Beach/Sand Driving

[JimCost2014]

47 minutes ago, Gangly said:

I've never seen one before, that's an intriguing tool that would be excellent for blowing up beach/pool equipment.  Alright, I'm off to the Milwaukee site (big fan of the red tools) to see what they have!

I really like my 12V version, it works great for pumping up basketballs, footballs, and has the different tips for inflating items you are describing.

 

Bought the 18V for car tires in a pinch. Just throw a battery on it, good to go.

Edited February 2, 2021 by JimCost2014

[Sqrls]

I live about an hour from the outer banks and have gone there many times. For corolla beach, your truck would probably be fine without even airing down, unless you’re hitting the huge puddles on purpose, but then airing down wouldn’t help anyways. It will go through the sand a little easier aired down. With decent tires like the duratracs, 2wd would probably even suffice except for the really soft spots. That beach is usually well traveled and packed down. Contractors pull trailers through that sand and the linemen power trucks make it through the dunes no problem. The sand in the neighborhood areas is usually softer and more sketchy, but I’ve never had an issue with a stock Silverado with A/T tires. 
 

I would remove your lower front bumper air dam though. Otherwise the sand might rip it off. Also keep an eye on transmission temps. 
 

The only people I’ve seen get stuck there  are idiots who drive into the ocean, and people in CR-Vs and Corollas with bald tires. 
 

The ATV pits are also really fun. Some are only big enough for ATVs, but quite a few can fit a Silverado.

Edited February 3, 2021 by Sqrls

[steve8]

I went on the beach one time without lowering air pressure as I was only going to be a few minutes. Mistake. Got stuck immediately as I hit some soft sand. Lowered psi and was fine.

 

 

[Transient]

I use to live in Hampton Roads, VA and traveled down to Corolla many times. Always took my wife's Traverse since it has AWD. We always aired down to 20 psi and never had a problem out there. The sand was always softer on hot sunny days because of its silicon content. On cooler and wet days traction was never an issue. The main thoroughfare is up by the dunes. Try to keep your tires in the ruts. Police are in 4wd trucks, and you'll definitely see them. Be sure to buy your pass for parking on the sand before going out there. They started that a few years ago.

 

Btw, feel free to stop by Duck Donuts and get a dozen of the best donuts you'll ever have. I recommend the maple bacon donut.

 

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

 

 

 

 

 

[RWTJR]

On 2/2/2021 at 12:40 PM, calgator73 said:

I have to agree with the ViAir 88P. This is my second 4X4 truck I have used it with and it works great. It does have to be connected to the battery (with the engine running) due to the high(er) amperage draw but it's fast, easy to use and has a nice long hose. Check these out: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ViAir+88P

 

I also recommend a good tire deflator, it's the quickest, easiest and most accurate way to deflate you tires. I use this one: https://www.amazon.com/JACO-RapidFlow-Deflator-Gauge-Rapid/dp/B07W1NMMYS/ref=sr_1_4?crid=DC32UQ4ATJF2&dchild=1&keywords=tire+deflator&qid=1612623021&s=automotive&sprefix=tire+defalt%2Cautomotive%2C181&sr=1-4

 

I have found the gauge on the ViAir 88P to be pretty accurate for re-inflation. However, I still use a high quality air pressure gauge to verify as I am usually getting on the expressway afterwards. For that I have this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015HURK64/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&aaxitk=fDCVmHZn2qcCcl-ys9y8jA&hsa_cr_id=7016386990701&pd_rd_plhdr=t&pd_rd_r=65ee92b5-a650-4111-beea-7710f0897ee7&pd_rd_w=xuKfx&pd_rd_wg=rk4YM&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_mcd_asin_0_img

 

Enjoy the sand.

 

JMHO

No expertise implied or expressed

[RWTJR]

On 2/2/2021 at 2:15 PM, JimCost2014 said:

Bought one of these, have not used it yet. Have the 12V version also, which does a good job on smaller thing.

 

 

 

I would be highly impressed if this could bring 4 truck tires from 15/20 lbs to 36/40 lbs. Specially AT tires on 18" wheels (that's a lot of air volume).

 

Please report back after you get a chance to use it.

 

JMHO

No expertise implied or expressed

[JimCost2014]

5 hours ago, RWTJR said:

I would be highly impressed if this could bring 4 truck tires from 15/20 lbs to 36/40 lbs. Specially AT tires on 18" wheels (that's a lot of air volume).

 

Please report back after you get a chance to use it.

 

JMHO

No expertise implied or expressed

Will do.

[jtd5771]

I took my Sierra AT4 with stock Duratracs out on the beaches last fall near Wilmington at Freeman Park and Fort Fisher.  It was fall, so the sand was fairly compact and not nearly as soft as it normally is during the summer.  I just aired down to 20 psi and had no issues whatsoever.  Probably could've just left it alone based on the sand conditions that weekend. 

 

During summer, the sand on NC beaches do get very soft and you do want maintain speed, keep in a good path.  Airing down is absolutely required when the sand is soft.    We have a '98 Tahoe we keep at the beach with nearly bald Michelin Defender LTX (if I am not mistaken) that are nearly flat, we constantly drive by new trucks that are buried out at Freeman Park at Carolina Beach who I imagine thing that 4WD means they're invincible.   9 years ago, we took our Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland with 20" sporty (and wide) rims and tires to Coralla, I doubt I aired down and did just fine both ways.   Point being, airing down is always the right move, then driving at a slow/medium steady pace is the key. Stay in the ruts and give it some gas when you have to switch "lanes"

[Phil O]

I am here in OBX now. We have a week rental from Twiddy in Carova. I have 21 silverado custom (no lo range) and this is my first time. Here's what I've learned.

 

Air down at Twiddy BEFORE you get to the 4x4 area. There are signs posted everywhere that say Do not stop for any reason. I've been using 19-20 psi. 

 

Turn off your traction control and electronic stability control or it will cut power when you need it the most to get over the dunes. Eventually the ESC will throw an error and disengage anyway. Of course make sure you put it in 4hi

 

Try and follow someone else's tracks but be mindful of idiots and people with more capable vehicles. 

 

When in doubt go either towards the water or hug the dunes.

 

It's apparently ok to drive the mile or so to twiddy on pavement at 19-20psi

 

Try and keep momentum whenever it gets thick or deep.

 

We did fine. I literally saw TONS of Subarus out there doing ok. It's important to remember people live out there so most places really aren't that deep or bad. The worst part is getting over the dunes and the deeper ruts you drive in on the beach.

 

Sidenote: We've been driving around looking for horses and tons of the roads on Google maps have posted not trespassing or keep out or other less pleasant things. 

 

Also make sure you stop off at the Firehouse and grab a Tshirt. 

 

Have fun and stay safe! I hope this was helpful.

 

I was gunna post pics but the file allowance is like 9mb lol sorry

 

Tags: Beach driving sand dunes silverado 2021

Edited April 8, 2022 by Phil O