What wheels and tires for sand?

[bobvance2005]

I have a 2021 XLT Max FX4 on order. Picking it up soon (I hope). I plan on doing a good bit of driving on the beach, including deep soft stuff for miles. I'll probably do the readylift 3/2.

Obviously I'll air down a lot (15-20psi) for the sand driving, but what's my best option for tires? I understand I want enough sidewall for the rubber to deform and spread out. Are 18s fine, or should I go with 17" wheels and shoot for 33-34" tire? Will I need any offset? I'll also be doing a good deal of highway driving to and from the beach, so want to keep it reasonable.

Thanks!

 

[Fozzy]

The secret to sand is airing down and momentum. Stay away from aggressive mud style tires. They seem to dig in and not float unless you have a lot of HP. When I had my Raptor I found the BFG KO2’s did the best in the sand dunes compared to my buddy’s with the Toyo’s and Generals. I would also invest in a set of Maxtraxs to get yourself unstuck. Wheel size is kinda tricky. I personally would not go with anything less than a +18 offset. I have +12’s and they look cool but stick to far out. Finding a wheel you like will more than likely force you into a wheel size as the choices are limited. I like the look of the stock FX4 wheels and you can add a wheel spacer to push them out a little if needed. Sounds like a lot of fun to be had in your Expy. Welcome to the forum.

 

[Fastcar]

I have a 2021 XLT Max FX4 on order. Picking it up soon (I hope). I plan on doing a good bit of driving on the beach, including deep soft stuff for miles. I'll probably do the readylift 3/2.

Obviously I'll air down a lot (15-20psi) for the sand driving, but what's my best option for tires? I understand I want enough sidewall for the rubber to deform and spread out. Are 18s fine, or should I go with 17" wheels and shoot for 33-34" tire? Will I need any offset? I'll also be doing a good deal of highway driving to and from the beach, so want to keep it reasonable.

Thanks!

I'd take a run down to Nauset Beach and see what those folks are using. I'm thinking 10psi with bead locks

 

[Fastcar]

Thinking about it for a minute. Sand tire/wheels are like snow tire/wheels. No tire does everything well there is always a trade off. Like snow tires. Blizzak is probably the best made, but are a dedicated snow/cold weather tire. If your going to be on the beach constantly
Go for a tire wheel combo that really affords a large foot print. Buy some wheels that are made for beach use 'cause your going to use them up after a few seasons. In other words two sets of tires and wheels and swap them out.

 

[THOMAS F Smith]

I had my 2021 out on Assateague island with the stock tires on 18" rims, and I had no problems aired down to 20lbs going from one end to the other. And the sand was soft and deep...

 

[bobvance2005]

I had my 2021 out on Assateague island with the stock tires on 18" rims, and I had no problems aired down to 20lbs going from one end to the other. And the sand was soft and deep...

Thanks, that's helpful.

FWIW, this thread is also helpful: https://www.expeditionforum.com/threads/recommendation-for-some-beach-tires.47251/

 

[bobvance2005]

Just for anyone stumbling on this thread - I ended up doing a beach trip on Falken Wildpeak AT3Ws, size 275/70R18, on the stock FX4 wheels. I had intended to be on Toyo Open Country AT3s on Method 705 wheels, size 285/75R17, but shipping got delayed.

I ran the Falken's (mine are E-rated, so stiffer sidewalls) at 15psi. Had no problems all week (in plenty of soft/deep sand). Saw a bunch of other vehicles getting stuck.