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will
Dodge Dakota
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7/09/2004
12:50:19

Subject: help me drive on sand!!!!!!
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hello i am wanting to take my stock 95 4x4 auto with the 5.2 out in the sand i know about air pressure and being light on the peddles but i dont know how to drive on sand ive only done it once and i stayed on top of the loose stuff really well but im afraid to try and go out in the dunes because i dont think ill be able to get up the dunes and ill end up stopping in a hole and getting stuck. anyway im just wanting some tips on going out in really soft sand with stock size tires am i going to get stuck on the side of a dune? i will be running stock size wildcat ext radials at about 20psi will this be a problem or is it safe to air down farther? all the info i can get on this one will be a huge help



forexfour
GenIII
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7/09/2004
14:50:02

RE: help me drive on sand!!!!!!
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We air down to 12 psi at Pismo/ Oceano Dunes. If the sand is real dry some go lower but you do have to worry about losing the bead and you tire coming off if you get to squirrley, sen that happen before! Generally any where from 12 to 15 psi is good.

Also momentum is the key if you are on dunes if you are just in flat sand areas then remember if you let off the gas you will slow to a stop quickly. Keep go constant speed as you play. If you are climbing dunes finding the right spot to let off so you dont catch to much air on the other side will be the key. It is a learning curve.

Have a blast!

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4x4Dak
Dodge Dakota
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7/09/2004
21:07:01

RE: help me drive on sand!!!!!!
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I second what forexfour said. I went down to baja on spring break, and I was amazed at the difference that airing down made. It was like night and day... and speed definately helps;)

01 Quad Cab Sport 4x4 4.7l 3.92lsd 5spd
HO Cams, Volant CAI, Flowmaster 40srs, Ported TB, Amsoil on everything and Water Wetter. 3” PA, 3” Rancho, RS9000x’s, 35” Pro Comp MT’s, 2 KC 6” 150 Watt lights on a Westin Safari Bar, Smittybilt Nerf Bars and Clear Corners, Brembo Slotted Front Rotors and Hawk Pads




Walt_Felix
Dodge Dakota
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7/09/2004
21:59:18

RE: help me drive on sand!!!!!!
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I agree, I’ve had mine out on the dunes on Cape Cod. The park rangers require you to air down before they let you drive out onto the sand. Most of the vehicle I see out there are stock SUV’s and pickups. As forexfour states, keeping the speed consistent helps. And don’t be matting the pedal either, you’ll just tear up the dunes [remember tread lightly ;) ] and will dig yourself in quickly if you do manage to get stuck. Definitely watch where you’re driving. Once in Daytona Beach, there were kids running around in the water in an area where the sand had eroded away after a big hurricane. The water appeared to be no deeper than their knees, so I went to cross what appeared to be shallow water on a mountain bike I was riding, only to find it suddenly dropped off to six feet deep about half way across this big puddle. Fooled me because, one of the kids was only standing two feet away when I went over the handlebars. That was embarrassing ;)

You should be safe going to 12-15psi but don’t go any lower. I do; but I have M/T Baja Claws mounted on true bead lock rims. I also have a set of Oasis tire deflators (http://www.oasisoffroad.com/tireInflatorDeflator.html) set to 5psi. I just pull up to the ranger shack, screw on the deflators and drive out onto the sand after showing my permit. When the deflators stop hissing, I’m at 5psi. Works great!

__________________




Walt Felix



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Wal
Dodge Dakota
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7/10/2004
11:37:43

RE: help me drive on sand!!!!!!
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like they said - air down and stay consistant with the throttle.

If you get stuck or can't make it back out and up the hill:

Make sure your wheels are pointed straight ahead or you will never get out. Also, unless you really screw the pooch and end up on the frame, keep trying the same path to get back up the hill as the one you couldn't make; progress, roll back down, progress, roll, etc. It will begin to pack the sand and you'll get further with each try.

Also, don't shift too much when trying to get back out. Let the r's rise and stay steady, when you shift at that time it will often stop the tires and then start em back up abruptly and hole you. I haven't taken the dak yet but my other trucks usually did well in a higher gear in 4low so by the time I was coming out it was peaking the rpms and keeping good ground speed so I didn't have to shift. If you are in an automagic, then maybe 4low and second?

I'm going out tomorrow but on two wheels :)



forexfour
GenIII
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7/12/2004
11:17:43

RE: help me drive on sand!!!!!!
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I agree with Walt Felix on this link

http://www.oasisoffroad.com/tireInflatorDeflator.html

The best way to air down and worth it if you air down frequently.

Chris

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