How To Drive On The Sand | Inside Line

Long before recreational four wheeling was a mainstream hobby; beachgoers would dodge the crowds by finding areas of shoreline that you could drive on. All across the United States, you’ll find legal access points that allow you to drive and sometimes camp on the beach. On this Inside Line, we’re breaking down what you need to know before driving on the sand.
From what air pressure you need to how to traverse ruts, our Senior Off-Road Editor Ali Mansour walks you through the basics.
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Thanks for watching!
#PitCrewTP

[@donnovicki9771]

You haven't been stuck unless you've been out in a muddy cornfield, 300 yards from the nearest road, buried up to the frame, it's 20 degrees with a 30 mph NW wind on Thanksgiving morning on a goose hunt. Makes being stuck in sand seem like a day at the beach.😆 Took the John Deere for that one.

[@abo3258]

Sounds like quite an experience 😂

[@kingrider75]

Last tip was spot on, Air down!!! I drive on the beaches at OBX often and I’d say 8 out of 10 times people get stuck is because they won’t air down. Keep in mind if you do get stuck and nobody is around to help will pay dearly for a tow

[@adiasnepali1353]

Not too many gas stations on the OBX, especially the around Oregon Inlet, where do you go to inflate your tires? Thanks.

[@ricecakeboii94]

@@adiasnepali1353 in car air compressors are only $20 at Walmart. I’m using a little pricier ryobi battery one & I recommend spending the little extra for features you think you’ll use (jump starter, lights, battery/less-cables, etc)

[@donnovicki9771]

@@adiasnepali1353 Harbor freight makes a nice portable pump just for this sort of thing. I bought one, but haven't had to use it yet.

[@T_bone]

I think explaining "rut" is necessary for this type of video. Tracks already made or existing. Including your own. Driving in ruts can cause you to get "high centered". High centered means the underside of your vehicle gets stuck because your wheels lose contact when the underside of your vehicle sticks on the middle of the rut. Thanks for the video! Getting stuck, especially first timers is very stressful, especially when you are wheeling alone. "Mark's Recovery Rope" is a great tool to have from the YT channel. Look it up.

[@DG-ou8hx]

Best sand driving tutorial I have seen. Well thought out responses too. A good follow up video might be on agood recovery gear and how to use it.

[@TANDAZJO]

Great video. I'm planning to go to the beach here in NC. First time taking my truck for beach driving.

[@ES44AC-2]

I'm glad I found this video, going to Ft Fisher very soon. Haven't been on the sand with my POV is years. Not afraid of mud ,but sand is a totally different animal.

[@bruce12393]

Great tips!!

[@cndctrdjful]

great info. thanks for the video

[@user-os6jl3hp8f]

I use screw on automatic deflators and a Milwaukee M18 inflator for NJ beaches. The M18 inflator is perfect, no waiting at air hose stations that might have moisture in the air hose. No having to run your motor either.

[@chrisbenson2629]

Thanks for the great video..I never drove on the beach but want to take my new ram rebel out on the beach in the outer banks...

[@Stonr]

i just got some falken wildpeaks because its a lot of rocky sandy terrain here and ive been very happy with them

[@steventopa2398]

What size falken tires do you have and what air pressure do you run on the sand?

[@michaelhatch1255]

Great video thanks.

[@knightclan4]

Great tips

[@gabejf1]

Traction boards are a must have always have a few tools with you especially if you will be somewhere where there is no one to help you

[@DavidThomas453]

On a 4x4 E-350 van I run 15 psi for our sand and dunes front and back. It’s fun to tow those who won’t air down.

[@charliemoomoo7200]

I honestly thought this was common knowledge for people off-roading I guess not tho lol

[@1SFOD]

We often go to Matagorda, Tx, to the beaches which you must have. 4x4, they have warning signs at the entrance. I see 1/2, and 3/4-ton pickups get stuck all the time. We have a 2023 Lexus GX 460 with street tires and zero issues, no airing down of the tires; it is a full-time four-wheel drive SUV. It does have a center locking diff, crawl control, and MTS, but we haven't needed to use any of those features yet.

[@panzerknacker1205]

You would be amazed at the number of people who have a pickup truck but don’t know when or how to actually engage the 4wd. Or even worse they have the 2wd version and don’t even realize it.

[@henryzamora9756]

Great tips. You covered most important for newbies wanting to get feet wet with their new 4X4. I'm glad you mentioned to pick your rut & cutting across. I never have let out tire pressure. A tip I might start doing before hand not knowing the current beach South Padre driving conditions etc. A question I have. How do u drive through the only entrance (25-30 yds) with deep ruts already there by other stuck vehicles & 4X4's? Do you just gun it & blast through & let momentum caring you through? Sometimes there's already stuck vehicle which makes it tight (truck/car width). Your experience & tips have helped me be more confident when alone but especially when nervous wife next to you. Thanks again

[@DrivingLine]

Momentum helps a lot, but dropping your air pressure should allow you to drive slower without as much fear of getting stuck. That's what I would do.

[@jerichofalls8236]

Got to play around in the sand with my 23 tacoma for the 1st time in outer banks. Lotta fun

[@lonestarangler05]

I took a all wheel drive Subaru to the pass in Galveston as riding on ruts it was a low car and slowly started to fall in I fell in landed in the frame wheels off the ground and spend 4 hours that night digging sand out from under my car and digging a place to go

[@FreeSpiritsDubai]

Great video! We have sand driving videos in the dunes of Dubai 🤘🏼

[@Connor_Dempsey]

Great video

[@carloscosta1986]

Very good !🇧🇷🇧🇷🌷 São Luís do Ma.

[@mbeaudry5325]

Can you come to the North Oregon coast for in person lessons? We just moved to the beach AND bought our first Jeep Willys! (What we’re we thinking?🤔) Anyway we are looking at 4 wheel drive safety classes for Newbie’s cuz this wifey is already hanging onto the grab bar and we’ve only wiggled out onto the beach a teensy bit! Great video by the way!

[@leecoleman822]

Thank You safe be and prays . .. ..🏖

[@ke3552]

@drivingline Having been out of four-wheeling for a while, I've never had the opportunity to see any vehicles with 20" rims and street tires rolling in the sand. I've personally had great luck with 16"-17" street radials, properly aired down, in 4wd full-size p/ups, Tahoes, Suburbans & 4Runners. I just got into an AWD 4Runner Limited sitting on OEM 17x7 wheels wrapped with Michelin Defenders. My plan is to eventually end up with 17" running gear. I want to run out to Hatteras, specifically The Point, because it's been a while. Would you recommend waiting until the 17s are in place? The current tires are 245/60R20. I don't mind delaying the coastal trip for a bit if I'm operating something that doesn't need to be on the beach. Thanks, Keith

[@TONYSTARK-jh2wu]

im 2wd and go to the sand dunes is cali all the time with a loaded trailer i air down to 8psi no issues

[@colewebb1425]

hi can you please turn on the caption and let me know when you have the caption working and I come back to watch thank you

[@email1964]

I'm heading to Carova soon and will be staying in a house there. Do you have any tips for exiting the beach to where the houses are?

[@JamesSmith-uc8tk]

I've driven various vehicles on the beaches of the Outer Banks over the years. Aired down to around 18-20 in 4Hi always worked. The best vehicle was a Jeep XJ with the cheapest street tires.

[@DrivingLine]

It's hard to beat an XJ for a great beach buggy! They are getting harder to find these days.

[@IJMacfarlane]

XJs are great in the sand since they only weigh about 3,300 lbs. and have a proper 4x4 drivetrain.

[@krassimirpetrov7131]

He’s right I saw a ford explorer burn to the ground in nc here recently on the beach

[@Kana0211]

I got terra grapplers aswell on my fj. Gotta try it out on the sand

[@FlexXx.]

these r ridge grappliers, Not terra grapplers

[@krispewkrem3]

Just gonna share my experience: I have a F-150 FX4 with stock street tires. I just air down to about 15psi. I HAVE to use 4L. 4H has gotten me stuck on the beach all day long.

[@DrivingLine]

When I was still doing new vehicle testing for a few off-road magazines, we would occasionally have a truck or SUV that needed to be switched into low range. You can absolutely do it, but high range is typically more ideal as it allows you to carry more wheel speed. Sounds like you got yours figured out, which is all that matters. Take care.

[@jefffritts68]

ormond beach north of daytona is nearly for jeeps only lol

[@katieledford7542]

Freeman Park or Fort Fisher for beginners? I have a ‘23 Grand Cherokee with Quad-Trac I 4x4 with stock tires. I most definitely will air down as I see that everywhere and you said it a few times. And I have traction boards! Just trying to work up the nerve!

[@DrivingLine]

Depending on the time of year and traffic, Freeman Park is going to be more hard-packed compared to Fort Fisher. So, that makes it a bit better for beginners. I prefer Fort Fisher, but there is a sweeping left hand turn at the beginning that can be a little challenging if you are not used to driving in the sand. Just remember to air down, hold your traction control button down until it says ESC OFF, and keep up your momentum.

[@katieledford7542]

@@DrivingLine thanks so much for the tips!

[@Dc_7o2]

Is it better to run a wider footprint in the sand? Debating between a 35x12.5 vs 35x11.5 for a jeep JL on 17x9 wheels Thanks.

[@DrivingLine]

Wider is better for the sand. A 12.50-inch wide tire is better suited for a 9-inch-wide wheel too.

[@thubb6]

@ 5:00 Long shot.. but does anyone happen to have beach/sand driving experience with the GMT800 AWD platform? 2000-2006 Denali or Escalade? I have an ‘03 Denali I’m looking to take on the beach, soft sand, some deeper, nothing “too” extreme but I’ve seen multiple 4x4’s stuck over the years. I’ve never had issues with a true 4x4 w/ 4lo but an AWD might yield different results lol. This is actually a really dope video.

[@markgillespie6440]

I go hunting in wyoming every fall and have snow chains for my F250 4x4. Is there any benefit to putting on snow chains for sand driving? I am wanting to try towing my tiny house camper onto the beach for 2 or 3 days of fishing and feel it is a big risk of getting stuck? The tiny house weights 6000lbs but does have double axles. Thanks

[@DrivingLine]

Years ago, you could pull trailers on the beach here as well. I've never seen anyone use chains. I don't think they would be helpful. I would air down the trail tires and the truck tires. That's your best bet.

[@curtsuneson6161]

Question about keeping up your momentum! I understand keeping up your momentum but when you find a good spot that you want to park how do you safely maneuver and back into a good spot on the beach without losing too much momentum?

[@DrivingLine]

The key is to give yourself enough space to arc into the spot versus turning the wheel sharply and backing in. The ideal scenario is that you never actually back in. What you do is drive in at an arc, and then park it with the nose facing away from the water if that makes sense.

[@mpbclutch33]

Any recommendations for a portable air compressor that also is enough to air up 35” ridge grapplers?

[@radomark408]

I have a VIAIR 400p that I got off amazon. Works great for my 35s! I had it in my wishlist for a while till it went on sale.

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

The VIAIR 400P is usually what I have with me. For a 35, it is plenty fast and very reliable.

[@jaredtansley3236]

Brother!!! My advice when looking for an Air Compressor is look for the (litres per min) the air compressor I use is (160 LPM) pumps my 17 inch, All Terrains tyres, 315mm wide 33inch from 10psi in about 2minutes. (Litres Per Minute) is what your looking for bro. Check out: Australian 4x4 Off Roading. We live and breath it brother.

[@trell9871]

Hey I’m from Wilmington! Iv got a lifted 2nd truck would it be smart hit the sand on Carolina beach with it ?

[@DrivingLine]

Small world! If you have a lifted four wheel drive, you shouldn’t have an issue. Airing down helps tremendously this time of year as the combination of dryer sand and heavy traffic can be harder to navigate. If it’s a used truck that you just picked up, I would recommend letting a four wheel drive shop check it out before hitting the sand. I highly recommend Low Range 4x4 here in Wilmington if you need a shop.

[@armandoreyna7312]

Do i need a rear locker to drive on the beach? Or are open diffs fine?

[@DrivingLine]

Open diff is fine.

[@CRNFLK77]

I've driven on the beach all my life and have NEVER aired out...and NEVER been stuck. It just depends on what tires you have and what size. Street tires would def fare better aired out

[@craigforrester4348]

Which beach have you driven on all your life?

[@harrisonfowler4461]

Is driving in 4lo for an extended period in deep sand bad for the vehicle? I have a 2500 and 4hi was fine, but trans temp was higher than it was in my 1500. I understand the vehicle is significantly heavier, but it seemed to work hard

[@DrivingLine]

It’s perfectly OK if your vehicle needs to be in 4 Low. This is especially true if oil temps start to climb. Ideally, high range is best, but it can be too much of a strain on some powertrains. It’s not going to hurt anything to stay in low range on the beach. Just make sure to air down your tires either way.

[@Aaron86v]

Is 2WD NEVER recommended for the beach? Or is it possible to still do it with lowering tire pressure, especially for a truck?

[@DrivingLine]

On the beaches here in North Carolina, four-wheel-drive is required. I know in Daytona Beach, Florida, there are plenty of 2Wd vehicles that drive on that hard packed sand. It really depends on the type of sand more than anything. I wouldn’t recommend attempting it on a beach such as the one I’m showing. For no other reason that typically you would need a lot of momentum to keep you staying afloat and the speed limit is limited to 15 mph

[@henryzamora9756]

He mentioned each beach is different depending on season weather low tide etc. I’m still learning that winter driving has harder more compacted sand & negative tides South Padre Island. Summer pretty dry & a lot soft loose sand. I have driven in 2 several times & never used 4X4. Mfg recommends running it in 4 periodically to keep things lubricated.

[@jimcantu1487]

What about a lifted z71 2wd with 35 in kenda klever RTs. Rear locking diff

[@DrivingLine]

It would be a big gamble. After big rain, the beach is way more hard packed, which makes a big difference. The main issue is that you would probably need to keep up more speed in a few of the sections to ensure you didn't get stuck. Where I am located the posted beach speed limit is only 15mph and they can/will ticket you for exceeding that limit. I've had a front 4WD actuator fail before and needed to drive off the beach in 2WD. I aired down to 5psi and made it work, but it took a lot of power to get off the sand.

[@ericolsen9799]

Would a 2 inch lift on a pick 4x4 help driving on the sand especially with ruts in the sand??

[@DrivingLine]

A suspension lift will help with ground clearance for sure. Pairing that lift with a larger tire will make a much bigger difference however.

[@ericolsen9799]

@@DrivingLine Thank you

[@Valkyriesix6]

This may be a dumb thing to ask about AWD, but I have an AWD vehicle that has a "lock" button to send more and constant power to all four wheels. I also have 245/60/r18s for tires. I also have around 8.6" of ground clearance. After airing down to 15-20~ psi, would I be able to drive on the sand?

[@DrivingLine]

My wife has a 2020 Subaru Outback that has a similar feature that splits the power evenly between the front and rear differentials. With low air pressure, you can absolutely drive out on the beach. The big thing to watch for are deep ruts. If you can make your own or avoid ones that have been trenched by massive tires, you'll be fine. I see Honda Ridgeline's and Subaru Outbacks on this beach frequently.

[@Valkyriesix6]

@@DrivingLineThe vehicle I was asking about is a Hyundai Santa Cruz. I plan on bringing recovery boards and tow strap (I’m on all seasons). Would the Santa Cruz make it onto Fort Fisher? Or would Freeman Park be more reasonable?

[@DrivingLine]

Freeman park is typically more hard packed. So, it might be a little easier. That being said, I was at Fort Fisher last week and saw two Subaru Outbacks. I would just plan on airing down and keeping up your momentum. If you want the best conditions, drive out the day after a rain storm. Be especially careful to watch the tides at Fort Fisher this year. Not only will the King tides close out the beach side, but it can cover the back side, making you stuck out there for hours.

[@Valkyriesix6]

@@DrivingLine I see, thank you so much! I really appreciate your help!

[@rvalles54]

Im going to surfside Beach in my new z71 silverado..do I really need to pressure down my tires?

[@DrivingLine]

I would recommend it.

[@henryzamora9756]

I never pressured down & have 19 Tundra 4X4. I’ve driven Padre Island & South Padre & have learned to read the beach soft hard etc. it’s a learning experience & common sense. Buy compressor & Have fun!

[@jairogarcia5513]

ok so let me get this straight. you should be ok driving in sand dunes for example if you have a 4x4 truck right? aslong as its 4x4?

[@DrivingLine]

An aired-down 4x4 is the best way.

[@krispewkrem3]

Yes. 4x4 is a must. 2WD aired down generally will not handle soft dry sand. Hell, I can’t even get 4H to work most day on Oahu. 4L aired down is the best for me.

[@studmuffin5577]

I'm sorry I didn't catch you but do you drive on 4x4 high or 4x4 low?

[@DrivingLine]

When possible, I prefer to use high range. Some vehicles struggle in high range, so low range is the only safe option. Airing down and using high range is generally the best way to go.

[@studmuffin5577]

@@DrivingLine thank you so much. This will be my first time driving on the sand but I will be going with a few friends whose been doing it for a while.

[@215maloneboy9]

I started watching this after I drove on the beach I’m scared I won’t get back out

[@sdriza]

Everyone should have an air compressor with them....

[@louisgrueling1171]

What about a vehicle that has front and back lockers Or just rear lockers in the back

[@DrivingLine]

In general, I rarely need to lock the differentials. A rear locker will give you the most benefit overall.

[@elli003]

Pulling that Range Rover out of the sand. Lesson: Deflate your tires now, or deflate your ego later. LOL

[@motoman5208]

I’m on 22s. 35x 1250 tire. Can I air that down?

[@DrivingLine]

Yes. You just need to be carful in general because with that large of a wheel and limited sidewall, you run the risk of the wheel hitting the sand when it drops down into the ruts. This can easily damage the finish of the wheel.

[@SnifftyDugan]

Whats a good PSI for the Ridge on the sand?

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

Depends on the vehicle. For my Ram I was driving in the video, I generally go to 25 PSI. That truck is extremely heavy. A good rule of thumb for the sand is to cut whatever your highway pressure is in half and start there. The main thing is to keep the tires above 10psi so you don't run the risk of the tire separating from the wheel.

[@SnifftyDugan]

@@Ali_Mansour_Editor I have a Bronco

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

⁠@@SnifftyDugan I would start with 15 psi If it still feels like it’s digging instead of floating on top, you can always drop it a little more.

[@SnifftyDugan]

@@Ali_Mansour_Editor I do not have bead lock rims so Im hesitant to bring it down to low.

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

@@SnifftyDugan you don’t really have to worry about the tire separating from the wheel until you get below 10 psi.

[@archiebolts1491]

Hawaii beaches the sand is like powder. I’ve seen lifted trucks with gearing get claimed.

[@DrivingLine]

Crazy timing. I’m literally vacationing in Maui as I type this. The sand here is way different!

[@archiebolts1491]

@@DrivingLine Maui ain’t got enough beach bro you should’ve saved your money and visited KAUAI 😂 I’m born and raised here.

[@DrivingLine]

The wife picked this vacation. We’ll be back to visit more islands for sure! Beautiful place.

[@archiebolts1491]

@@DrivingLine All good brother, I’m glad you guys enjoyed it. Next time tell her to book plans for kauai. If you thought Maui was gorgeous that’s the valley isle. Kauai is the garden isle 🌴🌴🌴

[@williamkennedy2069]

Gimme Jelly Donut

[@eduardomenendez8654]

So no 2wd trucks??

[@DrivingLine]

Where I live, you're technically not allowed to drive on the beach with a 2WD vehicle. I know with the right tire/vehicle it can be done, but with the speed limited to 15mph you could find yourself in trouble. If you were in a place out west like Glamis, that's a different story.

[@jaredtansley3236]

Step 1: Brother get a better tyre deflator.

[@roland5]

Please take care of not killing the turtle eggs and other species. In some seasons it should not be allowed to drive on beaches..

[@DrivingLine]

Where I live, the Park Rangers drive the beach before they open it up to the public each morning. If they see tracks or eggs, they fence off those areas.

[@pconrz]

If I learned anything from this video it’s to never, ever air down my tires before driving on sand. Thanks

[@hobogreen3750]

why do you sound like that