Sand driving psi minimum

[NY_Rob]

^ smart kids!

Sponsored

 

[R1TCntrlMaIzzy]

If you end up doing this I'd love to hear your feedback back. I have 22s also and was planning to do this once I replace the stock tires.

Most likely this weekend. More to follow

 

[HaveBlue]

I typically air down to half of normal street pressure for 4wheeling in whatever vehicle or config and subtract another 5 for soft deep sand. The 22s will need a bit of observation to make sure you don't crash the rim/ pinch the tire.

 

[jshaff]

The Cape Cod National Seashore oversand beach driving notes the psi must be at 11 psi.

Is that safe with my Michelin Defender ltx ms2 lt275 50r22 119/116S “E”? I have a G1 Quad. I was thinking 20 psi would be the lowest.

That sand is super soft, we got stuck at the 30, we aired down to about 15 on the 21 pirelleis and it was fine.

 

[f1racer328]

I air down to 20 PSI for normal "off road" driving and have had zero problems.

I've gone a little lower but the tires really start to flatten out.

 

[R1TCntrlMaIzzy]

On Sunday we drove thru the Race Point North and South access points.

We only had an issue entering the South path. It took a few tries before we made it up the first “hill” as one starts the route. We had to drive on the left side of the path vs the middle. The middle was deep soft sand.

We rode around with 25 psi, in Sand mode, low regen, standard height.

We want to drive in the 4wd paths through the dunes. Before that I want to get a flag and most likely satellite service, since there might not be any cell coverage.

 

[Magicbus]

I'm a Beach Ranger on Nantucket with essentially the same sand as Cape Cod (same glacier ) and we request 12-15. Sadly I drive an F250 all day but when I take my R1T Dual w/21" wheels out I air down to 20. I have pulled 2 R1S's out, one at 30 and one at 40. The Rivian off-road recommendation is not for soft sand.

 

[Dark-Fx]

Am I the only one who doesn't air down for sand?

Now sure I don't bother driving on the sand if it appears like there is a good chance of getting stuck and where I go if often populated. It's only about a mile from my house near the Oregon coast.

I go there and eat my lunch and then come home.

Airing down is the first thing I'll do if I do get stuck so its good to know the 31psi minimum (I have all-season defenders). It's also a good idea to have a deflator to make it easier like Staun deflators another poster mentioned. That way it takes less time.

Sand in different parts of the country can provide wildly different levels of support. And as soon as you have to climb up something, high pressure tires will just spin soft sand instead of rolling across it. Plus, on a coastal beach, you're putting your vehicle at a pretty big risk if you get stuck near the water at low tide.

 

[SarahsDad]

I've driven on the Outer Banks beaches several times aired down to Rivian's recommended ~30psi (on 20" AT tires) without an issue... until yesterday. Got bogged down in soft sand, frame almost sitting on the sand (even at highest air suspension). Aired down further to ~20PSI and with a litle shoveling was able to get free. I'm a bit worried staying below their recommended 30PSI due to the risk of tires "debeading" in such a heavy vehicle, but maybe Rivian is just being ultra-cautious and I'm just paranoid.

 

[Jeff B.]

31 PSI on 20" ATs is very conservative, but I found the Pirelli's were a little soft compared to most AT tires I am used to. So probably why the conservative note from Rivian. I also think they are assuming rocks and other mixed terrain that require a lot of turning left and right, etc.. At the end of the day I think this is an experience thing versus a hard pressure recommendation or limit. With so many different types of tires, my recommendation would be to start at 25 psi and then adjust at 2-3 psi increments. In my experience, the tires should be noticeably squished down to have any real benefit. You will eventually find the sweet spot that works best for you.

The most important thing to remember is always try to get an understanding of the driving conditions, terrain, etc.. before going into an area and don't forget to have a buddy if you're in a remote area. Crap happens, so always try to be prepared.

 

[Magicbus]

A tip for Rivians on the beach ... Do not raise the chassis until the correct time. After getting stuck put traction boards under the wheels and then, if you are bottomed out, raise the height. Vehicles that can raise themselves off the sand have a huge advantage if they use it correctly.

 

[mudito]

Careful with the "off road" 30PSI recommendation. Off Road isn't the same as Sand Off Road If you're hitting rocks all the time, yeah.. 30psi seems fine.

For Sand... 20psi would be my MAX tire pressure, I would venture to go lower to the ~15psi mark with ease.

 

[R1TCntrlMaIzzy]

I'm a Beach Ranger on Nantucket with essentially the same sand as Cape Cod (same glacier ) and we request 12-15. Sadly I drive an F250 all day but when I take my R1T Dual w/21" wheels out I air down to 20. I have pulled 2 R1S's out, one at 30 and one at 40. The Rivian off-road recommendation is not for soft sand.

Thank you very mucho for your 411!!

My concern is my Michelin 22s, see my first post, are a little heavier than the OEM 21s. I most def would not start with 30 psi. Having manejado with 25 psi, I might go lower. Not to 11 psi like the Race Point team suggests. Well, not as my starting point and from my newbie, very limited perspective.

Sponsored