Truckster (Vic) replied:

Have a bit of a search of the archives on tires for sand and UHF radios, you will find plenty of good info available.

what sort of $ did you save with an ex demo?

Utemad replied:

With tyres I would stick to known brand names. Like BF Goodrich or Coopers or Goodyear. If beach is your thing then perhaps something like a Cooper A/T or a BFG Long Trail?

I don't know of any UHF radios that do UHF and Marine frequencies. GME is an excellent brand though.

You're right though, there are millions of tyre threads in the archive but this will give you something to start with.

Gossy replied:

As mentioned before, there is heaps of info on tyres in archive but just take note that most people have their own opion and will push that but I personally think it comes down to driver skill and knowing you and your veh's limitations. And the only way on finding this info out is to just go out there and try things. Most people say that wider tyres are good on sand but I run Cooper ST's (skinny) and I go exactly the same places as everyone else. I personally think tyre pressure is more important than the tyre being wide/skinny. I use to live in Perth and went up to Lancelin a fair bit with the Army so that's is worth the trip. Great place to visit (and Wedge Island). You will never regret buying a 4wd in Perth!

If you are going onto sand though it is important to get a good Compressor so you can pump your tyres back up again after a day of fun. You will also need a good snatch strap(s) also with decent shakles. Eventually you will get bogged! I hope I am not telling you to "suck eggs" but you have mentioned that you are new to 4wd'ing. General rule is that you use your own gear to get you out of trouble. Also make sure you have good recovery point on your veh. If not, they are easily fitted by a trained person. Good to have one on the back and two on the front if you can. Having two can share the load over the car when getting pulled out.

Anyway, good luck with it all. As long as you stick with a big brand name tyre you should be fine. It's not like sand will chew up your tyres like the Birdsville track etc etc so which every tyre you choose it should last a long time.

Cheers,

trolute replied:

Agree with Gossy, tyre pressure is vital. In my old 4WD, which had skinny old 7.50x16, I would go places with the tyre down around 15 psi.

Now have Patrol, and have 285/75x16, and all it means on the sand is that I can get further before letting out the air, but you should still reduce air, as it spreads the load better, and avoids envrionmental damage. I run about 20psi with these fatter tyres, and it hums along. I have a cheap hand pump and an electric ($80) from SupaCheap. 4WD shops pumps are nice, but overpriced, IMHO. Handpump will never fail, is light, and can also be used for............ inflating stuff!

Be aware that if you go aggressive treads, like I have (bridgestone MT) then if you start to slow in the sand, dont put the boot down, as the muddies will dig strainght into the sand. AT tyres are better in the sand unless you are really racing along.

Boats are different freq (VHF) and vehicles are ussually UHF. There are no radios that I know of that have both. GME make nice radios, and are Oz company.

TrolUte

Banjo (SA) replied:

Far as I know entry level boat comms is 27 meg marine - A GME unit plus a good antenna with base would be $300. UHF is best for most short distance land comms so you would need the two systems it seems - or maybe not ! Re tyres, just about anything let down to low pressure would be good in sand, IF driven properly. When you get onto the stones in the outback, tyre choice is a much bigger issue IMO. I'm often changing pressures to suit the terrain- sand, bitumen and gravel/stones - I reckon its worth it - an electric pump is just about a must if you want to get into that.

Rob! replied:

The Uniden UHO90 has both 447 UHF and 27 AM. RRP $495
or $334 at presitge comms with free delivery.

R.

thehobbit replied:

One thing I have noticed in the replies I have read, no-one has mentioned INSURANCE, make sure you dont buy tyres that are not on the tyre placard in your glove box. If you do make sure you contact your ins comp and either inform them of the tyre size fitted. Most tyre compaies worth their salt will advize you of this, I'm very glad Rob Tucket of Tyrepower in Hastings Vic warned me about this issue and suggested I contact my Insurance Company before buying.
I you have a bingle they can if they want to, refuse to pay up !! NOT GOOD !!!
Dave