Pulling Trailer in Sand

So I pull a Hobie 16 on the weekends with my truck and have gotten sick of launching from boat ramp (hard with a sail boat). This last weekend I backed the trailer down on the sand and it was all fine till I went to pull the boat out. I am 4x2 with a locker and had the locker on but had trouble getting through the sand. It wasn't a steep beach or anything but I don't want to be getting stuck after a long day on the water...So what are some tips for driving with a trailer on the sand? Mainly focused on pulling the boat out of the water. Will airing down help that much? And would it be bad to drive with low tire pressure and a trailer to the gas station?

- thanks

 

Air down by A LOT, 10 psi maybe 5 (try 15, then 10, then if all fails do 5). Don't let the tire spin, if you spin let go of the gas and slowly go again.

 

Ok I will definitely be airing down then. Last time I had to back up and try again 3 times. With the successful time I went in with a lot of momentum and it was kind of a controlled spin ha. Don't want to do it again though. Is it bad to drive to the gas station with low pressure and a trailer though?

 

It isn't safe. I would invest into an air compressor.

Actually maybe air down to 10 psi The lowest because of the trailer weight.

 

That's why I didn't air down last time. Boat and trailer only weigh 500lbs but I wasn't sure. An air compressor would be nice. Or maybe even an on board air setup..hmm

 

I picked up a cheap air compressor at Advanced Auto for 30 bucks just to keep behind the seats just in case. They don't work great but it'll get the tires back up to normal pressure. Otherwise, I agree with what everyone on here has been saying, air down and very light on the throttle.

 

By the way, I love those Hobie Cats. Definitely a fun way to sail!

 

What is so hard about launching from the ramp?? You are at a serious disadvantage in a 4x2 trying to stop and then go again on a beach...
With airing down-Be careful how low you go. The lower you go the more risk of the tire departing the bead and going flat you have.

 

If you do air down as low as 10 then take turns slow, wide, and smooth otherwise you could very well take the tire off the rim at those pressures.

I wonder if you could find a used set of paddles on racedezert or craigslist. Those would certainly help a ton. Then you would just throw them in the bed and swap them when you hit the sand.

 

Ya I would say be careful after you get out driving to the gas station. I have a cheapy wal-mart bought air compressor I bought just to have if i need it. One of those ones you plug into the lighter. Takes a long time to air up tires but better to be safe than sorry.

 

Air down 10-15 and keep a winch/come-a-long and anchor handy. I'd rather winch than lose a tire.
Trailering with low pressure will lead to loss of braking or steering control on pavement.

 

I launch my Cariloina Skiff from the side of canals with my 4x2 5 lug 4 cylinder. My electronic LSD helps me get up the sand ramp on the side of the canal but I keep even power and do some slipping and sliding.

Why are you having so much trouble? Is the surf washing your wheels deeper? You have a larger tire and a locking differential than I do and I don't have your trouble even with a heavier boat. You shouldn't be having the trouble you are with the light Hobie.

 

Last time was the first time I'd launched from sand. And pulling it out was at high tide so I was starting on loose beach sand on an incline and full pressure in the tires, so it was hard to get any momentum. I got an air compressor today so I'm gonna air down and hopefully that helps. And the trailer has a big tool box on it full of parts and tools and a lot of stuff I don't really need. So I think less air in the tires, less wait on the trailer, and maybe planning to pull it out around a lower tide so less loose sand right off the bat will help.

Thanks everyone for your tips, if anyone wants to go out sailing sometime let me know

 

Problem with the boat ramp is that it is really crowded and has docks running out in the water along both sides. So it's hard to finish rigging the boat and get going in the middle of everyone taking off with waverunners and other boats. Plus I go with my girlfriend and she's not to familiar with sailing yet and so its either leave her with the boat, or let her drive my truck and park it with the trailer (which isn't gonna happen) Launching from sand lets us go at our own pace

 

Find/get some old carpet,cut two strips.5'X10" should do it.

 

Someone mentioned that to me that day actually ha, does it work good?

 

Yes,

 

Thanks for the idea I'm gonna go find some old carpet to take down with me next time.