Driving on sand advice
When we drive in the sand:
- low range [so you have the power you need before you get stuck]
- air down 10lbs
- sand mode [spin only when you need to]
- 2-3 gear but Drive works fine for 90% of the time
- slow starts with "aggressively gradual" acceleration
- keep momentum at all costs [especially when going uphill]
I drive all summer on the beach, in a number of vehicles, and this advice above is spot on. The sand on our beach is soft, and thus easier to get stuck in. One thing I would note is that the LR4's Sand Mode is for "hard packed sand" according to the manual. When on soft sand, turn off the "DSC", and you should be fine. And yes, it's always a good idea to deflate the tires. How far you drop them is your call, but I go to a measured 18-20psi.
As a side note, I have a 1954 Willys (CJ-3B) that I also take on the same beach. At 56 years old, it performs a little better (although the ride is rougher) on the beach than my Acura MDX, and my LR4. I think the reason is less electronics which means the driver can "feel" there way across the sand. Just a guess though...
As for tools to bring on the beach I'd recommend a tow rope, a shovel, etc, but the only thing you really need is a wooden board. Bring one that's a few inches wider than your tires, and about 2 feet long. If you get stuck, wedge it under a tire, and drive off.
