6 x 6 sand driving

[Gary M]

Hi All

I have a 6 x 6 Perentie and was wondering how they go in soft sand, like a beach, and sand dune work.
I have taken her on the rough stuff and she handles it really well but not sure how the weight factor and really soft sand combination would go together.
I'm aware of letting tires down etc and not a novice in this regard but didn't want to look like a numb nut being bogged just off the car park.

Regards Gary M

[JDNSW]

Have a look at the Eejits Simpson Desert trip report about September, I think last year. Their convoy included a 6x6 and I am sure there was a comment somewhere in there about the sand performance.

John

[powerband]

Hi Gary. I have owned a 6x6 civilian for a few years now & have done quite a bit of sand driving. At first I tried to drive it like a 4x4 using high range & momentum but it did not feel good. So what I found was as I come up to the dune, select low range, look at the dune pick the gear you think will take you to the top & off you go. I have done the Goog's track & purposely put max water & fuel plus we were pretty loaded as it was. No sand dune on the track stopped the vehicle. I was very impressed with it after that trip.They are a great vehicle. Paul

[TK_Co]

I have found that my 6x6 performs terribly in the sand. And I imagine the army has the same problem as the put mats down 91611
I'm not sure if that's why, but I imagine so.
IMHO The combination of skinny 16 ply tyres, relatively low engine power, heavy vehicle and suspension designed for load carrying and not off-roading all contribute to the 6x6 Perentie being a sand anchor. Now I'm sure this will upset a lot of people on here but it's what I have found. However, on the positive side, when rock hopping I found the 6x6 to be like a billy goat and just keep going.

To combat the poor performance on sand I plan on putting some new, fatter tyres and rims on her. And DIFF LOCKS !! Having 6x6 is better than 3x6 !! Especially with the way the rear suspension works.

Hope this helps :)

[Mick_Marsh]

I have found that my 6x6 performs terribly in the sand. And I imagine the army has the same problem as the put mats down 91611
I'm not sure if that's why, but I imagine so.
IMHO The combination of skinny 16 ply tyres, relatively low engine power, heavy vehicle and suspension designed for load carrying and not off-roading all contribute to the 6x6 Perentie being a sand anchor. Now I'm sure this will upset a lot of people on here but it's what I have found. However, on the positive side, when rock hopping I found the 6x6 to be like a billy goat and just keep going.

To combat the poor performance on sand I plan on putting some new, fatter tyres and rims on her. And DIFF LOCKS !! Having 6x6 is better than 3x6 !! Especially with the way the rear suspension works.

Hope this helps :)
Did you reduce the pressure in your tyres? I think a requirement for successful sand driving.

[TK_Co]

Did you reduce the pressure in your tyres? I think a requirement for successful sand driving.[/QUOTE]

Yes, but unfortunately with the 16 ply tyres It didn't make much difference. Took them to about 10/12 pound.