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I've got 2000+ miles in DEEP sand on this F150. Probably 30K in my life in sand.
F150 does just fine. I never deflate the tires unless I start to spin and close to getting stuck. Then air down to 15 until safe and air back up.
My 2011 I have never had to air down yet.
4WD HI range - never low.
Highway tires work best. Tires made for mud and snow tend to dig down more. Width and profile are what matters most.
No issues with sand - ever. I've had the trans temps to 235F but was still not in the HOT range on the needle. Just stop for a while and let idle OR drive slower and less agressively and it will cool off naturally.
Pick your spots to stop and think ahead. Starting after a stop is where people tend to get stuck.
I have pulled Jeeps and SUVs out of a hole when stuck. I do have to air down to 15psi then. No problemo...
I never had an issue on the beach,I'm actually headed there this weekend (NC OBX).
I normally air down tires to 20psi lock in 4wd and go. I have 20" stock rims and tires, factory highway air pressure will not work on softish sand.The only places I keep momentum are certain ramps on the beach where it is very soft.
DRIVE IT! And drive it like it's meant to be! A TRUCK!!!! I drive mine up and down the beach all the time in stock tires. I only use 4WD if needed ( Most of the time i don't need it ). I also pull people out when given the chance. So get out there and enjoy it!
Man I wish they would let us drive on the beach here in NW Florida! I see the Sheriff's and FWC driving on the sand all the time with their F-150's, they don't seem to have a problem at all!
I live on the 4x4 beach in Corolla NC and have a 2013 F150 Ecoboost 295/75/18 with a 2.5 inch level kit and I can tell you first hand this truck does quite well. I never drive in the wet or damp sand only in the dry sand next to the dune line to keep the corrosion at a minimum. I run at a constant 25 psi and turn off traction control while driving on the sand. This is the third Ford truck I have owned with these conditions and have never even come close to a problem.
I try not to pull out someone who is stuck mainly because of three reasons,
It is hard on my truck
The stuck vehicle could become damaged
But mainly there are tow truck companies here and that is their business and they are fully insured.
If you are visitor to a beach and are unfamiliar take a few moments and see what is driving on the beach, notice their clearance, check out how deep the ruts are. Walk on the sand to feel how soft it is. Do you have the correct amount of clearance? I would suggest you air down to approx 18 psi. Turn off traction control. Don't do donuts, because other traffic will have to drive over your ruts in the other direction. You can not even come close to believe how many other trucks like mine I see stuck during the season, and yet I just drive by them.
Don't try to pull out anything until you know all your limitations, there is no substitute to being safe.
I'm sure there will be those who will dispute what I have said and to them I ask, Where do you live?
I vacation there all the time (Carova). Going down in 6 weeks. LOVE IT there. The sand there changes frequently. One day driving is no sweat (packed) and I dont even need 4WD at all. Next day, dry, deep and the truck struggles a bit where its real loose and deep. But I keep my tires at 35-40 psi.
My fave area to vacation.
You are lucky to live there! I eyeball lots all the time. But cant pull the trigger bc its just one storm away (CAT 4+) from being ruined IMO. I hope that never occurs, but its very vulnerable.
I drive at Oceano State Beach OHV Park in central California all the time. Tires make no difference, just air pressure. Air down to under 20 psi or 15psi for really dry soft sand. I usually air at 18 and I can still run to the grocery store with no tire damage. And I pull a 28' travel trailer over the sand. I have the factory Michelins on 17's on my 2012 F150 but with other vehicles in the past I've used highway tires with no problems. Carry a strap and a shovel and dig out before you are buried. Why have a 4x4 truck and not use it in the sand?
I drive at Oceano State Beach OHV Park in central California all the time. Tires make no difference, just air pressure. Air down to under 20 psi or 15psi for really dry soft sand. I usually air at 18 and I can still run to the grocery store with no tire damage. And I pull a 28' travel trailer over the sand. I have the factory Michelins on 17's on my 2012 F150 but with other vehicles in the past I've used highway tires with no problems. Carry a strap and a shovel and dig out before you are buried. Why have a 4x4 truck and not use it in the sand?
I drive at Oceano State Beach OHV Park in central California all the time. Tires make no difference, just air pressure. Air down to under 20 psi or 15psi for really dry soft sand. I usually air at 18 and I can still run to the grocery store with no tire damage. And I pull a 28' travel trailer over the sand. I have the factory Michelins on 17's on my 2012 F150 but with other vehicles in the past I've used highway tires with no problems. Carry a strap and a shovel and dig out before you are buried. Why have a 4x4 truck and not use it in the sand?
Hi neighbor--I drive on this same beach 3x week on average. My truck is 2wd and I'm a rookie so I've had a learning curve over the past two years. No sharp turns, keep momentum, always look ahead and like riding a bike , scan identify predict your next move. I don't air down except when stuck or on longer runs.
05-13-2015, 10:05 AM
