Beach 4x4 Driving Tips | Beginners Guide

Taking your 4wd on the beach can be a lot of fun. In this video we cover tips and tricks to avoid getting your 4x4 bogged, and to get the most out of your vehicle! This beginners guide should help you to hit the beach or sand dunes with confidence!
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[@jordan25031986]

Legend has it that even if he had a nightmare about wrong tyre pressures, he would still smile. Cheers for the video mate.

[@fuzzyboost3785]

This is by far one of the best off-road channel out there. Thanks mate keep it on!

[@steiny3353]

Fuzzy Boost Yes it WAS. he announced at the end of 2019 he was calling it quits. What a shame. a REAL shame.

[@ausguy4385]

@@steiny3353 was the only no BS no paid product 4x4 channel such a big loss

[@steiny3353]

@@ausguy4385 ..Yes, it really was a big loss. I think he DID have a few sponsors though, nothing huge, but enough to help him along. I must google "seek adventure" again and see if he is still around. I miss his vids.

[@FranklynPearson]

Well, the channel may be dead, however this video got me on, and off the beach for the first time, and with warm weather coming it's time for a refresher

[@captainsleeman9787]

Love your work. Too many 4x4 advisory is done by know it all's. You are humble and helpful.

[@dangdang3970]

I bet the two dislikes are 4wd shop owners who now cant say ya need a 4" lift and 35s to go on the beach , love ya work matey :)

[@SgtRudySmith31bRet]

@Rossi 21 the scoop adds 20hp

[@lawrenceproctor8613]

What I thought minimum requirements for 4x4ing was an 79 with 4inch lift and 35s 😂

[@n4qwf]

I went to North Carolina last week and did my first beach drive at Hatteras Island. It was a bunch of fun and caught some flounder. Thanks to your videos I was prepared. I actually ended up pulling two other folks who were stuck. Certainly appreciate all the info. Love your videos.

[@holleyeagles6811]

good one mate loving the content keep going with the good work!

[@TEC_Stuff]

Amazing video, the best one I have ever seen for driving in sand, and one of the most comprehensive topical videos I have ever seen on KZbin. You are super prepared with very important items needed for safe travels. Also, your video quality and multiple camera usage is top notch! Keep up the excellent work, and thanks for sharing all of this great advice. P. S. Love that method for storing a second hat, very cool idea!

[@toolhead147]

This is the best sand driving instructional video I've seen. Very detailed in different scenarios.

[@softroadingthewest]

This is such great advice and so well explained. I've used these techniques to drive my Subaru across beaches, dunes, and super soft river sand and have never gotten stuck. Thanks to your other video showing how low you can go before losing the bead, I now go down to 12 psi instead of 16 without worry.

[@RagingBad]

Does Subarus come with low gears or just awd?

[@softroadingthewest]

@@RagingBad In Australia, some relatively recent Subarus are available low range gearing. I know it was possible in the 2009-2013 Forester. Here in the US, there have unfortunately been no dual range for the past 20 years. Some people here actually import gearboxes from Australia to mod their U.S. Subarus. :-)

[@DANIEL-ls5ku]

@@RagingBad Those Manual 2nd Gen Foresters have extra shifter for High/Low gear in Australia.

[@RagingBad]

That's cool

[@tonykimber7573]

I've had to use a hatchet to dig out packed red clay the shovel wouldn't even break it up we drive on the beach all the time and the sand dunes we run about 7 to 10 lbs of air can usually drive in 2 wheel drive most of the time

[@matty777surfs]

Everyone needs to watch again and play the tyre pressure drinking game. Every time you here the word tyre pressure take a sip. It's alot of fun. Awesome tips as always. Cheers.

[@JustMatt275]

What his other video on beach driving in 40 seconds

[@johngrant7979]

As a owner of a new BT50 thanks for the tuition of turning OFF the traction control and the reasoning behind it 👍

[@sabrinajohar8296]

No drama's!! Haha you sound so chill! Going to try this with my jeep & I loved this video, cool calm & well explained.

[@mitch42165]

So glad I happened upon your channel! I have never driven on a beach yet, by myself, nor with anyone else driving a vehicle over sand. But since getting my AWD and discovering the possibilities I have locally for new beach adventures, I'm researching before I dive in. Watching this has opened my eyes to so much that I hadn't considered before. Thank you. I know that I'll be watching again about a dozens times before I go out.

[@lvlndco]

Great video Michael! This is much better then the modern 'professionally' produced shows that have less content and rapid fire scene cuts that can send a person into a fit!

[@marc_spence]

Thanks mate! I'm literally going for my first beach run this coming weekend. Absolutely perfect timing!

[@44whip]

Haha me too. Great vid mate

[@SeekAdventure]

Awesome!! I hope you score some great weather and have a blast 👌😃. Hope the video helped a bit!

[@enochmartin7190]

Funny you say that, I was about to say the same thing 😂😂 Just got some recovery tracks and want to test them out.

[@justletitbe2580]

I like how you even went as far as getting stuck just to show us how to get out of the situation. Very good video. Gave me all the information I needed .

[@Steve211Ucdhihifvshi]

Good idea about the photo when bogged mate! Your a legend! Having watched many people on the beach here near fraser, it sucks the whole culture of shaming people for getting stuck. Its a learning experience and better to be in a situation youve experienced before than not know and have never known what its like. Glad i found your channel mate! Keep smiling!

[@WesternAustraliaNowAndThen]

Great stuff for newbies. It is amazing how you can screw things up even when you are experienced. I remember driving around up at Sandy Cape in our old 60 series and the whole day I was thinking, boy, the sand is soft today. The cruiser just didn't feel normal and everything seemed extra boggy. It wasn't until near the end of the day that I finally realised that I hadn't locked the front hubs in. Not something drivers of newer 4x4s will need to worry about but I guess it shows just how amazing the old 60 was on sand. She didn't bog even though I had been in 2wd all day. Got close once though :)

[@SeekAdventure]

Are you sure somebody didn't do the old unlock the hubs trick!? 😂 It happens to the best of us though. If anything it just shows how the good ole 60 series don't even need 4wd, that's how good those old buses are haha. I imagine Sandy Cape would have looked very different back then!

[@WesternAustraliaNowAndThen]

@@SeekAdventure Actually it wasn't too different, the campsite was a lot smaller but once all the shacks got taken down it didn't change much for a long time. A real shame the old shacks had to go, some of them were amazing. I could kick myself for not taking pics of them when I had the chance.

[@cognitor900]

Miss Michael and his channel here in 2021…… great advice and enthusiasm.

[@gazza1]

Hey Michael, as an old fart I had never done soft sand driving and went through a very rough ride to Burrum Point. Managed a bit of internet to get your video, and the trip was transformed! You taught me how to (a) drive through soft sand, (b) learn throttle control. Have a gorgeous BT-50 called Miriam who really has had a hard time going through sand until you advised me. Now she is transformed and pulls a 1.5 tailor. Thank you.

[@aarondombroski8211]

Please please plllleeeaaassaeee do more beginners videos. Love all your videos mate. Wife and I have just started out 4wding. I was deadset against the beach till I had my winch. Now I’m not worried. Maybe even a dedicated beginners series could be a good idea? 😉

[@regisfunatsu]

I have no words to describe how grateful am I hit your channel. Best videos ever. Ya legend.👏👏

[@tombregman2875]

I've watched a few sand driving videos getting ready for my first sand off-road in Southern California (Pismo Beach) next week. This video stands out as being straight forward, not panic causing, and with a great presentation. Thanks mate!

[@damianwilliams9309]

You’re so good at making videos Micheal. It’s sad to see you don’t make them anymore but at the same time I appreciate why you don’t.

[@davidyummus6259]

Grew up around Sydney, saw a lot of Australia, now lived in Pennsylvania USA for almost 18 years & I LOVE driving in snow :)

[@jesskaranne2646]

Thank you so much this was honestly a great watch with a few laughs and everything I need to know to get out there, thanks again mate

[@bazza2540]

Great video mate. I think a lot of tubers are afraid of instructional vids because of negative comments or they are afraid of sounding condescending but I wish there were more of these types of vids. Lots of great tips and straight to the point as well

[@michaelbianco2039]

Love your work Michael. You have great enthusiasm for everything you do and it shows in the end result.

[@ericmaher2316]

I’m literally heading out to buy some 4wd gear now and said I better do some research for the first trip up that way too btw. I think I’ve all I need now. Thanks bud.

[@jamesacland7789]

Hey Michael, glad I could be a part of your content in the Dmax. I actually had it still in hi-range with traction control on and then aired down to 15psi or so when I got stuck. Tyres are 265 70 R17 BFG KO2 all terrains and then I have a 2" lift. I wanted to see if the traction control and stability control would do anything, I reckon it did. I was sure you were going to have to break out the new winch. I have done beach driving in low-range (traction control automatically disables in low-range) but I've found I tend to spin the wheels easier and then get bogged down. Horses for courses I guess. Great job with the channel and I look forward to watching more great vids that make me wanna go out and.... Seek Adventure.

[@lukeneave]

James Acland how are the ko2 on the sand?

[@jamesacland7789]

@@lukeneave Really good, not any problems at all, dig in really well. I had some Hankooks before and took them off after a few days then bought the BFG's. It was a toss up between those and the Bridgestones. I went for a taller profile. A 265 70 R17 in the BFG works out to 32" which is a good footprint still.

[@williamross1791]

I’m always learning great tips from your videos. I didn’t even know to use 4low on the sand, when bogged. I’ll have to try that next time. Thanks mate!

[@richnegs5828]

I’ve watched a lot of the 4x4 channels, new to this one and think it’s great! Cheers for the advice! ( it’s realistic)👍

[@mohamadezzeddine3957]

You are awesome love your videos! I am in Dubai and just bought my first 4WD F150 XLT. Driving in the desert tomorrow

[@davidr7236]

Ten minutes in and just realised you have two hats. Profound.

[@glenevans6049]

your experience is shared thru you tube,, you are a legend to us novices. thanks so much. cheers keep it up much appreciated. G + J

[@yeechin5525]

You are legend. This is the best sand driving tips for beginners I have seen. Wish you a very Merry X’mas and prosperous New Year🎉

[@iTopCati]

Been driving beaches for a few years now, never been bogged.. Touch wood.. But still watched your video, cause they are awesome! Hey if your ever in Brisbane would love to go for a wheel..

[@01Barb]

Thanks Mike for all your tips, enthusiasm & motivation to viewers. You have helped our 18yr old decide 4wd purchase over a city ute. 4wd life is "clean" adventure you've excell at promoting. Thank you

[@joeldalton473]

Great vid! I wish I had seen that when I was your age. I started out with a clunking "Datsun" Patrol, zero torque and weighed like a tank (3 speed gearbox). That was my baptism of fire. I got bogged so many times on Fraser it was a joke even with deflated tyres. But I learned. My trusted island hopper now is a Suzuki xl-7. with a 2 inch lift, higher wall tyres, and 12 psi, it is unstoppable. I think every time I go to Moreton or Fraser, "should I bring the Maxtracks or not?" I still bring them. Everything you said is great and vital to new players. Well done and keep up the good work. Love your enthusiasm. BTW, I bought that cage climbing device from your other video....excellent!

[@JK-ll9bf]

New subscriber, love your videos! I got a wk a few years ago. I had never driven on the beach but was familiar with 4 wheel drive. Anyway went on the beach for the first time a few years ago, made it on the beach and to our parking spot, but on the way out got stuck. I never new about airing down or turning off the traction control. Got a bit stuck but fellow jeepers hand pushed me out. Anyway, you've given me some more tips..thank you!

[@futzalfan]

Thank you buddy! For taking the time to go through all the explanation and examples when you could have been surfing...next essential for beaching...back up wet suit!!

[@empiresales3718]

Great videos, I stumbled across this channel after my first trip onto sand. I wish I had found it first, that way I could have followed his best tip "get out and take a photo" luckily had a mate that was able to supply me of all the photos of me getting stuck.

[@davidtannahill6711]

Thanks for such a terrific video Hittn the sand for first time in april Ur tips huge help i took notes n stored them in notes on phone so i reflect on them Love the motto too ‘Seek advemture’

[@bobkats]

This is one of the most informative video's I have seen, thanks mate, well done.

[@MattsFishingEscapes]

That was awesome. Taking my 1st new Prado down to Coffin Bay in SA tomorrow. Have all the gear plus more that you have suggested. You've certainly given me some confidence! Thanks.

[@Phil_McAvity]

Beginners definitely won’t be hard pressed to find these type of videos on KZbin, there’s bloody heaps!

[@adventuredownunder2131]

Phil McAvity lol I was thinking of making one too

[@grammywhammy4595]

Well, aren't you just delightful! Thanks for this video and yes, I learned a thing or two! My beach is the opposite of yours...hard pack by the water, soft further away. I'm on the central west coast of California. Again, thank you!

[@Steve211Ucdhihifvshi]

A lot of people dont realise that the bigger the tyre ie deflated footprint the harder the engine and everything connected to that wheel thats flatter has to work. Try peddling your bike on any surface with flat tyres vs full. Has to work harder so more fuel consumed greater wear and tear on the vehicle and hotter temps etc. Tip as well. Dont use the brakes, let her roll to a stop that way sand doesn't plow up. Great demo of getting unstuck too. Reverse is a really low gear and works well.

[@Steve211Ucdhihifvshi]

I commented too soon with the braking. Bloody beautiful video!

[@user-vh2ui2it3i]

Flawless videos. So much hard work behind this and always with smiles.

[@Takaezu]

We miss your videos and your spirit! Hope you return with more 4x4 content! Cheers from Perú!

[@NabilNashar]

Gave ya a like before even watching mate. Love all your videos and I've already drove on the beach multiple times with my Mitsubishi outlander without ever getting bogged thanks to your great tips.

[@gavinsullivan9015]

Beautiful location, great drone shots, very reassuring as i go to the beach for the first time tomorrow! Thanks

[@AlloffroadAu]

Great video, but you meshing stability control and traction control which are two very different systems even though both use ABS. Stability control or ESC is mainly for on-road driving and helps to keep the car in line and stable when making sudden cornering manoeuvres (not very helpful in sand). Traction Control TC act as poor man's diff locks and electronically breaks a slipping wheel and therefore then provides the drive to the opposite wheel. In sand, traction control should be switched off in most cases, however, if you need to drive steeper sandhills with cross axle wombat holes you may need to enable the traction control. Cheers Stefan

[@ThaMetalMan]

Man, you're the best. I literally enjoy your enthusiasm as you explain driving technique. Your channel is my number one go-to for learning to drive on different surfaces

[@Benp9248]

I’m sure my ford rangers trac control is the same as in to switch it off. Cheers for the help I head out for my first adventure on the beach very soon. I’ve 4wd all about my workplace in mud rock soft coal and I’ve learnt some good tips there. So I have some confidence. But I’ll remember ur advice. Tyre pressures down. Thanks cobber.

[@risbill1]

True story, back in the early 90s we drove a 1998 Pontiac Firebird up and down Daytona beach Florida. Still amazed it never got stuck.

[@Dickboob]

Great video, just bought my first 4WD and learnt some great tips regarding tyre pressures and tips to get myself out of trouble. Thanks.

[@steved1979]

Just found this channel, absolutely brilliant mate. Glad you're making content again!

[@gregm8871]

Great video Michael, thanks! We're moving out west to Washington State here in a few months and plan on doing some beach driving the day after we arrive. Of course being a 4Runner it might be difficult to get stuck in the first place but I'll do my best to get bogged! I'll be sure to send some pics your way with the Seek Adventure decals you sent :)

[@emmaburley5374]

I work for a 4x4 hire company. This has been an awesome video for me to learn from. Just wished you were doing it in a Toyota. Mazdas are great though. Thank you for the great info!!! 😊

[@sandralopez2030]

Just been a month now Very excited Learning so much Bought a JL wrangler 4x4 4 door 2019

[@davidtesar8195]

Mate, you did it again - you put a lot of effort to make a great and helping video. My humble bow to you.

[@eze8024]

My 04 Subaru Forester does great on the beach. Lift and bigger tires definitely help

[@macmacca659]

Great video. My son is learning to 4x4 and has subscribed to your channel.

[@0991ekul]

Dude you're an absoute top bloke. Im about to try beach driving soon and your video is exactly what i needed to watch! Thanks.

[@CP-kb1du]

Awesome video great display ..new to the 4x4 scene ...top notch ..

[@Handleyman]

Excellent and thanks for answering my off topic question in your last video! I’m utterly amazed that you did all that with road tyres on! You’re a star and my “go to man” for all things 4WD. Cheers.

[@jacksonbanks910]

Apparently road tyres are better for sand

[@earlraw2346]

It's really sad that you stopped running the channel mate. Your videos are really helpful, and interesting.

[@davidoconnor6051]

I loved watching this video. Alot of good knowledge. Thanks mate I learnt alot.

[@johnwoodrow8769]

Good video. Actually the first I've seen emphasising the importance of turning of the stability control of when driving on the sand. I assume some of the modern vehicles with a 'sand mode' do that automatically. In my old Prado 120 its simply engage the center diff. Until I discovered this thought the vehicle was a pig in any loose sand. It was just the stability control taking over as the vehicle pitched around cutting the power and applying the ABS to try and straighten the vehicle (assumes the vehicle is loosing traction on an ice covered road). Feels like you just 'sinking' into a hole.

[@ninja63639]

Were going to the Outer Banks next weekend so I'll be doing my first beach driving. I have an XJ with a 4.5" lift and 33x10.50s. This video couldn't have been found at a better time

[@steiny3353]

Just stumbled onto your channel and really enjoyed it. I've liked, subbed and all that. I've just watched a lot of "Inskip" videos and learned nearly all the things NOT to do. I'm thinking about getting back into it in my retirement now. I had forgotten how much fun it was. Hoping to get a Colorado.

[@TheFriarHenderson]

Never mind the great tips, that was just plain entertaining!!

[@rockislandlife6383]

Great video. Very informative. I feel more confident hitting the beach.

[@ms8742]

Really good video! So helpful. Thanks from North Carolina, USA.

[@pheasy7179]

This is great. Very useful information and great presentation. Very enjoyable. Most helpful 4x4 site I have found so far. Thanks. Keith

[@nareshtutu]

one of the best videos on Beach driving. keep it up mate.

[@Antjan46]

Great video with very informative an valuable information, thanks for sharing. That place looks amazing, reminds me of Cape Town South Africa on the west coast. PS kayak paddle makes a great shovel too if the little one can’t reach the under belly. Keep up the good content 🤘🏽

[@abooabdula221]

Nice video and tips. Congrats for the channel. I got a 2018 Mazda BT 50 2.2 with the tips my bakkie won't get stuck 😂.hugs from Maputo

[@Bobbydazzlla]

It is about technique with the accelerator as you showed at the end in 2WD 28:52. You have to know when to back off on the power at the right time and then how much to apply after that.

[@petervince1742]

Great video mate, I've done a (very) little bit of 4WD-ing, it never hurts to refresh on techniques. Thanks again - Peter V.

[@phillroo7871]

Mate, Loved it, Something I could watch a few times , Hope you can do the same for different terrains I would appreciate heaps. Keep up the great stuff, and I also hope you are enjoying doing it for us also. Thats the main thing.

[@ianmac2963]

Thanks mate - you make really good vids - your personality, experience and presentation make you ideal for this platform. Stick with it !!! I can see you getting to 1M subscribers :)

[@heinherselman1172]

Thanks mate. Doing my first beach drive in Oct on Fraser. Going to do a little practical on Bribie soon.

[@blairr1875]

This is great! I'm from Perth so know all of these places. Love to take my ranger down or the missus Subaru sports, feel a bit more confident!

[@TroutWest]

Video been out for 3 minutes.. and is 30 minutes long and people are already saying it helped them.

[@matteomurphy7541]

Urban Outdoorsman 😂

[@unarmedblackguy]

So? That's how good old mate is at helping.

[@MrBigbobsbeans]

2020 vision, can see into the future.

[@Bluelightbandit]

I wouldn't put too much stock in to KZbin time stamps or anything for that matter.

[@HazzNJayza]

Going for my first beach drive tomorrow at stockton beach NSW. Thanks for taking the time to explain everything. Fingers crossed 🤞

[@Purplek1w1]

How was your dive on Stockton Beach?

[@HazzNJayza]

@@Purplek1w1 it was great, using everything I learnt in the video really worked. Didn't get stuck once!

[@eliubfj]

Cool video, I've been stuck more than a few times in my FJ, Pilot error of course, Memorable times none the less.

[@vinipaivas]

Tyre pressure and no drama! Lessons learned hehehe thanks for the vid!

[@msr358]

Always quality, never fail to produce. Well done mate.

[@JuanCamiloBarreto]

I dont say this offten, but love your videos! Very useful. I've done my first beach trip on my first 4WD (before watching your vid) everything went well, but I would have done more things if I have watched it. Will be waiting for more vids like this in other terrain.

[@marsoelflaco5722]

Fine video. Very informative and entertaining. Good humor. ✌🏽👍🏽

[@prosto9999]

Great advice! I remember i got stuck in the evening in the forest alone, i was scared to take a picture thought we could stay there for a night, but after couple houres i broke free and i was so sad that i didnt make any pictures or videos )

[@809klglklgl]

Thanks Michael, this is a great beginners vid, love the comedy thrown in.

[@ahmetok7530]

Great information. Thanks from Turkey/Antalya

[@ROCKINRIOFSA]

Great tips. Congratulation from Brazil.

[@peem1244]

Hi Michael, very informative video for us beginners. 'It's all about the tyre pressure', too right mate. And by the way, that jiggling is the devils work, especially when you don't have your seat belt on!!! Hahaha. Thanks for sharing. Stay safe and keep up the good work. 👍🖖😎

[@mattbailey9328]

Awesome video mate, I’ve got a BT50 aswell, Make sure you turn off traction control in 4H on soft sand aswell, Tries to stop your tyres from spinning and you lose momentum! I live about 1 hour from Fraser Island you should head over this way sometime for a trip!

[@M.-.D]

Heading there tomorrow for my first run. Hope it goes well.