Beach Driving

jimcameron · **Joined:** Sun Jan 29, 2006 4:58 am **Posts:** 4

I'm pretty big into surf fishing and having just moved to the Delaware/MD area, I got my Delaware Surf Fishing Vehicle Permit. It allows me to run the 04 Liberty on the sand in pursuit of my favorite past time. I just don't have much (near zero) experience running on the soft sand. Florida (Amelia Island) you don't need to air down. Delaware, you better air down. So, I have the basics down, deflate to around 18psi, have a shovel, boards, jack, tow strap, but I could use a little wisdom from someone that has done this alot and can point out some things I should be aware of beyond the very basic.

Thanks very much.
jkc

renegadekj · **Posted:** Sat Mar 31, 2007 10:54 am

Stay away from the salt water if you dont want you KJ's undercarriage to rust.

TDI4BY · **Joined:** Sun Apr 02, 2006 11:56 pm **Posts:** 644

I was playing in the saltwater a few weeks ago but a few days later had fresh water flowing over the hood in water up to the base of the headlights so I should be O.K

raceinfan · **Posted:** Sat Mar 31, 2007 3:49 pm

depending on the sand I'd go lower than that say 12-14 psi

up here in New England we go that low & NO issues even with the stock goodyears

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Sat Mar 31, 2007 6:30 pm

And always remember when you get stuck...you can still let out more air. Carry an air pump with you incase you need to go very low and then air back up...

jimcameron · **Joined:** Sun Jan 29, 2006 4:58 am **Posts:** 4

Thanks, I appreciate the specifics. Much danger of breaking the tire bead when you go as low as 12-14? I will pack my 12v pump just in case.

Sport · **Posted:** Sat Mar 31, 2007 11:29 pm

How about when driving in 4lo for an automatic should I be in 1, 2 or D?

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Sun Apr 01, 2007 5:31 am

For climbs in sand you want some tire and real speed so 4HI is best...I usually stay in 4HI in loose sand and airdown to around 13#

http://suvworld.tenmagazines.com/gallery/LOSTKJ/81589.jpg

sstenner · **Posted:** Sun Apr 01, 2007 10:02 am

take a buddy!

Hood297 · **Posted:** Sun Apr 01, 2007 4:04 pm

remember if you start to loose traction in sand and your not moving, or not moving fast, STOP. IDK about up there but here there is no where to go but down, you most likely wont find solid ground underneath.

phxtoad · **Posted:** Mon Apr 02, 2007 11:51 am

It will become intuitive real quick once you start, but here's a quick lesson:

On dunes or hills - you always have to keep your speed up. KJ's are HEAVY and that will rob you of momentum quickly. The throttle is your friend. Try to find and stay in your sweet spot (3500 rpm or where ever you feel the most power) This might mean getting off and on the throttle a lot. DO NOT let the tranny (if automatic) slip into overdrive. I've tried running hills in 4Hi and 4Low. Mostly I stay in 4Hi.

On level ground from a stop. DO NOT hit the gas hard. Give it enough to get the wheels going but don't let them spin - you will dig in. Rock the wheel back and forth (lock to lock) as you start - this will give you more bite. Also do this whenever you feel things starting to get too slow.

As you gain momentum it will feel like a boat when it is 'planing'. Subtle steering inputs will result in the body rolling and the turns will follow but they are slower. You steer slightly ahead of the Jeep, kinda.

Go play in surf - but make sure you completely wash the underside after your trip - including inside all the frame rails.

I still have beach sand inside from the first trip I ever took. The only way to avoid it is to keep the windows closed - but why would you ever want to do that???

Have fun!!!

Sport · **Posted:** Mon Apr 02, 2007 12:15 pm

I just went this past weekend and was alot of fun. And going uphill is tough, I almost got stuck trying to hit the trail that takes you off the beach through the dunes. There is alot of thick sand right in the beginning. I had to back up and hit it at a different angle. Good time though.

Se7enLC · **Posted:** Mon Apr 02, 2007 12:20 pm

Something to keep in mind is that your pressure will change once the tires heat up, especially on hot sand. So air down and ride for awhile, then check it again later.

kayadog · **Posted:** Mon Apr 02, 2007 6:29 pm

This is all good advice. I drive a lot on Cape Cod National Seashore for stripers and to surf.

-12-15 psi
-4wd High and keep the tires spinning--momentum helps
-stock tires are too narrow. run the widest tires you can. All Terrains are better than muds.
-ground clearance on a stock liberty can be an issue if the ruts get deep and the axles and front suspension drags
-wash it well ASAP, especially the undercarriage

Think about getting a set of the rubber mats they sell for use on restaurant floors to use for traction if you get stuck. I have 2 that fit in the back of my Jeep and have used them to get out of sand, mud, and ice.

Beach Driving

Who is online