Fully Stocked Maverick AWD - tips for driving in sand?

[Cardinal018]

Hello! I have a fully stock 2023 Ford Maverick with all-wheel drive, and I'm seeking advice on driving in sand. This year, we're going on vacation to the Outer Banks, where our rental home is located on a four-wheel-drive beach.

I understand that I need to lower my tire pressure to about 10 or 15 psi and turn off traction control, but I would appreciate any additional tips you may have.!
I’ve watched some videos on YouTube, and I’ve done some light off-roading on logging roads at a property that I have access to in Virginia for hunting.

Thank you so much
Cardinal.

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[tom_tucker]

Not a 4x4 and will not be welcome in the OB, from what I understand. Personally, I'd rent a 4x4 or bag the idea. I wouldn't take an AWD stock Maverick. Feel free to correct my statements, MTC.

 

[Cardinal018]

Not a 4x4 and will not be welcome in the OB, from what I understand. Personally, I'd rent a 4x4 or bag the idea. I wouldn't take an AWD stock Maverick. Feel free to correct my statements, MTC.

I called the rental company said they let AWD trucks and SUVs down the beach now. Renting might be the best option tho

 

[Clump]

I've driven on the north OBX beach a bunch of times, bioth with AWD and 4WD vehicles. Airing down is the key.

The beach there can change dramatically, especially if there's a storm. I've seen it as easy as pavement and seen it where the water is up to the dunes.

If you're renting there you will have to cross the dunes, which may be a problem. make sure you have a shovel. A tow strap is a good idea.

Off the beach there are some very deep puddles that should be avoided.

 

[Cardinal018]

I've driven on the north OBX beach a bunch of times, bioth with AWD and 4WD vehicles. Airing down is the key.

The beach there can change dramatically, especially if there's a storm. I've seen it as easy as pavement and seen it where the water is up to the dunes.

If you're renting there you will have to cross the dunes, which may be a problem. make sure you have a shovel. A tow strap is a good idea.

Off the beach there are some very deep puddles that should be avoided.

appreciate it everybody I’m going with has four-wheel-drive except for me. We’re all the way up by the state line.

I have boards, shovel, toe strap, and a tow hitch and plug-in pump. I planed to drop my psi to around 15 if I was taking my truck.

 

[Tom 71 Maverick 24]

I called the rental company said they let AWD trucks and SUVs down the beach now. Renting might be the best option tho

Renting is a good option because the rentals have the tires for the task, and who wants to deal with sandy grit in all the moving parts under the car? Although I would find myself wanting to test my own vehicle out there to see what it's capable of...

 

[710-oil-614]

Don’t air down to 10psi that’s too low for your tires and you could risk unseating the tire. 15-20psi will be fine.

I support what others have said in regards to not maybe not using the Maverick but if you have friends with the 4x4 and willing to tug you free if you get stuck then you’d probably be fine.

However if you don’t have an FX4 you won’t have tow hooks so you’ll need an axle strap to get around the lower control arm and you’ll get sandy doing that.

 

[pa4ul]

Don't stop once you commit or you will get stuck. Try to drive with a steady pace, avoid sharp turns and not spin the tires. Avoid large ruts or soft mounded sand. and if you do get stuck keep your wheels straight and try to back up in your tracks. I always carry a strap and some plank tracks when im at the beach.

 

[Joester]

I have the FX4 package and I would welcome the opportunity to "test" my truck, especially if I'm going with other 4X4 vehicles. Not sure I would turn off traction control. Mine has served me well in mud and on ice. Would I go solo? Nope.
I would get a couple sets of straps though. They're reasonably cheap and if a couple vehicles need to combine effort to get you unstuck, Use yours first. I would rather be the one stuck carrying dirty straps after my rescue.
Remember that spinning wheels in sand is the quickest way to bury your truck.

 

[RVIV]

appreciate it everybody I’m going with has four-wheel-drive except for me. We’re all the way up by the state line.

I have boards, shovel, toe strap, and a tow hitch and plug-in pump. I planed to drop my psi to around 15 if I was taking my truck.

I have driven on that beach many times with AWD and no major problems. Avoid high tide & do your best to stick to the smoother/harder packed sand, especially if you need to stop. When you have to cross the dunes, just aim to keep your speed steady and steering straight. It's not too different from driving in snow.

 

[Ozarkbeard]

...Not sure I would turn off traction control...

Isn't the time to turn TC off if/when you actually get stuck?

 

[Joester]

Isn't the time to turn TC off if/when you actually get stuck?

In my mind, yes. Just like typical 4X4 use. use 2X4 until you get stuck, then 4X4 to get out.

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