Driving on the beach

[bulldog6276]

I’m heading to the beach, taking the jeep down there with the family, going to have my stuff and the kids with me and going to drive on the beach, it’s a 18 rubicon. Has 35x12.50x17 nitto ridge grapplers on it. Does anyone have any advice on beach driving. I ain’t trying to get stuck or roll a tire off the rim. Planned to deflate to like 25psi. Put in four high, lock the diffs and just send it lol

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[azwjowner]

25 PSI is much too high. You can try it but if you bog down or get stuck go for ~15 to 18.

 

[X35]

^^^This is true. I haven’t had my new Wrangler on the beach yet. I’ve had my Silverado 1500 on the beach numerous times. With that I run 15 PSI on 275/65R18 KO2’s. I use 4 Lo for the added torque, keeps the trans temps down especially in soft powdery sand.

 

[GATORB8]

By far the most important thing in sand is driver skill, specifically maintaining momentum and throttle control.

If you lose forward momentum immediately get off the gas, or you'll just dig four massive holes. Normally you can back straight out your tracks using light throttle, then approach the same location with more momentum to get over the spot.

Sand isn't mud, you aren't going to magically dig to traction like you might in a mud pit, so when you start throwing sand, stop.

I would normally use your traction devices as get out of jail free cards. I just run 4 hi in the sand and you still have lo+lockers to use as a recovery device.

EDIT: 15 should be fine, even lower would be okay. In sand you don't have the rocks to push and de-bead so it's less likely.

 

[The Last Cowboy]

You don't need to lock your diffs unless you get into some serious soft sand. If you drive on the damp, packed sand, you wont even need 4x4. Whatever you do, don't drive into the surf. Salt water, metal, and wiring don't mix well. and the sand can recede from under your tires and put you in a bad situation real quick, that no lockers will help with, and most other vehicles can't recover you from. Just stay away from the water.

 

[wchevron]

I typically only go down to 25 psi and haven't had an issue, even in soft sand. Like others said, momentum is the key. If you feel yourself getting bogged down or stuck, hop out and let more air out. You'll be surprised how just letting a few more pounds out will make a world of difference.

 

[Dgr401]

I usually go down to 20 psi but there have been occasions where 15 psi has been best. If you are going to drive in 4hi shutting off the traction control will help. Like others have said momentum is your best friend and definitely stay out of the water. Have fun.

 

[Twojayhawks]

Have you ever driven on the beach? I do quite a bit in my stock JL Sport no mods. I sometimes see everything from mini vans to a front drive suv enjoying driving on the beach as well. I would think you can handle it without airing down.

 

[bulldog6276]

25 PSI is much too high. You can try it but if you bog down or get stuck go for ~15 to 18.

I’ll put it at 15 lol I knew I was supposed to air down but had zero clue as to how low. 25 was my guestament

Have you ever driven on the beach? I do quite a bit in my stock JL Sport no mods. I sometimes see everything from mini vans to a front drive suv enjoying driving on the beach as well. I would think you can handle it without airing down.

No never drove on the beach lol so I have no idea what to expect! I think I get the gist of it sounds like spinning is bad, keep up your speed to a certain degree. And keep in 4 hi and then turn off trac control

 

[Cwg33]

What others have said is great advice for the worst of sand. If you are rolling down close to the water line with the tide leaving, I never air down. Going over dunes, 15-20 psi is great in 4-hi without locker until needed.

 

[Rustynail11]

I see you are in NC, are you going to the Outer Banks? If so drop to 15psi-20psi, the sand on all the beaches can be really soft and depp

 

[X35]

^^^ This. All my beach driving has been on the NC Outer Banks. The sand is very soft. 18 PSI is where I’d start and you may need to lower it from there. Make sure you get an ORV permit.

 

[Reinen]

The other factor to consider is salt. I suggest getting a can of Fluid Film and spend 5-10 minutes spraying it on any and all metal on the undercarriage except for exhaust (it will just burn off).

It does a very good job at preventing rust but it isn't permanent.

 

[Beachbumb]

I drive on the beach frequently and in deep sugar sand. I never air down. Just put in 4hi (4HI Part Time), not Auto. Shift trans into Manual 1st gear, drive slow and constant. You’ll be fine. Jeeps are fairly light, so they ride on top of the sand.

if you loose forward momentum, don’t panic. Stop, back up a little and move forward a little faster to get over the rut. If you need to, you can air down when required, but you won’t need it. And yes, stay away from the water and wet sand. Dry sand won’t rust your Jeep. Hose it off when you get home or run it through a brushless car wash. The only rust on mine is the rust I purchased from Stellantis.

 

[The Last Cowboy]

What others have said is great advice for the worst of sand. If you are rolling down close to the water line with the tide leaving, I never air down. Going over dunes, 15-20 psi is great in 4-hi without locker until needed.

That’s damp, packed sand. Easy for anyone to drive on. Fully dry, lose sand is an entirely different thing.

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