Can my X5 make it in this terrain (beach) ?

edco · #1 05-20-2011, 02:51 AM

Greetings
My family is looking to rent a vacation home in the outer banks of North Carolina. We thought we found the perect getaway, but then the owner asked me what type of vehicle I own. I told him it was an AWD X5, and his reaction surprised me. He stated that its "possible" but only if I lower the PSI on my tires to 20 lbs.

He also included this quick amateur video as a guide.YouTube - ‪Welcome to our home - Moonshadow‬&rlm;

It's about 4 miles from the paved road to the beach as you'll see.
What made me REALLY nervous is the following paragraph:

AWD will be OK as long as you air down to 20psi and you don't venture out into the backside and just travel to the house and back. Traveling at low tide will be very important especially with an AWD. Fortunately, the Sunday of your arrival the low tide is at 3:30 in the afternoon which is perfect timing. On the Sunday of your departure, low tide is at 9:30AM which is also perfect timing. Let me know what you have and I will advise. I feel that as long as you have a sense of adventure, and you air your tires down that even if your car is an AWD that you will be OK.

I've had bypass surgery, and my son is bringing his 8 month old baby. My wife is fearful that if there was an emergency, we wouldn't be able to get out.

Anyone got an idea/thoughts on whether its worth the risk...?

thanks
ed

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nom3rcy · #2 05-20-2011, 03:59 AM

Do you have any off road experience? The X5 is very capable in the right hands, so as long as you have decent tires the vehicle should be able to handle it.

My tips:

Momentum is your friend. Try to build speed before reaching the soft spots.

If you start bogging down FLOOR IT. Do whatever you can to keep momentum going. Saw the wheel back and forth, drive up on the vegetation a bit, whatever you can to maintain momentum... BUT...

and this is a big BUT! If you feel it really bogging down, and the truck is stopping forward progress, STOP SPINNING THE TIRES. Let off the gas immediately so you don't dig yourself into a hole. Once the tires are dug in it is a LOT harder to push or pull out. Could be the difference between your son pushing you out or you having to call for a tow truck.

If you are stopped on the sand for whatever reason, and need to start moving, begin by letting off the brake. If the torque at idle isn't enough to move you along, you will need to very VERY lightly apply the throttle. Pretend there is an egg between your foot and the gas pedal. Keep your eyes on the tires and apply gas until you start moving, or until the tires spin. If they spin, you're digging yourself into a hole.

A very good precaution would be to buy a tow strap to keep in the truck, and make sure your towing eye is easy to get to (ie not under all your luggage in the back) that way a good sam could help you out even if he didn't have a strap.

Another thought - snow chains would really make it a sinch, but people will probably laugh at you.

Nik · #3 05-20-2011, 06:34 AM

I thnk it shouldn't be a problem. ^ great describtion

Cole · #4 05-20-2011, 06:35 AM

What tyres do you have on your X? If you have any form of ATR's then it should be doable, but less so if you have pure highway tyres. If you decide to give it a go do like they say and drop the tyre pressure, this makes a huge difference in sand. Also turn off your traction control as this prevents the wheels spinning and can stop you getting onto the power when you need to keep momentum. nom3rcy is correct, speed and momentum is your friend, hit the bad patches as fast as possible.

huntertec · #5 05-20-2011, 07:58 AM

I have alot done of beach driving over many years as most people in Aus have with 4WD vehicles, yes and tyres is in your case is the main issue low profile is out 20psi is in, the ideal on an X is 17'' to obtain the maximum benefit of deflation. Do a practice run somewhere where you wont get yourself or family in trouble. Other advice given is good to follow.

motordavid · #6 05-20-2011, 08:51 AM

Ed,
Tough decision, from afar, for you...as everyone noted, the X is very capable and the tire psi is the deal. You may need to cop a Black & Decker Air Station which has the cig plug cord, for pumping your tires back to 'paved road psi' when you reach the real road.

I am assuming, there are neighbors at the rental house area, and I would bet someone has a serious-azz 4x4 if you really get in a bind...
Or, take a Pasadena and find a joint less extreme, as in the JoiseyShore.
GL, mD

JCL · #7 05-20-2011, 07:17 PM

Agree with others posting above. Driving experience matters more than the vehicle. The X5 does fine, with DSC off, in sand. 17" tires are best, the larger/wider tires aren't as good. 20psi is a good target. Carry a pump to reinflate them when you are back on the hardpack. Also carry a cell phone, and make sure you have a towing eye in your toolkit (with the jack).

TriX5 · #8 05-20-2011, 09:17 PM

mount some super swampers.... :-) j/k

Roadkill · #9 05-20-2011, 11:18 PM

Most likely the property owner is being very cautious because he doesn't know you. My guess is that some idiot sunk his range rover to the hubs because he was trying to be cool in the sand. I would think you're good to go with smart, common sense driving. Cooler heads will prevail. Good luck.

themoth · #10 05-20-2011, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dinan e39

Most likely the property owner is being very cautious because he doesn't know you. My guess is that some idiot sunk his range rover to the hubs because he was trying to be cool in the sand. I would think you're good to go with smart, common sense driving. Cooler heads will prevail. Good luck.

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