Stock 2500HD Crew in the Sand

[HDCrew4x4]

I am taking my truck to the beach this weekend, no major off roading planned but you never know what you are going to get into.

 

Just wanted to check and see if any of you guys have had a problem in the sand with them since the stock 245's are pretty narrow. I figure the front end might be prone to sinking.

 

I used to have a Dodge 1500 with 33x12.50's so I never had to worry about such things!

 

Any thoughts or tips are greatly appreciated as always.

[knez]

I ride quads out in glamis (imperial sand dunes) alot every yr I dont have any problem now being im running 35in tires but prior to lift and tires If i picked good lines air tires down as much as possible 4hi stay in throttle till you find were your going park in highest area possible on should be allright i have got stuck thou,and the beach is a little softer sand.DID I SAY AIR DOWN TIRES!

[GF7PE]

drop the psi to about 15 and just keep it steady and you wont have a problem. A bald tire is the best for floatation so the stock 245's will be fine and not dig in too much. There are plenty of guys out here that use the stock tires and quite a few have slide in campers too

[HDCrew4x4]

Well if it's bald tires I need then I guess I'm set!

 

I'll be sure and let the air out too, knez!

 

If I get stuck I'll be sure and take lots of pictures! I know there will at least be a D-max on 245's there so if he can get any traction we should be ok. If not, I guess we'll both tape up the doors, slap on a trolling motor, and wait for the tide!

 

[Freyguy]

I've taken mine on the beach quite a bit with the stock 245's on. I first aired down to about 18 and found that way too high. I found 12psi to be about the best. The only time I got close to getting stuck was when I was driving on the point in OBX at the Cape. I probably had gone about 3/4 of a mile and my truck started slipping and sinking. I got a bit worried and let off the gas. Then my buddy suggested I try 4 wheel drive, and that worked much better! I guess I was a bit too excited to drive on the beach and forgot. Good luck.

[Silverado4x4]

I've taken mine on the beach quite a bit with the stock 245's on.  I first aired down to about 18 and found that way too high.  I found 12psi to be about the best.  The only time I got close to getting stuck was when I was driving on the point in OBX at the Cape.  I probably had gone about 3/4 of a mile and my truck started slipping and sinking.  I got a bit worried and let off the gas.  Then my buddy suggested I try 4 wheel drive, and that worked much better!    I guess I was a bit too excited to drive on the beach and forgot.    Good luck.

 

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DOH Yeah just air the tires down to about 10-12 psi and use a lite foot taking off and dont be flying across the beach and make a real sharp hard turn or you may pop the tires off the rim bead P.S Dont forget to air the tires back up when you get back on the road.

[tomm]

I had a 3000 Pound slide-in camper on the back last weekend for the first time at the beach.At first I did not air down enough and got stuck.After digging out I airdowned to 18 psi in the front and 22psi in the rear and there was no stopping me.Later that day on the way out I helped someone else dig out that didn't airdown enough.Just remember its to late once your frame is buried in the sand.2500HD reg cab.

[GONZO]

take mine out to pismo all the time with the stock tires and with airing down and a steady throttle i have not been stuck yet.

 

in fact the only time i did get slightly stuck was when i forgot to air down. iared tires down and stuck it in 4 lo for better throttle response and it popped itself right out.

 

i think it handles better on the beach with my 2500# camper on the back then it does with out. aired down it seems like the extra weight just packs the sand under the tires, they don't even seem to spin...

[Shawn T]

When I go to the dunes I air down to 18 psi and always use 4wd. Keep at a steady pace and when you have to stop, try having your truck aiming downhill slightly. These 2500HD DMaxes are so heavy on the front tires compared to the rear that 4wd is a necessity. It is like pushing a plow in 2wd. Once the rear tires slip in the sand, the rear axle immediately starts to "chatter" (unless you have traction bars) and then your stuck. I made that mistake, once. These trucks definately are not dune buggies, but they will get you far enough to unload the toys. Yeah, and they can pull tons of them too.

[jamashke]

Sorry to hijack but you stated: the rear axle immediately starts to "chatter" (unless you have traction bars)

 

Chatter as in hop? Mine does that on dry pavement when I (how can I put this...) put a ford to shame (I know I know all of these trucks are good but it is fun ya know).

 

Can you tell me about these traction bars or PM me the information?

 

Thanks

[Shawn T]

Sorry to hijack but you stated:  the rear axle immediately starts to "chatter" (unless you have traction bars)

 

Chatter as in hop?  Mine does that on dry pavement when I (how can I put this...) put a ford to shame (I know I know all of these trucks are good but it is fun ya know).

 

Can you tell me about these traction bars or PM me the information?

 

Thanks

 

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Traction bars or Ladder bars come with mounts that bolt or weld to the frame rails ahead of the rear axle. From there, they extend to the axle itself, bushings for flex at both ends. They keep the axle straight (from hopping or chattering) when the rear wheels are spinning or trying to hook up. Kind of a general explanation, but many lift companies make them, just go to Rancho or Trailmaster sites, for example, and you should be able to get a picture and alot better explanation than I just gave.

[tomm]

When my frame,rearend,spare tire etc,starts to drag sand or snow my truck starts hopping and I get stuck.Happened once in deep snow and once in sand. 2500hd reg cab.