Just a little drive on Carolina Beach

dixie_boysles

dixie_boysles

New member
Owned the 4Runner since May and since day one have been waiting to finally drive it on the beach and in snow and see how it compares to my old Ranger that I loved so much. Checked off beach today.

The family and I are on vacation at Carolina beach so today we loaded up all the beach stuff and headed out to drive out on the beach. I knew I wouldn't have to, but aired down to 20 psi just in case and make it easier on tranny.

All are poser shots mostly for wallpapers and such but either way the 4Runner was flawless. Ran 4hi locked and never even hiccuped.

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Gotta like it !

I finally have an Oversand Permit for national seashore on the Cape, heading up next weekend for the same sand/beach adventure, and some camping in Truro.

Looking forward to a no-teenagers (m kids) vacation weekend !
 
Beautiful T4R and nice beach shots. I have some very similar pics of ours posing. The sand just blends great with a titanium sport edition. Love it.

Lineman, I live on OBX and just so you know since the NPS has started charging fees to drive on Oregon inlet, a lot of folks are 4wheeling on Corova beach in Currituck county, closer the duck, corolla area. Oregon inlet will cost ya $50 for a week permit IIRC and its just south of Nags head. Be sure to check the regulations wherever you decie to go.
 
TOYLUVA said:
Beautiful T4R and nice beach shots. I have some very similar pics of ours posing. The sand just blends great with a titanium sport edition. Love it.

Lineman, I live on OBX and just so you know since the NPS has started charging fees to drive on Oregon inlet, a lot of folks are 4wheeling on Corova beach in Currituck county, closer the duck, corolla area. Oregon inlet will cost ya $50 for a week permit IIRC and its just south of Nags head. Be sure to check the regulations wherever you decie to go.
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Thanks man! Yeah those NPS fees is part of the reason we go to Carolina Beach now. It cost $20 daily here, but to protect some dang non native bird. You can camp right on the beach here at Freeman park, so I think that's mostly the reason for charging. I'm sticking it to the man haha
 
Just bought a '13 SR5 last weekend. Headed down to OBX (Hatteras) this weekend. This will be my first time driving on the beach. I'll be stopping at Coquina on the way down (from Alexandria, VA) to get my $50 ORV pass for the week. Got any advice for a first time off-roader? I at least know i need to air-down the tires to 20-25 but that's about where my knowledge ends. I've got all the essential tools needed: shovel, tire gauge, portable inflator, fire extinguisher, tow strap, etc.

But I'm a first timer and want to impress the lady. Dont wanna get stuck, and don't wanna strain the tranny. Looking for advice. Shoot away...
 
VCU4Runner said:
Just bought a '13 SR5 last weekend. Headed down to OBX (Hatteras) this weekend. This will be my first time driving on the beach. I'll be stopping at Coquina on the way down (from Alexandria, VA) to get my $50 ORV pass for the week. Got any advice for a first time off-roader? I at least know i need to air-down the tires to 20-25 but that's about where my knowledge ends. I've got all the essential tools needed: shovel, tire gauge, portable inflator, fire extinguisher, tow strap, etc.

But I'm a first timer and want to impress the lady. Dont wanna get stuck, and don't wanna strain the tranny. Looking for advice. Shoot away...
Click to expand...

If you air down you should have no problem. Use 4wheel drive, take it slow in a low gear, try not to spin tires. Spinning/digging will get you stuck. Watch out for holes from fires pits or where others have been stuck. Good luck and enjoy!
 
VCU4Runner said:
Just bought a '13 SR5 last weekend. Headed down to OBX (Hatteras) this weekend. This will be my first time driving on the beach. I'll be stopping at Coquina on the way down (from Alexandria, VA) to get my $50 ORV pass for the week. Got any advice for a first time off-roader? I at least know i need to air-down the tires to 20-25 but that's about where my knowledge ends. I've got all the essential tools needed: shovel, tire gauge, portable inflator, fire extinguisher, tow strap, etc.

But I'm a first timer and want to impress the lady. Dont wanna get stuck, and don't wanna strain the tranny. Looking for advice. Shoot away...
Click to expand...

Yup air down to 18-20 psi (tips light will come on) to make a wider foot print in the sand. The goal is to stay on TOP of the sand.

Also lay off the brakes, I hardly ever touch brake pedal on the beach. I let the sand slow me down. You dont want to hit brakes and come to stop and push sand into a pile in front of the tires.

Stay away from the dunes (I get near em on purpose but I'm experienced)
That's where the sugary sand is, soft sand gets you stuck.

Try to stay in others tracks (I don't but again I'm experienced)

No sudden acceleration, ease to speed

If you are really worried about getting stuck, stay on wet packed sand.

I was able to go through it in 4Hi locked, but probably could have unlocked. Don't be stupid and attempt 2wd and only engage 4x4 when you "need" it, by then its too late.

All this makes it sound like you have to drive like an old lady but you will see beach driving is actually pretty easy and you will soon be able to fly on the beach.
 
dixie_boysles said:
Yup air down to 18-20 psi (tips light will come on) to make a wider foot print in the sand. The goal is to stay on TOP of the sand.

Also lay off the brakes, I hardly ever touch brake pedal on the beach. I let the sand slow me down. You dont want to hit brakes and come to stop and push sand into a pile in front of the tires.

Stay away from the dunes (I get near em on purpose but I'm experienced)
That's where the sugary sand is, soft sand gets you stuck.

Try to stay in others tracks (I don't but again I'm experienced)

No sudden acceleration, ease to speed

If you are really worried about getting stuck, stay on wet packed sand.

I was able to go through it in 4Hi locked, but probably could have unlocked. Don't be stupid and attempt 2wd and only engage 4x4 when you "need" it, by then its too late.

All this makes it sound like you have to drive like an old lady but you will see beach driving is actually pretty easy and you will soon be able to fly on the beach.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the replies. I greatly appreciate the knowledge. One quick question...explain the lock and unlock settings in 4wd and the benefits of each. I feel as though I'm asking a lot, so if there is a web site that explains this, or even potentially a thread on this forum, please direct me to it, thanks.




TOYLUVA said:
If you air down you should have no problem. Use 4wheel drive, take it slow in a low gear, try not to spin tires. Spinning/digging will get you stuck. Watch out for holes from fires pits or where others have been stuck. Good luck and enjoy!
Click to expand...
 
Where in NC is everyone from? I'm new to NC and looking for places to go that are not too far for a day trip somewhere from Fayetteville. Any suggestions. Looking for weekend trips too
 
The center diff is a lockable, limited slip diff. So it is very similar to a rear diff, just the geometry is different and there is no reduction gear. There is an input shaft and the diff distributes power to two output shafts. The diff allows the two output shafts to turn at different speeds.

When you go around a turn, the rear diff takes a shorter path than the front diff. As a result, the rear driveshaft needs to turn slower than the front driveshaft. The limited slip center diff allows this difference of speed while still providing per to both axles. Note, however, the word "limited". If one axle has no grip at all, the diff by itself can't transfer torque to the other driveshaft, so you might get stuck. Here is where the locking feature comes into play. Once you lock the center diff, the front and rear driveshafts turn at the same speed, so even if one axle has no traction at all, the other axle will still get power.

Don't lock the center diff on pavement and try to turn -- that can cause stress on the drivetrain. When you go onto the beach, put it in 4wd and lock the center diff. I prefer 4 lo on the beach as that helps me keep the speed down. Air down your tires. I air down to about 16 psi.

When you are on the beach, if you don't see tire tracks, don't go there -- other drivers may know something that you don't.
 
M1911 said:
The center diff is a lockable, limited slip diff. So it is very similar to a rear diff, just the geometry is different and there is no reduction gear. There is an input shaft and the diff distributes power to two output shafts. The diff allows the two output shafts to turn at different speeds.

When you go around a turn, the rear diff takes a shorter path than the front diff. As a result, the rear driveshaft needs to turn slower than the front driveshaft. The limited slip center diff allows this difference of speed while still providing per to both axles. Note, however, the word "limited". If one axle has no grip at all, the diff by itself can't transfer torque to the other driveshaft, so you might get stuck. Here is where the locking feature comes into play. Once you lock the center diff, the front and rear driveshafts turn at the same speed, so even if one axle has no traction at all, the other axle will still get power.

Don't lock the center diff on pavement and try to turn -- that can cause stress on the drivetrain. When you go onto the beach, put it in 4wd and lock the center diff. I prefer 4 lo on the beach as that helps me keep the speed down. Air down your tires. I air down to about 16 psi.

When you are on the beach, if you don't see tire tracks, don't go there -- other drivers may know something that you don't.
Click to expand...

Thanks for this info. This is exactly what I was looking for. I'll report back with my experience. Leaving DC in 30 mins. Hoping beach traffic isn't backed up already....
 
We are heading down the 7th for a couple of days of relaxation. Going to take the dog so she can see the ocean for the first time.

Its been a while since we have been to the NC beaches and the first time with a sand capable vehicle. We would like to be able to drive on the beach, spend a day relaxing but also do some shopping, touristy type stuff. Where should be looking to best do all of that?
 
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