WSJ Advice on Vehicles for the Sand

[reelecstasy]

airing down is the key, and have all the gear in case you do get stuck. If you don't have all your stuff, i.e. jack board, jack, tow rope etc, I won't help ya

[Mike P]

I don't know about 2002 and newer Explorers, but the 1995 to 2001editions that were "AWD" were more of a full-time 4wd operation (like Jeep's Select-Trac or Quadra-Trac) that the modern AWDs that transfer power by computer. I think it was a permanent 40/60 split between the front/rear drive wheels.

[BigBo]

You're correct Mike.

[Sweetwater]

The historic problem with AWD is that the transfer of power from front to rear (due to slippage) can be very constant in the sand. The vehicle will do fine but the transmissions can wear out more quickly. I agree that usually clearance is more of an issue. A friend of mine used to have Durango, but he only ran it in 2-wheel drive on the beach....just took his time and never had a problem.

[SeaWolf]

the most important issues for driving any vehicle in the sand are tire pressure, tire width, clearance, and then hp/torque.

i've driven 5000# trucks on the beach and 2500# trucks. 4-cyl., and v8's. using air pressure, i was able to get around most places w/ the 4-cyl. the softer the sand, or pebbly sand as well, the lower the air pressure. although normally too much hp is bad in the sand, it can be a valuable asset on larger, heavier vehicles when going up inclines, in ruts, or light sand. also, smaller hp engines have to work harder in off road conditions and can overheat easier. a tranny cooler is a must. and, turn your o/d off while on the beach. this is bad for a tranny as it is constantly in and out of o/d.

clearance becomes an issue on some beaches or trails that are prone to deep ruts, especially around turning areas. a vehicle like an outback will not have the necessary clearance in these types of ruts. clearance impacts the front and rear drivetrain/"pumpkins", but also allows for far more sand to get into axles, wheel bearings, etc., that normally are not touching as much of the sand on higher suspension vehicles, like trucks. jacking a car or truck that is resting on the fuel tank, pumpkins, lower engine, or frame is not fun. additionally, a vehicle like a subaru does not have the necessary suspension for heavy off road abuse that can occur on some beaches.

[gone fishin]

Clearance is the key -- I wouldn't take the Subaru out in soft sand. The track that is laid down by other vehicles is usually quite deep and the vehicle will get hung up. Once the sand reaches the frame you are cooked!! Even low pressure will not save you then.

Most beaches are fairly hard and do not present a problem when moving parallel with the water, but the entrance to the beach is usually pretty badly dug up and that is where you are dead. Race point is an excellent example of beach access. The ruts are sometimes pretty deep. It goes without saying the backside would be impossible with that beautiful run up the dune. Most guys run about 9 or 10 lbs tire pressure to get over it.