Patrol GU 3.0 Auto for beach towing?

Turbo the only way to go, good wide tyres let down to 18psi in soft stuff, will eliminate the need for diff locks the whole idea on the sand roll on top not dig in traction. Ray

We have a 3ltr auto & tow a kimberly kamper with no problems on sand as long as we lower tyre pressures to suit the conditions.

Bob

jj- different vehicles, but similar issue and some hints. I have a '98 petrol Prado, auto and just bought a Windsor Rapid 14'6" caravan (about 1.6 tonnes loaded- single axle) last month. Have been going to Fraser for years, and decided to take the Rapid this Easter. Van runs 235 x 15's and Prado 265 x 16's. Lowered car to 18 psi and van to 20 psi.
No problems getting on and off the barge or through the soft bits on and off the beach. I chose to travel with the van at dead low tide, so had hard packed sand all the way. Have to say that there wasn't a lot of traction in reserve in the soft stuff, but no great issues.

HOWEVER, when I had to drive up the soft sand track (with deep wheel ruts) into the Cathedral Beach camping resort, I used low range but still ground to a halt. My Hayman Reese load levelling kit (spring bars and chains) was being towed about 6" deep in the sand in the middle of the track. I dug them out and removed them. I got a helpful push from a Troopy load of backpackers (who were stuck behind me), and got through OK. On the way out, I left the chains and bars off until I got down to the beach. As it was, the rest of the hitch was dragging deeply in the sand, but not enough to stop things.
Was at the Brisbane 4WD show yesterday and discussed it with the guy at the Hayman Reese stand. He agreed with my strategy. If I had to tow in deep sand, I'd consider using my old standard hitch which doesn't have all that "stuff" hanging down so low.
Regards!

JJ,
As mentioned somewhere else, lower the tyre pressures to 12 to 15 psi, don't forget to lower the trailer pressures as well, I had mine as low as 6 psi, make sure you can see a tread pattern in the sand when you move forward it's a good indication you've got the pressures right. When you lower the trailer tyre pressures make sure yur compressor can reach them to pump the tyres back up again, a lot of standard combinations won't reach, as I found out to my embarrassment (once). I've got a 3.0 ltr Turbo diesel, it's easy. Diff Locks forget it you won't need them, they can be down right bloody dangerous actually, I don't use them on the beach at all any more. If you fit those auto lockers you will have trouble, air lockers would be the best option you can disengage them completely. My experiences and opinions as always, sorry to any offended.