Hey guys, quick question.
I have a 2001 Cherokee sport all stock with summer tires.
would it be a bad idea to go on the sand at the beach?
I ask because I was going to and I saw some durangos and trucks getting stuck and decided not to risk it. also, some old guy said not to, because sand would get everywhere on the underside of the car and ruin it. is that true? (sounds kinda like BS to me.)

thanks

 

Should be fine, I recommend airing your tires down to about 10psi so you get better traction, if it's real soft beach sand.

 

You weigh a LOT less than a truck or a durango, that helps a ton. And ya 10psi would help but you dont need to go that low if you are going to be on the road right after.
Its not the sand that ruins the underside, its the salt water. It can cause rusting but if you wash the bottom within the week then youll be fine. Rust doesnt just come up over night. Dont worry, your in a Jeep

 

Also, stay out of the really wet stuff. It tends to, well, suck. Next time you go to the beach walk on dry sand and the really wet sand that gets waves flowing over it. You'll notice the wet stuff has a sort of vacuum effect.

 

Air down to 10-15psi and you'll be fine. Keep your eye out for stuff that looks really soft. Some beaches require you to have a hi-lift with base plate, tow straps and boards to drive out if you get stuck.

 

I have wheeled my XJ on sand. Street tires are better than mud tires on sand. I used 15 psi and went anywhere. The smoother the tread, the better it works

 

Also, put her in 4 low.

 

wow, thanks guys! great info! sounds like I'll definitely be having some fun on the beach before the summer is over!

 

Let some air out of the tires and go light on the gas pedal, you'll do fine. If I can drive the wifes Sonata in the sand you ought to be able to drive your JEEP in it.

 

True. You prefer a tire that "floats" but has some grip in sand.

 

I agree, its the saltwater, but I would not leave it a week. I would wash off within a day or two.

 

True, but I would like to expand on that a little. If you have a flotation tire that conforms to the sand without disturbing it then you will go almost anywhere. The minute you disturb it, sand as you might know acts like thousands of little ball bearings. Then once you disturb it, then you need to move as much as possible, like with a paddle tire or something designed to trap sand and kick it out the back. Once you are there, the more horsepower the better. One of the best sand tires you can get is used slicks. You can find them at tracks. They are worthless to the PO

 

Just stay out of the really wet sand or the really deep soft sand......I've been jeeping in the sand with jeeps since I was little ( my dad was so much fun! ), it's a blast! Have fun and be safe oh, and don't forget to get pics!