Beach driving tires

[High Alextude]

I drive those exact beaches all the time in my Mojave and before that a ZR2 Colorado. As stated air down. I run 15psi in 4H, wide turns, don’t use the brake unless you have to, let the sand slow you down. You’ll run closer to the waters edge but not in it for the more packed sand. Ease into the throttle don’t slam it.

Also keep your eyes open ahead of you, there are some old tree stumps along the path on the driving beach. The access area to Corolla has an air up station with shockingly good pumps to fill up after if you don’t have your own air.

I wonder since there are some obstacles along the way, if the AT with deeper tread has the advantage with less chance of punctures.

Sponsored

 

[chesafreak]

I wonder since there are some obstacles along the way, if the AT with deeper tread has the advantage with less chance of punctures.

There is a speed limit on the beach so should have plenty of time to miss any obstacles.. As others said air down keep momentum. try not to end up on the FB page Corolla Beach Idiots | Corolla NC | Facebook

 

[High Alextude]

There is a speed limit on the beach so should have plenty of time to miss any obstacles.. As others said air down keep momentum. try not to end up on the FB page Corolla Beach Idiots | Corolla NC | Facebook

Haha, I love that page ?. Someone recently took a rental Grand Wagoneer down there and got stuck. Oof.

 

[Uparms]

ATs not MTs. Drop the air, enjoy the ride. Wide turns. If you are running 36 psi on the street, go to 20 Psi. An you will have some room left if you need to drop more air.

 

[notquiteflotsam]

last year we drove down PINS (65 miles of beach one way) in Texas. stock mojave, stock tj rubicon and stock GMC diesel (range of tire types). Some of us aired down, none of us got stuck driving. Even had some 20 somethings driving the TJ like...well...20 year olds and didn't get stuck. The only issue we had was leaving Sunday morning when the TJ, fully loaded with hitch basket and 3 adults got buried in the sand. We pulled out easily with a Recovery Rope (not a strap). I wouldn't change tires, but can't recommend recovery rope enough. it's a modest investment for peace of mind.

 

[OldSarge]

I’m in a bit of a pickle. I have driven on the beach before, but my next trip is going to be down in Corova, where I hear the sand can get pretty soft. I would like some input on if I leave my baja boss a/t’s on or if I put my highway tires on - Michelin defender ltx m/s2. The BB tires are pretty aggressive for an A/T, so I don’t want to end up digging too much. I always air down to about 15-20psi. I’m probably getting in my head too much, but any input is appreciated. Will also have a shovel and traction boards ready.

My wife will be taking the Grand Cherokee as well which also has Michelin Defenders, but that has Quadra drive 2, hemi, ELSD in the rear and select-terrain. It is a beast.

Bring a shovel and recovery gear no matter which you decide - trackboards too if you have them.

 

[Rubicon Runnin' Bob]

Been going to Corova for almost 2 decades; Tahoe LTZ, '19 JLUR and my '23 JTM.

I was a master driver in the Army........so it not all about air pressure if you know how to drive in sand.......if not, airing down can help. It's all about speed and throttle modulation.

I've been up there on Goodyear Wranglers, BFG KO2s, Nitto RGs and Maxxis RAZR MTs. Zero difference in performance for me. Again, all about the driver and picking the right lines.

There's no magical tire that will make the driver or machine better. Also ensure you have the appropriate recovery gear and you'll be good.

Cheers
[/QUOTE/]


I totally agree with you

I'm in the OBX twice a year, 2 weeks in the spring and a week at the end of summer/beginning of fall, since 2003

Let's just say I've been to Corova a time or two (or a hundred +)

I first drove it in my 2004 Wrangler (TJ) Rubicon

Starting in 2007 was my 2007 Wrangler (JKU) Sport Unlimited and then my 2013 Wrangler (JKU) Sport Unlimited, both with OEM all season tires.

Never once in my probably 100+ trips to Corova have I had a problem.

I generally air down to about 15-20 psi, but I'd lie to you if I didn't admit that sometimes I just went without airing down, and never once had a problem getting stuck.

As Minty JL said, a good driver will have no problems there, in an appropriate vehicle.

Haven't had my new Gladiator there yet, but May is coming!

BTW, there is an air down/up area just before the Currituck Lighthouse, located in Historic Corolla Park @ 1100 Hunt Club Dr., Corolla (IIRC it has 4 Air Up stations, all free of charge)

Enjoy!

 

[Birds83]

I’m in a bit of a pickle. I have driven on the beach before, but my next trip is going to be down in Corova, where I hear the sand can get pretty soft. I would like some input on if I leave my baja boss a/t’s on or if I put my highway tires on - Michelin defender ltx m/s2. The BB tires are pretty aggressive for an A/T, so I don’t want to end up digging too much. I always air down to about 15-20psi. I’m probably getting in my head too much, but any input is appreciated. Will also have a shovel and traction boards ready.

My wife will be taking the Grand Cherokee as well which also has Michelin Defenders, but that has Quadra drive 2, hemi, ELSD in the rear and select-terrain. It is a beast.

I’ve always ran mud terrains (“not ideal”)and when aired down in 4x4 Hi had 0 issues driving in Hatteras beaches. I spend about 30 days or so a year out there.

 

[Vice]

I'm from the obx and you'll probably see some of my family's work vehicles driving on corova. Air down and you will be fine with any tire. If you go exploring on the other side of dunes be careful with puddles, some of them are a lot deeper than they look. I reccomend skirting the edges of the puddles. Hopefully we don't see you on the corolla beach idiots facebook group

 

[Rusty PW]

Vacationed there for a number of years. Driven on the beach with my old Power Wagon and my JTRD. Air down to 15, keep your speed up if possible. The sand is real soft next to the dunes. It's like concrete next to the water. You have to watch out for the tide too. Because that will change the driving lanes. Also watch out for the tree stumps on the beach. They will stop you dead in your tracks and do damage.

 

[Rusty PW]

The rental company Twiddy has a place to air up your tires free of charge. It's at their offices.

 

[Minty JL]

I'm from the obx and you'll probably see some of my family's work vehicles driving on corova. Air down and you will be fine with any tire. If you go exploring on the other side of dunes be careful with puddles, some of them are a lot deeper than they look. I reccomend skirting the edges of the puddles. Hopefully we don't see you on the corolla beach idiots facebook group

Great call on the puddle warning

 

[Zsis]

I drive the same beaches in the OBX many times a year in my JT. As other have said, air down and roll on. I usually only go down to about 25PSI and have never once gotten stuck in the JT or our old JK. Was running the smaller Willys Sport tires and have now switched to the Falkens from a Rubicon. Now in my F150, if I don't air down to 20 or below, I get stuck every time.

And agreed about the puddles. Saw one of them eat an older 2 door Wrangler. Literally underwater almost to the top of the windshield.

 

[briscoelab]

The Baja Boss in 255/85R17 (35x10x17) should be just about the best option if you were being new tires and could fit the 35" diameter. Narrow tires with a high aspect ratio will almost always do the best in sand. The narrow width reduced rolling resistance in the sand by not pushing up as large a pile in front of the tire. The high aspect ratio will allow for a very long contact patch (tire contact path lengthens when aired down... it doesn't widen an appreciable amount).

Either way, air down... bring a shovel and some traction boards. Have fun!

 

[KevinC]

I've driven on the beaches of the world for "long time". This is the only tire I will use. Great street manners too for your trip back home.

Relax, I'm just kidding. Tire type is not as important as tire pressure. A larger footprint doesn't dig. Simple.

Sponsored