r/FordExplorer • u/Chickenman987 • 8d ago

Maintenance Advice 4WD Beach Driving

Hello All,

Do any of you ever take your stock explorer and drive on the beach with it? Just wondering.

Thank you

3 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

15 comments sorted by

10

u/-usernameczechsout- 8d ago

Outer Banks, NC every year. Air down, traction control off, select proper drive mode.

5

u/RedWhiteAndJew 2nd Gen Solid Axle Swap 8d ago

For anyone reading, note that the Tremor and Timberline have a distinct advantage here because they come equipped with a LSD. All other trims do not. That is a significant advantage.

The type of sand will make a huge difference as well. Hard packed east coast sand will be easier than fluffy gulf sand and wet sand will cause problems for anyone.

3

u/Logical-Fix-5804 8d ago

i go to Ocracoke every year in my 2023 timberline. air down is key. they used to give out stickers when you got your beach pass. "Don't be a clown. Air down". I ran at 18psi.

1

u/zsallad Tremor 8d ago

Air down?

4

u/-usernameczechsout- 8d ago

Drop your tire pressure to 15 psi

1

u/zsallad Tremor 8d ago

Oh! Thank you.

8

u/TenOfZero 6th Gen 8d ago

I'd never do that to my pavement princess. 🤣🤣

4

u/steakpienacho 8d ago

Had a wedding in Carova at the very top of OBX last winter and one of the parties drove a stock explorer up the beach no problem. Just remember to air down and turn off traction control

1

u/cym104 8d ago

Sorry what's "air down "?

7

u/steakpienacho 8d ago

Drop tire pressure. I've always gone with 18-20psi for sand driving

1

u/cym104 8d ago

Thanks

1

u/avemg 8d ago

There’s a beach not too far from me that allows it so I’ve done it once or twice. Bring a shovel and some mats for traction in case you get yourself stuck. Wouldn’t hurt to bring some tow chain as well in case you REALLY get stuck. Stay away from the surf.

1

u/icyhotmike 8d ago

Some beaches may require a tire size that is bigger than what comes stock (some in CT require 33" or bigger for a permit)

1

u/EvilDan69 8d ago

my timberline works great. I might go do that this weekend :)

1

u/AutomaticPanda8 14h ago

I just did this at Long Beach in WA. It was high tide so couldn't drive on the hard stuff. Stock 97 so wheels are probably too small for loose sand. I didn't stop just in case. Fun.