Is AWD enough for deep beach sand? (Chevy Express AWD Van).

[Deleted member 9101]

I take my 2wd F150 in beach sand quite often. Just air down and don't spin and you'll be ok. Have a shovel on hand and a tow strap just incase. If you start to spin, stop driving and start digging. It only takes a second to become high centered in the sand.

 

[Bikersmurf]

I’ve not driven a lot on sand. Momentum and steady movement is key in my limited experience. Spinning is the enemy.

I had to really work at getting stuck... heavy throttle could dig in easy... slow takeoffs worked every time.

Lots of people were getting stuck... I couldn’t understand why. When they started spinning they should have dug with a shovel for a moment before buried to the axle.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Correct no wheel spin, no brakes, and only the required amount of throttle needed.

With that said sometime you find the need to just nail it and drive it like you stole it.

 

[Teamoatmealpie]

All good points listed above, Bring maxtrax or some wood planks, and lastly when parking always park pointing the direction you will go when you leave, ala - point down hill even if ever so slightly. I watch folks all the time park then expect to drive up hill when the leave, even a slight up hill can get you stuck from a stand still.

 

[akskiffer]

These guys are smart. the beach exit at the Peter Iredale Wreck in Oregon can get ripped up and or soft and does not offer many approach lines. I have really only driven sands at the pacific coast. A couple VW vans, dodge colt, '10 highlander hybrid (was a trip on sand last August with cvt and traction control wont spin tires unless you wood it and then only a partial rotation (full air)).
I also avoid torn-up sand and try to get momentum in advance instead of using power when it looks dicey ahead. I am looking forward to taking the van to the beach for some razor clam digging and Wheelin'
My two bits.