Going to Pismo - got some questions

Hello Socal,
i am heading to Pismo for a couple days in June, and i was wondering what i need / should know or watch out for when cruising around on the beach/dunes, so i don't look like an idiot getting stuck and such
never drove around on the beach before so i could use some input/advise

i have a 2011 Tacoma TRD O/R
no lift - just bigger wheels 17x9 with yokohama geolander at/s

thanks in advance for the info

 

IF you are camping on the beach bring some ply wood to shield from the wind.
Have you ever been to the dunes ???
DOnt go to fast on the beach where the water is the state park guys are all over you. Spray your underside with wd40 or when you get right home spray your underside off with water.

 

AIR DOWN! I would suggest going down to 15psi right away, or you can go down in increments of 5-10psi. If you don't air down the tires will dig you right into the sand and it will be time for a recovery.

Be sure to keep your speed up and never hit the brakes on the sand unless you're okay with a complete stop. When you do stop, don't mash the gas to get going again or you will just dig in. Crawl out of your spot slowly - if the sand is really soft or you get kinda stuck use a back-and-forth rocking motion to get some momentum (actually use Drive and Reverse for this)

Keep an eye out for razorbacks and sharp drop offs - they come out of nowhere, especially at night. The dunes are always changing due to wind.

Ply wood and a shovel is a great idea for building a berm or barrier against your truck to block wind on the other side for cooking, sleeping, etc...

If you have large traffic cones or tiki torches bring them along with some Caution tape to mark your campsite .. this is even more important if you are alone since other campers will crowd around you. Use the Caution tape to ensure you have a path to the dunes or nearest trail .. I have seen people camp without a "driveway" only to get blocked in by several other trucks, trailers, etc...

Ear plugs for sleeping .. the dunes don't close, and there's always the people that have quad tracks at their campsite for the kids to run on 24/7

 

Oh I thought of more...

Be mindful of the tides .. if there is an established line of campers on the shore don't try to go closer to the water. Tide will come up at night or when you're out on the dunes and then you're bummin'

Don't forget a buggy-whip for your truck if you intend to drive it .. no one allowed on the dunes without one

Extra booze is always handy in case you get stuck and need some recovery help. Krantz Towing has a huge hauler that can recover anything, but he charges something crazy like $500. Unless you bury your truck in the ocean or a mud-hole, you shouldn't have to resort to that.

 

Don't go for any night runs.

 

y

 

You might end up like this.

 

But to the OP: We're having a meet at pismo August 3rd. That'd be a good time for you to go and meet some members.

 

Awesome - thanks for the info, it will be put to good use
and i will keep august the 3rd in mind, it will be a good reason to go see my new nephew in LA afterwards

where can i get a buggy-whip?
checkers?

 

you can look online or try a place where you live that sells MX/atv's

 

no i have not, never made it out there or glamis for that matter -

Part Family is in LA and i decided to check out Pismo Beach/Dunes (which is a nice combo)
before heading to the baptism of my nephew

 

noted!

 

THis is very good rule of thump always have your truck facing down hill.

Watch out for Razor back and sheer drop offs. IF you are heading through LA Area you can pick your self up a WHip From Chapperal. I am guessing also can pick up a whip in pismo ton of bike shops.

 

Are Razorbacks the same thing as the washboard we get on the dirt roads around here, cause they are a bi&%#!

 

Witche eye.


Razorbacks.

 

well.... i guess thats much larger than i thought.


Should i take off the MudFlaps?

 

nan you can leave the mud flaps on.

 

No, the sand will do that for you.

 

Highly disagree lol just ask relik. Just keep the skinny pedal down and if u feel you forward momentum slowing down turn around and give it another try. Follow sand highway for your first time out then venture farther out after

 

I would take the mud flaps off. When you stop, I would back up 10 feet before going forward if in soft stuff.

Bring a strap and a shovel too.