I'm considering getting the beach permit for the local state park. I'm concerned with the sand capability for the Platinum's relatively low profile tires on the 22 inch rims. Looking for input if anyone has any experience driving in soft sugar sand with their either factory or aftermarket lower profile wheels.
Driving on the beach with factory 22's
- Thread starter Boose
- Start date
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Neilster1
Full Access Members
I live in south Florida and regularly drive my 13 expy with 20's and Toyo Open Country AT2's in the sugar sand of our scout reservation near Jupiter. Sugar sand sucks for any tire.. If I stop when the going gets strange I get stuck. IMHO.. not worth it unless you have to. Make sure you have a plan B..
mjp2
Full Access Members
Definitely drop your tire pressure. Most folks run 15-21 psi, so try 20 and see how it feels. Limit your speeds and don't turn sharp when running lower pressure. Test the tire pressure drop in your own driveway so you'll know what to expect. Obviously air back up before taking the truck out on the road. 
I'm making an assumption on where you'll be driving but there are only so many options in this state.
For IBSP, try to stick to using the Fisherman's Walkway entrance just south of the bathing beaches as the sand isn't as bad as it is at the end of the road (Area 21). Make sure you have all the required gear just in case something goes south.
If you do get stuck, don't make folks unload their own gear to help you. It's easier to get assistance if you've got your own shovel and tow straps out and are actively attempting to get yourself unstuck. Have your partner hold the strap and flag down assistance while you're digging. Be patient and friendly.
Happy fishing!
I'm making an assumption on where you'll be driving but there are only so many options in this state.
For IBSP, try to stick to using the Fisherman's Walkway entrance just south of the bathing beaches as the sand isn't as bad as it is at the end of the road (Area 21). Make sure you have all the required gear just in case something goes south.
If you do get stuck, don't make folks unload their own gear to help you. It's easier to get assistance if you've got your own shovel and tow straps out and are actively attempting to get yourself unstuck. Have your partner hold the strap and flag down assistance while you're digging. Be patient and friendly.
Happy fishing!
You got it MJ! IBSP it is I used to go all the time with my Bronco but I had 16 inch wheels with 33 inch tires... plenty of side wall at 15 PSI. I was worried about the low profile tires at 15 PSI as it won't really give me much more effective tread width on the sand.
I used to go all the time with my Bronco but I had 16 inch wheels with 33 inch tires... plenty of side wall at 15 PSI. I was worried about the low profile tires at 15 PSI as it won't really give me much more effective tread width on the sand.mjp2
Full Access Members
My '84 Bronco with 15" steel wheels saw 8psi one REALLY soft day. They were nothing for style or cornering but those tiny wheels were great for giving the truck tank treads at low tire pressuresYou got it MJ! IBSP it is
Even with 22s you still have some sidewall and at low pressure the contact patch will contour to the terrain. You should be fine out there.
Trainmaster
Old School Member
I have a 2010 Explorer with factory 20" wheels and low profile Pirellis. While Ford says they are not for off road use, they've seen many miles on the beach with no problem. We have very fine sand on Long Island and I air down to about 15 lbs. It walks right through the sand without a problem. Only foolishness would get me stuck.
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My 22s have the Pirellis as well. We have about identical sand here as you do. Good information, thanks!
JExpedition07
That One Member
I think you will be ok in “fine sand” with your setup. The 20” & 22” wheels run into trouble when it comes to gravel and mud not so much sand. The bigger wheels are more prone to damage when they are hitting rocks and obstacles off road which is why 17-18” wheels are preferred.... but for beach going I wouldn’t hesitate.
JExpedition07
That One Member
Pffft, everyone knows the Toyota Sienna is the quintessential off roader
Flexpedition
Full Access Members
Nope, but it opens just fine.I'd drive that minivan!! I wonder if the sliding door clears those fender flares???
If things couldn't get any worse, front doors are suicide.
Trainmaster
Old School Member
I carry a hi-lift jack with the straps to lift a wheel. Never had to use it, but on the beach, that should get you out of just about anything but a wet quagmire.
And I wouldn't air down the skinny tires too much. I do no less than 15 lbs. and never had any problem.
And I wouldn't air down the skinny tires too much. I do no less than 15 lbs. and never had any problem.
15 was my low limit. My wife already does a number on these wheels at the curbs
Where do you put the soccer balls and cones?Nope, but it opens just fine.
If things couldn't get any worse, front doors are suicide.
Nope, but it opens just fine.
If things couldn't get any worse, front doors are suicide.
Wtf its a real van? I thought it was photoshopped. LoL I guess might as well it's the only minivan that offers AWD
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