stockton

Juggs

Member
kids want to go for a drive on the beach on the weekend.

the issue is i know no one else with a 4wd, if i just stick to the main beach would i be ok by myself?

was just going to go for a cruise along the beach and show the kids the sights and avoid the dunes

have tire gauge etc to let the tires down but would have to rely on one of the service stations as i have a pump but it wouldn't re inflate 4 tyres this side of xmas
 

bmurray2250

4x4 Earth Contributer
When I did Stockton, I didn't have another 4by with me. I have drive sand many times before and knew what not to do. The tyre pressure for the Prado was down to 18psi and had no issues. The main track is hard but beware of soft sand patches.

I still prefer travelling with another 4x4 for safety
 

teza h

Well-Known Member
I was up there a couple of weeks ago and the tracks in there are totaly soft as specialy the Lavis lane end but if you air down to at least 18psi you'l be fine. there is heaps of peaple around on weekends if you get into a spot of bother.I had a fully loaded 90 prado and drove in the Laves Ln end no worries,but she was working a bit hard so i aired down to 15psi and crewsed all over the dunes. The only thing if you dont have your own air is you will probabley have a bit of a cue at the servo.
Have a good day out there, Teza.
 

Walkabout

Moderator
Anna bay is by far the best and easiest place to enter if you intend to avoid dunes and the servo is just a few hundred meters from the beach entrance when you want to air up.
This is the North end so you have about 30klm drive down the beach to the wreck and silver city is about half way.
18psi should be fine for this entrance and along the beach though if you find the going is tough be prepared to drop as low as 15psi - it all depends on what tyres you are running really though Stockton is renowned for very soft sand in places.
Or an old but reliable method is to place a coke can or alike about 17 - 20mm (2cm) from the outermost point of the sidewall of the tyre then deflate untill the sidewall hits the can, this should give you a big enough footprint.
Have a fun day and stay safe.
 

Juggs

Member
thanks for the replies

its a bt-50 with the stock at tyres

also does having a auto complicate things ?

think ill give it a miss till i can find someone to come along
 

KDA

New Member
Im told An automatic has a slight advantage over a manual as it changes gears smoother and dont loose much momentum when changing gears.

If your up for a trip next weekend ill tag along, Ive spent a day driving on fraser and been looking for a trip to stockton as its still one on the not done list.
 

bmurray2250

4x4 Earth Contributer
The road tyres are great on the beach as they get a better footprint over the AT and MT tyres.

Auto on the sand are in there element, the only place autos are not good are on steep decents. Make sure you avoid using the brakes in soft sand. The sand will pull you up without brakes applied
 

BILLBY

New Member
ooh yeah

just enjoy and remember momentum is your friend ,great place to go and the other are right there are people everywhere so if you do get into strife there will be some one not far away.:cool:
 

billolga

4x4 Earth Contributer
thanks for the replies

its a bt-50 with the stock at tyres

also does having a auto complicate things ?

think ill give it a miss till i can find someone to come along

Don't forget YOU NEED A PERMIT ($10 for three days I think it is now) - Get it at the servos - THE RANGERS CHECK!
 

teza h

Well-Known Member
Juggs, the BT50 with an auto will do it eazy,just folow the above advice....Tyre presier,,,Momentum,,,and dont hit the ankors on a down hill run,or you'l go through the windsceen.The kids will love it.
 
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