Planned trip to Outer Banks - drive on beach ...

[cwmoser]

Planning on taking my 2002 LX470 to the Outer Banks and drive on the sand beach.
My tires are stock Michelin P275/70SR16 LTX M/S.

Do you think the LX will do A-OK???? Its a heavy vehicle.

First time I have ever done this.
Not going to drive in the salty wet water though.

 

[labcab]

You'll be fine. My 98 LC has logged many hours on the beaches down there. I usually would drive right out, stay in the ruts and avoid the deep soft sand. The key is to keep moving and should you stop, not dig yourself in when you start moving.

If it's hot and hasn't rained in a while, the sand will be soft. If you feel like she's working too hard not getting enough traction, slowly stop and air down to 20 psi. Still not enough, repeat and go down to 10 psi. A little 12-volt compressor is super-handy for airing back up before you get back on Route 12. Down south, there's a free air station at the Oregon Inlet Marina, but the lines can be long during the summer and a little cheapo compressor can be much quicker than waiting in line.

 

[Sandroad]

I agree, you'll be fine. I've just spent some time this week on the beaches of Oregon and the 100 works great in the sand. Drive where others have driven until you get used to it a bit. Don't get too close to the water because soupy wet sand isn't fun. @labcab offered good advice on tire pressure, but even in the softest sand I've never had to go below 20 psi.

 

[TheForger]

For some advice after-the-fact: wash your truck from roof rack to tire tread after you get off the beach. If you think rust is bad just wait until you see what sand can do...Really get in all the cracks and crevasses to get it all out or you will have serious problems later on down the road.

 

[Keowee]

@cwmoser Take a look at these videos from one of the local rental companies. The AWD info doesn't apply to the LC but otherwise some good tips and local beach driving rules.

Outer Banks 4x4 Beach Driving Info in Corolla

 

[bkfj40]

bring a strap just in case. We've taken the cruiser down on the beach there several times. Airing down can help some, but isn't always required. Get out early and enjoy seeing the wild horses. For a great breakfast, get the biscuits and gravy over at First Light Restaurant in Corolla....have fun!

 

[2001LC]

Keep in mind; Mr T recommend greasing spider joint and propeller shaft (6 grease zerks) after each day in the sand.

 

[cwmoser]

@cwmoser Take a look at these videos from one of the local rental companies. The AWD info doesn't apply to the LC but otherwise some good tips and local beach driving rules.

Outer Banks 4x4 Beach Driving Info in Corolla

Wow that is some good information. Also, never heard about the 4x4 vacation homes.
Looks like a nice place to vacation. Pricey though.

 

[cwmoser]

bring a strap just in case. We've taken the cruiser down on the beach there several times. Airing down can help some, but isn't always required. Get out early and enjoy seeing the wild horses. For a great breakfast, get the biscuits and gravy over at First Light Restaurant in Corolla....have fun!

Biscuits and Gravy is my kind of Breakfast.
I've lived in NC all my life and until 2 week ago I had never been to the Outer Banks.
We stayed in Manteo but traveled South to Hatteras and Ocracoke. Nice.
Didn't have time to go north of Manteo.
Looking to go back and stay longer than the 3 days we were there.

 

[cwmoser]

Keep in mind; Mr T recommend greasing spider joint and propeller shaft (6 grease zerks) after each day in the sand.

Hmmm. Is the reason to push out any sand accumulation????
Haven't looked that closely underneath my LX470. I assume the factory did put on the grease zerks?

 

[2001LC]

Yes they did put on 6 grease zerks in, which under normal driving condition need lubing every 5K miles.

But they also recommend daily see bottom of page:

I just replaced a spider because PO used JeffyLub or corner mechanic shop which almost never lubes the shafts & spiders. I also see at least one other spider has been replaced on same rig. My cost $92 for OEM, tax and machine shop cost. Needless waste of time and money, as OEM last forever (well almost) if maintained properly.

 

[abuck99]

Bring a shovel

 

[re_guderian]

Wow that is some good information. Also, never heard about the 4x4 vacation homes.
Looks like a nice place to vacation. Pricey though.

but then you have crazy people driving up and down the beach between your house and the water. I thought it would be cool until I drove up there, then was glad we had a house "in town"

 

[elk]

We stayed in Manteo but traveled South to Hatteras and Ocracoke. Nice.
Didn't have time to go north of Manteo.

If you want peace and quiet, stay below the bypass. Should you stay in Manteo again, a drive to the Mattamuskeet wildlife refuge is fairly worthwhile (about an hour inland on 64). There's also decent camping at the Frisco National Park Service campgrounds, all of the others are KOA-like.

 

[anavant]

I am heading to Frisco the last two weeks of August in my 2001 LC. The National Park requires you to have a jack, jack stand, strap/chain and shovel if driving on the beach. Also, a 7 day permit is required. here is a link.

Permits & Reservations - Cape Hatteras National Seashore (U.S. National Park Service)

 

[cwmoser]

I am heading to Frisco the last two weeks of August in my 2001 LC. The National Park requires you to have a jack, jack stand, strap/chain and shovel if driving on the beach. Also, a 7 day permit is required. here is a link.

Permits & Reservations - Cape Hatteras National Seashore (U.S. National Park Service)

Are you planning on taking a Bottle Jack?
I need to accumulate these items before my next adventure to the Outer Banks.
Let us know what you think about the Outer Banks and how your LC does on the sand.

I wish the Part Service would offer daily permits.
I understand fishing is no where as good now as it once was.
I haven't fished in over 40 years. Like to get back into it.
My past vacations have been boring sitting on the beach with the wifey,
shopping with the wifey, and going out to eat. Like to change this

 

[anavant]

I grew up fishing down there, but have not for over 15 years. I am bringing my surf rods for sure. Its fun either way and gives something to do, like you said, time from the wifey. Im going to bring a hi lift or a bottle jack, not sure wich one yet. hi lift may be overkill.

 

[Blue77FJ40]

Don't forget, you now need a license to fish in the saltwater! I couldn't believe my own agency forced that upon the states.

 

[Manhattan]

I just got back from OBX, and took a trip up the beach - Corolla, NC. As mentioned, the soft sand is definitely soft. But, the only time the 100 came close to struggling was when I (intentionally) took a tougher line - from the hard-pack up into the soft. It wasn't a ledge, but an 18" steep transition... at an angle. Last year, my aunt drove her Subaru for miles up and down that beach. Your 100 won't know it's not on dry pavement.

The tide can make a difference there - low tide = all driving on hard-pack, high tide = soft sand.

I did bring a strap... and used it to pull a nice Tacoma. I asked the driver if he was in 4-wheel drive. He said "I moved it from D to 4. So, yeah". I said "Uhm... can I take a look? Did you know this is a 2-wheel drive truck?" Even pulling a stuck truck in the soft stuff, the 100 felt like it was on pavement.

I did not air down - really is overkill.

This is on the packed by dry area - in between the wet stuff and the fluffy stuff

If you're lucky, you may see these guys. It's hard enough to spot them (first time I've seen them in past 5 or 6 trips), but getting the to line up and pose... whew.

 

[Keowee]

Looks like a few horse biscuits in the surf. They know how to flush it.