Thread: Beach Set Up

Only thing you really need is to be able to let your tyres down to as low as say 12psi.

Garry

And then I guess carry a battery operated air compressor. I notice a lot of people get bogged and dig themselves in, is this because of the incorrect air pressure, not enough speed to carry them over the soft surface, poor driving ability or driving in the wrong area of the beach.
We can all tear up and down in at the waters edge and cover our vehicles in salt spray so is the correct location "above" the high water mark ?

Lock the centre diff if you have a centre diff lock. Low tyre pressure is the key. I don't think axle diff locks will help much in sand; a lift will do absolutely nothing for beach driving, unless using it simply to fit taller tyres.

Gently accelerating from a stop is much better than giving it a bootful.

With sand driver training, we used to say on sand you need power or flotation. LandRovers have neither...

1. Tyres. You don't say what size tyre you have. Tall & skinny is best, low profile is worst (re footprint when aired down). Street or AT tread pattern is best. Aggressive treads are actually ok, but.. they do throw rooster tails. You'll get in mirrors, open windows, everywhere. And you must must back off as soon as they spin. Aggressives dig in very very quickly.

2. Are Diff Locks Needed (front and back). In my view no. You won't get much further, if at all. And when it digs in you'll have four wheels to dig out & not two. Others will disagree.

3. Is a Centre Diff lock An Advantage. Yes.

4. Will a 2" Lift Kit Help. No. It's no fun digging out someone who's bogged it, & keeps spinning wheels. It stops on the chassis rails. Digging another 2 inches? Not for me.

Regards
Max P

Originally Posted by Hardynice

Could somebody on here advise me the best set up for beach driving. I figure the following

1. Best Tyres
2. Are Diff Locks Needed (front and back)
3. Is a Centre Diff lock An Advantage
4. Will a 2" Lift Kit Help

I am running 8" Discovery Rims and Pirelli Tyres which only seem to dig themselves in and go no where.
Thank You for your help and advice in advance

Lloyd

1. Taller is better, without an aggressive tread (it will just dig down). A specific offroad or even AT tyre will have a side wall construction more suited to letting down to 12ish. Pressure on the day is really more important than anything.
2. what are you doing? Towing 3.5t of caravan to the tip of fraser? Then maybe.
3. Always an advantage but – is it needed? See answer 2.
4. As 2&3, will help crossing rocks heading to sandy cape, other wise no.

Big question is what are you going to do? I do a lot of beach driving in a 99 TD5 D2 which is bog standard apart from slightly taller road tyres, let them down to 18 – never been stuck or required snatching, have dug it out a couple times. BUT I always use low range when tackling soft chewed sections – it just keeps going.

Auto or manual?
I always use center diff lock
I generally only air down to 20psi but will go lower if towing camper in really soft sand
Diff locks[trutrac and detroit] dont make any difference to me on the sand[beffor and after comparison in my 110]

i have never been below 16psi in any of the cars (HJ4? cruiser, 82 Hilux, 2 door rangie and my current defender) i have had on the beaches around brisbane which include Moreton, Straddie, Teewah, Rainbow and Fraser. i have never been bogged, sure i haven't got up some dune but if you don't spin your wheels you can always reverse down

maybe a bit more info about your set up

as others have said

engage CDL
lower tyre pressures, i start at 22 than go to 18 if required
easy on the gas
momentum if it really powdery

OK, i see you have a D2........which may or maynot have CDL and as you have asked if CDL would help i assume yours may not have it?

i have never driven a D2 without CDL.....i assume traction control might hinder you but other will confirm

i would have thought a D2 would get around all of our beaches