Sand tire pressure

Hey all!

I’m out here at Oceano dunes and the taco has been doing just fine. I’ve been running 13psi both front and rear, but I’m noticing that the rear tires don’t have as great of a contact patch as the front. I’ve *almost* gotten stuck a couple times, so I’m wondering- do I need to go even lower in the rear?
The bed is completely unloaded so it makes sense, there’s more weight in the front.
I almost feel like running 10-11 in the back and 15 in the front would be better, but wanted to hear if anyone who’s more experienced with sand has any input.

 

Are you on true beadlocks? If not, are you prepared to fix an unseated tire?

 

Nope, no beadlocks- but yes, I’ve got the equipment to reseat a tire (or swap for the spare) if needed.

 

In the case, try 10, but I'd roll slowly. Nothing sucks like unseating and having your rim thrash the sidewall.

 

Understood! The sand out here is pretty deep, so I’ve been cruising at like 20mph, maybe 25 if I’m trying to overcome a dune and it’s been working out well. Avoiding hard turns as well, unless the situation requires it. Haven’t been doing badly IMO for my first time in sand.
I have lugged the engine a couple times going up dunes but I’m getting better at it quickly.

 

Momentum is your friend and make sure you're pointing down when you stop

 

Yep, those are the main two things I’ve been trying to keep in mind. That and approach angle- I didn’t get a chance to install my Baja bumper before coming out here so I’m occasionally limited by the stock bumper.

 

Got stuck real good after a failed climb, lol. Traction boards and a shovel were my saving grace. Think I probably did a number on my clutch but hey, made it back to camp.
First time getting stuck though! And was simply because I came backwards down a dune and didn’t see what I was reversing into. Lesson learned

 

Yeah go a bit lower if you think it’d help with the type of sand you’re on. Rear is lighter so needs less psi than the front.

Here’s a bit of wisdom from Ronny Dahl
https://youtu.be/fVS354sgU8o?si=dv69jBNbkNw-ocuk

 

What ultimately worked best for me was 14 up front and 11 in the rear. Although when I got STUCK stuck there was no way I could air any further down without popping a bead. Only happened once though and because I was a dumbass and failed a hill climb at night. Still had a good time though! My first ever self-recovery.