First time offroading

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Feb 16, 2005 | 11:42 PM

Spagoo

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First time offroading

Hey everyone,
I'm about to go offroading for the first time in the desert, and I was wondering if anyone could tell me about the things I should be sure to do so I don't screw up my truck. I'm not planning on doing anything to crazy, as I just got my truck, a 2002 F150 Supercrew FX4, and its completely stock. Thanks.

Feb 16, 2005 | 11:51 PM

fishmanndotcom

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Joined: May 2000

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From: Senoia, GA

yea... take it easy! bring whatever recovery equipment you can and be sure to stay with someone. dont' get brave or try to be a hero a stocker can only go so far.

remember that in sand momentum and sped is everything... i haven't done much sand wheelin but the lil bit i have done i know it can be tricky esp in the real soft stuff.

have fun too, that's the point in the sport!

-cutts-

Feb 17, 2005 | 12:19 AM

SoCalDesertRider

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Joined: Dec 2002

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From: USA

Air down your tires! You'll be amazed how much more traction you have in sand when you let some air out

Feb 17, 2005 | 08:35 AM

Pkupman82

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Joined: Feb 2003

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From: Muskegon, MI (home)

Yes definately air them down or you'll be workin your truck harder than it needs to be, you'll be fighting against the sand because your tires will want to dig down. When I go up to play in Silver Lake sand dunes I like to run about 12-15 PSI in soft sand (depending on if the sand is wet or dry). With my tires aired down I can run all over the place in 2wd! It's a blast you'll love it!

Feb 17, 2005 | 11:27 AM

Momudder720

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Joined: Jan 2003

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From: House Springs, MO

Really, in all actuality, there are no 'roads' in sand, like there are 'roads' thru wooded areas. So you're SANDroading (just to keep the tree-huggers happy). And it's not OFFroading, it's off-HIWAY roading.
Um, yea, air down. Just make sure to bring along your handy-dandy cigarette-lighter air compressor so you can air back up.

Feb 18, 2005 | 12:11 AM

fomoco_1

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From: Elm City,N.C.

Another very useful item to have is a charged cell phone.LOL good luck and have fun.

Feb 18, 2005 | 03:13 AM

Shmuck

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Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 161

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From: Dubai, UAE

One thing about the Fords is the long wheel base. This does present it's challenges when trying to crest a dune or ridge. It takes some practice and some getting use to, but you'll get the hang of it. Definately let the air down in your tires. We will run about 15-18 psi around here. This will create a larger "foot print" (section of tire that is actually in contact with the ground) and will allow you to "float" on the sand. Momentum is definately the key to keep yourself moving. But if you do feel like you are getting stuck, whatever you do, do not hammer the trottle and end up spinning the tires. This will only act against you and making it harder to get pulled out. But getting stuck means you're gaining knowledge. Stay with your buddy, be smart, and have a good time.