Anyone done the trip out to Cape Lookout?

[TheElegantFox]

I'm looking to make the journey out to Cape Lookout this June for a few days in my FJ62. I plan on bringing a decent amount of gear, shovels, traction boards, mega water containers, etc. What gear have you all found you needed for the trip out that way?

I don't have a winch yet but sand seems like it's more a traction board + shovel type of deal. I think airing down and up might be something I need to solve for.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

A bunch of us have been out there a number of times. Have you ever driven on a beach before?

Some tips for driving on any beach:
- Bring 50% more water than you think you need.
- Driving in sand is hard on your drivetrain. Keep an eye on your temp gauge(s)
- Don't drive in the dunes.
- You will use a ton of fuel driving on the beach. Think ~5mpg.
- Be aware of the different types of sand. Down near the water is firmer, up near the dunes is softer. Fresh blown sand on the beach can be very soft.
- If you bury yourself, you'll need a shovel and traction mats at a minimum. Bring a tow/snatch strap as well, with accompanying d-rings.
- Airing down can help. IIRC there's a gas station near the CALO ferry that has air if you don't have an air-up device.

For cape lookout specifically:
- Bring more water than you think you need
- Make sure you're full up on fuel before you get on the ferry.
- Depending how long you'll be there, a jerry can might not be a bad idea.

 

[TheElegantFox]

A bunch of us have been out there a number of times. Have you ever driven on a beach before?

Some tips:
- Bring 50% more water than you think you need.
- Driving in sand is hard on your drivetrain. Keep an eye on your temp gauge(s)
- Be aware of the different types of sand. Down near the water is firmer, up near the dunes is softer. Fresh blown sand on the beach can be very soft.
- Don't drive in the dunes.
- If you bury yourself, you'll need a shovel and traction mats at a minimum. Bring a tow/snatch strap as well, with accompanying d-rings.
- Airing down can help. IIRC there's a gas station near the CALO ferry that has air if you don't have an air-up device.

• I've done the beach access at Fort Fisher in a Subaru, so yes and no.

• That does remind me I need to fix my temp gauge, it's never moved while I've owned the truck. Likely a temp sender swap will fix it.

• Thankfully got the ARB kit with all the straps, rings, and blocks.

• I'll keep that gas station in mind if I don't end up getting a compressor before then.

 

[TheElegantFox]

I wonder if the mini arb roof rack would be a good option for gas can storage? I imagine in-cabin can storage would be a bad bad idea. I should probably re-attach my spare too, I've had it off since the tire is flat.

 

[SFROMAN]

I have popped a bead while driving out on fort fisher so I would def. recommend you having a full size spare.

 

[lumbee1]

Airing down helps a lot. If you get stuck and aren't too deep, air down some more. Single digit pressure is fine but only driving in a straight line at slower speed.
Hot and dry conditions for weeks will make the sand powdery, loose, and deep like sugar.
Mud terrains will aggressively claw and dig if the tires start to spin in the sand. Back off and try to reverse out.

I use Stauns deflators but they deflate the tires to a set psi, in my case 20. 20 psi is good for Uwharrie and beach but 15 to 18 psi for the beach would also be safe. At minimum, the superflow MV50 will help you air up. It is slow and gets super hot but fits in a tiny bag. I have a Viair 400P automatic. It's just a little bit faster than my Superflow but is better built.
I also carry a lightweight aluminum snow shovel. It works great for the sand and only cost about $20 on amazon.

 

[SeanLX]

18/20 psi is a start, if it's soft 12 works really well. Shovel and a tow strap go really far if you have any trouble. I've been meaning to pick up some traction mats, I've seen them work out there.

There's a compressor/fill station in the parking lot as you get off the CALO ferry. The gas station on the corner by the ferry has one too and is a good place to top of fuel before you go.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

• I've done the beach access at Fort Fisher in a Subaru, so yes and no.

• That does remind me I need to fix my temp gauge, it's never moved while I've owned the truck. Likely a temp sender swap will fix it.

• Thankfully got the ARB kit with all the straps, rings, and blocks.

• I'll keep that gas station in mind if I don't end up getting a compressor before then.

Sounds like you're on the right track then. Definitely get that temp gauge fixed. Consider that critical before going out on the beach.

A roof rack would be a great place for jerry cans (or just regular gas cans), so if you're looking for an excuse, you're welcome

 

[little_joe]

I think in one of your other threads I mentioned recovery points. Straps are useless if you do not have quality, (preferably) rated recovery points front and rear. After burying my GX on Ramp 69 on Ocracoke on an early Sunday morning (and not having a winch or traction boards), a bridle across my 2 front recovery points + another vehicle strapped to the bridle resulted in a simple, quick, safe recovery with no damage - or even any strain - on either vehicle.

 

[TheElegantFox]

I think in one of your other threads I mentioned recovery points. Straps are useless if you do not have quality, (preferably) rated recovery points front and rear. After burying my GX on Ramp 69 on Ocracoke on an early Sunday morning (and not having a winch or traction boards), a bridle across my 2 front recovery points + another vehicle strapped to the bridle resulted in a simple, quick, safe recovery with no damage - or even any strain - on either vehicle.

I've got 2 d-rings now from the ARB recovery kit. Think that'll be enough?

 

[UZJ105]

They do sell gas on the island at the Ranger station, but I've heard it's expensive. Good to know it's there in a pinch. I have an FJ62 and burned through a tank of gas pretty quickly on my first trip. I was pulling up to the ferry on fumes the last day. I made waaay more distance last time in my 100. It could be because my 62 is weighed down w/ full armor. I regretted not having a full jerry can with me that trip.

You will need a Beach Driving Permit. They were not monitoring permits last year due to covid, but I have been told by the ferry crew it is a requirement this year that they will be enforcing.

Beach Driving Permit - Cape Lookout National Seashore (U.S. National Park Service)

www.nps.gov

As long as you air down and drive with common sense, it is unlikely you will get stuck. If getting stuck is a concern, a full-size shovel makes life much easier when it is needed. Those little roof rack "overland shovels" will break your back out there.

 

[TheElegantFox]

They do sell gas on the island at the Ranger station, but I've heard it's expensive. Good to know it's there in a pinch. I have an FJ62 and burned through a tank of gas pretty quickly on my first trip. I was pulling up to the ferry on fumes the last day. I made waaay more distance last time in my 100. It could be because my 62 is weighed down w/ full armor. I regretted not having a full jerry can with me that trip.

You will need a Beach Driving Permit. They were not monitoring permits last year due to covid, but I have been told by the ferry crew it is a requirement this year that they will be enforcing.

Beach Driving Permit - Cape Lookout National Seashore (U.S. National Park Service)

www.nps.gov

As long as you air down and drive with common sense, it is unlikely you will get stuck. If getting stuck is a concern, a full-size shovel makes life much easier when it is needed. Those little roof rack "overland shovels" will break your back out there.

Yeah, I'm thinking of committing to a roof rack now. At least the shorty one in the picture above so I can store the gas cans and tire somewhere.

 

[JohnVee]

Look at a Surco rack for cost savings over an ARB. Hell, you can borrow mine if you, or someone, can pick it up at CRR. I think it's about 50"x50" and is on my 40 with gutter mounts right now.

 

[TheElegantFox]

Look at a Surco rack for cost savings over an ARB. Hell, you can borrow mine if you, or someone, can pick it up at CRR. I think it's about 50"x50" and is on my 40 with gutter mounts right now.

Ah, the Surco does look a bit cheaper. Where's the best pace to order from?

 

[JohnVee]

I don’t know who’s best to order from, but make sure they include gutter mounts. I don’t know if they include them from the factory.

 

[onemanarmy]

Do you have a trailer hitch? A hitch haul is much better for MPGs and can be taken off at the camp/cabin.

15 psi and keeping in the 'ruts' will be sufficient....if you feel it bogging down, don't stop....keep pushing.

Where are you going to attach said D rings? Do you have the factory tow hook(s)?

The (good condition, inflated) spare can live in the cargo area or under the truck in the stock location. Make sure you have a good bottle jack and a board to use as a base.

And yes, bring a shovel and extra fuel.

You don't need broverlanding racks and all the gear out there. Just slow and steady.

 

[TheElegantFox]

Do you have a trailer hitch? A hitch haul is much better for MPGs and can be taken off at the camp/cabin.

15 psi and keeping in the 'ruts' will be sufficient....if you feel it bogging down, don't stop....keep pushing.

Where are you going to attach said D rings? Do you have the factory tow hook(s)?

The (good condition, inflated) spare can live in the cargo area or under the truck in the stock location. Make sure you have a good bottle jack and a board to use as a base.

And yes, bring a shovel and extra fuel.

You don't need broverlanding racks and all the gear out there. Just slow and steady.

I do have a hitch, getting an attachment for that might be the easiest solution.

Not sure about d-ring attachment points on a stock truck, where should they go when needed?

 

[little_joe]

You should have frame-mounted recovery points. In the rear, that can be a trailer hitch. I don't know what the 60/62 came with stock on the front. While there is endless discussion about whether they're ok to use, I have used the stock "tie-down" points Mr. T bolted and/or welded to the frame on my 80 and GX - keep safety in mind always.

You should never attach a strap, shackles, etc. to suspension components or stock bumpers, just frame-mounted recovery points.

 

[onemanarmy]

You don't need D rings to attach a tow strap to your truck. D rings are helpful with aftermarket bumpers and winches and tree saver straps. All you need is a tow hook bolted to the frame. I THINK 60/62s came with at least a front hook. Harbor freight and tractor supply sell the bolt on tow hooks. Get the one with the clip that holds the strap on.

These aren't IDEAL, but a tow strap with hooks on it are ok to use in sand, as you shouldn't be 'buried' and have to yank or pull very hard.

However, most people that get stuck in the sand aren't doing things properly. Air down, drive straight, don't try and cross ruts, and keep your momentum going and you'll be fine. A full size shovel and a few pieces of wood and you can get yourself out of sand pretty easy.

 

[sandcruiser80]

If you think your sinking, stop. Air down more. Reverse easily... don’t spin.(try your best not too) Back up further then you think. Momentum in sand is key but if you loose it. Don’t try and gain it back by spinning. You spin, you sink. I live on the Outer Banks and the sand up here is SOFT. Avoid sand that looks to be more Shelly then sand, it looks like rusty sand patches. You will sink in that stuff and it’s usually down by the water and you will not get out before the tide if your alone. Don’t ride on inclines to close to the water either. Flat sand is your friend, even if it’s softer sand up by the dune. At least if you get stuck up there, you don’t have to worry about the tides. I run AT tires on my lx450 at about 28psi everywhere on the beach but I know how to drive it. 12psi and I could crawl straight up a dune. I recommend 15-18 and go lower if you need it but you probably won’t.