Driving in sand tutorial (Outer Banks, NC)?

[usc4duke]

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!

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[CTFriel]

What size tires? Just drop pressure to 20 psi and enjoy. No need to lock the differentials.

 

[TJDave]

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.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

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.............

 

[usc4duke]

What size tires? Just drop pressure to 20 psi and enjoy. No need to lock the differentials.

Thanks for this. Stock tires, no lift.

 

[CTFriel]

Thanks for this. Stock tires, no lift.

You’ll be fine on our Outer Banks. If you feel necessary you can always drop a few more psi. Flotation is key in sand. Take you a small shovel if you’re concerned with getting stuck.

 

[fun2drum]

Gladiators love playing on soft sand beaches! Like the others have said, 20 psi or below is mandatory. And don't forget (like I did a few weeks ago) to put it in 4 wheel drive.

 

[Uparms]

20 PSI and then down to 17 if you want. Don't forget 4WD. You would be amazed at how far down the beach you can get in 2WD at 17 PSI coming off the access road. (05 Unlimited, 32x11.5) Only problem is when you stop, you sink 1n inch or 2. I always did 4Hi. 10 years surf fishing (9 months a year), in Delaware.

 

[DreamedofaJeepSomeday]

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!

Never been to Cape Lookout (it's on my list!), but been on Ocracoke beach many times with my 4x4 Dakota.

The sand varies a lot depending on how close you are to waters edge. Nearer the water it tends to be firmer; nearer the dunes tends to be looser. Compared to some other beaches I have been on, it is very soft and loose. Airing down is a must as others have said. Sometimes in the Dakota I had to keep up momentum to avoid getting stuck. The Gladiator should be more capable.

 

[gerky18]

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?

 

[DreamedofaJeepSomeday]

It should go without saying, you need to have a shovel, air compressor, and traction boards with you. Actually those things are required by the Park Service. Water, emergency food, etc.

 

[Bbannongmu]

As others have noted, lower psi in tires, 4wd hi and steady and smooth throttle. Don’t dig. If stuck - back up or dig out. Good luck
And have fun!

 

[TJDave]

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?

I have never used beadlock wheels on any of my Jeeps and have never lost a bead. I have aired down as low as 5-6psi on my TJ in the snow. The trick is to not turn and give it lots of throttle at full steering lock.
I have seen friends who thought their beadlocked wheels were invincible loose the inner bead. Then the fun began.

 

[Surffisher2a]

The best tip I can give for driving in the sand is don't use your brakes. Also when you do come to a stop back up 5 or 10 ft before going forward again. No sharp turns and be as smooth as possible on the gas pedal.

Be extremely cautious when your tires are spinning. There is a very fine line between digging yourself in a big hole and keeping forward momentum.

I do run in 4 Lo on the beaches where I drive (assateague and Fort Fisher) just because it runs a little cooler than 4 hi. Having said that if you drive correctly on the beach 90% of the time you can get away without even putting it in 4x4. There were days when I drove up and down the beach in 2wd and didn't even realize it. I would not advise that just in case you do get into trouble.

 

[noside85]

airing down is a must, i went to 20 with my stock rubicon on ATs. 4HI whole time. just keep your momentum on the sugary sand.

don't be this guy

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