driving in the sand

[hibbs]

Hello all

Headed out of town for a wedding. Plan on running my truck on the beach and hopefully some rocks. I'm not touching salt water but how bad is the sand? I've never run in sand before. I'll probably tear down and clean it up afterwards. Any tips?

[Leadfoot_11]

Bring extra batteries, running in the sand will really run batteries down quick.

[KJ10]

I have problems with bearings when I play in sand. Never know which one(s), though.

[Crank]

My sand experience was very short lived, to much power for my tire choice.
First pull of the throttle and it instantly sunk to the axles.
I learned quick why paddles are so popular.

[KJ10]

Oh yeah, I have paddles for sand. They throw sand everywhere. Especially into bearings, apparently.

[WHITE-TRASH]

Paddles on at least one end will be a good idea but not a requirement. Be sure to clean all wheel bearings as soon as you can and you'll be fine.

[tstmonkey]

Sand WILL get everywhere. So make sure you clean and lube thoroughly. Sand is a blast to run in, just a lot of maintenance.

[Corrupt]

Trick to sand is keeping momentum. I have ran all kinds of tires in sand, and you don't absolutely need paddles. Especially in a 4wd.. just keep momentum. And yes, sand will get everywhere. A tear down after you are done for the day is really good idea.

-Corrupt

[hibbs]

Wow thanks for all the info. I have plenty of new bearings. I'll tear it down when I get home. I'm running pits with 18.5 brushless on 4s. I might just dig holes. I appreciate the advice.

[slim_chance]

I would put some electric tape around the dust cover of the transmission to keep the sand out of the gears. It might be over kill but better safe than sorry.

[OregonCrawlerKing]

Also, if you get ANY salt water on metal parts, they will rust and rust quickly. So try to rinse off your rig before the drive home. I have a Slash 4x4 that I like to bash in the sand and use the Badlands or the stock 2.8 Talons. Those keep it up on top if the sand much easier than the stock tires and it still flies.

[hotrodsonoma]

Another reminder is make sure that you are allowed on the beach with it.
Some beaches do not allow any wheeled vehicles no matter what size.And none on dunes.

[Bansh88]

Don't lube anything. Sand will stick all over it.
Beach sand can be kinda sticky especially in the morning. Just air compress clean before hand and after. Dont think there's a cleaner enviroment than sand.

What are you driving? Sand is only fun with big power. Beach sand is never smooth so without a lot of suspension, it wont be much fun.

[onecool54@yahoo]

Get an interior cover. I run my 4x4 slash with the body off and an interior cover on and it stays pretty clean. It looks really cool throwing 4 rooster tails from the paddle tires.