schickmeister

New to the world of 4x4, and wondering if the stock tires on my 18 XLT will be sufficient to get me down the beach this coming weekend. It's mostly packed sand and flat, but don't want to get myself into trouble.

Do I need more aggressive tires to really be able to enjoy?

tmath23

with 4x4 you will be fine.

Johnny_bravo00

Save the 4x4 for when, and if you do get into trouble. Dropping the PSI in your tires will also help get out of a bind.
Get out there, and figure out your limits.

FallGuy44

Air down your tires. Some places that allow vehicles on beaches will have an air pump nearby to allow you to put air back into your tires. Be prepared if your place does not.

buzzin 1/2 dozen

Air your tires down to 20 psi and use 4x4. Don't tear up the beach for the next guy. The more aggressive the tire the worst it is for sand running so your street tires will be fine especially if they are smaller diameter rims (17"). With a smaller diameter rim you can get a longer "foot print" or contact patch when you air down.

stowaway

Turn off traction control so it doesn't work the rear brakes too much, air down, and be smooth. If it's firm sand you won't have any trouble, but I can't remember the last time I had packed sand and not soft sugar sand with chewed up ruts.

Xritke

cgarison

I definitely agree with everyone saying to air down the tires. And with all the rain that we have received on the east coast, you should not have trouble with loose, sugar like sand at the shore this weekend.

Personally, I keep a set of tire deflaters and an "off road tire" sized 12V air compressor in my truck to bring the tire pressure back to highway levels after my adventure. In fact, I just reset the deflators to let the air out to 25 PSI so the stock Dynapro AT/M will work better in the mountains this time of year.

tareed94

I have driven on the beach a lot, always with 4x4 vehicles. I've only been stuck once and that was while trying to pull someone else out. I've never aired down. Turn off traction control and AdvanceTrac first thing. From there, remember that if you start getting in soft stuff, momentum is your friend. If you start slowing down due to ground conditions give it more throttle. I've been through some really soft stuff by following that. Worst case you get stuck and have to ask someone to pull you out. There's often someone nearby that will pull you out for free (some people ask for cash, I don't). You shouldn't have any issues with your tires, like other said a more aggressive tread can actually hurt you in the sand. Mud tires and sand don't get along well, they tend to just dig through it. Just go have fun and find the limits of your truck. If you need tips on how to drive in sand or just offroad, YouTube has a bunch of great videos on the right and wrong ways to drive offroad.

riptide88

As long as theres an clear path where people are going im sure youll be fine. Just dont take it for granted though, i got stuck once and just by looking at the pics you'd think theres no way.