4x4 mandatory for beach???

[Jamie K]

I am going to look at a used conversion van for ultimate comfort for future surf casting treks and worry since it's only 2x4.

I had an old internatinal scout way back when that seemed to get around in 2x4 okay, since the transfer case was blown, but I am still uncertain.

I am thinking with the right tires, 2x4 might do the trick, but if so what would be minimum spec on tires to limit chance of getting stuck?

[spence]

I think the law requires it to be a 4x4.

-spence

[chris L]

the law does require 4x4 and depending where other tools are required also . shovel , jack , jack board , tow strap , first aid kit fire extinguisher and air pressure guage to name just a few .

I know where there is a toyota t100 4x4 for sale .

[Diamond Tackle]

not to be rude, but if its not 4x4, you have no business on the beach, u also need the clearance when u air down.

[Backbeach Jake]

CCNS requires it. If you don't have it you WILL get stuck.

[Christian]

4x4 is necessary, and the funnest way to get to fishing that i have ever experienced.

clever lady up at plum island decided shed try to take her mini van onto the beach. didnt even make it 1/4 of the way up the access road. buried to the frame.

[Jamie K]

Thanks guys. I am going to keep looking. I think I will just pick up a late model suburban. The van I test drove was not going to do the trick.

[zacs]

You need one of these
(i know i do)

http://www.sportsmobile.com/4_4x4sports.html

[nightfighter]

Too funny. ChrisL quoting, knowing, or even caring about a law.....

[Mike P]

Up until the last year I got a permit (late 90s, maybe 2000?), Nauset still allowed 2wd.

[jkswimmer]

At one time in the rules given with your beach sticker at Race point there was a cause that said you had to prove that vehical would be able to travel the beach as a two drive. I have not seen this of late, maybe because 4x4's are so common now. I use 2wd often to give the truck a break, IT IS ALL ABOUT TIRE PRESSURE. No 4x4 in the old days.

[Swimmer]

I remember a chiropractor from my town years ago, he had three awesome looking daughters, who had two wheel drive vehicles he would cut out the wheel wells and mount airplane tires on the axles. Vehicles were legendary about how well they went on the beaches. Also all you guys who say it is the law, how come so many two wheel drive camper/bus/winebago type vehicles get on at the Race. I was amazed the first time I saw them. They air down the rear four tires and the front two and drive onto the beach and seemed to have now problem. Maybe somebody can comment on this.

[Swimmer]

I'm telling you they can be had used and last I knew cheap.

[NIB]

yrs ago 2 wd got many a man to the beach.I have seen buicks at the light in Montauk.A well know IBSP surfcaster usta use a VW Beetle.

[Karl F]

Originally Posted by Mike P

Up until the last year I got a permit (late 90s, maybe 2000?), Nauset still allowed 2wd.

Still do

Got one guy in an 80's full size Buick station wagon with wood grain sides, big arse tires, old surfer dude. Another running an old 60's GM sedan of some sort. Both those vehicles go great, mainly 'cause of good driving skill. A whole lot of new full size luxury SUV's have more trouble, mainly because of the NUT behind the wheel and their laziness in not airing down right, coupled with a heavy right foot.
A bunch of 70's vintage winniebagos in 2 wheel.... they run up at the seashore too, most of the motorhomes on CCNS are 2 wheel.

I would not recommend it for the novice... tire pressure/tire size, the right touch in the right foot, and a ton of common sense, 2 wheel is fine, most everything I have ever driven on the beach, went just fine in 2WD, low (tire pressure) & slow (steady speed).

IMHO, the advent of 4 wheel drive, and the popularity of the SUV, actually has made it too "easy" for some folks to get out there... and get stuck in the process.... Just my opinion. First vehicle I drove, (not owned) out there was a 55 Chevy Nomad with a 265 and the old powerglide automatic, wide bias ply tires, factory posi-traction.. went pissah

[RickBomba]

Bassmaster and I saw a minivan try to get out past the ranger station towrds RP one year.
Rappin Mikey on one side of the van, me and Dave on the other.
Of course, that's when I believed my good friend Mr. Manzi hated me, so we didn't talk as we passed like two ships in the night, right past the minivan.
Rangers had a ball pulling him and his cabana boy out!!!
LOL,
Rick

[SeaWolf]

in rhody, you are not required to have 4wd to drive the beaches or to obtain a permit (you do need the permit). however, that does not mean it's smart to do that. how many 2wd vehicles have i pulled out (and 4wd for that matter) or driven by laughing at them. the most basic rule is air pressure. check your local state and town regulations.

[ThrowingTimber]

Pulled out a bunch of awd yuppy machines this past season.

[chris L]

Originally Posted by nightfighter

Too funny. ChrisL quoting, knowing, or even caring about a law.....

but ross the best way to break the law is to know the law and if you know it well enough it will keep you out of jail . I had to get some learning when I was younger .