How can I expect the OB to do on packed sand?

[vito]

I may be going to the Maryland shore later this summer where you are allowed to ride on the beach.I wonder how it will do on packed sand.

[fatabbot]

AWD in Sand?

That was about loose sand. Sure you'll be fine on packed sand. Just take the normal, common sense precautions.

[Knopey]

A 2wd regular sedan does fine on packed sand. It'll be like a highway for you...

[ncCoastal]

You will do fine in the sand. There are some things to remember. All the sand might not be packed. Drive in the tracks of others as the sand is already compacted. Many people advise to lower the air pressure in your tires. Maintain your momentum.

I took my Legacy wagon (with outback suspension and tires) on the beach recently and it was a blast.


Here are tips for driving on the beaches of NC from the outerbanksbeachguide . com


Tips for Beach Driving

When pulling into the access ramp you should decrease the air pressure in your tires to 20-25 pounds. In softer sand you may need to go lower. When you lower the air pressure it gives the tire a wider, softer foot print which causes the vehicle to ride higher on top of the sand instead of digging down into it. This also helps to reduce the amount of strain on the engine since you're rolling on top of the sand and not plowing through it. Be sure to inflate your tires when returning to the roadway. Driving with underinflated tires can be dangerous.


Drive at a slow, even pace. The maximun speed limit on all beaches is 25 MPH. Trying to take off too fast will cause loss of traction and bury you to the axle. If this happens, it's time to break out the jack and shovel.

Try to stay in the ruts made by other vehicles unless they are deep enough to let you bottom out. The sand in these ruts is more compact than other sand.

Avoid pea gravel beds (small stones ususally orange in color.) These are the Outer Banks version of quick sand to vehicles.

Avoid areas of the beach that may be impassable at times of high tide unless you plan to stay at the spot until the next low tide.

Park above the high tide line if possible, but be cautious not to block other vehicles.

In the event that you do lose traction, DO NOT spin your wheels to try to dig out of it. It only takes a couple of pumps on the gas to sink you down to your axle. The best solution is to decrease your tire pressure, shift to low range and back out of the rut you came in on before trying to proceed.

Don't drive between parked vehicles and the shoreline (except in the area north of Corolla where the road to Carova Beach is on the beach itself and the traffic lane is between the ocean and any parked vehicles. The speed limit for this area is 25)

Items To Carry with You

Tire Pressure Guage
Tow Strap or Rope (at least 14' long with a load strength of 20,000 lbs.)
Shovel
Bumper Jack
Board sufficient to support base of jack (otherwise the jack may sink in the sand)
Flashlight

First Aid Kit