Rav 4 On IBSP ( Inquiry Question)

[Hotrod]

Git this enquiry from the home page..

Hello Sir, just a quick question. I have recently taken up an interest in surf fishing and drive a 2010 Rav 4. I noticed in my few trips to IBSP last summer that 4 wheel drive vehicles were allow on the beach, and if I deflate the tires to 18-20 psi, stay in low gear with the 4 wheel drive on, would this Rav be good on the soft sand of IBSP? Either way, I'll be fishing and having the time of my life! Thanks for everything!

Sincerely,

Peter C

[IrishAyes]

I believe the Rav is an all-wheel drive and not a 4-wheel drive. No sure but I don't think the all-wheel drive vehicles are allowed on the beach.

I'm sure PED will be more on the point with this.

[ChrisL]

I can't recall if I've seen any Rav4s out on the sand.
The ground clearance is a bit low and the tires small.  That could cause some issues if the sand is crewed up.
The All Wheel Drive vs 4 wheel drive thing is complicated.  The difference between the two has become gray recently.  My Jeep Commander is 4 wheel drive, but it's really more of an all wheel drive system. 
The park office will be able to tell you if that model is approved for use on the beach. 
If you do make it out there, be careful.  don't attempt it on high traffic days or after a storm. 
Good luck and enjoy.

[ped579]

Unless that have changed their rulings All-Wheel drives vehicles were not allowed onto the sand.  The reason being that most if not all have only a portion a portion of the drive train like 60% driving the rear and 40% driving the front.  Yes this is a all wheel drive but not totally 100%.

A 4 wheel drive has 100% power going to all 4 wheels at the same time giving it more traction and allowing it to either push or pull it through the rough spots.  But like I said at the outset unless they have changed the ruling only true 4X4's are allowed on the sand.  I will call them tomorrow to make sure and post it in the evening.

Happy Catching

Paul

[FishOn]

Im no truck guru or anything, but very very few vehicles have factory capability of having true 4 wheel drive.  Lockers would be necessary to lock the wheels to the axles allow all four to spin at the same rate. Like Ped579 said, a traction control/ limited slip system will not allow this.  Jeep Wrangler Rubicons come equiped with lockers out of the factory, not sure of any others.  I've seen much bigger and more capable off road vehicles buried to the frame on IBSP. Most of the time this is some Yahoo doin something he shouldnt.  I'd be cautious and go out with a friend in another vehicle that could help you out if you do go and happen to get in trouble.  Stay well above high tide line just in case. My .02