Beach Driving Question

Hello everyone. I recently bought a AG Tundra Trail and will be taking it (and a 4Runner Limited) on vacation to Carova OBX 4x4 area. I’ve read the threads about what buttons to push to turn off TRAC and VSC and understand the functionality but am not sure which setting (nannies on or off) would be best suited for the sand. Honestly I am probably going to try both over the week but when I arrive it will be after an 8 hour road trip with 3 kids, a dog, and a wife who will be taking the 4Runner in sand for the first time. In this instance, I will just want to get from point A to point B. I plan to air down to around 18 PSI and will have traction boards and shovel. I have some experience off roading but was in a different platform (non Toyota). A second question this group may be able to offer insight to is if I air down the wife’s 4Runner with the 20inch wheels and lower profile tires, is 18-20 PSI risking breaking a bead or should I stay higher? Thanks in advance for sharing your knowledge and experience.

 

turn off VSC and traction control, 18psi will work for both, do have traction boards, shovel, and tow strap/rope. Make sure you have a way to attach the strap. Carova is one of the easier beaches to drive, make sure to get the parking permit.

 

^ this. Air pressure is probably your biggest factor here. I've been out on that section but on the lower end by Corolla in my previous 2014 Tacoma. I never aired down as I was naïve and didn't know any better. Luckily I didn't have any issues.

Recovery will be your life saver and don't risk getting too close to the water. Just use common sense and don't go beyond anything you're not comfortable with (same with all offroading adventures)

Do you have a place to air up before hitting the road again?

 

Also, do NOT drive below the high tide line

 

There will most likely be main tracks heading north and south. @greentundraman follow those main tracks from others driving up and down and you should be fine.

 

Jaypown, I will have an air compressor but there is also a gas station near the entrance. Based on msmmce1 advice on a location to secure a strap, that is something I need to look at on both vehicles.

 

You got this!

 

Air down to 18psi, turn on 4x4, turn traction control OFF and drive


*I lived and worked in Corolla for years, just choose your line & if the dune crossover looks too sketchy, go to the next one.

 

I recommend having at least 2 soft shackles, the work well. Can get them on A*(zon

 

We rented a house in Carova a few weeks ago and I have a stock 18 TRD CM. Just like what others are saying, air down to 18 PSI and put into 4x4. I drove around with Track control on and had the track light come on two times when the wheels were spinning while crossing over rut lines. They turned off after I got better traction. I turned traction off and it worked well. Its an easy beach to drive on and as long as you watch out for deep ruts you should be fine. I never had a issue at all and we drove into town almost every day. I also had a tow strap, shovel and boards with me but never even came close to needing it.

You can also air up at Whalehead park if you dont have anywhere else to go, but most rental offices will have an air station.

 

Don't forget to wash all of the sand and salt off after your trip! Give the undercarriage a really good rinse.

 

The beach driving in corova is the easy part. If there has been a lot of rain recently the "roads" on the other side of the dunes have giant puddles (more like ponds) some of these are way deeper than you would think. I had a 3 of these that I would have to drive through to get to my rental. No other way around. Hopefully not the case for you.

The top of the pic is the road in front of our house. That puddle was more than 2ft deep.

Post some pics of your trip. My family and friends had a blast there in early June. I'll be back next year.

 

Thanks to everyone for the feedback.

 

Just got back From Avon where some of the ramps especially 38 have super soft sand just past ramp going onto beach. I aired down to 24 and never had a problem just put it in 4hi and away we went. Did see one Tundra stuck at ramp and he had to be pulled out backwards. I think his tires were 35 psi or better. Only time seen a Tundra have to be helped out.

 

Just put it in 4HI, air down to 18 and go. I've never messed with the traction control. If it works like my 13 it defaults to ATRAC in either 4WD mode.
I don't go there much anymore, just go to the NPS beaches to the south. But in my experience, the first mile or two is usually pretty soft. After that it's not too bad.
The first few hundred yards you have to dodge the idiots that either don't air down or think AWD is the same as 4WD.
You can air down at the lighthouse, if you stop in the ramp area you'll get a ticket. There is also a good handful of air stations there for when you come off the beach.
As someone said, the water hazards on the roads inside the dunes are a bigger issue than beach. I avoid them if possible, but if I can't I'll get out and wade in. You can end up with water on your hood, especially with the 4runner.
If you're there on the 11/12th, get out and watch the meteor shower. Awesome show.
It's a great place to spend a week. Just remember, DON'T FEED THE HORSES.

 

Since you have PCS as well, I’d recommend turning that off too just to avoid warning message. Recently drove 20 miles down Padre Island national seashore where only a handful of vehicles are, all 4X4. Trip down, turned nothing off, just put it in 4HI, and VSC & TRAC lit up, trailer sway and PCS warnings on the info screen. Way back…4HI, everything off. No messages and truck made it through like a champ.

 

Don't forget dodging the crossovers and cars. We passed a mid 2010's Chevy Impala buried in the sand lol

 

If have facebook check out Oregon Inlet Idiots they always have pictures of dolts trying the beach in their cars.

 

Yeah, there's those guys too

 

This and don't get a strap with metal hooks-these come off and kill people.

 

I passed a guy airing down his tires on a Dodge Caravan. I wonder if the police stopped him before he got onto the beach.