5thGenRams Forums

Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

Official 5th Gen RAM Beach/Sand Driving Thread

drew7777

Member
Joined
Mar 29, 2021
Messages
10
Reaction score
1
Location
Richmond, VA
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

Spends too much time on here
Joined
Jan 15, 2020
Messages
2,994
Reaction score
5,810
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

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 31, 2021
Messages
461
Reaction score
334
Location
Lehigh Valley, PA
^^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

Ram Guru
Joined
Oct 4, 2020
Messages
1,113
Reaction score
604
Location
Rindge NH
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:


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

Active Member
Joined
May 30, 2020
Messages
57
Reaction score
38
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

New Member
Joined
Mar 24, 2021
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
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.
 

Attachments

  • 7433A810-D7E8-4C7A-A5E8-2D65D753327E.jpeg
    7433A810-D7E8-4C7A-A5E8-2D65D753327E.jpeg
    140.5 KB · Views: 44

Buz

Ram Guru
Joined
Sep 18, 2020
Messages
527
Reaction score
379
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.
 

chuck01835

Active Member
Joined
Jan 13, 2021
Messages
131
Reaction score
53
Anyone ever have issues with sand getting into your windows and possibly scratching as you roll them? If so, how is it prevented?
 

fartsonunicorns

Active Member
Joined
Aug 11, 2020
Messages
37
Reaction score
23
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

Ram Guru
Joined
Jan 12, 2019
Messages
703
Reaction score
243
Then there’s the question of e locker or not?..


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

NewLove

Ram Guru
Joined
Jan 12, 2019
Messages
703
Reaction score
243
Turning around is always nerve wrecking for me.
How do you guys do a 360 to go back the other way?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

dunehiker

Active Member
Joined
Apr 5, 2020
Messages
42
Reaction score
25
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

Ram Guru
Joined
Sep 18, 2020
Messages
527
Reaction score
379
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

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2020
Messages
496
Reaction score
579
Location
PA & NJ
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.
 

NewLove

Ram Guru
Joined
Jan 12, 2019
Messages
703
Reaction score
243
Anyone know of a good set of tire deflators?..


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Top