Moreton/tyres

[ckter]

Hi all, new to the forum. I finally bought myself a D4 (2010 3.0). My brother and I are going for a test hit out on Moreton Island next week. First time on Moreton. So I thought I would jump on here and see if there is anything regarding the capabilities of the D4 that I should watch out for, what to expect etc. Tyres are Pirelli Scorpion ATR 255/55 R19. Ive checked the tides and they look ideal.

In particular though:
What pressures do you recommend on and off road (sand) for these tyres?
Ive got a snatch strap, pressure gauge and a bunch of camping gear. Anything else I should definitely be carrying?
How challenging is Moreton? Ive done a bit of 4wding when I was younger (Stradbroke Island mainly) but Im a bit rusty.

Thanks a lot.
Chris

[dazray]

On The Beach


I use 15psi.
Sand Mode.
DSC off.
Make sure you turn off DSC every time you start the engine
or make any terrain response setting changes
Finally double check DSC is off before driving off every time.


Have a good tyre gauge and air compressor.
I carry maxtrax, shovel and snatch strap but have never had to use them.
Have a read up on beach driving techniques for a refresher.
One tip I found very helpful was that as soon as your car stops moving forwards, stop immediately and reverse back before you dig yourself in.

[coolum]

I would add that when you see something that looks a bit challenging slow down
- go to neutral
- switch to low range
- back to drive or manual shift and choose gear and 'cruise' through
- do not thrash with high revs, or go too fast to be safe - just enough to keep the momentum of the car
If you get stopped, reverse out or back up a bit - reduce tyre pressure and then roll again - once your out of the 'mire' you can easily air up again.


You'll often see 'Three' wheel tracks and when a vehicle comes the other way you cant get out of the track (potential head on) so keep speed to within a safe range everywhere.


Too many times I have seen drivers with wheels turned - pushing sand and going straight - dropping the speed can allow you to bite into the side of the track and get out safely.


SEQ and all the sand parks - is a great place to live or visit.


HTH
Steve

[HJF]

I would suggest you will only need to go to 19 psi with all the rain we have just had. The hardest part on Moreton I think is getting on and off the barge as the sand gets very chopped up by all the traffic.


The inland roads are pretty good with no major challenges, just make sure you pick the tides for the beach travel as there are some soft spot you want to avoid at higher tides.

[ade]

Get yourself a compressor

[tiddy]

What most have said, but when I previously lived in Brisbane & went Straddy, Moreton & Fraser, I started at 20psi & went from there if needed.

But certainly a compressor, gauge etc are handy. You didn't mention it, but a couple of rated shackles as well...people don't mind snatching you, but they can get a touchy if you have to then use their shackles.

One thing I was told very early on about driving in sand like those places is once you feel the vehicle is losing forward momentum & is about to stop, rather than give it a boot full to try push it further, stop & reverse a bit, then try a different line. Of course some say until you bog it, you haven't really had fun....lol

Great place though...lucky bugger.

[scarry]

Can't help with tyre pressures as mine are a different size.

As others have said the sand may be hard after the recent rain.
Watch the eastern entrance to the track across the island,it can be very soft and cut up at times.

Long handled shovel is very handy when all else fails,i wouldn't go without one..You will find if you do get stuck the vehicle will ask to go into extra extended height,which gives you a bit more room to get the shovel underneath.There is a readout on the dash which comes up and says something like 'hold foot on brake pedal and hold up button for suspension at the same time'.The vehicle will drop back down at approx 8kph.

As others have said,watch that DSC button,and make sure you are in off road height,or it won't take long before you need the shovel in the soft stuff.

Moreton is a great place,have fun.

[discotwinturbo]

I have never been to Moreton, but don't be afraid to go lower if you need to.

On our dunes down south, Ferret and I had to go as low as 12psi on the factory 19's and at speed to climb the dunes. Just no donuts at those pressures.

As others have said, dsc off, low range is best, and offroad height.....and you only need light throttle, as dsc will still kick in if you go too hard.

Brett......

[Crimdog]

Hey mate

Most has already been said. Definitely get an air compressor so you can air up and down as needed. Maxtrax are great as well as a long handheld shovel. Be aware it will drop down to normal hight if you go over 50kms/h, unless you have Liams or rods which get around that. Remove the plastics that hide the recovery points before you go off road. The tyres you have will be fine for sand, 19"s don't bag a lot, I usually start somewhere in the low 20s (psi) and go lower if IF I get stuck.

Have fun, drive it well and you'll struggle to get into trouble.

[Celtoid]

Hi,


Been to Moreton, Bribie, Fraser and Straddy. The sand has a very high silica content. When it's very dry and hot it turns to talcum.


It's wet now and cool ... should have no issues with the Scorpions. In fact they will eat it up.


Start as suggested around sub-20 .. drop if needs be. I believe with LR rims you can drop the pressures very low and not roll off. Unlike Fraser there are not too many pinch point potentials .... IOW ... few rocks and roots.


The barges have compressors for post trip reinflation but I've always carried ..... but never used a compressor.


As stated, get the Mode selection correct, turn off DSC and everything is easy.


Maxtrax are awesome ... but you probably won't need them.


Hitch Point Covers off as stated.


Bells and whistles for suspension start at 40 something but the car will not lower until 55KPH (indicated). D4 number 2 and it is the same.

Amazing place, amazing car!