Change our mind: long drives on the beach beat long walks on the beach any day. Agree? Well forget about loading those beach chairs and umbrellas to your cooler and dragging it all out onto the sand, instead visit a beach you can drive on! Buy a day pass, leave all your gear in the trunk, hit the beach, and enjoy the surf, fishing, or simply soaking in the sun with your vehicle just a few steps away.
Here's a handy list of beach driving tips and tricks to improve your next sandy encounter.
Deflating your tires is the easiest way to gain traction when off-road. Lower pressure increases the footprint of the tire which in return, provides additional traction. A simple device like the ARB EZ-Deflator will deflate your tires to a lower pressure in just a few minutes. 10-15 PSI is the sweet spot for most vehicles. Additionally, lower tire pressure will also equate to a smoother ride when on the sand.
You will need a way to inflate your tires at the end of the day. If there are no service centers or gas stations near the beach, invest in a 12V air compressor. ARB has plenty of air compressor options from on-board to portable.
It’s a good idea to check the tides then plan accordingly. Low tide will give you more beach to drive on. For tide charts, visit https://www.noaa.gov/ online or download a mobile app that uses NOAA data to make understanding tide tables fast and easy. Two of the most popular are Tide Alert and Tides Near Me.
Some folks don’t bring recovery gear to the beach because many beaches offer their own recovery service. However, that service costs a pretty penny. You also don’t want to be that person that relies on others’ equipment. Thus, carrying your own recovery gear is essential.
Pack a solid tow strap that is rated for your vehicle and ensure you have adequate recovery points that are frame mounted. The ARB snatch strap is one of the best options on the market. The elasticity material allows kinetic energy to flow through the strap and gives you that much needed tug when stuck. ARB offers multiple snatch straps that suit SUVs to full-size trucks.
If you’re heading out alone, a self-recovery device such as TRED recovery boards is crucial. They are the ultimate all-in-one recovery device and even have a built-in shovel which is perfect for the sand.
Don’t let the clouds fool you, they typically aren’t enough to block the harsh UV rays from the sun. When lounging on the beach, there’s nothing better than a little shade to protect you from the sun. Umbrellas and tents provide good coverage, but they take up a massive amount of space in your vehicle. ARB has developed multiple vehicle mounted awnings that provide plenty of shade and shelter. Ready for the best part? They take up no space in your vehicle because they mount to the side of the roof rack.
Have you ever thought about adding a fridge to your vehicle? You heard that right – ARB’s vehicle fridges give you the ability to refrigerate, freeze, or even both. No more digging through the ice to grab a drink at the bottom of the cooler. No more pit stops just to grab a bag of ice. Loose the ice, an ARB fridge is cooler than a cooler.
Sandy carpet is a pain to deal with. An ARB Air Compressor is a good way to blow off any sand that has accumulated to your feet, surf boards, and other gear before storing them back in your rig.
Hitting the car wash after the beach is critical as salt from the ocean and sand from the beach can lead to rust. In order to keep your car from turning into a rust bucket, wash the exterior and undercarriage immediately after every beach trip.
You’re now ready to hit the beach in your 4WD. But what beaches allow driving? Check out our top west coast beach destinations >>
Up Next:
