4X4 info

[jjsfishingbuddy]

I am looking for a truck to use on the sand is there anything I should be looking for that will help me out. I know this is an open ended questions and I am not sure it belongs here. I guess my main question is there one truck more suited for this than others? Thanks.

[Offshore Madness]

I have had a 03 dodge 3500hd 4x4,a ford f250sd 4x4,and a chevy 2500 4x4.  I have a dodge ram 1500 now. For the sand part id go with a ford,for haulin id do a dodge.

    The older fords(86 and up} f 150,250 4x4 would be my choice.They are tough trucks and i couldnt kill mine with 190,000 miles on it and she is still runnin today!

  Dodges are great for haulin alot of weight my dodge had 1,200 pounds of steel in her bed and towed a 24 foot camper over 100 miles with out a hiccup!

   The chevy well i tied a rope on it and sank it like a rock!!!!!!!
   
       Dont no if this helps but thats my outlook.  Good luck and hope you find a perfect truck for you.

[Luna Sea 5]

any Ford Truck

[ped579]

I have a Ford 2000 Expedition and it has served me well over all those years.  Just make sure it is a true 4X4.  I have towed out a number of AWD veh's and would not take a chance on the sand especially on IBSP, too soft.

I would not get a tire that is too aggressive, you will only dig in and have nothing but problems.  Plus you do not, I repeat, do not have to lift a good veh. up.  If you can clear the sand with your axles your good to go.  My SUV is stock all the way and have not been stuck with it so far.  Common sense goes a long way.

So, as far as what veh is best suited for the sand it is up to you and your pocket book.  If you keep within my simple guidelines you will be just fine.  Just K.I.S.S. 

Good Luck

Paul

[SurfJockey]

If you're using it as a beach buggy, be sure it is a true 4x4.  All wheel drive vehicles are not permitted on the beach.  
And don't forget to air down.  

[SurfJockey]

You even towed me out Paul!   

[NJ Guy]

I used to frequent ibsp all the time with my old 88 suburban and that thing was a TANK and they are available pretty cheap and are amazingly easy to fix

[BigAl13]

My biggest advice would be make sure you have good ground clearance and good tires, if you have those two any 4x4 will work I'm a dodge guy myself. My thought is you can have all the tourqe and hp in the world but if your bottomed out or have bologne skins you aint gonna move.

[ped579]

But by jacking up the body will not give you ground clearance only bigger tires but I have used the same tire size since I bought the Expedition and have not had any problems.  Its the clearance of the lowest axle part that you measure your clearance.

Happy Catching

Paul

[NJ Guy]

my suburban had a 3 inch suspension lift a 2 inch body lift and was on 35 inch tires....rolled around at 12psi like a tank helped a couple stuck fisherman out as well

[ChrisL]

As was already mentioned, ground clearance, 4x4 and tires.
Decent all terrain tires.  Not mud thread.  
Decent ground clearance. No less then 6-7 inches. If the axles, skid plates or frame dig into the sand...you're done.  
I've seen all brands and styles of vehicles out there.  Some do better then others, but as long as the above apply, they can do the job.  And I've seen plenty of trucks with big tires, huge lifts and monster motors buried to the doors.  So HP, tires and gadgets don't mean anything on the sand.

The most important is safe and sensible driving.  Learning how to properly drive on the sand is the most important part.  Go with someone who is experienced your first time out.  (tip- summer tends to be the worst due to the high traffic on the beach)

And there will be times that no matter what you drive and how careful you are, tragedy will strike.  So make sure you are prepared.  Have the right gear and preplan how to use it.  Know your tow points, make sure the jack will work for you when you're stuck and buy quality straps.  

[BigAl13]

Let me clear up what I meant by good tires I meant tread not size. Allthough the bigger the tire the more surface area and have a better chance of moving on less rotations stopping you from sinking as fast. But yes paul you are correct big tires will not really add to clearance

[Luna Sea 5]

my F350 with 33" all terrain tires work the beach perfect.  But again, so does my Excursion with all terrain tires..