Looking to take my Jeep out onto the dunes, but I'm unsure of how it will perform or if the stocker is capable of sand driving. Any advise would be very appreciated!

Can/should it be done? Anything I need to watch out for?

Thanks

 

There are several threads on driving on beaches. On our beaches we have that light sugar sand that will suck you in quick. My tips are:

- Keep your speed up in the light sand until you get on packed sand. If you're at a beach, avoid running in salt water.
- Air down a little (13-20 psi has been mentioned).
- 4lo is best to keep from digging in.
- Carry a tow strap and dig out equipment just in case.

 

Thanks for your reply! I found that quite helpful. I tried searching for some of the bigger threads, but I'm camping and on the mobile, so the search feature isn't working for me currently.

Will the stock tires hinder me to the point where I'll have to worry? I have some basic dig out equipment, and plenty of other jeepers around for assistance.

Thanks

 

I bought my Jeep with 15" wheels knowing I was going to upgrade. Before I upgraded I took it out on the beach to see how the narrow tires would do. It really settled into the soft sand and I could feel the tires slipping and rubbing in the sand when I got slow or stopped. Keep in mind, the 15's had a strictly street tread, not aggressive enough tread to really grab. I did ok as long as I was in 4 high. I would recommend 4lo and keep some speed. If your unsure about a line or path to take, stop on firm ground and scout it out on foot. At least know where your next firm ground is. Just connect the dots of firm ground until you get a feel for how your set up is going to do.

 

I have gone four wheeling on the beaches of Texas and over Medano Pass to the Great Sand Dunes in Colorado on the stock Goodyear SA tires that came on on my 2008 JK X Unlimited. I haven't had any issues getting stuck in the sand and did not air down, I ran in 4 Hi and it did fine.
The big thing is to keep your wheels from spinning as it will cause the vehicle to dig in. Airing down will create more surface area which gives you more traction. If you have a winch bring a Pullpal and recovery gear. Other options for recovery gear is a Hi Lift Jack and base plate or Bushranger X-Trax, either way bring a shovel.

 

Awesome. Thanks for the words of wisdom everyone. Going after 7 tonight!

 

Good advice above, from what I've seen of sand in desert washes.

4-lo will also keep your "Hot Oil" light off because the torque converter will spend less time unlocked. An unlocked TC generates a LOT more heat.

 

Good to know. I'll try and make sure to maintain my heat dissipation as best I can.

 

Yep stick with 4 lo, it will also keep traction control from getting you bogged down unless you have disabled traction control.