NewHilux.net

Hey guys,

I purchased a new 2017 SR5 back in November, and I am relatively new to the 4WD scene.

My rig is still factory, haven’t really done any mods to it.

There is a neat camping spot up here close to where I live where I used to go to as a kid. The only issue is that it is on the beach and I have no sand driving experience. I am keen to get in there, but I am unsure on a few things – could I please grab some input?

I have some shitty highway Dunlop tyres that come with the car, which I don’t think will be any good on the sand. I am looking at fitting a set of BFGoodrich A/T tyres – will this be the go?

Also tyre pressures on sand? I’m assuming that I’d need to drop them right down. Or would I be right to drive on 30psi?

Cheers, Jordan

Hey mate, highway tyres are actually surprisingly good on sand. But upgrading to all terrains is your best bet for down the track anyway.
Depends how soft the sand is, sometimes you don’t need to at all, but if it’s abit softer and you find the car struggling/bogging down then yeah start loosing some psi. Around 15 is good for soft sand, I wouldn’t go much lower myself.

Also make sure you throw in a shovel and a set of recovery tracks!

Enjoy! Theres alway something a little special about driving down the beach.
Make sure to throw up some photos for us!


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Manual or auto? Use low range especially with auto, and make it work. If it feels like the engine is doing it easy it means the torque converter isn’t and will be cooking the fluid. Best bet is to fit an aux transmission cooler if auto, very cheap insurance.
Highway tyres will be fine on sand. Buy a compressor too unless there is a servo at the beach.

Sorry forgot to add, it is manual.

I am assuming that low range/high range will depend on how soft the sand is? I guess I will work out what is best when I am out there.

ieattrolls08 wrote:Sorry forgot to add, it is manual.

I am assuming that low range/high range will depend on how soft the sand is? I guess I will work out what is best when I am out there.

A tip for sand driving - turn vsc and trc off! They will cause you to lose momentum by applying the brakes when wheel slippage is detected. Some explanations of the systems:

http://www.toyota-global.com/innovation ... e/vsc.html

http://www.toyota-global.com/innovation ... e/trc.html

In my manual N70 it's automatically disengaged in low range. In high range you need to hold the traction control switch for 10 seconds.

I personally prefer high range in sand but use low if it's particularly gnarly. YMMV

Also, +1 for recovery gear. Buy some MaxTrax!

Hey Jordan.
If your in low gear with the locker on and have your tyres at 15PSI I can't imagine you getting stuck in any sand. The car should just crawl through the soft stuff, no need to boot it.
A shovel is a must, tracks would be nice.

It’s great that your asking and there’s a lot of experience on here. Keep in mind though people get experience from trying stuff out and failing, so don’t be scared to give things a go but be mindful of what might happen if things don’t go as planned. For example, being on the waters edge with the tide coming in is not the time discover your tyres are too hard! Head out with a friend, stay on the dry sand above high tide mark, go when the tide is on its way out not coming in, good tips for starters.

Highway tyres are fine on sand with the right pressure.
Hard tyres sink in the sand, then your tyre is always trying to climb out (ie go up a steep hill). When you see corrugations in the sand it’s from tyres that are too hard doing a spin and climb cycle. Try this - drive along the beach and put your foot on the clutch. How long does it take you to pull up? If it feels like it’s plowing in, let them down some more.
I run 11psi on the beach, but I usually stay below 40km, avoid sharp turns but still have some fun. When I put my foot on the clutch, the car keeps rolling and comes to a gentle stop.

Get yourself a shovel and snatch strap, and make sure there’s something decent to attach to.


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G'Day Jordan and welcome to the forum

Great intro there.
I've posted a link below using the "search here" search box above
sand driving

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