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Aug 8, 2003 | 03:49 PM

4X4LabGuy

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Sand?

I'll be heading to NC Outer Banks in a few weeks. This will be the first time there with the Expy. Does anyone have any experiece with driving their Expy on the beach? My old Toyota pu was no problem, but was a heck of a lot lighter.

Any suggestions are welcome...

Aug 8, 2003 | 04:46 PM

redvet

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Joined: Mar 2001

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From: NE JERSEY

Sand?

You have a 4X4.
You shouldn't have any problems.
Just take it slow.

Aug 8, 2003 | 05:11 PM

PaulC

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Sand?

Bring an 12V air compressor, and be prepared to lower tire pressures enough to widen the footprint of the tire and prevent your truck from sinking too deep in the sand. Don't be shy about using 4LO; the truck will be working harder than you think if the sand is loose. Ease the power on, try not to dig any holes if you don't have to. Bring a heavy steel plate (12" x 12") to serve as a base for your jack if you have to lift the vehicle to fill a rut or two...or three...or four.

You should be OK. Don't try to blaze any trails and watch anyone who appears to be a local to see where they are going and what techniques they use to get there.

Aug 8, 2003 | 07:21 PM

BigMan69

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From: Long Island, NY

Sand?

It depends on the type of sand you encounter. If it pretty packed, you shouldn't need to air down. When I go in the sand, it is usually pretty soft and powdery, so I air down to about 18lbs. in each tire. Makes a world of difference, truck will not labor nearly as much and probably won't get stuck as long as you remember that you aren't Superman,,,,unless you are,,,lol.
But, and this is a big but, unless you have access to a good strong air source (they sometimes have them at entrences to beaches) don't air down that much or you will be airing back up with the 12V compressor for hours.

BigMan69

Aug 8, 2003 | 11:25 PM

cds

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Joined: Jul 1999

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From: Monroe, NC

Sand?

My Mom lives on the outerbanks and she has a 2001 expy 4x4 and we have taken it out several times and have not had to air down but there were times when you could tell the big truck was laboring. It does make a difference if you stay in the tracks though. What ever you do don't try A4WD, my Dad did and said it made 4 pot holes. Live and learn. Have fun on the beach.

Aug 8, 2003 | 11:26 PM

PaulC

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Sand?

BigMan has a good point about the time spent with the 12V compressor!

Aug 9, 2003 | 09:20 AM

Darth Baiter

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From: Jersey Shore on the Right

Sand?

I'm on the beach at least twice a week for 9 months a year here in Jersey - Island Beach State Park. Most important - air down all wheels to 12 to 18 lbs depending on conditions. Loose sand - lower pressure. Never got my Expy stuck - applying more power is usually not the best, stop and back out before you dig yourself in. Go straight with gentle turns - sharp turns dig holes. 4H is fine, not 4L, and disengage the overdrive. Absolutely bring a shovel, required by state park rules, although I've only used mine to dig others out. A jack board (12" x 12" x 3/4" plywood) and tow strap are also good ideas - again required at IBSP. The Expy is great, loads of ground clearance and I've pulled a Jeep or two out of the sand more than once. Airing back up is an issue - I drive to the nearest gas station at no more than 35 mph if I can't use the Park's air stations. Good luck and tight lines.

PS: At 15 psig my truck doesn't labor at all, just floats on the sand. If it's laboring tire pressure is to high. Always carry a reliable tire pressure guage.

Last edited by Darth Baiter; Aug 9, 2003 at 09:23 AM.