Official 5th Gen RAM Beach/Sand Driving Thread

[drew7777]

We are headed down to Corolla this weekend and might drive up to Carova. We will definitely air down the tires, but for a noob, what is the recommended setting: 4WD Low / Hi / Auto?

 

[Scram1500]

I would go with 4 Lo for a few reasons, you'll want the extra power as sand is tough to get through, you won't be going all that fast, and it will turn off the stability and traction control. You don't want any interference from either of those systems

 

[cervelo15]

^^exactly this...from what I've understood, the 4LO is for crawling at a lower speed on deeper stuff where speeds are intended to be lower.

 

[Malodave]

15 psi seems high to me. I typically air down to about 8 psi for sand

Avoid air compressors that plug in to the truck, they are too slow. Get one that clamps directly to the battery

Or you can do what I did for my 2008 Bighorn and plan to do with my '21 Laramie.

Set up an On Board Air System. I also put two Tool Ports on as well.

See this Thread for Pix of the York 210 install on the Big Horn:

On Board Air Compressors

I'm looking for an air compressor to carry in the back of the truck to refill my tires after airing down for off-roading. I've read that the ones connecting directly to the truck battery terminals work better than the ones that plug into a cigarette lighter outlet. What do you think are the...

5thgenrams.com

I am still working out Mounting for the Sanden 709/SD7H15 clone I got off Amazon for $95. This will be
mounted on the EcoDiesel Engine in my Laramie.

Sanden Clone (Price is under $80 right now):

Amazon.com: Mophorn CO 4478C SD7H15 1999755C3 4478SAN AC Compressor for SANDEN MCCORMICK TRACTORS CX100 CX105 CX50 1990760C1 1999755C2 1999755C3 A/C Compressor 77551 78551 75R84112DS: Automotive​

Buy Mophorn CO 4478C SD7H15 1999755C3 4478SAN AC Compressor for SANDEN MCCORMICK TRACTORS CX100 CX105 CX50 1990760C1 1999755C2 1999755C3 A/C Compressor 77551 78551 75R84112DS: Compressors - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com


Watch out to make sure that the Clutch is 12V and not 24V. I ordered the wrong one but quickly
realized it and canceled the order within 30 minutes.

There are videos on Youtube on how to convert it for air compressor use. This one has a V-Belt pulley,
but Serpentine pulleys are available too. I will be making a Hybrid Idler pulley for the serpentine and
V-belt for the EcoDiesel.

Malodave

 

[ExtinctBird]

We are headed down to Corolla this weekend and might drive up to Carova. We will definitely air down the tires, but for a noob, what is the recommended setting: 4WD Low / Hi / Auto?

Most of the driving on the beaches north of Corolla can be done in 4Hi, since you will want to have enough speed to maintain momentum. If you get bogged down in deep soft sand or need to cross some of the deep water holes on the "roads" inland from the beach in Carova, then you can use 4Lo to ease through those situations. Enjoy.

 

[Divedude]

4hi should work for you. You want to ride on top of the sand. Not dig in. 15-20 psi is good. Adjust for how soft it is. The busier times of the year and the drier it is will need the lower pressure.

 

[Buz]

If you stay close to the water (ocean) 4-HI will be just fine. It's when you venture up toward the dunes that you'll hit the sugar sand. You can approach sugar sand two ways, fast and stay on top or slow and power through. Not sure I'd use 4-LO on sand unless extreme circumstances dictated that.

 

[RockYacht2020]

SO now I've heard both. Is there a downside to 4Lo in sand or just lack of speed?

 

[chuck01835]

Anyone ever have issues with sand getting into your windows and possibly scratching as you roll them? If so, how is it prevented?

 

[fartsonunicorns]

SO now I've heard both. Is there a downside to 4Lo in sand or just lack of speed?

Lack of speed. In sand speed is your friend, can’t get stuck if you don’t stop.


2020 Big Horn Quad Cab 4x4
De-badged and chrome delete
Rockford Fosgate P600x4 pushing stock 6 speakers, P1000x1bd pushing two 10” subs

 

[NewLove]

Then there’s the question of e locker or not?..


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[NewLove]

Turning around is always nerve wrecking for me.
How do you guys do a 360 to go back the other way?


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[dunehiker]

Been hitting the Outer Banks for 20 years and don't think I've ever used 4-Lo. Driven a bunch of different vehicles from AWD (Honda Pilot, CRV, Ridgeline) as well as different full-size trucks and always 4-Hi or depending on conditions I've just kept it in 2wd.

Like others have mentioned, air down and maintain your momentum. Unless of course you start bogging down cause then you'll just dig yourself in deeper. Also, I wouldn't engage the e-locker.

As for turning around, I agree it can be tricky on busy days. I usually look for a spot with a bit of room to turn and do a 3-point turn just make sure you're not turning to sharply.

Funny story, many years ago we headed out to Carova in my F150 and found a spot on the sand where nobody was around so I turned around to back in with my tailgate facing the water. I quickly found why nobody else was parked in that area when vehicle after vehicle was getting stuck due to the soft sand.

 

[Buz]

SO now I've heard both. Is there a downside to 4Lo in sand or just lack of speed?

I never needed 4-LO when I used to do the Corolla beach. Just seems like you'd be over-revving your motor for no reason. 400HP & Torque is plenty to move you around on sand without needing LO, even if you stop in sugar sand. Just air down your tires.

 

[Nova90]

I've usually run 4-High although there has been very little rain in NJ...so, the sand is like sugar sand. Many are finding 4-LO to be very helpful in managing not to get stuck.

 

[DavidNJ]

 

[DavidNJ]

 

[DavidNJ]

 

[DavidNJ]

 

[NewLove]

Anyone know of a good set of tire deflators?..


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