Driving on beach (4 Viewers)

[just305]

Hi All,

I have a 2006 LX470 and would like to take it out onto Assateauge beach this summer. I have always used my wrangler or grand cherokee for this in the past and I just put it in 4x4 and turn off the traction control. Does my LX470 have traction control to turn off? I have not found a button anywhere. I just want to make sure I either don’t have it ,or turn it off, cause otherwise it will kill the power and I will get stuck. Also, I never locked any differentials on my Wrangler or Grand Cherokee, I assume I wont have to push that center lock button next to the hazards? Thank you for your help.

 

[OEMGUY0720]

Same with your other 4WD, air down and momentum will keep you from getting stuck. ATRAC (preventing the other wheel to freely spin) and your CDL activated will help you as well.

 

[SummitAdvOutfit]

Ditto. Airing down will do the most for you. If its decently hard packed sand, you can stay in 4 Hi, but if it's super soft, you may want to use 4Low to keep the torque in the sweet spot.
A helpful hint that worked well for me. Keeping the heft of a 100 series in mind, when stopping on soft sand, stop slowly. Instead of cramming on the brakes, let the sand slow you down. That way you aren't trying to overcome a sand berm from a stop.

 

[DesertDoc]

When you stop on sand always park facing downhill if possible, even if just a few degrees, rather than on flat ground. Gravity then helping and you won't get stuck when you start to move next.

 

[aging fleet]

There isn’t a traction control on/off button, but locking the center differential turns the VSC and Traction Control off. ATRAC will operate with the CDL in either setting.

 

[just305]

So if I understand this right, I have to have the car with the center differential locked at all times in order to have the traction control turned off. I always air down to around 15. With the jeeps, I just pushed the traction off button and It would let the tire spin, not kill power, so I would not get stuck. Is that not an option on this? I’m worried if I don’t lock that center differential to turn off traction control going to get stuck. It is deep sand, I’ve never 4low in any Jeep.

 

[excessive]

VSC handles sand like a champ, I've had mine out in deep fluffy sand and the LX470 outperformed a Jeep on 35"s that was following me

 

[ODSTbee]

Ditto. Airing down will do the most for you. If its decently hard packed sand, you can stay in 4 Hi, but if it's super soft, you may want to use 4Low to keep the torque in the sweet spot.
A helpful hint that worked well for me. Keeping the heft of a 100 series in mind, when stopping on soft sand, stop slowly. Instead of cramming on the brakes, let the sand slow you down. That way you aren't trying to overcome a sand berm from a stop.

Also, when you drive off you can reverse first. That way you get some momentum going over the sand berm.

 

[just305]

Alright. So I guess I’ll try the air down, which I always do, and just drive on. No turning off a trac system and no locker. I’ve driven on for many years and never had an issue. The LX is super old but is an attempt to get rid of paying for a lease and investing the money instead. So far really like it.

 

[just305]

Alright. So I guess I’ll try the air down, which I always do, and just drive on. No turning off a trac system and no locker. I’ve driven on for many years and never had an issue. The LX is super old but is an attempt to get rid of paying for a lease and investing the money instead. So far really like it.

 

[David*BJ70]

Don't get caught up in all the features and options. People have been driving on beaches since long before driver assistance systems.

Lower your tire pressure
Maintain momentum
Avoid sharp turns
Don't brake suddenly or accelerate too quickly
Don't hesitate to use low range to avoid putting unnecessary strain on your engine
Avoid riding too close to the water as the sand there may be quite soft.


...well, you probably know most of the things mentioned above...

 

[KLF]

^^ what he said. If a fat-ass loaded 200 can do it, I'm sure yours can too. Outer Banks last year:

 

[ChiefKeef]

I have to agree with don't overthink the features. I'm actually on Assateague a lot (I prefer the VA side in Chincoteague). Air down (I usually go about 20-24 on Assateague) but in OBX I go lower (15ish) because the sand seems softer to me. I have actually ::gasp:: not aired down on Assateague in the wintertime, and was just fine. I rarely even lock the center or go into Lo. Send her and enjoy. If she feels like she's bogging down some, let out a little more air, or put her in Lo and let her crawl around. Enjoy!