Can I drive on the beach in an AWD minivan? - Page 2 - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

quick decision · 03-31-2009, 07:55 PM

you should have no problem

Raven · 04-01-2009, 04:20 AM

what about air shocks for lift....

CaptMike · 04-01-2009, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quick decision

you should have no problem

Thanks! Does anyone know what the current regs are for Nauset? Do we have to buy a Orleans permit and a National Seashore one in P-town? I know it's like $180 and they close the season all the time but it could still be fun.

Cool Beans · 04-01-2009, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptMike

I used to run a cherokee with 31 inch tires on Nauset which was pretty unbeatable. I've been thinking about taking my 97 suburban out. It's got tons of power but I'm worried about ground clearance especially after airing down. Has anyone taken a 90's suburban on the beach? I've taken her on sand "roads" and dirt trails without a problem but I'm worried about the beach.

That's cool, I'm driving a '97 Suburban myself.

MakoMike · 04-01-2009, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raven

what about air shocks for lift....

They don't left the chassis, only the body.

JohnnyD · 04-01-2009, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptMike

Thanks! Does anyone know what the current regs are for Nauset? Do we have to buy a Orleans permit and a National Seashore one in P-town? I know it's like $180 and they close the season all the time but it could still be fun.

Edited for stupidity.

Cool Beans · 04-01-2009, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnyD

2 Dozen people tell you it's a bad idea with explanations as to why. One person says "you shouldn't have a problem" and you're ready to go?

Good luck. Make sure to bring a tow company's number with you for when you get buried.

There are 2 separate people asking, one, in a minivan, that everyone said no way to, and CaptMike in a suburban. Suburban is 4wd and probably fine, like he was told by someone else, while the minivan........ is a definate no-no.

CaptMike · 04-01-2009, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cool Beans

That's cool, I'm driving a '97 Suburban myself.

Wow that looks just like mine except the color. Mine's black. I dubbed it the "quahog cruiser" in honor of Jimmy Buffett's "conch cruiser". How have you made out on the beach? Gotta love that chevy small block power!

CaptMike · 04-01-2009, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnyD

2 Dozen people tell you it's a bad idea with explanations as to why. One person says "you shouldn't have a problem" and you're ready to go?

Good luck. Make sure to bring a tow company's number with you for when you get buried.

Yeah I have a much different vehicle than a mini van

JohnnyD · 04-01-2009, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptMike

Yeah I have a much different vehicle than a mini van

Oh crap. I'm sorry. I didn't look at the name, just the response.

CaptMike · 04-01-2009, 11:01 AM

no problem

Cool Beans · 04-01-2009, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptMike

Wow that looks just like mine except the color. Mine's black. I dubbed it the "quahog cruiser" in honor of Jimmy Buffett's "conch cruiser". How have you made out on the beach? Gotta love that chevy small block power!

Haven't tried yet either.. Usually carry all my crap, or take the boat. I think 1/2 the fun is walking back past everyone else with a nice keeper on your back.

JohnnyD · 04-01-2009, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cool Beans

Haven't tried yet either.. Usually carry all my crap, or take the boat. I think 1/2 the fun is walking back past everyone else with a nice keeper on your back.

I love the times I had this past season at the canal, carrying a good-sized keeper over the shoulder. The looks you get from some people when you walk out with one rod a small surf bag and a big fish are priceless. Especially when they have 3 rods, their canal cruiser and a whole box of gear with them.

There have been plenty of times I was in their shoes though with people hauling out huge fish and not a nibble for me.

SeaWolf · 04-01-2009, 11:33 AM

RI CRMC has no regulations in their documentation of requirements for vehicles driving on the beaches as far as needing 4wd or not. they require that you have proof of insurance, you are the registered driver, and the vehicle is registered. you pick up a piece of paper and sign a piece of paper that says i know what the rules are and will follow them. those rules include equipment required to drive on RI beaches and the beaches that are allowed to be driven on.

with that being said, common sense tells you, as others have mentioned, that some sand trails and beaches have deep ruts. some of the turn arounds on the back tracks are quite deep and would have you on the chassis quickly. ground clearance is very important. air pressure is very important as well. i used to drive around a lot in 2wd, but my tires were well aired down. most of the people stuck get stuck due to not deflating their tires due to being lazy. one last note, a van or car w/ AWD were not built for that type of wear and tear. you will find problems quite quickly after driving on the beaches.

i woul double check burlingame as last i had heard they were not handling the barrier beach permits any longer. you would have had to go to wakefield or pvd.

quick decision · 04-01-2009, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnyD

Edited for stupidity.

what did i miss

MAKAI · 04-01-2009, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnyD

I love the times I had this past season at the canal, carrying a good-sized keeper over the shoulder. The looks you get from some people when you walk out with one rod a small surf bag and a big fish are priceless. Especially when they have 3 rods, their canal cruiser and a whole box of gear with them.

There have been plenty of times I was in their shoes though with people hauling out huge fish and not a nibble for me.

you are leaving yourself wide open. . . be careful

JohnnyD · 04-01-2009, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAKAI

you are leaving yourself wide open. . . be careful

Don't get me started.

piemma · 04-02-2009, 07:54 AM

There have been Suburbans on the beach since they started making them.

It's the fact that you really need to have 2 things:

1) Real 4WD with low range

2) Air down properly.

If you get down around 10 or 12 PSI you will not have a problem. I ran the Back from the 70s thru 2003 and never got stuck. I ran from Herring Cove to Coast Guard beach, depending what was open. Coast Guard can be a little hairy as you can (or could) only run it at night. A moon high tide could be difficult as the wash would be up to the base of the dunes in some places. Just use your head and there isn't a problem

My rule was, if i didn't thnik I could make it thru then I probably couldn't" and there is no fish worth sticking my truck for.