Driving on sand

[Shadowfax]

I just received word that my application to camp at the tip of Cape Cod at Race Point Beach has been approved for mid-October. This will be my first experience driving on sand. Any tips, suggestions, lessons learned would be appreciated. I surely don't want to get stuck!

I'm required to air down to 11 PSI, and carry a tow rope, jack, plywood to put under a jack, a shovel, and be totally self-contained.

My SMB is a 2002 Ford E350 EB, 2-wheel drive. Probably weighs close to 9,000 lb. Tires are LT 245/75R16 M+S.

Is this doable for me?

Harry Purkhiser

[Viejo]

Is this doable for me?

Maybe, but I'm not even sure I'd want to try it with my 4WD and LT 315/75R16 tires. On the other hand I've seen the pictures of many other various rigs out on that beach so maybe it's not so bad. Be sure to pack your AAA card.

Good luck...

[Shadowfax]

Originally Posted by Viejo

Be sure to pack your AAA card.

Good luck...

Thanks. I'm going to call AAA to make sure they will do a beach extraction.

[Silver350]

You're brave.

[WOOT]

QUESTION.......Do you have a winch? If so then I would invest in two items. A sand shovel/Pull Pal & a set of sand ladders for self extraction. AAA will not touch you & with these two items you shouldn't need anything else..with the exception of a shovel. The 2wd vans are at a disadvantage when it comes to sand. I have a 2wd & I'm not equiped with an onboard air compressor so I do the other. It is good advice to air down & follow the rules but what do you do when your stuck?
Woot.............

[BroncoHauler]

Three recommendations.

1) Air down to at least half your pavement tire pressure.
2) Have a GOOD air compressor/CO2 tank to air back up. Don't underestimate how long it will take to air back up with a cheapy compressor.
3) Bring long strips of carpet remnants. A little wider than the tire, and 5-6 feet long. They can help you gain traction/momentum if you get stuck.


Herb

Oh, and a forth.
4) Bring a good shovel, not some folding camp shovel.

[scatter]

It's doable, but....
I wouldn't go strickly with the 11psi. I'd air 'em down till there was a SIGNIFIGANT bulge in the tires. Every tire and weight combination is different so a blanket statement of 11psi may or may not be best for you.
If possible, follow someone else and see how they are doing.
Stick to the wet sand if possible. I little salt that can be hosed off (do this anyway after being on beach sand) is better then getting buried.
Check the sand for other tracks. If they're deep, you might want to reconsider.
If you've got some old blankets or boards, take 'em with you.
High speed will keep you on top of the sand and get you much further before you get stuck.
Make sure the shovel fits your wifes hands....
Have fun, remember the trip is the adventure, not the destination.

[LeadDoggy]

Was able to ride around at Pismo in my '77 Chevy K10 4x4 pulling a trailer with 2 quads, aired down to 10psi and still in 2wd. Had to replace the tires for seperations shortly after.
Don't air down too far and drive too long

[ctimrun]

We are regulars at Pismo and Oregon Dunes and have never had any issues with a 2WD vehicle, but have a lot of experience driving on sand. Like others have said air down your tires and be smart on where you try to go. Don't make or let your tires spin.

Take a tow strap, a board, and shovel just in case you get into trouble.

[Shadowfax]

Thanks for all the tips and cautions. I'll stock up on all the items you've mentioned, and then keep my fingers crossed. I'll report back after the trip, if I make it back!