Can I drive on the beach in an AWD minivan?

[Mike P]

Originally Posted by Justfishin'

No, you'll get stuck. I've seen three stuck and one of them was charged $450 to get pulled out on a Sunday.

And I'll bet you all 3 had at least 32 psi of air in the tires

There were still a number of guys running 2wd RVs on Nauset, the last time I got a sticker. I don't know the current regs, but they allowed 2wd up until the mid 1990s and perhaps still do. If guys are getting out there in 2wd Winnebagos, you'll be able to handle the sand in an AWD vehicle if you air down properly.

[MVbluefish]

AWD systems vary greatly. Some have different useful or not so useful functions. Things like no AWD in reverse or only engaging when slippage is detected can spell disaster in soft sand. My girlfriend has a Honda CRV AWD and we never felt confident enough in the drivetrain to take it on the beach and I consider a CRV/SUV more off road worthy than a mini van style platform.

[quick decision]

You can drive anything on the beach, you may not get far. You need the 4 wheel drive system to be full time. The AWD will only kick in when your slipping. Therefore you risk the chance of getting stuck, and before you know it your all f&^%% up. I drove a GMC Envoy all over Long Island's beaches last fall. I also got really stuck a few times. Its no fun. 4 low is the only way to go. You also have to be aired out. I own a Sieana and I think it is a great vechicle. I would never trust it on the beach.

[tattoobob]

I dive my Explorer most of the time out of 4 wheel drive, like Mike said if you tires are properly aired down and you do the right thing like drive slow you should be fine.

[gone fishin]

NO - most beaches will state that all wheel drives are not allowed in their requirements. The clearance is critical on all beaches.

Tattoo is correct in stating that you can easily drive a beach with two wheel drive. We have been doing for toooo many years to mention. Low and slow will get you there. BUT it sure is easier with 4 wheel drive.

The dis advantage of all wheel drive is that it swaps the power from one wheel to another indiscriminately. You get buried one wheel at a time

[saajr]

I have been fishing the Westerly area for 35 years have seen some AWD on the beach by the pink house as at times that beach you can use 2wd down to the 2nd entrance but beyond that to the light house it gets pretty soft.East beach to Charlestown breach way forget it we run 18 to 20 lbs of air and you will need the clearance as the ruts can be really deep getting on the beach cant be a chore at times as it is always soft there.

[Raven]

that's made for it and have some fun

[JohnR]

I would say no. In the unlikely event you don't get stuck (I think you will) you would probably wreck your AWD system. Many car "AWD" systems are not up t the same strength and punishment standards as a 4WD truck.

While I think a Subaru wouldn't get stuck (certainly as much as a Sienna) I do think you'd tear up her driveline (or at least wipe out CV Joints, blow headgaskets, front pipes, and every orifice a Subaru can and will leak through (I drove a Subaru & Toyota Service Desk for a while)