… more specifically, the 4x4 section of the Outer Banks (Carova). We went back in 2018 when I had to introduce my FIL to driving on sand. That was interesting, but we didn’t get stuck- I have years of knowledge stored from beach driving on both the north and south shores of Long Island as a kid up into my early 20’s… dad made sure we understood the requirements, and if we forgot, he was vocally swift at reminding us. Since I can’t just call my dad anymore ( ) I’ve got some questions for FHC- I’m curious how well the stock Bridgestone Duelers might do aired down (given sand conditions), and any thoughts on a portable air compressor, be it 12v direct connection to truck battery, or high AH lithium battery powered unit? We used to have a converted a/c compressor that we used to air up when coming off the beach all those years ago, but this 7.3L gasser is too new for me to go adding to… I know about onboard air compressors but am not ready to make that leap quite yet. Here’s me tars… I’d like to add a leveling kit to the front end, but that will be for another time; however, please share suggestions here as well in terms of brand, ease of installation, extra parts that you may have added, etc. Thanks y’all!!!
Back when I was in a jeep club, I had a hard mount, Quick Aire II air compressor that was capable of seating a tire on its bead. They no longer make them but there are others like ARB. Anyway, my go to these days is a Milwaukee 18 volt inflator. You set it to the psi you want and it does its thing. I carry two 5.0 batteries in the truck just in case.
My son bought me a Dewalt inflator (since I already had their batteries) for my birthday a couple years ago. Like this: It works awesome and I’d recommend it in a heartbeat. Before this, I carried a Slime 12v (cigarette socket style) pump, primarily for my airbags. We used it Jeep’n too. That thing impressed me for its longevity. Airing up 4 33’s from 10psi took a while. I still have it in the suv. Been over 10 years ago but I took my Tundra out on that sand. I think you’d be ok as long as you didn’t do anything silly. I installed the Bilstein 5100’s on mt truck to level the front. Those fronts had 3-4 slots in the shock body to adjust the level of “lift”. It essentially allowed the spring perch to be moved on the shock body. You can almost see it in this pic: Very easy to do. I liked these shocks so much we put them on our lifted wrangler TJ and they were just as impressive. Highly highly recommend.
You should be fine, as you said, air down at the access points and air up when you get back to the road. Most of the beach access points have air stations (or at least they used to). Have fun and be safe brother!
Thanks for the timely advice, guys! Yep, last time they had an air station right next to the end of the pavement, hope it’s still there! But did want an option to get to at least 30psi to get down the road a bit in case the air station isn’t there or at least too crowded. We shall see! Keep the suggestions and experiences coming! FHC proud!!!
In my F250, airing down from 75psi to 38-40 was enough to get through even the thickest sand without too much trouble. That truck weighed just under 7000 pounds empty. Don’t know the weight of your truck but you shouldn’t need to air down a whole lot. I know 2 people with Jeeps that never have to air down because a Jeep is considerably lighter and floats much easier in the same. Enjoy.
My carry tire inflator is the older version of this. https://www.harborfreight.com/12v-125-psi-high-performance-inflator-59624.html Then it’s stuffed in one of the green ammo cans…. Keeps things nice and tidy.. Im more versed in mud and rocks…… but those tires should do okay… deflate & light foot to get started… that’s all I remember from fishing on the sand bars…
Just find out what Redneck does, then do the opposite, you'll be fine. Sorry Randy, I'm a sucker for low hanging fruit sometimes... Enjoy Eric VW! Get pics!
At silver lake sand dunes they won't let you on the dunes unless aired down to 15 psi or lower. I ran lower than 15. The traction and floatation difference between 15 and 8-10 psi is astonishing. You do need to use caution when turning at that low psi.
Thanks guys! We all know and don’t mind to say how great FHC is, and y’all always shine when members ask for experiential advice!!!! Thank you, again!
Retracted/collapsed position is great, but don’t expect it to stay that way if you decide to get on an interstate like we did in SC visiting my mom in July. Around 65mph and the two nylon webbing straps said, “nuh uh!”
Well sorta… it fully extended and shed one of the back corner, shaped, plastic supports that keeps the corner rounded. It’s ok though, still works. Just had to change my shorts after the sudden change in the folded soft top.
It actually weighs over 4300# but that neither here nor there as I was talking about the Jeeps I used to take in the dunes. My Jeep club comment was the clue in the "mystery".
