I am not interested in heavy duty off roading but I really like driving on the beach in North Carolina. I am considering getting a 2002-05 Explorer, 4x4 with V8 and was wondering how this will hold up. Was considering a 4wd Escape but have been told they are unibody construction and will not hold up to beach driving. I welcome any and all opinions or suggestions on a purchase.

 

yeah it will work fine just avoid soft spots. don't be suprised if you get stuck.

 

Obviously, any vehicle you drive on the beach should be thoroughly washed after driving on the beach. Even if you don't get into the water, you can get salt from the sand. Also, think about fatter floatation type tires to help with the soft sand. If you get one with the towing package, it will have a limited slip rear end, which might be helpful. Also, at least the '03 and up has independent rear suspension. I'm not sure about the '02.

 

JerrySimm is correct, If you go on the beach, you must wash truch after each trip, I mean rinse off undercarriage and wheelwells. Sand will do a job on the brakes also, so expect premature rotor replacements. Also the 05 has a low tire pressure alarm, that goes off below 28 psi. Just be prepared for it if you buy an 05. Also make sure you buy a portable 12V air compressor to keep in truck, I have had to lower tire pressure to 5 psi when I have been stuck just to get out. If you get a 05 Explorer with RSC, you do not have limited slip differentials, they are open. The RSC (Roll Stability Control) system will uses the brakes (Like Mercedes and BMW) to send the traction to the wheel(s) that are not slipping. I have a 05 Explorer V8 with the RSC. I launch a sailboat off the beach in NY, The system is ok in sand, but I still perfer the older system in my previous 97 Explorer in the sand. The 05 system is much better on the road though in rain or slush.

 

PIckups are superior in sand due to the longer wheelbase spreading the weight out I guess. My Ranger is easier to drive in sand than my Ex I know that. With the Ex I really do have to depressure the tires to 15 or so to feel like it isnt struggling. At 20 PSI the Ranger is fine, sometimes I dont even bother airing down.

 

I have an 02 Mountaineer with the AWD V-8 and went on the beaches two times since I've had it. Never got stuck or even close to being stuck. I have no idea how some of you say don't be suprised if you got stuck?? I've tried to get stuck in sand on purpose and I can't and thats even in AWD!

 

hahaha thats too funny mountaineerawd..... you tried to get stuck in the sand on purpose........ heheh. i also have awd in my 5.0 x and have tried to get stuck too to no avail.

 

lol Yeah, I tried to get stuck in the soft sand since I had buddies with me that could pull me out if I did get stuck. These do great in sand! went off roading a few times in thick Mud, never got stuck. I'm extreamly happy with AWD! I take it anywhere!

 

I am looking into going to the Oregon Dunes and camping out in the dunes. I will be only pulling a small utility trailer with 3 quads. There is a tire pressure system on my Explorer. I have never had a car with the tire pressure system on it, so I am new to that.
I was wondering, will there be any problems with reducing the tire pressure and the pressure system with driving out on the dunes? Also when I re-inflate the tires will the system just go back to normal or is there something that I need to reset?

Thanks for any responses!

 

c tripps 2k: to answer your question the 02-05 explorers all have independent suspension front/rear. They are very capable rigs in most instances. They obviously have some issues due to the independent suspension, such as reduced ground clearance and difficulties getting an aftermarket lift kits and such. Sorry I know that these are not really part of your question but I figured i would throw it in anyway. To get to the main part of your question I would go with the explorer not the escape. In my onion bigger is always better. I would also steer clear of full awd vehicles and instead opt for a selectable 4wd system. While the awd is very capable it does not give the flexibility and versatility for lower gears that will get you out of more challenging situations. By the way I have an 02 xlt explorer v6 4wd. So even the v6 is good but if you can get a v8 go for that. Just a few tips for sand driving...in 4 lo dont exceed 15mph as you can damage the 4wd system...its also probably not a good idea if your using 4 hi not to go to much faster just to be safe bc being on the sand puts alot of stress on your 4wd. Also lower the pressure in your tires before going onto the sand as this will help to prevent getting stuck...also never when starting from a stop in the sand accelerate fast or you will run the risk of getting stuck. If you do get stuck stop immediately, get out and see whats going on instead of just trying to rock in/out bc you will sink up to the frame making getting out very difficult...its better to see whats up and use your shovel/boards you should be carrying to help out...better yet try to stay out of very soft sand if you can manage it...sorry for the length I hope that this helps.

 

Does anyone have any info on this?? thanks!