Is it necessary to lower PSI while on sand dunes?

I was just wondering if it's really necessary to lower the tire pressure on my tires if I'll just be messing around in loose sand or dunes? Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac 285/70/17 is what my ride sits on.

 

You won't likely make it far without airing down.

 

always air down. I usually air down to 15 front and 10 in the rear.

 

Yes. Airing down is always better for off roading.

15-20 psi should be perfect.

 

yup, ahead of time.

or you can get buried up to the frame FAST, then you can't do crap
even letting out air.

you might need to have a *gasp* Jeep pull you out


bring a tank of air or compressor for the ride home.

 

Yeah for sure. It helps immensely. But I have on occasion not aired down (kids werent cooperating!) and the truck didn't like it one bit. Granted it made it through but it was a night and day difference.

 

Thanks for the input guys. I just thought maybe if I just engaged the rear lock differential on 4LO would get me out of trouble, but I'll just play it safe and take some air out before hitting the dunes. Driving along the coast on semi-soft sand is no problem, but if I want to mess around on the loose sand dunes I better air out before I do so. Thanks again...

 

Lots of people around me having this happen to them this past weekend. I aired down to 15psi and never came close to getting stuck.

 

With sand once you start digging your done... its better just to have all the traction to begin with. Plus it rides alot better when your aired down

 

Most important for sand.

 

4HI is better in sand. 4LO will dig in.

 

So when would it be necessary to use 4LO and /or rear lock differential?

 

When all hope is lost...

 

Thanks. I'll keep that in mind...

 

You you need for low and the locker your probably stuck and it might work or it might make things worse. once you start digging your done. I have some traction boards that work wonders on the sand. if you plan on spending alot of time on the sand it may be worth picking up a set.

 

I live about 70 miles from South Padre Island and go at least once a month. It's not like I'm there every day, but if you'd send me some info on these traction boards so I can look into them, that be great. Thanks...

 

just watch your trans temps playing around in 4hi.... you would be surprised at how much of a load driving in sand is! if your in 4hi / 2hi keep her in a lower gear to keep rpms up and torque converter slippage down.

 

Air down to 15-12 PSI in front and 12-10 PSI in the rear. It'll smooth your ride out too

I usually air down to 5 PSI all the way around but I've got beadlocks

 

and you got MASSIVE tires.... less prone to pulling a bead off with a big tall wide tire.

and your truck is super sick.... im jelly.... just need to get off your ass and make a 4x4 kit

 

I'm going to say something a little different than the rest. I spent many seasons out in Glamis with my first gen 4x4 Taco and I probably aired down 50% of the time. I put the truck in some pretty soft stuff and never once got stuck. It did make a pretty big difference when I aired down. Gave me more confidence, rode better in the sand etc.. I even took our crew cab Tundra out to Pismo last year and did not air down. Now that was a little hairy but still, we did not get stuck. So I'm going to say while it may not be "Necessary" it will make things more enjoyable for you and it is better to play it safe than sorry.