First trip to the beach - nearly lost her!

[Bodge]

Hindsight is always 20/20 eh?
I was almost at Rainbow Beach and a heap of 4X4s were headed the other way on a sat afternoon. Couldn't work out why they'd all go camping and take off so early on a Saturday.
I'm sure most of you already know the answer!
Yes.
High tide...

Only had a short drive, then chilled out while my friend's kids splashed around and had a ball, then I drove on a couple hundred metres before deciding it didn't look too appealing and stopped waaay too fast. Bit through the sand and I was stuck.
Really was worried until some reverse rocking finally got me out. Plenty of clutch smoke too...
The water got much, much too close!
Embarrassing, very embarrassing...

Hmm, road tyres and single range might not be the best ideas on the beach.
Time for some research into offroading before I get myself into some real trouble.

Just thought I'd share.


ps - I had to laugh, my friend's baby in the back seat was imitating the 'whoosh' of the bypass valve when driving on the road. Was funny as, she is only just saying a few words but talking to the car was too easy "psshhhh". I'll make a petrolhead outta her for sure!

[sammynb]

Just a suggestion if it ever was to happen again, drop the pressure in your tyres, if you've got a pump on board so you can re-inflate them later, then drop the pressure to 12-15psi, if not then as low as you think you can get away with until you reach a service station.

[seagull]

you will battle with rubber that size and single range

turbo and auto another story

Read toms post on his lifted wrx , its now has the duel range box fitted

[d_generate]

Great looking car you have there, tyres look similar size to mine 205'60'16 maybe a bit bigger, dual range really helps.
Tom.

[vincentvega]

there is nothing at all wrong with those tyres for driving on the beach. Just leta heap of air out of them. as said a dual range box will help you, but more importantly pay attention to the tides. I was up there last weekend but I didnt see you about. I was also in a white gen1 wagon

[RSR 555]

Yes I agree, nothing wrong with those tyres. Road tyres make the best tyres for the beach, just need to let the air out to increase the footprint and stop the tyres digging in. Also single range is fine behind the EJ22 or EJ20T both have enough power to push wheels of that size.

[Bodge]

I did enjoy the afternoon with the exception for that 15 mins of despair.

That pic was before I got stuck and trying to get out I did drop air out of the tyres as far as I was game to without a gauge, turns out I was way too conservative and only dropped them to around 30PSI!
I now have a gauge to stop this kind of embarrassment happening again.

It was probably better to get a good scare early in the piece to teach me to not to outstretch my abilities. Would have been pretty depressing to destroy the wagon. Lesson learnt.

[Chrus]

About 14psi is what Ive been dropping my tyres on to when driving in soft sand. (185/75 R14). I also prefer to go 4wd (if its going to be a bit hetic) with mates so that you can get a swift tow if needed

Those tyres should be fine. Gotta learn the hard way sometimes (i sure as hell did with my lifted hatch) - looks like your enjoying it

[TOONGA]

remember the lower the tire pressure the more chance there is of breaking a bead and the tyre coming off the rim, especially if you put the car into a hard turn on a track or the beach.

TOONGA

[Alex]

rule of thumb. When going onto any beach or soft sand. 20psi. Then it can be lowered further if neccesary.

Ive had my wagon down to 4psi when i was recovery vehicle for 2 other cars that were FAST getting swamped.

[RSR 555]

About 14psi is what Ive been dropping my tyres on to when driving in soft sand. (185/75 R14). I also prefer to go 4wd (if its going to be a bit hetic) with mates so that you can get a swift tow if needed

Those tyres should be fine. Gotta learn the hard way sometimes (i sure as hell did with my lifted hatch) - looks like your enjoying it

Yep.. usually the way we all do it.. "what the hell do you know, Dad?" hahaha

btw.. nice sig Chrus

remember the lower the tire pressure the more chance there is of breaking a bead and the tyre coming off the rim, especially if you put the car into a hard turn on a track or the beach.

TOONGA

Yes true.. that's why you should drive slowly on tracks

rule of thumb. When going onto any beach or soft sand. 20psi. Then it can be lowered further if neccesary.

Ive had my wagon down to 4psi when i was recovery vehicle for 2 other cars that were FAST getting swamped.

20psi is good for large tyres but it's a good starting point for the newbies

[d_generate]

I haven't been below 18lb in mine yet but I wouldn't mind trying 12lb to see if there is much difference in the soft stuff at Two Rocks.

[Captain Obvious]

yeah 18 it about what i go on the beach, your car should eat DI bodge i drive around in hi most of the time in my car, (read sig similar set up) good to see your out enjoying it thought!!!

[vincentvega]

re rolling a tyre off the rim - unless you are driving like a tool it isnt going to happen.

risk of drowning car vs risk of rolling a tyre off the rim... i know which way im leaning.

low pressures, sensible driving. no problems.

[Chrus]

re rolling a tyre off the rim - unless you are driving like a tool it isnt going to happen.

risk of drowning car vs risk of rolling a tyre off the rim... i know which way im leaning.

low pressures, sensible driving. no problems.

Agreed - Last trip to two rocks, I was down around 12psi comming back to town with Tom (that old de_generate prick) who had similar pressure. We held up traffic for a bit on the black stuff while taking it easy back to the servo. Havent seen any damage to the side walls so far...

[d_generate]

Ahh but I've got a nice $72 FleaBay pump now, works a treat.

[yarney]

I also run at 18psi and never have to let them down any more:)

If i haven't got a gauge i just count to 20 then stop it is around the 18 psi mark

Jan