Sand + Turning + Locked Diff
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Elder User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 501
Likes: 1
From: Pacific NW
Sand + Turning + Locked Diff
Hi All,
So I was taking in the fine weather on Oregon's coast this weekend and parked out on the beach. I know the basics of driving on sand is to air down a bit and don't stop. Well I didn't air down and I got to where I wanted on the beach just fine. Then it was time to go on. I was in 4x4 Hi and locked rear diff. So I proceeded to get going and cranked it left shortly after moving forward and proceeded to sink my truck into the sand. I did back it out and got myself unstuck with a little advice and a few chuckles from a raptor owner down the beach. So what I'm wondering, other than neglecting to air down my tires, did locking my rear diff and cranking it hard left help seal my fate and bury my truck? I know that my truck would want to drive straight due to the locked rear diff, but I figured the rear end would just rotate itself around since sand is so loose. Is this one of those moments where I should had left my rear diff unlocked until I completed the turn? I didn't have much momentum going when I started turning but oh well. I'm also sure my fairly worn OEM Scorpions weren't helping either. can't wait to get some 275/65r20's under this thing.
Thanks!
So I was taking in the fine weather on Oregon's coast this weekend and parked out on the beach. I know the basics of driving on sand is to air down a bit and don't stop. Well I didn't air down and I got to where I wanted on the beach just fine. Then it was time to go on. I was in 4x4 Hi and locked rear diff. So I proceeded to get going and cranked it left shortly after moving forward and proceeded to sink my truck into the sand. I did back it out and got myself unstuck with a little advice and a few chuckles from a raptor owner down the beach. So what I'm wondering, other than neglecting to air down my tires, did locking my rear diff and cranking it hard left help seal my fate and bury my truck? I know that my truck would want to drive straight due to the locked rear diff, but I figured the rear end would just rotate itself around since sand is so loose. Is this one of those moments where I should had left my rear diff unlocked until I completed the turn? I didn't have much momentum going when I started turning but oh well. I'm also sure my fairly worn OEM Scorpions weren't helping either. can't wait to get some 275/65r20's under this thing.
Thanks!
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,945
Likes: 866
From: Montana
While driving in the sand, flotation is more important than traction. You should have gotten going straight before turning. I've used the locker on my FX4 in the sand with much success. Just make sure you don't spin the tires too much, or you'll bury it.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 1
From: South Jersey
I agree with keeping the tires as straight as possible. Sharp turning in the sand can bury the tires much easier. I've found that 20 pounds of air pressure has helped me drive on the sand. I haven't been on the sand in a while, but I still keep the heavy duty 12V air compressor in my truck just in case.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,392
Likes: 1
From: Dayton, TX
I have been driving to and on the beach for years. I have never aired down my tires and it has always been fine. Never had a compressor. Momentum is the key. Keep up speed but not to where you can get in trouble and don't make sharp turns. Wide turns from top of the sand bar down towards the water where the sand is more packed. I have used my locker about every time while on the beach and it never hurt me. Keeps from sinking one side or the other. I don't know what it is with f150s but I have never been able to get stuck and not pull myself out with a little time and patients. These trucks work great in the sand.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,738
Likes: 103
From: FL
I have this exact one and love it. Comes with a soft case too. I would highly recommend getting the "alligator-clip to 12v outlet" to prevent putting to much draw on outlets in truck and poping fuses. the compressor has a fuse built into the plug, so you dont need to worry about the lack of a fuse using the adapter
compressor
alligator clip 12v adapter
compressor
alligator clip 12v adapter
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 1
From: South Jersey
I have not been on the beach since my 2005 FX4, and I saw trucks with lift kits and big tires stuck to their axles. It's all in driving smart and not trying to spin the tires like a crazy person. No sudden steering wheel action and keep moving when in the soft sand. I always lowered my tire pressure because my stock tires always seemed to dig down too far with full psi.
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