want your traction control off (not sure if that is the same as having the AUTO LSD on.)

 

[Bala de Plata]

The auto lsd will help as it is a engine and brake management override but the "nanny" vsc can still kick in. Dis connecting the plug will kill the vsc and not allow it engage but also disengages the abs. I have experimented with this quite a bit and only use it in a very necessary situation which can be loose sand. I would suggest experimenting with it and just be careful and dont hi speed it with this disengaged. Otherwise the auto lsd is great for other types of wheeling in various terrains. Driver skill will your best asset. I have only ever gotten stuck once and it was in sand. Since using the auto lsd and choosing the right times to unplug, I have not got stuck once. I haven't even used my locker yet . And remember that when you replug, you will have to turn your engine off and then back on before it resets.

Good luck

 

[spudbutter]

Okay, I would only disconnect in sand, I realize it is an important safety issue, thanks bala. Okay, so disconnecting plug will get rid of the VSC, and I would assume the auto LSD would not work too. Am I correct? Will this cause me to one wheel? So far here is what I gather(for deep sand): Air down, disconnect the plug and don't worry about the Auto LSD button. Thaks!

 

[Bala de Plata]

actually the auto lsd will still work. it is mostly an engine managment system. kinda like when you floor it with it off in loose terrain, you dont go nowhere. But with it engaged, you will peel out. forgot to mention that. And again, anything is possible so report back with your experience as it adds to the discussion. Have fun man

Edit: and there will always be the potential to one whell as mechanical we have an open diff. only way around that is a locker, thus, I got a locker to maximize my 2wd potential. but like I said, I have followed many a 4x so far and have had no problems keeping up without the locker. driving in 2 or L helps alot also and dont try to get wills to spin, always have traction in mind. middle to low steady rpm