sand driving

Hi Vitara
We have a hilux within one of our companies, and we the son takes it to double Island point regularly, we normally run 15-18 lb depending on how dry or wet the sand is, as yet we have had no problems getting stuck, and as for the tires we are using same brand and size, just drop the pressure and pick the right gear, we also drag a six meter off-road van up with 100 series and no problem as long as the tire pressure is right, you should always take a couple of snatch straps and shackles,
Go and get into it
Rene'

31's are a fairly large size for the low wright of the lux so a lower pressure may be the way to go. We are normally pretty heavy with the surf and also run 31's, I run 16psi on sand and she goes well. We are now running GY MTR's, we were running the old desert duellers before that. Same pressures, never a drama.

It's not so much a matter of the skinnier the better - but of large diameter versus small and high profile versus low profile.

When tyre pressure is reduced, its footprint lengthens considerably. The larger the tyre diameterand the greater the height of the side-wall, the greater this effect.

Wide, low-profile tyres inhibit this footprint lengthening - as do wider rims.

For sand-going the best combination is usually the largest\ possible diameter tyre of the narrowest legally possible rim.

Tyres also bag out, but this occurs too high up the side wall to be of any great effect. There is only very minor widening of the actual footprint. By the time the tyre has sunk to the bagged out area, the vehicle is usually bogged.

In most (but not all) off-road going a standard 750 x 16 tyre will outperform a widie. If you disbelieve this check what competitors use in the Paris Dakar Rally -they are specially made 700 by 16s.

4WD magazines sometimes do comparison tests - and usually report much the above - often adding a note that they were surprised by the result!
Collyn Rivers

When you purchase your permit at Lavis Lane just ask the attendant how soft the sand is and what the locals have been running.
Last time we were there which was around April we were running 14psi as the sand was really soft. We never had any dramas with a variety of large vehicles. We started at 16psi as recommended and then went down to 14psi as the vehicles were working a bit hard.
Have fun.

Hi Vitara. I am a a local. Was over there last Sunday. The sand was drying out after the rain from a few days before. It should be pretty dry after this weeks fine weather.I have 265/75 16 Pro Comp ATs on a 3lt GU. Have the deflaters set at 16psi. Goes anywhere the engine will pull wet or dry. Occasionaly go down to 12 or 14 if recovering others. Had BFG ATs on a Jackaroo previously, found they worked better 2-3psi lower than the original Wranglers. Either of your tyre sizes will be fine. Just fine tune your pressures as you go and have a lot of fun. Regards Chris

Thankyou all for your responses, I will just keep on the bfg and drop the pressure to 16 psi see how we go if need be will drop another 2psi if really required. Thanks again Take Care Vitara