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Rocko1 Posts: 596
2/9/2022
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I figure this would be a decent place to ask the people who drive in AB frequently what some tips would be for not getting stuck in the sand. In particular while driving my Tundra 2wd. I have not had issues driving FWD or RWD SUVs in the park, been many miles in sandy washes without issues but my Tundra seemed to get stuck right off the bat.
Other than airing down tires, having shovel, recovery rope and traction boards, anything else that can be done to prevent getting stuck?
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Buford Posts: 456
2/9/2022
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I know from past experience nothing sinks quicker in soft sand than a 2wd truck. Some maybe obvious things that help.
- Don't stop in soft sand.
- When in soft sand, stay on the gas, but not full throttle. Keep momentum up. Once the wheels start to spin don't gun it but hopefully ride it out with soft throttle.
- If you stop and start to spin and dig in, stop. Assess the situation before spinning the wheels and digging in worse.
- Often you can back out and try again even if you can't go forward.
- Air down, really air down. 15-20 PSI or if in real trouble even less.
- Run something other than street tires.
- Put weight in the truck bed. FWD cars sometimes do better in soft sand than 2wd trucks because the engine weight over the drive wheels.
- Be careful where you park 1 car length off the road, some spots are better than others.
- Mud is even worse than soft sand.
- If you get stuck be very careful with what is used as a recovery rope, attachment points, forces applied, and where things will end up if something fails.
Most of ABDSP can be driven in 2wd. My current vehicle is 4wd but for 99% of washes in the park I don't use it.
If you get stuck with 4wd you will bury all 4 wheels instead of just 2. I haven't been stuck in the park yet but have had rescue a few others.
edited by Buford on 2/9/2022
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Links to my photos: ABDSP photos, Bighorn sheep photos, ABDSP time lapse video, Wildlife photos (mainly birds)
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rockhopper Posts: 668
2/9/2022
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Yep, been there, done that. My old Datsun truck was so light it used to float over the sand in 2WD. I took that thing everywhere. My newer 2WD Tundra is so heavy it sinks just looking a deep sand. Truck tread tires aired down to around 14psi and I carry milk crates in the back to load up with rocks for traction helps, sometimes. I bring plywood strips that fit in the bed and a shovel, but deep sand is hopeless. The only thing worse is getting stuck in 4WD
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Rocko1 Posts: 596
2/10/2022
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Thanks for the tips. Yeah, it seems the Tundra is a bad combo for sand-heavy and no weight over rear axle, longer wheel base. It's got decent tires but I guess I need to air down more than I do-was only going to 25psi. Running these tires-https://www.discounttire.com/buy-tires/pathfinder-at. I have real recovering rope-threw the metal hooked tow strap out.
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surfponto Administrator Posts: 1364
2/19/2022
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We ended up pulling a Prius out of the sand off of the S2 just south of the Border Patrol check point a couple of weeks ago..
Guy said he pulled off the highway to look at his map and immediately buried his Prius up to the axles.
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https://www.anzaborrego.net/
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Scooter Posts: 114
2/21/2022
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I totally agree with Bufords ideas. I would add to keep your drive axle on the road as much as you can. I have pulled out a lot of people who back up off the road and now your drive wheels are in even soft material. I would highly recommend a locker if you have a two wheel drive.
On a side note, in 1979 I pulled over on 78 near the narrows to check a map. My Opal Cadet was stuck right off the pavement. The motorhomes and trucks going to Glamis and Ocotillo Wells just honked as they drove by !!
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dsefcik Administrator Posts: 2622
2/22/2022
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One rainy Xmas break I took out there I remember seeing a CJ4 Jeep with big BFG's stuck up to the floor boards right next to the road at Fonts Point turnoff, He must have just pulled off the road and then buried himself trying to get out.
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edited by dsefcik on 2/22/2022
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http://www.sefcik.com
http://www.darensefcik.com
http://www.carrizogorge.com
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Buford Posts: 456
2/22/2022
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surfponto wrote:
We ended up pulling a Prius out of the sand off of the S2 just south of the Border Patrol check point a couple of weeks ago..
Guy said he pulled off the highway to look at his map and immediately buried his Prius up to the axles.
I have definitely had to use 4wd to get off the shoulder a few times.
A Prius or minivan usually doesn't have good attachment points. It always surprises me when someone will invariably say "just wrap the rope around the axle or attach it to the bumper (plastic)." I can guarantee in those cases I can recover the axle or the bumper, but it may not come with the rest of the vehicle still attached. Usually boards, a shovel, jack and a push help there.
I am careful to actually use a recovery rope, not chains or a tow strap when I do need to pull someone out. I always throw a towel or bag over the recovery rope in case a connection fails it will ground quicker. The rope never gets attached to a ball hitch. The ball can break off and turn into a missile.
One rainy Xmas break I took out there I remember seeing a CJ4 Jeep with big BFG's stuck up to the floor boards right next to the road at Fonts Point turnoff, He must have just pulled off the road and then buried himself trying to get out.
Some people like to go mudding along the shoulder of S-22. Personally, I don't get it.
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Links to my photos: ABDSP photos, Bighorn sheep photos, ABDSP time lapse video, Wildlife photos (mainly birds)
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davidwyby Posts: 46
9/13/2022
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These are good to keep in the 4x4 for recovering small cars without tow points. Amazon.com: RuggedTow 4 Pack Grade 70 R T J Cluster Hook, Mini J, R and T Universal Towing Attachment - 4700 lbs : Automotive
Tundras seem to have snappy throttle response which makes them prone to spin and sink. SUVs tend to do better due to more weight in the back and link vs. leaf spring suspension.
Kinetic straps are worth the price. I have pulled out two motorhomes with 4runners with them.
Tire pressure is #1. If it ain't bulging, it ain't aired down. 2wd in sand...I'd probably end up 15-20 psi front, 10 rear. I carry a C02 bottle to air back up.
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davidwyby Posts: 46
9/13/2022
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Bigger tire, smaller wheel helps too. Often you can go a little over stock size without much modification. In sand, size is more important than tread type. You want a tough tire with mild tread. Definitely not a small aggressive tire!
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