Driving in sand tutorial (Outer Banks, NC)?

[cgflyer]

Silver Lake sand dunes says "you must deflate to 15 psi" or words to that effect, if you wish to drive your own vehicle there. I guess too many try it fully inflated.............

I actually think SL is 10 psi

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[cgflyer]

I haven't done any sand driving before so I have a question with airing down. I understand the principle and all that. What I am curious about is...does airing down that low not affect the tire seating in the wheel or are y'all running beadlock wheels?

you will be fine, go down to 10-15 psi, 4 hi should be fine, but disconnect your sway bar, it will be a nicer ride in the dry soft sand and more fun.

 

[Jeep24MA]

Is the jack that comes with the JT fine? Just need a board to place it on basically? Why would you use a jack out there?? Maybe that’s a dumb question.

 

[WhatExit?]

Is the jack that comes with the JT fine? Just need a board to place it on basically? Why would you use a jack out there?? Maybe that’s a dumb question.

A jack can be used to help you dig your vehicle out when it’s buried in the sand. Jacking up the axle enables you to put a traction board under the tire, etc.

 

[Artsifrtsi]

The sand would hold just enough to get you started, load on the axles, then break loose, drop down, you'd hit traction again until the sand particles could no longer hold on and let loose again............... I've seen some pretty obvious hopping watching guys on certain types of hills or sand. In fact, I've watched semi tractor wheels hop when trying to get out of certain snow pack here.

I saw an E-7 grenade the rear driveshaft U-Joint in a HEMTT A4 M984A Wrecker driving up a sandy hill once... not pretty!

 

[Sparty]

Yep - don't let your tires chuck in the sand. Good way to grenade something under there

 

[Econn2000]

I was playing around in the local dunes last week in our Rubicon. Dry deep sand in most spots. I met my buddy while he was airing down. I decided to head out with full air pressure to see what happened. In the past, I always aired way down with my previous two Jeeps.
Well it didn't take very long to find out that low air pressure is a must. With a very minimal uphill section, he climbed right up it in 2wd, and I sunk down and was stopped in my tracks. 4lo and lockers made no difference. I pulled out my trusty Currie EZ deflator and aired the 35" tires down to 10 psi. Traction was immediately restored and we ripped around all day in 4hi. No lockers needed. I climbed some pretty steep dunes with no problems. Even did some hill climbs in reverse! It was a great day.

I am looking for some advice on how to drive in the sand. I have never done it before with any vehicle and am curious about experiences with the gladiator. I have a rubicon and want to know the recommendations with regard to using its capabilities (e.g. lockers on or off, etc.). I will be driving on the Cape Lookout National Seashore. Planning to deflate the tires, for sure. Thanks!

25% reduction in air pressure results in 250% increase in surface contact and improved "flotation."

 

[Kbernard]

I live at the OBX and if you don't have low profile tire rim combo drop 15 and you're good. I have 37 on 17in wheels and drop to 20 and have no problems and I drive on 2-3 times a week. if you want idle thru the sand go to 15. I leave my tires at 20 in the summer and just drive back and forth so I'm not airing up and down 6 times week.

 

[shrinkhead]

11 PSI, 4-HI and push the Off road+ button for a flashy sand animation on the center screen. enjoy!!!

 

[Whitepanther]

What about at the end of the day, would you say you need to have air with you or would you be comfortable driving to the nearest gas station at 15 psi?

 

[Artsifrtsi]

What about at the end of the day, would you say you need to have air with you or would you be comfortable driving to the nearest gas station at 15 psi?

I'm planning on having air with me, as you never know where the nearest air will be...

 

[DreamedofaJeepSomeday]

What about at the end of the day, would you say you need to have air with you or would you be comfortable driving to the nearest gas station at 15 psi?

Just take it slow & easy.

Where I go on the beach, there is only one garage with working air. Fortunately, he leaves it on 24/7.

Next time, I will have my own air.

 

[steve68]

What about at the end of the day, would you say you need to have air with you or would you be comfortable driving to the nearest gas station at 15 psi?

As long as your calm behind the wheel,

I driven out of the Colorado Mountains around 10-12, no problems on the road, we did do a little sliding around on a dirt parking lot, no ordeal there either, 30x9x15 BFG All Terrains, 70 Blazer,

 

[noside85]

went to nags head last week, had a blast! able to head up to corolla friday evening. i made sure to lower my tires to 20psi, it worked well last time. The sand looked a bit more firm than last visit, it looked like the tide recently lowered. jeep rode perfectly fine. there were some sugary spots but i just maintained momentum and general direction. i left my damn VIAIR at the house but the corolla park ( a few miles from the beach) has free air.

 

[DreamedofaJeepSomeday]

went to nags head last week, had a blast! able to head up to corolla friday evening. i made sure to lower my tires to 20psi, it worked well last time. The sand looked a bit more firm than last visit, it looked like the tide recently lowered. jeep rode perfectly fine. there were some sugary spots but i just maintained momentum and general direction. i left my damn VIAIR at the house but the corolla park ( a few miles from the beach) has free air.

Pictures of your Jeep are OK, but stop posting pictures of the beautiful OBX ! You'll get too many people going there !

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