Must Have's for on Beach/off-Roading?

Jimothy Wongingtons on 17/03/2022 - 12:57

Hi all,

Planning to go beach driving on QLD Sunny Coast this weekend (beach permits sorted), but this will be my first go at it. Taking a 2021 Hilux (no mods).
Going with some experienced people but thought it would be good to get own gear anyway in case I develop a taste for off-roading.

Hoping to get some advice on what I need to get as I dont really have any idea, other than air compressor and decompressor w/ gauge. But Im not really sure to even start from that as there seems to be amazon sourced ones starting from $50, up to $300+ options like Bushranger 4x4 Gear Max Air III Compressor.

We're sorted for shade options (so wont need an awning) , and have a nice big esky.

Automotive

Comments

  • Hybroid on 17/03/2022 - 13:02
    +4

    Tyre deflator for sure. Don't be afraid of going down to 15 PSI or less on soft sand. Air compressor not required if there's petrol stations nearby to inflate, much better option. If you really want your own compressor, get one that hooks onto battery and not a cigarette lighter. $99 XTM one is perfectly adequate for once in a blue moon use.

    Beyond that just recovery gear. Some good towing ropes are essential. You should really have recovery points added on the vehicle but most people get away with just using the tow hooks (which you aren't supposed to use) or hooking it through the towbar.

    Recovery tracks can help but aren't as useful on sand than on mud.

    • Jimothy Wongingtons on 17/03/2022 - 13:09

      There is a petrol station relatively nearby and was eyeing the xtm option (can only find the $114.99 ish one)? But reviews are polarising.

      • Hybroid on 17/03/2022 - 13:18
        +2

        Yea, it's basic but does the job for the money. If there's a petrol station nearby and likely someone else has one then wouldn't bother for now. Especially because you should go straight to car wash and those ones will have undercarriage wash to remove the salt which can cause quicker rust.

        The BEST thing you can do though is read your manual and understand when to use 4Hi, when 4Lo, when to engage diff lockers (if applicable), how to use ATRACS and Crawl Control etc. Those techniques will get you out of most bother. Beyond that, just remember to keep steady momentum. Never brake hard on sand and you don't want to accelerate hard either, keep steady speed at all times. Don't panic.

        Having said that, if it's a 2WD base model with no such features and standard road tyres, then, don't even bother. Drive to Noosa and chill at a great Mexican restaurant on the waterfront.

        • Jimothy Wongingtons on 17/03/2022 - 13:29

          Good point actually SR5 does have ATRACS, and I believe rear diff lock only. Definitely does have 4hi/4lo so will familiarise with that.

          Thanks for the advice :)

      • md333 on 18/03/2022 - 15:30

        If you have a decent bike pump they are faster than the cheap electric compressors, and bonus free exercise.

        • Jimothy Wongingtons on 18/03/2022 - 15:31

          dont have unfortunately..

          • Euphemistic on 18/03/2022 - 15:40
            +1

            @Jimothy Wongingtons: Maybe that is fortunately. I wouldn’t be keen to inflate 4 big 4wd tyres with a bike pump. I’ve got a decent one and it’s enough of a workout to do 4 bike tyres.

      • redvaldez on 21/03/2022 - 16:22

        I would definitely recommend bringing your own inflator. I have been caught out (at Inskip Point) being out later than expected, and the servos were closed by the time I got back into town.

    • saltypete on 18/03/2022 - 08:59
      +1

      But NEVER attach tow straps to your tow ball, EVER. The ball has broken off when pulled with lethal consequences. Looped into the pin that holds your tow tongue is safe.

  • apsilon on 17/03/2022 - 13:53
    +4

    If you're going with experienced and therefore I assume equipped people then I'd say don't buy anything yet. Look at what they have, find out what they like and don't like about it, what they actually use etc. Then research and buy your own. Anything you buy the day before is going to be an impulse buy that you may regret latter.

    • Jimothy Wongingtons on 17/03/2022 - 14:01

      Good point

    • pharkurnell on 17/03/2022 - 14:33

      nobody lends recovery gear as people dont pay to replace it if it breaks/gets damaged.. learnt that lesson long ago with snatch straps.

      • apsilon on 17/03/2022 - 14:50
        +3

        There's a difference between lending something to some random you come across and sharing stuff between a group but I get what you're saying.

        • pharkurnell on 17/03/2022 - 18:45

          These were fellow club members on a trip I ran to Beachport/Robe.

  • thirtysixd on 17/03/2022 - 13:56

    snatch strap
    recovery hitch
    recovery tracks (cheap ones are fine)
    tyre inflator (careful of cheapys that use 12v sockets as they will blow your sockets/fuses)
    shovel

    • Jimothy Wongingtons on 17/03/2022 - 14:01

      tyre inflator (careful of cheapys that use 12v sockets as they will blow your sockets/fuses)

      Yeah I was just thinking that - might just go the xtm with the alligator clips to go straight to battery

      • thirtysixd on 17/03/2022 - 14:22
        +1

        adapter makes them safe too (alligator to 12v)

        also must haves include

        37" Mud Tyres
        6 Inch Lift
        3-4 Light Bars

        • pharkurnell on 17/03/2022 - 14:34
          +1

          You forgot twin lockers and 2 inch body lift and beadlocks
          I miss my old GQ :(

        • Jimothy Wongingtons on 17/03/2022 - 14:43

          3-4 Light Bars

          I have always said I need this in my life

          • brendanm on 17/03/2022 - 18:32
            +1

            @Jimothy Wongingtons: Also one facing backward, that is meant to be connected only in reverse, but has been wired up poorly, so it instead blinds people behind you on the highway.

        • spackbace on 17/03/2022 - 16:41

          Don't forget the rear windscreen and tailgate must be plastered with stickers

  • Esky85 on 17/03/2022 - 16:49
    +7

    Do not ever perform a recovery using a tow ball or unrated factory tow point. People have lost their life doing so.

    -rated recovery points and use rated bow shackles (not D shackles, they are different)
    -snatch strap that has a rating at least 3X the weight of your car to allow for the extra load and suction of being stuck
    -long handled shovel is useful for beach recoveries, dig a path and deflate a bit more is often all you need to get out. You will appreciate not having to do this by hand the first time it happens
    -deflator that unscrews the valve (way quicker, think the ARB type)
    -your compressor should not be the type that plugs into the 12V socket, use one that connects to your battery (should get about 2 or 3 years out of the cheap BCF ridge rider ones)

    Within the community, it's considered poor form to get stuck and not have your own recovery gear but most 4wders are more than happy to help out if they see you stuck.

    Other things to consider: Run the sprinkler under the truck when you are done and use fish oil to help prevent rust every few months underneath. People often wrongfully think you need mud style tyres for the beach. In fact, they are actually worse because they dig deeper into the sand instead of riding across the top. Drive in other peoples tracks and the thing basically drives itself, don't use quick steering inputs with low pressures. Stay on the dry part, and park above the high tide mark. Use your indicators to show which side you will pass any oncoming traffic.

    • Jimothy Wongingtons on 17/03/2022 - 16:58

      Good tips, very insightful I will pick up a better shovel just in case from bunnings (i'll use it at home if not for off-roading).

      • Esky85 on 17/03/2022 - 17:04
        +1

        Thanks, mate. Have a blast at the beach! It's really fun. I learnt to drive in my dad's suzuki sierra at the beach. Wish we still had that car.

        • Euphemistic on 17/03/2022 - 19:27

          Loved driving my Sierra on the beach back in the day. Never let a tyre down from road pressures! Only ever got bogged when I forgot to lock one of the front hubs.

    • crosswire on 18/03/2022 - 07:17
      +1

      Listen to this man! Great tips. Rated recovery points are so very important.

  • Euphemistic on 17/03/2022 - 19:35
    +1

    As others have said, if you’re going with a well prepared crew you don’t need to go buy all the gear. A hilux should only need a compressor and a shovel. Use a stick to let your tyres down if you need. Make sure you turn off any traction control, or set it in sand mode if there is one. Nothing worse than putting your foot down and the electronics stopping you getting out of a soft spot.

    Now I’ve been a few times I normally take a shovel, compressor, pressure gauge, some sub-$15 ‘staun’ type deflators and a coupe of recovery tracks (bought second hand cheap)

    digging and lower tyres pressures should get you out of most situations without needing a tow.

    Avoid driving on wet sand just above the water mark. If you get stuck in gat it takes a lot more effort to get unstuck.

    Have fun.

  • TheBilly on 17/03/2022 - 19:37
    +2

    Done hundreds of kilometres on beach. All you need is an accurate tyre pressure gauge and a stick. Drop your tyre pressure to 15psi.

    • Euphemistic on 18/03/2022 - 07:38
      +2

      Don’t know why this got down voted. Maybe because you don’t need an accurate gauge? Maybe because some people think you need lift kits, a winch and lockers to park on the nature strip. A stock 4wd will go a lot further off road than people give them credit for.

      A 4wd and low tyre pressure is sufficient for a beach trip. Of course, if you get stuck you’ll need hands and knees digging to get you out.

      I’ve taken a few different stock 4wds onto the beach and they are fine. Only been stuck a couple of times and it only took a quick dig and we reversed back and for a better run up through the soft bit. Learning where not to drive was important.

      • Jimothy Wongingtons on 18/03/2022 - 09:07
        +1

        planning to just drive in the tracks of the convoy leader but still kind of nervous - dont want to be that city boy with no idea that stuffs it up on the 1st go.

        • Euphemistic on 18/03/2022 - 09:42
          +2

          Don’t travel too close to the vehicle in front.

          Don’t fight with the steering wheel. Allow the vehicle to follow its own path - up to a certain extent. Expect to bounce around in the tracks a bit, especially if the other vehicles have different track width.

          Keep engine revs up where possible. Assuming you have a diesel, keep on boost. Doesn’t have to be screaming, but a bit above where you’d normally drive on road. If you’ve got automatic you’ve got an advantage. Slow gear changes in soft sand kill momentum.

          Check out a couple of tip videos on YouTube. https://youtu.be/JWoaF3sBlE0 Here’s one.

          If you get stuck, don’t keep the right boot down because you just get more stuck. Dig and clear a path, maxtrax before snatch straps.

          Have fun. Getting stuck and unstuck is part of the fun.

        • cimrak on 19/03/2022 - 14:36

          no, you have it all wrong!

          You DO want to be the city boy that gets stuck, but do it on purpose so that you can learn (also make sure people in your group know this haha).

          The best time to learn how to get unstuck is with a group of other 4wd's that can take you through a couple of scenarios;
          - find a dry sandy patch away from the general ruts and put yourself into 2wd mode. Spin the wheels and dig down a bit
          - take a look underneath. See which parts of your car are touching the sand, clear it away and dig a "ramp" in the sand for all wheels
          - put car into 4wd mode and try to gently drive forward/back in a rocking motion and see if you can self-extract

          Do other tasks (without needing to be bogged) like get another car to tow you for 50m to see how your car reacts to that on the sand and where you should be putting the straps. Then try out some snatch straps and feel what its like to be slung forward (make sure the recovery car isn't going full tilt, you're just trying to see what it feels like in a safe manner here)

          These things build experience and confidence without needing to be stuck in a dire situation.

          • Euphemistic on 19/03/2022 - 21:23

            @cimrak: Last time I tried ‘digging a bit in 2wd’ to experiment I put it in 4wd and drove straight out. getting stuck in a way that you can recover with relative ease isn’t that easy.

            Totally agree that if you are with others then experimenting a bit is a good way to learn how the vehicle works. I don’t agree with experimenting with a snatch strap, they have a limited life of 10 or so extractions.

      • TheBilly on 18/03/2022 - 10:18
        +3

        Ultimately I go beach driving at least once a month so without sounding egotistic I have enough exposure and experience to be dismissive and arrogant if that is why everybody is upset and downvoting.

        The amount of times I have come across people bogged - when I go to help them I ask the question "Did you drop your tyre pressure to 15-18" they always without fail say "yes they did". I then ask if they used a tyre pressure guage. Without fail they "say yes they did". I then put my guage on their tyres and it is usually sitting around 25-30 psi which is why they get stuck. So they are either lying or their guage is not accurate.

        At the end of the day if you have a high tyre pressures you get stuck. If you have a low tyre pressure you do not get stuck. There is no opinion or interpretation in this, it's just facts. With high tyre pressure you will get stuck.

        A stock 4wd will go a lot further off road than people give them credit for.

        My stock Nissan Navara D40 with factory high way tyres - Took me to Fraser Island, Moreton Island, Victorian High Country, Outback and Central NSW. Admittedly I did have a rented 12v fridge and battery pack. A tow strap. A shovel. Two tyre tracks. I never used any of the recovery equipment on myself I only used it to help others as my tyres were always down to 17 psi and I never got stuck. Similarly I didn't do this in convoy, all solo with wife and kids.

        • Jimothy Wongingtons on 18/03/2022 - 11:16

          I’ll be picking up a good gauge at sca this arvo - I’m too cautious/inexperienced to just do it by eye- plus it’s like.. $30

          • TheBilly on 18/03/2022 - 12:52

            @Jimothy Wongingtons: Nobody can do it by eye accurately

            • Euphemistic on 18/03/2022 - 15:25
              +1

              @TheBilly: Some guys will do it by ‘knee to the sidewall’. Close enough when you’ve got a lot of experience (like weekly), but certainly not accurate.

  • mlbrooke on 18/03/2022 - 08:26
    +1

    Go where there is an outgoing tide or you know you have many hours before the tide starts to come in again.

    As someone else has stated already, drive where the sand is hard (below the high tide mark), remember that when you stop in soft sand and try to start again it is like the tires are having to go up a steep hill (because they sink down in soft sand) which can cause a break in traction when you try to start moving again and for you to become bogged.

    If you feel that you are starting to get into an area that is going to be a problem, do NOT stop unless safe to do, try and plan a turn around or a new direction towards harder (packed sand) and head that way, just because someone else does something, if it is above your experience level and you worry, stop and think about it before you continue (considering soft sand etc lol), it is better to be safe and learn than have one bad experience that puts you off beach driving forever (or worse your partner or children off forever).

    When you venture into the softer sands make sure you keep some momentum and do not stop (for the aforementioned reason). Also already mentioned let your tires down to give more contact surface with the sand, an air pump is really useful if there is not a servo nearby, it will take a long time for any cheap air pump to get your tires from 15 - 34 + PSI x 4 tires, it will also get super hot.

    You can have a lot of fun in sand and on dunes but be careful, losing your vehicle to the sea would be heartbreaking.

    • Euphemistic on 18/03/2022 - 09:05
      +1

      s someone else has stated already, drive where the sand is hard (below the high tide mark)

      You need to drive as close to the soft dry sand as practical. It can be a fine line between what looks hard and what is effectively quicksand.

      remember that when you stop in soft sand and try to start again it is like the tires are having to go up a steep hill (because they sink down in soft sand)

      Things that can help are not braking to a stop and reversing a little before taking off. Just roll to a stop, braking means you dig in. Once you’ve stopped and don’t start moving off no amount of right boot will get you out, you just keep digging deeper. Be smart, dig out some ‘ramps’ in front of all wheels, clear under the diff and chassis and you will drive out most of the time. Reaching for a snatch strap or maxtrax should not be your first option.

  • BigBirdy on 18/03/2022 - 09:01
    +1

    My old mate swears by recovery tracks. The (Shell) petrol station heading out of Tewantin is usually very busy on Saturday mornings from all those getting fuel and letting tyres down for their beach trip. There was a lot of storm washed up junk on the beach last week. It’s probably mostly cleared now, but keep an eye out, and watch out for the creek/drain water running across the beach.

  • saltypete on 18/03/2022 - 09:06
    +1

    Going with others is a great idea. You’ll learn heaps about what your vehicle is capable of.
    Remember to be brave when others are with you and a bit less brave when you go on your own.

    And don’t follow the mate that is an idiot and drives through the sea water. They aren’t made for it for long term and you won’t hose every bit of electrical corroding, rusting salt out.

    • Jimothy Wongingtons on 18/03/2022 - 09:10
      +1

      don’t follow the mate that is an idiot and drives through the sea water

      hah im paranoid as is without going into the sea water, i baby this car as it is.

  • lost in transit on 18/03/2022 - 09:21
    +1

    Don’t be afraid to go down to 8psi depending on how soft the sand is, You want to try and glide over the sand not push through it.
    My Hilux, that has many mods was happy at that pressure at Robe driving to the Vic river mouth on the border….
    It took me 3 days to slowly work it out…I even drove on bituman around suburbs from one beach entry/exit to another with that pressure and drove slowly to the conditions and not one tyre came off, drive like an idiot and you’ll get a different result…

    Maxtrax or equivalent would be good….

    Goodluck …

    • Jimothy Wongingtons on 18/03/2022 - 09:41

      hope to come back and report no issues and had a blast

    • Spending2Much on 18/03/2022 - 18:21
      +1

      Correct.
      I go straight down to 14PSI on my TF Rodeo, D40 Navara, and now PX2 Ranger.
      Saves any messing about, undue strain in engine and running gear and generally it's a good smooth ride.
      I'll do to 12, if required.
      10 if that doesn't work.
      8 if I'm really stuck.

      Carry a long handled flat mouth shovel, easier than a garden spade or concreters shovel.
      I have cheap eBay Trax, as well as maxtrax.
      I'll lend out the cheap eBay Trax, won't lend my maxtrax if they don't have their own.
      ARB compressor. Have recently bought $56 Ryobi, one + inflator to try as well.
      The $49 SCA compressor deal got returned under product recall.
      ARB deflator and XTM deflator are fundamentally the same. No issue with cheap version.
      I carry a recovery hitch in the Reese hitch, if needed, but can also put snatch strap through the hitch pin, or rather, hitch pin through the snatch poked into the hitch receiver. If that makes sense.

      Always wear your seatbelt off road and avoid your thumbs resting inside the steering wheel when driving off-road

  • 2esc on 18/03/2022 - 11:12
    +1

    Experienced 4wd friends? I know people who claim to be experienced but are actually idiots.

    First step talk to them about equipment they may have some equipment or no equipment themselves and only wing it every time they go out. I've never driven on the beach myself ( I'm in Vic) but check the tides, drop your tyre pressure before you actually drive onto the sand, look we'll ahead, don't drive too fast or too close to vehicle in front. Lowering tyre pressures help you from getting bogged but heavy on the accelerator will get you bogged as well. Remember to look well ahead don't drive into a problem.

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 18/03/2022 - 11:13

    Only convoy leader is experienced in beach and off-roading. The other member is only on 2nd trip of beach.

  • thereyougo on 18/03/2022 - 13:44
    +1

    Always travel with another vehicle and get yourself some Matrax or similar.

  • daleroy1234 on 18/03/2022 - 22:02
    +2

    https://youtu.be/MxO_jW-ij00

    This is a good video on sand driving.

    I feel most people over think it. You really just need a tyre deflator, tyre inflator and a shovel. You can use a stick to deflate tyres, but a budget deflator at Repco/SuperCheap costs like $20 and makes it way quicker and easier.

    If you know someone going, ask if you can use their compressor. Driving to a servo on semi-flat tyres isn't a good idea. If you can afford it, a $129 air pump from BCF/Kings etc is perfectly fine and should last you a few years.

    Let your tyres down before you get onto the beach. 15-18 psi is normally my starting point. Keep up momentum, and if you get stuck, reverse out. Don't go forwards spinning the tyres and making huge holes that your car sinks into!

    And it's perfectly normal to be a bit nervous for your first time doing it. Just remember it's really hard to get stuck if you're not trying stupidly hard things and your tyre pressure is low enough.

  • jv on 19/03/2022 - 14:37
    +1

    Must Have's for on Beach/off-Roading?

    Beer

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 19/03/2022 - 20:29
    +3

    Thanks for the replies everyone. We had a blast. For the record I don’t really rate the xtm compressor. We got there in the end but it was slow as hell compared to my friends KINGS brand one.

    • Euphemistic on 19/03/2022 - 21:20

      Was there any getting stuck?

      • Jimothy Wongingtons on 19/03/2022 - 21:24
        +2

        Nope, dropped pressure as prescribed then followed leaders tracks and just went steady trying to keep up momentum and no braking suddenly. The YouTube video @daleroy1234 linked kinda put my mind at ease.

        10/10 am keen on going again.

        • Euphemistic on 19/03/2022 - 21:26
          +1

          Good stuff. Next time have a bit of fun with it. Learn what tour vehicle capability is so you know how far you can push when you are solo.

          When solo I don’t try to push my luck but when in a group am a little more adventurous because I know there’s an option to help get unstuck.

        • daleroy1234 on 20/03/2022 - 14:52
          +1

          Nice one mate. Glad the video helped. It's a lot of fun

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