120 Miles of Sand - Padre Island National Seashore

I finally made it back out to "PINS" (Padre Island National Seashore) to see if I can off-road the entire 60-mile stretch of coastline down to the Mansfield Cut (Port Mansfield Channel) that divides the world's largest barrier island into two halves, North and South. I spent a couple of nights camping on the beach as well as met up with my daughter for some fun afternoon beach time.
Be sure to watch to the end for a timelapse of the entire 60-miles of beach driving along the coast!
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:41 - Campsite #1
07:34 - Wet Morning
09:58 - Supplies & Meeting Brooke
11:32 - Searching for Campsite #2
12:39 - Campsite #2
15:41 - Cleaning Up the Beach
16:50 - Heading for the Mansfield Cut
17:31 - Milepost 20
18:21 - Milepost 25
18:57 - Milepost 35
19:32 - Park Service Buildings?
19:48 - Milepost 40
20:22 - Milepost 45
20:46 - Milepost 50
21:02 - Milepost 55
22:22 - The Mansfield Cut
24:29 - Fuel Concerns
25:19 - Low Fuel Warning
28:28 - Changing Trail Conditions
29:32 - Fog and Airing Up
30:40 - Advice on PINS
32:44 - Extro and 60-Mile Timelapse
#jeep392 #jeeprubicon #overlanding #aev #camping #bfgoodrich #padreisland #texascoast

[@bosshogindog]

All the way to the port Mansfield jetties with no fishing rod??? That's like going to the bunny ranch just to say hello lol

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

😂 I’m not much of a fisherman. Perhaps one of these days!

[@deborahrahmeyer9866]

I live here now love Corpus Christi the love going down there with my husband before he passed great video

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

Sorry for your loss! Thank you.

[@mikemckenna8530]

Love PINS! I've never been past the 40 mile marker...last time I was there the high tides kept me close to the dunes.

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

Wow, I guess I was lucky with the tides! I checked them and even though they occured around the time I set up camp on both nights, they must not have been experiencing any really high tides this time, for some reason. It's definitely a haul to make it to 60! You basically have to double the miles you think it takes, because you have to come the same way back.

[@clayspence4160]

We took our Gladiator Mojave down there last year. I always love going there. The Rangers took us to a spot to watch a sea turtle laying eggs. Very cool experience!

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

Wow, I would love to have that experience! Was it right along the beach?

[@weswalker1208]

I live in Flour Bluff you came through that town. I do remember on my way home a couple of weeks ago there was one of those unusual afternoons at about 5:00 it's a 6:00 that I could see the clouding over the island. What is the formula? When the humidity is the same as the temperature it creates fog

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

@@weswalker1208 Yes. Well, more specifically, when the dew point and air temperature are equal. It means the air is “saturated” (100% humidity) and cannot hold the moisture any longer at that temperature, so clouds begin to form from condensation. The weather was very peculiar that day as a cooler sea breeze was blowing in but from the northeast and not the usual southeast, meaning it was a cooler, continental air mass and not the warm tropical air mass that normally blows in across the Gulf of Mexico. It was fascinating to witness it go from warm and sunny to cool, breezy and cloudy. What other sort of weather phenomenon have you witnessed on the island? Meteorology and climatology fascinate me!

[@weswalker1208]

@@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy I think I put my post in the wrong place LOL yeah you heard the term Coastal fog I think it generally happens overnight but once in awhile you will see it roll in

[@clayspence4160]

@@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuyyeah! Actually not too far down the beach from the entrance. A couple of park rangers in a side by side pulled up and asked if we wanted to watch a turtle laying eggs. I was surprised they were so inclusive with something like that. They spent time educating.

[@robertstout260]

Thanks for picking up some trash.Saw a YT video from some guy from NY he did not like it because of the trash .He thought that the park should pick up the trash for the whole 65 miles.

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

Yeah I think I’ve seen the video you’re talking about. That would be a constant monumental task.

[@timecode407]

Great video, I lived in Corpus during high school . I remember a bunch of us took our 4x4’s down there. We didn’t go all the way down, but it was a fun day. The water looks fantastic down there. I live in Sugar Land now, so all we have up here is Galveston and the surrounding area. I went from a Jeep to a 4Runner in 21. I’m watching your Big Bend Ranch State Park video now.

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

Sounds like an awesome place to grow up near!

[@user-sn8fw5kb6x]

Nice video. My wife and I were in the gray diesel gladiator at the 60 mile mark. When driving in we played around in 2H at 24lbs then aired down to 17 for the last part. Significant difference in fuel usage. We used half a tank to make it to the end but not even a 1/4 getting out after airing down to 12lbs and sticking with 4H.

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

Thanks! I am so glad you were able to find this video! I was curious to how yours did on fuel. I think had I aired down some more (mine were around 15psi), I might not have been spinning in the sand as much. The trailer was probably the biggest factor for mine getting what it did. Normally it'll get a lot better mpg off-road than what I saw. Also, with the 392, it doesn't have a 2wd only option on it's transfer case. It's either 4hi Auto (normal driving) or 4hi Part-time or 4 Low. I had put it in 4hi Part-Time for the sand because low traction conditions can wear out the clutch packs it uses for 4hi Auto, on extended use, and they've been known to fail. It also forces it to use the chain driven part of the transfer case, at least from what I understand. This is one of the known flaws of the 392. I think if I ever went back to a gladiator, I'd want the ecodiesel.

[@user-sn8fw5kb6x]

Less air made a huge difference. Also finding a good speed to stay up on the sand instead of just pushing through it. Imagine you had to hunt around for a good speed with the trailer.

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

@@user-sn8fw5kb6x Yeah. My speed on the way down was around 20mph. On the return it varied between 12 and 16. Any faster than that and the trailer was bouncing all over the place. What all have you done to your Gladiator?

[@tangledline]

Damn...Thats my H2 mpg with 37s. Very nice. Ill be taking the 4Runner out there this weekend.

[@stillkicking8693]

Looks interesting!

[@stevethemover]

I really enjoy your vids brother I can imagine the hard work that goes into each one setting up the camera coming back picking up the camera thank you for your dedication keep up the good work.

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

Thanks for the kind words! 🙏🏽👍

[@JB-zd3zw]

I know this guy and he is awesome father, co-worker and friend. Super awesome video bro wish I could have taken that trip with you. 🏔️🛻🔫

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

Thanks man! 🙏🏽 🤘👍

[@toddstevens6305]

Great video we took our jeep last year and camped on the beach. I enjoyed it but my wife and daughter thought it was ok. We camped around the 10 mile mark.

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

Thanks! Nice! That sounds about like my wife and daughters. We've all done it before together but they probably won't do it again unless it's in an RV. Lol!

[@davidcolinstillman5585]

HI 👋 LOOKS GORGEOUS THERE . LOVED WATCHING THE PELICANS FLY BY & FEEDING . THE OCEAN WATER WAS 🌊 💧 BEAUTIFUL . BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! ENJOYED ❤️ GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS ON YOUR ADVENTURES 🙏 THANK YOU ☺️ 🙏

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

Thank you for the kind words! Padre Island is a magical place!

[@jeepster919]

Love that trailer

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

Thank you! It’s been great! I did a full review on it a few months ago.

[@MetallicA29]

Only been once. The sand was extremely loose because of the huge crowd last June. We didn't wander far, but it was awesome. Thanks for this video! Gives us great perspective on how long that beach really is. Everyone else just shows a little driving then camping. Props!

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

I’m glad you had a good time on your visit! And thank you! That was exactly what I was trying to convey.

[@juanthelawnmowerthief1641]

Man that 392 sounds great but for a run like this I’m glad I’ve got an Ecodiesel.

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

Would definitely go a lot farther!

[@TrulyUnfortunate]

You should be driving on the wet sand right by the waters edge. You can run at 50 mph there. Plus it saves your gas.

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

I would have (and actually did for awhile) but there was an awful lot of wood branches and other debris located in the wet sand area. Also, the trailer would bounce really bad whenever I got it over 20mph.

[@VivianCastillo]

Fantastic place!

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

It really is! Are you from the Philippines?

[@warmeds2009]

Very cool....I think Ill take a trip out there

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

Definitely worth a look!

[@christophervela5447]

Ey man I've been waiting for a long time for another one of these videos 😁😁😁 It's really good content for me and my gf seeing you there 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

Awesome! Thank you so much! Hope y'all are making some trips to the coast as well!

[@duanelappe9767]

Great 👍

[@perryb4075]

Well done friend

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

Thanks! 🙏🏽 🤘

[@SouthTXMojave]

Didn't get to go to PINS last year. Gotta go back this year if anything for a night. Enjoyed the vid as usual, man! Keep at it!

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

Definitely a must do! So relaxing! All my worries just wash away with the tides. Lol! And thank you, again!

[@JOETexxTRAVELS]

I was just over there a week and a half ago and it was beautiful. Just so you know you can go to the visitor center and get these yellow bags for free. They keep them at the front entrance

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

Sounds like I need to venture to the visitor center next time. Thanks for the tip!

[@Wewewe599]

Came across your channel will subscribe. I have a trailer like yours - not done anything with it as I have planned - will probably sell it. Anyway keep adventuring.

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

Thanks for the sub! Sorry to hear you haven't been able to utilize your trailer as much.

[@KI5DDO]

Where was “Marco” on this trip? 🤣.. jk looking forward to setting up camp with you next time now that you did some scouting! Also.. pretty sure I had your paper towels from Big Bend State Park 😅

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

Ah so THAT'S where they went! LOL! Same here! Was curious how the HF would have been from there.

[@rmpbrown01]

I'm pretty sure that area you passed with metal flags around it at around that station was a sea turtle nest. When I was down that is how they marked them so you wouldn't drive over them.

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

Wow, that is pretty interesting. You're the second person to mention this. Although it so happens to be right at the location of this feature that is marked on Google that I never ran into. I think the rusted metal sticking out of the sand is indication that this was where this feature (called "The Big Tank") once was located. maps.app.goo.gl/rWpZRKBYxgmaw8gr8

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

I have no doubt that they use the similar markers to mark where the turtle nests are. That is really cool and I'd really like to see them hatch someday.

[@rmpbrown01]

@@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy Yeah, might be. Someone mentioned they now call that building the turtle hut. Thanks for posting this video btw...good stuff

[@noelflores4389]

✔️

[@LyriixLKE]

May I ask what all the gear is on your dash? Do you have a exterior camera system? I just came across your channel yesterday and I've subscribed!

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

Thank you! 🙏🏽 The Jeep has factory rear and forward facing cameras. What’s on the dash is mainly for navigation and communication. There’s my person phone iPhone14, Kenwood D710GA ham radio, Garmin Montana 600, Garmin inreach satellite communicator with SOS, and an iPad mini 5 that I use Gaia GPS and On X Off-road apps.

[@vtsss]

5.9 mpg :D That couldn’t end nice without extra fuel. My Tundra was doing higher mileage in that place but all depends of sand. The more dry it is the higher friction it gives

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

Yeah I normally get much higher mpg when off-roading. Usually around 10-11 😂. It was definitely fighting the sand and especially with the trailer in tow. I was aired down to 15 psi and I probably should have been down closer to 10.

[@stillkicking8693]

Question; how has the AEV lift been doing that you installed 3 months ago? , I was curious because one trac bar was very close to rubbing, and have the springs keep the rear up ?

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

The AEV kit has been great! It holds weight very well and adds stability to the Jeep when under load. No rubbing issues with any of the parts or other concerns that I had.

[@stillkicking8693]

@@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy Thanks that’s good to know. My 2021 Jeep 392 isn’t the ER one and the springs sag too much when I’m loading for a off road trip . Thanks for the fast response, it’s says a lot about you and your channel. Semper fi

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

Thank you!🙏🏽 Yeah that was my only gripe, even with having the xtreme recon package.

[@brianlowe753]

I’d think that was a marine layer (moist air ) coming off the gulf.

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

It definitely was. I checked the weather maps once I got back to cell service and a mini “cool” from had shifted the winds from the east northeast, blowing them off the gulf but with some cooler air as well. Cooler air blowing in off the warmer gulf water caused the condensation to form. It was pretty cool to witness the drastic change in weather. I’m a meteorology geek (studied in college but changed degrees lol) and am fascinated with meteorology and climate.

[@spindrift2719]

What size tires on your jeep and trailer ? I’m curious I’m building out the same trailer for the beach and mountains . Don’t burn pallets it leaves nailes in the sand after the wood burns .

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

The Jeep has 37” BFG KM3s and the trailer has 35” BFG KO2 (315/70/17). Good advice on the pallet.

[@KI5DDO]

How much gas did you end up needing? Did you need all the gas cans or just the rotopax?

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

I had around a quarter of a tank after I hit the pavement. It was enough to make it to the west side of Corpus Christi before filling up at a gas station. I put in 9 gallons at the beach (4 from two rotopax and 5 from the one jerry can) and I still had two more 5-gallon jerry cans remaining, for a total of 19 gallons of extra fuel I was carrying. Great question!

[@ginman69]

Dude the problem with the beach changing is because the tide had risen and you had to drive closer to the dune line…..silly goose

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

The tide does change the beach conditions for sure. But the tracks I had driven on, both on the way down and the way back, were not affected by the tide on this trip. The winds did pick up and were gusting really strong by the time I aired up. And you can clearly see the drifting sand on the return drive, versus the lack of drifting on the way down.

[@danielbuchanan5327]

I have been wanting to take the family out to South Padre. Since you obviously have more experience than I, how do you think a Willys Gladiator would do? I do have the anti-slip rear diff and I have some traction boards.

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

I think it would do great! Probably better than most vehicles people take to South Padre. Just be sure to air down for added traction in the sand.

[@danielbuchanan5327]

@@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy Thank you sir! Really love the Blue 392!

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

Thank you!🙏🏽

[@MrKunzeification]

I’ve run everything from old broncos, to Cherokees, to old 4-runners, to my F250 powerstroke down to the cut. As long as you air down and are not scared of the right pedal, you can make it. Drive close to the water where the sand is packed and you can haul arse and save fuel. Just lookout for debris and “black sand” which is a soft spot where water has collected.

[@juanolaves]

Why did you reduce the tire pressure in your trailer? Unless those tires are somehow powered, increasing the surface contact is just going to increase the rolling resistance of the trailer.

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

That's a good point. The recommended pressure on the M1102 trailers is 17 psi. I had it around 25 psi for the highway and figured I should air them down for the trail. But, what you bring up does make some logical sense. Less rolling resistance might be less drag in the sand. Anyone else want to chime in? I think maybe the larger footprint by airing down, would allow the trailer to float across the top of the sand instead of drag into it though.

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

Not to mention, the M1102 has a pretty stiff suspension as it is. And airing it down would decrease how much it bounces. Which was exactly the reason why I could not driving very fast.

[@yeshuarangel5389]

Maybe it will get easier if you drive on top of the wet sand, not too close to the water, but just enough to catch the heart sand

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

I did a mix of both. If you watch the Timelapse at the end, I went on the wet sand more. But there was a lot more wood and debris, so I went back on the softer sand. And I made sure to wash my undercarriage thoroughly afterwards as the salt can cause rust. Good suggestion!

[@paulsilva5999]

There is so much debris that has washed up that it's almost impossible to drive on the wet sand.

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

@@paulsilva5999 Yeah. What I saw was mostly wood but you just never know what might be mixed in.

[@gwrulzmylife]

How much do you have to deflate your tires?

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

On this trip I had both the trailer and Jeep’s tires at around 15 psi. Looking back, I probably should have had them closer to 12 psi, just to provide a larger footprint in the sand and less fighting (tire spinning).

[@gwrulzmylife]

@@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy do you carry a compressor?

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

@@gwrulzmylife Yes. I have a Maxitrac dual piston air compressor that I got from Napa. Works great!

[@ddbb6721]

Try 5 gallon Giant Loop Fuel Cell it rolls up after use

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

Interesting. I’ll have to look into those. Thank you!

[@chuckvee6408]

It must take you some time to stage your camera for some of your shots, such as around mile marker 45.

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

Yeah it does add some time. And some much needed exercise too! 😂

[@sa1126]

Did you see "big shell beach"? Want to take my kids out there just curious if my stock 4runner could do ot

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

Yes! It’s around mile 25, I believe. I think a stock 4 Runner would do fine. Just be mindful if getting close to the dunes as the sand can be deeper. There was at least one two-track to follow for the entire 60-mile stretch, but significant rain, wind, or tides could change that.

[@sa1126]

@@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy thanks. Been keen to make this trip for a long time and this video is the best one I've seen so far!

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

@@sa1126 Thank you for the kind words! 🙏🏽 I hope you make it out there! It’s a magical place.

[@jgalvanatx]

The land cut is ways down

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

That's for sure!

[@gypsycassarole]

Why not drive on the hard sand closer to the water?

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

I did that for a little bit. But there was a lot more wood and debris there. And I wanted to avoid possibly driving through the water as much as possible.

[@gypsycassarole]

Ok thanks for the tip. Planning on heading down there in the future.

[@GUNNERATX]

Can a RWD sequoia make down there? In your opinion

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

It probably would depend on a number of factors, but in my opinion, if you aired down and had ample ground clearance, it probably could make it on a good day. I personally wouldn’t want to risk it without at least 4WD. Especially considering how remote you are. There is no other way out there than the 60 miles of soft sand that can be changed by wind, rain and the tides. Any emergency towing would be costly and not immediate.

[@Vic-dog]

I wouldn’t try it in 2wd

[@brianschor3832]

Great video, thanks! I had no idea there was so much open coastline down there.

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

At the 5-mile mark, there's a warning sign that says 4-wheel drive is required, I believe. Not recommended, but required.

[@spindrift2719]

Yes for about 20 miles but stock close to the water where the sand is packed . But don’t park where the water hits your tires it will sink your vehicle . I used to do this with my 96 f 150 and 2004 Tahoe both 2WD

[@paulsilva5999]

The visitor center has plenty of trash bags...

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

That’s good to know! Thanks!

[@danmccorisonhellwighollow1686]

You did not plan a head a head

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

I did! I knew that running out of fuel was a distinct possibility so I had 19 gallons of extra fuel at my disposal. What I didn’t realize was how slow I’d be going because of the trailer bouncing and how poor of gas mileage it would get in the sand. Normal off roading (aka rocky and dirt trails) I usually get much better mpg than what I observed at PINS.

[@nutmuffinman]

Please stay off the dunes, they are protected and it is against the law.

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

According to the National Park Service website, it doesn't say anything about it being illegal. "Discouraged" but not illegal. www.nps.gov/pais/learn/nature/sanddunes.htm

[@Spyke-lz2hl]

@@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy Uh, so you understand it’s “discouraged”, and clearly most people stay off, but you don’t care? Got it. Remember “tread lightly”?

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

@@Spyke-lz2hl What exactly are you referring to?

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

@@Spyke-lz2hl I merely left footprints in the sand that are probably already gone from the wind.

[@ifishforfoodnottrophys7483]

@@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy don’t worry about this tree hugging hippies I bet they don’t get off there recliner or go outside