Prerunner in sand

Thelt · #1 (**permalink**) 02-04-2008, 01:34 PM

I am thinking of getting a pre runner. My question is, has anyone ever taken one in the sand? I like to go surf fishing at Hatteras and I am wondering if a Prerunner would handle that. They say to only take a 4x4 on the beach but with that rear locker it might have a chance.

TUNDRA786 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-04-2008, 02:56 PM

i would never take a 2 wd in sand (even if it had a rear locker) only time id take a 2 wd on the beach is if the sand is compacted down pretty good and its made for vehicles. If its really loose beach sand i wouldnt even attempt it unless you have some friends to pull you out.

I would definitely wait and find a 4wd that fits your price range. Loose sand will stop a 2 wd pretty quick and i wouldnt take the risk.

Comattack · #3 (**permalink**) 02-22-2008, 05:03 PM

There this cool sand wash I like to run my truck in around here and I wheel my 4x4 Taco in the sand using only 2WD probably more then even use 4wd.
It's all a matter of technique..

Wet sand won't be a problem, you should be able to stay on top of that just fine.

Here are a few pointers for hitting the sand in 2WD.
-TIRES! Street tires ain't gonna cut it no matter what you do. Get some good offroad tires, preferably some M&S rated tires that are wide with some good sidewall bite. You need all the traction you can get.
-If you only have 2WD, might as well be locked.... 'nough said!
-Air down... larger footprint = better floatation. You want to stay on top of it!
- Keep moving! The deeper the sand is, the more critical it is to stay on top of it. Slow down and you will begin sinking which causes more friction, which in turn slows you down, more friction, spin tires..... you get stuck...
- As much as is possible ROLL to a stop. Don't slam the brakes. Getting on the brakes causes the front wheels to dig in, which makes it harder to get started going again.
-Keep your truck as light as possible! Don't carry extra weight. It'll just contribute to your sinking!
-Make large sweeping turns. Don't crank the steering wheel. Cranking the wheel causes too much resistance, and your front tires will begin to plow more than they will actually turn. This is more forgiving at higher speeds. Low speeds, "forget about it!" Also in the sand, at higher speeds it requires much less effort to whip the rear end around. However, don't drive beyond your ability. Wouldn't want ya to roll dat purdy truck or yours (whatever you get)!
-When accelerating from a stop try to avoid spinning the tires. You'll just dig in before you get moving and you'll get stuck. Accelerate slow and you can roll through the sand without digging in.
-ALWAYS HAVE A BACK-UP PLAN! You are way more likely to get stuck in 2wd than 4wd. Like I said, I like wheeling in the sand in 2wd, but if you don't have 4wd as a back up, make sure you have a buddy that can pull you out, or have a shovel and some boards to help get yourself out.

I can't emphasize knowing your limits and/or having a back-up enough.
If the sand is super soft (the kind you sink in when wet), 2wd is never gonna cut it unless you have some some crazy wide tires. Very grainy sand (like beach sand) is much easier to maintan floatation on. If you still have a choice, I'd say get a 4WD.

With some experience & skills you can get around in the sand with 2WD pretty well, but at some point, you WILL get stuck. Count on it! Just be prepared to get youself out, and don't get stuck where you can't get any help (either because of communicationn issues or accessability issues).
Have fun!

TUNDRA786 · #4 (**permalink**) 02-26-2008, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Comattack

There this cool sand wash I like to run my truck in around here and I wheel my 4x4 Taco in the sand using only 2WD probably more then even use 4wd.
It's all a matter of technique..

Wet sand won't be a problem, you should be able to stay on top of that just fine.

Here are a few pointers for hitting the sand in 2WD.
-TIRES! Street tires ain't gonna cut it no matter what you do. Get some good offroad tires, preferably some M&S rated tires that are wide with some good sidewall bite. You need all the traction you can get.
-If you only have 2WD, might as well be locked.... 'nough said!
-Air down... larger footprint = better floatation. You want to stay on top of it!
- Keep moving! The deeper the sand is, the more critical it is to stay on top of it. Slow down and you will begin sinking which causes more friction, which in turn slows you down, more friction, spin tires..... you get stuck...
- As much as is possible ROLL to a stop. Don't slam the brakes. Getting on the brakes causes the front wheels to dig in, which makes it harder to get started going again.
-Keep your truck as light as possible! Don't carry extra weight. It'll just contribute to your sinking!
-Make large sweeping turns. Don't crank the steering wheel. Cranking the wheel causes too much resistance, and your front tires will begin to plow more than they will actually turn. This is more forgiving at higher speeds. Low speeds, "forget about it!" Also in the sand, at higher speeds it requires much less effort to whip the rear end around. However, don't drive beyond your ability. Wouldn't want ya to roll dat purdy truck or yours (whatever you get)!
-When accelerating from a stop try to avoid spinning the tires. You'll just dig in before you get moving and you'll get stuck. Accelerate slow and you can roll through the sand without digging in.
-ALWAYS HAVE A BACK-UP PLAN! You are way more likely to get stuck in 2wd than 4wd. Like I said, I like wheeling in the sand in 2wd, but if you don't have 4wd as a back up, make sure you have a buddy that can pull you out, or have a shovel and some boards to help get yourself out.

I can't emphasize knowing your limits and/or having a back-up enough.
If the sand is super soft (the kind you sink in when wet), 2wd is never gonna cut it unless you have some some crazy wide tires. Very grainy sand (like beach sand) is much easier to maintan floatation on. If you still have a choice, I'd say get a 4WD.

With some experience & skills you can get around in the sand with 2WD pretty well, but at some point, you WILL get stuck. Count on it! Just be prepared to get youself out, and don't get stuck where you can't get any help (either because of communicationn issues or accessability issues).
Have fun!

Nice Post. I learned a couple things on that