What Do I Need for Beach Driving?

Hey Guys,

I want to try driving on the beach where legal. So far, this is the extra stuff that I think I need:

1. Traction Boards MAXSA Escaper Buddy

2. Tire Pressure Gauge (do I really need a deflator?) Generic

3. Recovery Strap Smittybilt 3" x 30' 30K lbs

4. Air Compressor

$91 Viair 88p Portable Compressor Kit (12V, 120 Psi, Forup to 33" Tires)

Viair 88p

5. Do I need another jack?

6. Shovel

Any guidance on what I should get/what I need would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Winch

 

Deflators make it a lot easier.

$17 Tire Deflator Kit Universal Adjustable Pack of 4 Automatic for Cars, Trucks

https://www.amazon.com/EZdeflator-D...XWE69CVMM4S&psc=1&refRID=1WS84TCDPXWE69CVMM4S

 

Do you plan on going in the dunes or just driving on the sand?

I used to live at the beach and never needed any of that and never gotten stuck, never deflate or used 4WD. That stuff couldn't hurt to have though for recovery IF you get stuck.

 

Your list looks good. I don’t have deflators as my gauge has a simple pin on the head to deflate.

 

A permit so you don't get arrested like those Jeep jackasses on Galveston Island.

 

No dunes, just beach like in Assateague or Hatteras area.

 

nice i always wanted to try out the dunes they had in pismo beeach california. following this thread

 

You should be good to go with an air compressor and some traction boards just in case.

Dont forget the shovel!

 

Take more water than you think you'll need just in case you do get stuck, those areas can be pretty remote.

 

yes 1. Traction Boards MAXSA Escaper Buddy

the old school pencil gauge works fine, no need for a delator 2. Tire Pressure Gauge (do I really need a deflator?) Generic

does the job 3. Recovery Strap Smittybilt 3" x 30' 30K lbs

I own this same one 4. Air Compressor

$91 Viair 88p Portable Compressor Kit (12V, 120 Psi, Forup to 33" Tires)

Viair 88p

no 5. Do I need another jack?

yes 6. Shovel

7. extra water

 

Sand would be helpful

 

4wd, good tires and airing down really low are key to doing well in sand. I've always gone down to 12 psi in the sand dunes and as low as 8 to get myself unstuck. If you have a lighter load tire like a P rated one you probably don't want to air down that low or it'll roll off the bead/wheel.

Don't need a deflator to deflate the tires (screwdriver works fine) but they're nice to have so you don't have to crouch down and hold the screwdriver in place on each one.

For recovery gear...shovel and traction boards. Recovery strap too

 

If going alone make sure someone knows where you're going. The OBX is starting to open up now but depending on where you go, you be sitting awhile if help is needed.

 

https://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/orv_faq.htm

Good info here, including the beach driving part.

Air down to 16-18 psi, 4x4, follow the ruts and you’ll be fine. Stay off the dunes and out of the bird areas or the park rangers will burn you at the stake. Shovel and recovery strap are a must. Traction boards are nice but not a must. There is free air to refill tires along HWY 12 in the OBX at a few places. When you’re out on the beach the key is to know when you’re stuck and not to make it worse so you can dig out. Some areas are impassable at high tide, so pay attention or you’ll get stranded (or worse - I’ve seen the Point claim a Jeep before) and some of the sand gets really really soft and deep. If you air down, use 4x4, and don’t do anything crazy you will be fine.

If you’re on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore or up in Corolla then you need permits.

 

You got crawl control...you're ok

 

Follow this page. Haha Air down. Air compressor, shovel, strap, and know your recovery points. The factory ones are OK but a shackle that goes into the receiver and replacement for the tow hook would be better.

Have fun! Beautiful area.

 

Tide calendar. And an eye for the high tide line

 

The ARB deflator is the balls, worth every penny, ive used the hell out of mine.

Other than that and the tide chart, shovel and strap listed above, you need about 18psi and drive like its deep snow but your brakes work. If you need those stupid tracks, you have no business being out there.

Edit: got called out for being a dick, it was deserved. I apologize.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/what-do-i-need-for-beach-driving.667248/page-2#post-23404345

 

You may not like them, but they'll get you out quick than you would with a shovel most days.

Tracks are just a good investment anyways. They only take up a bit of room and are good for a variety of cases. Don't feel you need to get the most expensive brand though.

 

Nothing wrong with tracks. They've been used for years long before they became an overland decorative accessory. They have their place especially if you need to recover yourself solo.