Sand - Driving Tips

Pajero UK

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December 04, 2008, 09:52:21 PM

Administrator - TinyTim

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Sand -

Sand is similar to mud in that it requires steady momentum and constant
forward speeds but, generally, the speed on sand is higher than required
in mud, so you have to be more alert.

It is not always possible to walk the route - for example, if you’re about
to drive across a desert - so be extra careful in sand and dunes.

All occupants should wear seatbelts, all loose items secured and all
windows shut. Avoid harsh cornering, braking and acceleration, all of
which can cause the tyres tp break the surface crust and start to dig in. If
wheels start to spin and dig in, stop immediately and try to reverse.

If you are stuck, its time to get out the shovel.

Always carry one when driving in sand and, as always, try to travel with
another vehicle. In a hostile place like the sahara desert, this is essential.

Select high or low gearbox, depending on the speed you’re driving.
Engage centre diff lock so that the power is delivered equally to front and
rear axles. Its important to keep moving, so select the highest gear
possible while still being able to maintain around 2000-3000 revs.

Keeping the revs fairly high will give you the chance to be able to back off
the throttle a little, but remember that if a wheel spins in the sand at high
revs it will dig in quicker.

Traction control will help, but remember that it works when a wheel is
spinning, which may be too late in soft sand.

Hi,
Wise words from tbp4x4, I have driven in the Sand many times out in Morocco, letting the tyre pressure down to 1 Bar is the biggest improvement you can make but watch out for rocks on side walls, I also run with out diff lock if possible as it is better to dig one wheel out that 2.

I find TC to be a pain, as you don't want brakes coming on going up a hill and your brake pads wear very fast. I took the fuse out to solve the problem.

If you do get stuck (should read when) you can also heap sand up beside the sunken wheel, and rock the car from side to side the sand will go under the wheel and bring it back to top.

Be very careful driving up the side of a sand dune, as it might be drivable one side and a sheer drop the other. Drive straight not at an angle, as the build up of sand will soon have you over, follow the path of least resistance even if it is a bit further to drive.

Peter