Build Outer Banks summer Corolla off road

[BlueMarblePA]

I am new to the off road world and just bought a stock 2015 LC. It has stock Dueller tires which are new. The only modification so far was installation of Redarc brake controller for towing a rental last week. Although install was probably doable by me, I had MainLineOverland install and they did a great job with service and delivery and information.

I am preparing for a week in August where we will spend time in the Outer Banks. Besides airing down my tires, are there any specific suggestions before I go? I want to keep suspension stock for now, and I prefer to put some miles on the poorly rated stock tires. But if it makes sense to upgrade the tires and even wheels before I go, I could do that.

Will be traveling with a family member who has a tacoma with winch and lift and arb bumper.

 

[luke27617]

I am spending time in OBX yearly as I am only three hours away. You can air down tires, but didn't find necessary as LC is so capable that never found a problem. The only more challenging part is when going through entrances over sand dunes as sand is deeper/soft and uphill so momentum is a key. I always carry an electric pump, but plan to use it only if get stocked (never happened yet). Last year I had 7 people in my 16LC and there were couple spots which I found more challenging but locking diff and using momentum made it non-issue. Definitely great time and very memorable to see the wild horses there.

 

[BlueMarblePA]

I am spending time in OBX yearly as I am only three hours away. You can air down tires, but didn't find necessary as LC is so capable that never found a problem. The only more challenging part is when going through entrances over sand dunes as sand is deeper/soft and uphill so momentum is a key. I always carry an electric pump, but plan to use it only if get stocked (never happened yet). Last year I had 7 people in my 16LC and there were couple spots which I found more challenging but locking diff and using momentum made it non-issue. Definitely great time and very memorable to see the wild horses there.

Did you add locking differentials to your stock 200 series Land Cruiser? I have only owned the vehicle for less than a month, and I am getting familiar with crawl control and turn assist, but I thought true kicking differentials were omitted from the 200 series.

Also, I assume you are referring to an electric compressor to air up the tires? What is an electric pump?

Thanks in advance for your reply.

 

[mtweller]

You will be FINE in Corolla with any 200 series. Been several times with all series in the posse. Just air down to the 20s and enjoy!

 

[Taco2Cruiser]

What @mtweller said, a stock 200 aired down 20 psi is overly capable for Corolla.

We are leaving for Cape Lookout in a couple hours with a ‘11 and an ‘18.

 

[luke27617]

Did you add locking differentials to your stock 200 series Land Cruiser? I have only owned the vehicle for less than a month, and I am getting familiar with crawl control and turn assist, but I thought true kicking differentials were omitted from the 200 series.

Also, I assume you are referring to an electric compressor to air up the tires? What is an electric pump?

Thanks in advance for your reply.

Yes, I was talking about electric air compressor that I can connect to the power outlet to air tires up. You can buy one at Walmart for $10-20.
Lock diff is already on the LC so no need to add it.

I have played with different options like Crawl, turn assist, but only for fun. Turn assist is especially fun when building a castle in the sand. After couple circles you have this big beautiful moat.

 

[BlueMarblePA]

This is great. Thank you all for the advice. I was thinking of buying MaxTrax traction support, but it seems like that is unnecessary with an overly capable 200 series!

 

[T4Runner]

This is great. Thank you all for the advice. I was thinking of buying MaxTrax traction support, but it seems like that is unnecessary with an overly capable 200 series!

MaxTrax are awesome tools to have at your despicable but you’re right — generally unnecessary for OBX. Having an appropriately rated tow strap, possibly a kinetic rope, and receiver hitch mounted recovery point is generally a good idea to have ready access to no matter where you venture, but highly unlikely you’d require it for self extrication in a 200 there. OBX is fun to drive but not like traversing the Sahara by any means. I always air down but I find most drivers don’t. Those that I’ve seen get stuck are tourists driving crossovers with little to no common sense...

 

[yonah]

BLUF - you'll be fine.

I took my open diff, overweight Tacoma there a few years ago. My wife and I went all the way from Hatteras to the NC/VA line and everywhere in between. Your LC will not break a sweat. If you do sink into the sand in the deeper areas (primarily the entrance/exit points), turn on Crawl Control and let it do the grunt work.

IIRC I dropped my tires down to around 18psi (BFG KOs with about 30k on them - not new) and made it through everything. It was probably overkill, but my Staun deflators were preset at that setting from an earlier trip to Uwharrie :/

If you don't have an air pump, there is a little bait and tackle gas station in Corrola just before the beach entrance - where the pavement turns into sand. Save ten or so quarters and you can air up before heading back on pavement.

There is a little restaurant in Nags Head called The Blue Moon or Over the Blue Moon (can't remember exactly). It doesn't look like much from the outside, but their crab cake sandwich is hands down the best I've ever had. Good beer on tap as well.

Have fun and the wild horses are beautiful. You'll make some great memories with your family.

Some photographic inspiration

 

[mtweller]

A little unsolicited inspiration....

 

[GoISU]

Be sure to stop at Duck Doughnuts. You’ll be fine, my only advice is to watch out for those puddles behind the dunes on the “streets” where the houses are. They can be real deep. Ask me how I know...
Here are a few pics from a guys weekend last year. LC was in its home environment. No problems at all.

 

[luke27617]

+1 Water Paddles and +1 Duck Doughnuts

 

[yonah]

+1 Water Paddles and +1 Duck Doughnuts

How about that bacon crumble crusted donut that Duck makes? Good stuff.

 

[T4Runner]

Duck Donuts: 1. bacon peanut butter
2. Oreo blueberry

 

[BlueMarblePA]

BLUF - you'll be fine.

I took my open diff, overweight Tacoma there a few years ago. My wife and I went all the way from Hatteras to the NC/VA line and everywhere in between. Your LC will not break a sweat. If you do sink into the sand in the deeper areas (primarily the entrance/exit points), turn on Crawl Control and let it do the grunt work.

IIRC I dropped my tires down to around 18psi (BFG KOs with about 30k on them - not new) and made it through everything. It was probably overkill, but my Staun deflators were preset at that setting from an earlier trip to Uwharrie :/

If you don't have an air pump, there is a little bait and tackle gas station in Corrola just before the beach entrance - where the pavement turns into sand. Save ten or so quarters and you can air up before heading back on pavement.

There is a little restaurant in Nags Head called The Blue Moon or Over the Blue Moon (can't remember exactly). It doesn't look like much from the outside, but their crab cake sandwich is hands down the best I've ever had. Good beer on tap as well.

Have fun and the wild horses are beautiful. You'll make some great memories with your family.

Some photographic inspiration

View attachment 1668053 View attachment 1668054 View attachment 1668055 View attachment 1668056 View attachment 1668057

Beautiful photos! Quite inspiring

 

[LXinOBX]

I am new to the off road world and just bought a stock 2015 LC. It has stock Dueller tires which are new. The only modification so far was installation of Redarc brake controller for towing a rental last week. Although install was probably doable by me, I had MainLineOverland install and they did a great job with service and delivery and information.

I am preparing for a week in August where we will spend time in the Outer Banks. Besides airing down my tires, are there any specific suggestions before I go? I want to keep suspension stock for now, and I prefer to put some miles on the poorly rated stock tires. But if it makes sense to upgrade the tires and even wheels before I go, I could do that.

Will be traveling with a family member who has a tacoma with winch and lift and arb bumper.

IIRC Corolla beaches are not accessible after 30 April, but lots of other places to go - here's a quick primer: Driving on the Beach - OuterBanks.com

And, as others have said, air down (if you don't and get stuck - you'll shamefully end up on Oregon Inlet Idiots - heck, if you get stuck you'll end of there anyways). If it's been dry (no rain) the sand will be much softer vs recently rained and firmer sand.

Last - rinse, rinse, rinse - even beter "salt away" followed by Fluid Film

Oh, and even if they walk up to you - don't touch. feed, whatever the wild horses - seriously its a big issue if you do - sometimes resulting in the poor animal getting put down

 

[yonah]

IIRC Corolla beaches are not accessible after 30 April, but lots of other places to go - here's a quick primer: Driving on the Beach - OuterBanks.com

And, as others have said, air down (if you don't and get stuck - you'll shamefully end up on Oregon Inlet Idiots - heck, if you get stuck you'll end of there anyways). If it's been dry (no rain) the sand will be much softer vs recently rained and firmer sand.

Last - rinse, rinse, rinse - even beter "salt away" followed by Fluid Film

Oh, and even if they walk up to you - don't touch. feed, whatever the wild horses - seriously its a big issue if you do - sometimes resulting in the poor animal getting put down

Oregon Inlet Idiots - is this some type of Facebook group or something?

 

[mtweller]

Corolla beaches are always open (that's the only access to a lot of housing). It's the southern beaches that cut off access (Hatteras Island)

 

[LXinOBX]

Oregon Inlet Idiots - is this some type of Facebook group or something?

yep, here is the link: Oregon Inlet Idiots

Corolla beaches are always open (that's the only access to a lot of housing). It's the southern beaches that cut off access (Hatteras Island)

Didn't know that, I knew Carova (being the 4WD beach) was 100% - I'm surprised that folks can drive year round - especially in the Resi areas. I really don't know, being Hatteras I rarely get up that way - we don't cut off access other than to residential (RWS, Avon, etc) areas Spring to Fall - the way some folks drive the beach- it's not such a bad idea!

 

[Taco2Cruiser]

From today.

My ‘11 and my parents ‘18.