One of the reasons we bought a 4X4 vehicle was to be able to drive on the beaches in all conditions. Driving on beaches can be a great experience. It sure beats having to carry all your beach gear from the parking lot to your chosen patch of sand. You have everything in the truck and drive on out to find your little space of paradise. Still knowing how to drive on deep sand takes some practice. What 4x4 mode is best for sand?
What the “Hitch” is on the back of your truck!? When you bought your pickup truck you probably paid for a towing package. You had dreams of tailgating, towing your boat, your jet-skis, an RV or a cargo trailer. But it’s probably just sitting there empty. It seems like a waste to have that 2-inch square hole there looking for something to do. Not anymore because we have plenty of uses for a hitch on your next trip to the beach. Get ready because some of them are really “out there”!
For most vehicle owners, buying new tires is not something you look forward to. But we are “truck people” and we don’t think that way! We think that tire replacement time is an opportunity to customize our trucks and add to performance, value and looks (truck people spend a lot of time staring at pickup trucks)!
Surf The Sand in a Truck Don't you wish you could drive on the sand next to the ocean? Nothing could be better. That's why we are almost always at a Florida beach. Since our nearest beaches, like Daytona Beach Shores, are the ones we can drive on, we need a vehicle to get us there, haul our beach gear, and be able to handle driving on the sand without getting stuck. In the last few years we have seen (and heard) countless vehicles being towed or pushed out of deep beach sand. So it's no surprise we chose a pickup truck. What are the trucks that sail over the sand without a hiccup? For us, a midsize was the choice. It is also harder to get in and out of those bigger trucks!
One of the great benefits of owning a pickup truck is having the ability to haul your gear. This is especially important when heading out on a beach excursion. It always includes taking a bunch of gear along with the passengers and food, snacks and drinks. That pickup truck bed quickly gets filled with a cooler, and maybe a small grill. Add in the beach chairs, umbrellas, boogie boards, towels, and more. One of the best ways to protect that gear from the blazing sun, wind, and unexpected rain is to have a tonneau cover over your truck bed. It also keeps your gear from prying eyes when driving on the beach.
Ocean Salt and Your Truck Nothing says Florida more than hitting the beach to spend a day sunbathing, floating in the water, or hitting the surf with your boogie board. It’s even better when it’s a drive-on beach and your truck is right there parked beside you packed with everything you need. That running board sure looks fabulous and it helps us get in and out! However, dealing with the sand and ocean salt will take a bit of work after your day of sun and fun.
Driving on Sandy Beaches in Florida Sand trap? Heck, we're not golfing! However, a Florida beach road trip can quickly turn into a nightmare when you ride out onto the beach and sink or get stuck in the sand. And it will get worse as you get more upset, rev that engine and spin those tires! Now being from the north we know a few things from getting stuck in the snow and thick sand isn't much different. Here are some simple pointers that may help you avoid getting stuck and keep your beach visit the great day it was intended to be. Some beaches, like Ponce Inlet, will warn drivers about soft beach sand conditions and limit vehicles to 4WD only. Follow that recommendation to avoid ruining your day by spending it with an expensive tow truck and sweaty palms.
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AuthorsBloggers specializing in road trips to Florida beaches on every coast. |