Making sure

[JK-Q8]

Hi all, i just wanted to make sure of something, because i heard very different opinions. My question is if your driving offroad in soft sand and your jeep starts to bog down, is it a proper maneuver to push the clutch in and out suddenly very quickly to get the power back on? I always thought thats wrong, but i see many doing this. Thanx

[Desert Fox]

Seeing that you live in Kuwait, you should be giving all of us lessons on driving in deep sand. Anyway, the thing you can do that will help you most is to air down your tires to about 15 psi. However, when you are out of the sand, you will have to air up your tires to the psi required for hard road travel. This means that you will need to buy a CO2 bottle or an air compressor. I currently have a Power Tank which I like a lot. It will re-inflate about 40 tires before you need to refill the tank. Can you get CO2 in Kuwait City? I have also used a Quick Air II compressor which connects directly to your battery via two alligator clamps. It is also very good, but takes longer to re-inflate the tires. If you are going to spend a lot of time in the sand, you might want to consider wider tires, up to 12.5 inches wide. Unfortunately, there is big cost associated with this transition. New tires plus spacers or rims. But I digress. In answer to your question, I have never heard of the clutch method you describe, but that doesn't mean it won't work. At first glance, it seems to me that it would make your tires spin which would result in getting stuck quicker. I have used the method of shifting your steering wheel back and forth in hopes of finding firmer ground, but is seldom works. Bottom line: Airing down your tires can increase the tire's footprint on the sand by as much as 2/3rds, which allows the tires to float on the sand and not dig in. The next sand driving tip is to keep moving.
Every time you stop, you have the opportunity of spinning your wheels when you start to move and digging in.

[JK-Q8]

Seeing that you live in Kuwait, you should be giving all of us lessons on driving in deep sand. Anyway, the thing you can do that will help you most is to air down your tires to about 15 psi. However, when you are out of the sand, you will have to air up your tires to the psi required for hard road travel. This means that you will need to buy a CO2 bottle or an air compressor. I currently have a Power Tank which I like a lot. It will re-inflate about 40 tires before you need to refill the tank. Can you get CO2 in Kuwait City? I have also used a Quick Air II compressor which connects directly to your battery via two alligator clamps. It is also very good, but takes longer to re-inflate the tires. If you are going to spend a lot of time in the sand, you might want to consider wider tires, up to 12.5 inches wide. Unfortunately, there is big cost associated with this transition. New tires plus spacers or rims. But I digress. In answer to your question, I have never heard of the clutch method you describe, but that doesn't mean it won't work. At first glance, it seems to me that it would make your tires spin which would result in getting stuck quicker. I have used the method of shifting your steering wheel back and forth in hopes of finding firmer ground, but is seldom works. Bottom line: Airing down your tires can increase the tire's footprint on the sand by as much as 2/3rds, which allows the tires to float on the sand and not dig in. The next sand driving tip is to keep moving.
Every time you stop, you have the opportunity of spinning your wheels when you start to move and digging in.


Thanx for the reply, and yes i know i should be the one teaching and after 3 times of driving on soft sand am not an expert, but i know what to do, but the method i asked about seems to me to be wrong, so i just wanted to make sure. You put strain on the clutch. But i wanted to see if it would work. Yes airing down is the key and you can't start abruptly, 2nd gear is good. And rocking the steering is very important, you could be suprised what difference it makes. I have a compressor and i just need a small air tank which i can't find nowhere, the smallest i found was 5gallons, its too big. I am planning on installing an air horn so i need the tank and i want also to be able to air up.

[glick]

From my experience if you start to bog down, and I mean really bog down it's best to stop and evaluate the situation. let some more air out of your tires and check your line. generally if you stop before you become stuck you can get yourself out in reverse and try again, but once your stuck it's time for plan B... a shovel!!!

[JK-Q8]

From my experience if you start to bog down, and I mean really bog down it's best to stop and evaluate the situation. let some more air out of your tires and check your line. generally if you stop before you become stuck you can get yourself out in reverse and try again, but once your stuck it's time for plan B... a shovel!!!

heheh thats true and i do carry one around hehe. thanks

[acelockco]

You might want to think about some sand paddles for that kind of riding.

You don't want to do that to the clutch unless you like replacing burnt out clutches often. If you feel you are bogging you should be in a lower gear. That along with the other suggestions for airing down your tires should really help. Just don't expect to do much except digging if you have stock tires (unless it is a Rubicon).

[Augie]

You can always get a winch and a tire......... yes i had to burry my tire once with winch line atteched to pull myself out. Then I had to dig my tire back out after.:eek2:

[JK-Q8]

You can always get a winch and a tire......... yes i had to burry my tire once with winch line atteched to pull myself out. Then I had to dig my tire back out after.:eek2:

Hehe yeah i heard about this method, but never tried it. the thought of having a winch is there but i got to wait a bit. the problem on sand is i dont know many times on what gear to be and this causes bogging down.

[K9Jeeper]

From my experience if you start to bog down, and I mean really bog down it's best to stop and evaluate the situation. let some more air out of your tires and check your line. generally if you stop before you become stuck you can get yourself out in reverse and try again, but once your stuck it's time for plan B... a shovel!!!

I think I'll back up this theory. Nothing worse than sitting on your frame from digging in hard.

[JK-Q8]

I think I'll back up this theory. Nothing worse than sitting on your frame from digging in hard.

Yeah thats true and till now thats always worked for me. whenever the jeep starts to spin i stop and reverse out of it. never happened that i couldnt back out.

[JulianK]

I'm surprised no one here uses sand tracks. I remember these on our Land Rover growing up in Africa.

http://www.safari-equip.co.uk/index.php?page=105

[Red]

I'm surprised no one here uses sand tracks. I remember these on our Land Rover growing up in Africa.

After 11 years of wheeling/working in the Sahara Desert, I can't seem to go on any trip without sand bridges, though i have given up on the old aluminum style bridges and replaced them with resin impregnated fiberglass bridges with rock salt embedded on one side. They work great on sand, let you climb otherwise unclimbable obstacles, and can support the weight of the truck if you have to bridge over something. And they help out in snow and ice as well. Cost about the same as the alu ones. But yes, airing down, keeping up momentum, not digging in too deep when you do get stuck, and having a shovel and bridges is the key to surviving sand.

[JK-Q8]

The sand tracks are pretty cool, maybe il make some custom ones. cool. in a week or 2 the weather will be much better out here and wel start offroading so il report my observation whats best on how to survive in sand, thanks.

[TEEJ]

Yeah, the Rover's run a lot of tires that are too skinny, as they like the "Look", and get bogged like crazy in mud and sand, and they have to carry those ladders on the roof, etc...also part of the "Look".

:D

I'd like to add that simply sawing the wheel back and forth will not help as much as TURNING the wheel back and forth nibbling for traction...you are LOOKING for purchase, AND making a little clearing at the face of the tire with the sweeping motion, and hoping to roll into it....so the turning is not random sawing, its LOOKING for any hint of purchase, and FOLLOWING it out.

Generally, shifting KILLS momentum...and, momentum, in sand, is a good thing (Bad to kill).

NON-Generally, shifting in sand can ALSO skip a dig.

Imagine you are rolling along, and your tire's start to dig...but you HAVE momentum, and are rolling...de-clutching takes away the torque that was starting the dig...and, can, sometimes, let you keep rolling.

It has VERY limited application though.

MOST of the time, simply lifting your go go juice pedal to make sure your tire speed MATCHES your ground speed, is the best way to avoid the dig.

Its better to coast to a stop, than to put the hammer down, as you feel yourself losing traction....if you have the choice.

Most people instinctively hit the gas, as that HISTORICALLY at least, has made the rig go FASTER...and, after all, they are REACTING to it going slower and slower as it bogs....sealing their fate.

:D

If on a dune/hill, etc...and you have momentum, and start to bog, its the more heavily loaded rear that digs first, so you can still steer typically.

If the bogging is due to the steepness making the tires need more traction than they can get in the loose surface material, and a slip's starting, you can steer off at an angle to REDUCE the steepness, and regain traction.

This can look like zig-zagging up a hill, etc.

IF you do this maneuver, be SURE you are aware of the side hill angle, and your rollover vulnerability...if you DIG while cutting TO FAR to perpendicular to the down hill slope, you can roll when the tires "trip" on the building dig pile.

IF you feel a roll starting like that, IMMEDIATELY gas it while steering DOWNHILL - TOWARDS the roll direction...to recover.

There's a ton of tips and tricks, but experience you gain DOING it will mean a lot more at this point than words...as you'll need to INTERNALIZE the info in order to USE it.

:D

[JK-Q8]

Yeah, the Rover's run a lot of tires that are too skinny, as they like the "Look", and get bogged like crazy in mud and sand, and they have to carry those ladders on the roof, etc...also part of the "Look".

:D

I'd like to add that simply sawing the wheel back and forth will not help as much as TURNING the wheel back and forth nibbling for traction...you are LOOKING for purchase, AND making a little clearing at the face of the tire with the sweeping motion, and hoping to roll into it....so the turning is not random sawing, its LOOKING for any hint of purchase, and FOLLOWING it out.

Generally, shifting KILLS momentum...and, momentum, in sand, is a good thing (Bad to kill).

NON-Generally, shifting in sand can ALSO skip a dig.

Imagine you are rolling along, and your tire's start to dig...but you HAVE momentum, and are rolling...de-clutching takes away the torque that was starting the dig...and, can, sometimes, let you keep rolling.

It has VERY limited application though.

MOST of the time, simply lifting your go go juice pedal to make sure your tire speed MATCHES your ground speed, is the best way to avoid the dig.

Its better to coast to a stop, than to put the hammer down, as you feel yourself losing traction....if you have the choice.

Most people instinctively hit the gas, as that HISTORICALLY at least, has made the rig go FASTER...and, after all, they are REACTING to it going slower and slower as it bogs....sealing their fate.

:D

If on a dune/hill, etc...and you have momentum, and start to bog, its the more heavily loaded rear that digs first, so you can still steer typically.

If the bogging is due to the steepness making the tires need more traction than they can get in the loose surface material, and a slip's starting, you can steer off at an angle to REDUCE the steepness, and regain traction.

This can look like zig-zagging up a hill, etc.

IF you do this maneuver, be SURE you are aware of the side hill angle, and your rollover vulnerability...if you DIG while cutting TO FAR to perpendicular to the down hill slope, you can roll when the tires "trip" on the building dig pile.

IF you feel a roll starting like that, IMMEDIATELY gas it while steering DOWNHILL - TOWARDS the roll direction...to recover.

There's a ton of tips and tricks, but experience you gain DOING it will mean a lot more at this point than words...as you'll need to INTERNALIZE the info in order to USE it.

:D

Wooow, thanks all that cool info, thanks alot, il try my best to put everything people told me in the desert in a week or so and wel see the outcome. thanks alot.

[Red]

The sand tracks are pretty cool, maybe il make some custom ones. cool. in a week or 2 the weather will be much better out here and wel start offroading so il report my observation whats best on how to survive in sand, thanks.

If you want to make some yourself, check with a shop that sells ATVs. The ATVs usually get delivered on resin/fiberglass skids that look like big waffles, and they will sell it to you cheap, if they don't just give it to you. You can cut the stuff to the length that suits you. It will also support the weight of your truck and is somewhat flexible, so it gives you more possibilities than the alu bridges. Just be careful handling it, it leaves nasty splinters.

[hawgrider1200]

i'd whole lots rather be on the frame in sand than in mud. Mud will suck you in when ur trying to get a chain on the front of that JEEP. Sand would be a whole lots cleaner. only thing if ur in a bunch of sand there usually aren't any trees you can hook that winch to are there? Maybe I do like mud better?:rotflmao2:

[Rhino64]

Get a pull-pal they work really well in any type of soil/sand. I've had mine for over ten years and its never failed me yet. It's kind of big and pain to deal with but it will get you going.

[benmar2000]

Get a pull-pal they work really well in any type of soil/sand. I've had mine for over ten years and its never failed me yet. It's kind of big and pain to deal with but it will get you going.

I have heard of guys using their spare tire as an anchor point.. Just dig a deep hole, bury the tire with the winch line hooked up to it, and then winch yourself out..

[JK-Q8]

no winch hehe no winch yet, but if i use the pulpal where will i hook it up? no trees nothing.

[Rhino64]

I have heard of guys using their spare tire as an anchor point.. Just dig a deep hole, bury the tire with the winch line hooked up to it, and then winch yourself out.. Yes that works well only problem is I'm getting to old to dig. LOL

[benmar2000]

Yes that works well only problem is I'm getting to old to dig. LOL

That is why you take your kid along.. Make them dig the hole.. :rotflmao2::rotflmao1:

[Red]

no winch hehe no winch yet, but if i use the pulpal where will i hook it up? no trees nothing.

Pulpal is a sand anchor. Doesn't need to be hooked up to anything. As you pull on it it dogs itself into the sand and when deep enough there is enough resistance that it provides a firm anchor point to winch off of.

[JK-Q8]

Pulpal is a sand anchor. Doesn't need to be hooked up to anything. As you pull on it it dogs itself into the sand and when deep enough there is enough resistance that it provides a firm anchor point to winch off of.

nice!!! il try to see if i could find something like this here. i hope. cool, thanks for the advice.

[n6on]

From my experience if you start to bog down, and I mean really bog down it's best to stop and evaluate the situation. let some more air out of your tires and check your line. generally if you stop before you become stuck you can get yourself out in reverse and try again, but once your stuck it's time for plan B... a shovel!!!

Yep! I can relate to that!

[Lo2aY]

Hi all, i just wanted to make sure of something, because i heard very different opinions. My question is if your driving offroad in soft sand and your jeep starts to bog down, is it a proper maneuver to push the clutch in and out suddenly very quickly to get the power back on? I always thought thats wrong, but i see many doing this. Thanx

not recommended at all

we have the same sand density in Saudi. This will pretty much burn your clutch. If your Jeep starts to sink or loss power let go off the gas peddle immediately and roll back. and try again with more speed if you are going uphill. now if you are stuck and the frame is sitting on the sand then you will have to clear the frame and maybe a foot in front and behind each tire so that you roll it to get it out. like a little bit forward and a little bit back without spinning your tires.


as for the tires

here is what you need todo
depending on what type of tires and how wide they are with keeping the width of the wheel in mind.
you should deflate them enough to keep them floating on sand. and that will come with getting to know your jeeps power and tires plus your skills of course

you don't want them to be too low so that if you were driving on a side angle like this pic will show

http://members.abunawaf.com/g/2008/04/09/LS010.jpg

you don't lose a bead
of course beadlocks are not in the middle eastern countries because they don't sell as well plus they are way overpriced.
but if you can get a hold of some that would be great. I have lost so many beads over the years!
and the reason is speed and bumps plus low air pressure.
about the width of the wheel and tire
you don't want to match the width!
always try running a tire that's at least an inch wider than your wheel. It doesn't prevent your tire to come off. but it sure will take more to get it off!

PS: JKs suck on sand. not enough power all the time :naw:

[JK-Q8]

not recommended at all

we have the same sand density in Saudi. This will pretty much burn your clutch. If your Jeep starts to sink or loss power let go off the gas peddle immediately and roll back. and try again with more speed if you are going uphill. now if you are stuck and the frame is sitting on the sand then you will have to clear the frame and maybe a foot in front and behind each tire so that you roll it to get it out. like a little bit forward and a little bit back without spinning your tires.


as for the tires

here is what you need todo
depending on what type of tires and how wide they are with keeping the width of the wheel in mind.
you should deflate them enough to keep them floating on sand. and that will come with getting to know your jeeps power and tires plus your skills of course

you don't want them to be too low so that if you were driving on a side angle like this pic will show

http://members.abunawaf.com/g/2008/04/09/LS010.jpg

you don't lose a bead
of course beadlocks are not in the middle eastern countries because they don't sell as well plus they are way overpriced.
but if you can get a hold of some that would be great. I have lost so many beads over the years!
and the reason is speed and bumps plus low air pressure.
about the width of the wheel and tire
you don't want to match the width!
always try running a tire that's at least an inch wider than your wheel. It doesn't prevent your tire to come off. but it sure will take more to get it off!

PS: JKs suck on sand. not enough power all the time :naw:

Wooow well wxplained and i started to get to know the jk more from the outing thats on trail and tails. and yeah i kinda figure its a bad thing to pop the clutch in and out, but i constantly here people that say its good and i bet in saudi they do to. but il keep in mind what you said and yeah time will teach. thanks.

[Skoalman]

I dont know about the sand in Kuwait, but here in Texas we have some very nasty sand on our beaches.

I have never done this, but have seen it done and know people who use this method: They carry two strips of common household carpet they have salvaged. The strips are about 3 or 4 feet long and a little wider than your tires. Once stuck, they are placed either in front or behind the offending spinning, stuck tires. This allows the tires to drive onto the carpet, not sink, and get some momentum up to get going again. Oh, and they tie a bit of string or rope onto the carpet, and the other ends onto the bumper, so when you drive off, your carpet comes up and follows you down the beach, where you find a hard spot to stop and recover the carpet for the next stuck.

Tah-dah......redneck engineering.....:rotflmao1:

[Lo2aY]

Tah-dah......redneck engineering.....:rotflmao1:

:rotflmao2:

[JK-Q8]

I dont know about the sand in Kuwait, but here in Texas we have some very nasty sand on our beaches.

I have never done this, but have seen it done and know people who use this method: They carry two strips of common household carpet they have salvaged. The strips are about 3 or 4 feet long and a little wider than your tires. Once stuck, they are placed either in front or behind the offending spinning, stuck tires. This allows the tires to drive onto the carpet, not sink, and get some momentum up to get going again. Oh, and they tie a bit of string or rope onto the carpet, and the other ends onto the bumper, so when you drive off, your carpet comes up and follows you down the beach, where you find a hard spot to stop and recover the carpet for the next stuck.

Tah-dah......redneck engineering.....:rotflmao1:

Now thats tricky. hehehehe. thats actually pretty clever. i imagine myself driving around the beach pulling carpet around. loooool.:clap:

[tbfreebird]

From my experience if you start to bog down, and I mean really bog down it's best to stop and evaluate the situation. let some more air out of your tires and check your line. generally if you stop before you become stuck you can get yourself out in reverse and try again, but once your stuck it's time for plan B... a shovel!!!

Got to agree - better to know what is happening... than bury your rig:eek2:

[JK-Q8]

YEah last weekend i tried to use every bit of info i read on the forum and the part about when u feel your bogging down stop and go back and try again that worked the best for me. i didnt get stuck and i was on pretty nasty sand amd i even didnt air down.