Sand Driving • Technique • Part 1 of 3
Dune Dominator: Essential Techniques for Driving on Sand
Conquer the shifting sands with confidence. Nail two fundamentals—tyre pressure and momentum—and you’ll glide over beaches and dunes with less drama and fewer recoveries.
The Big Idea: Flotation & Flow
- Airing down widens the contact patch so tyres ride on the surface, not in it.
- Momentum should be smooth and continuous — just enough to carry you, never digging.
Airing Down: How Low Should You Go?
Adjust to sand type, vehicle weight, and tyre construction. Start conservative, then fine-tune.
| Surface | Starting PSI | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Firm / wet beach | 18–22 | Good steering feel with decent flotation. |
| Dry beach / small dunes | 15–18 | Looser sand needs a larger footprint. |
| Deep, hot inland dunes | 12–15 | Extremes: brief 8–10 to get moving, then reinflate ASAP. |
Golden Rules
- Air down before entering soft sand (on firm ground).
- Smooth inputs at low PSI: gentle steering, throttle, and braking.
- Check sidewall bulge & heat periodically; lower pressure = lower speed.
- If you start to bog, stop, drop 2–3 PSI more, clear a small ramp, and try again.
- Reinflate as soon as you’re back on firm track or tarmac.
Momentum Without Wheelspin
Technique
- Build speed early on firm approaches, then maintain a light, steady throttle.
- Higher gears (2nd/3rd auto; 2nd manual) smooth torque spikes.
- Feather the throttle like a dimmer; avoid sudden stabs.
Vehicle Aids
- Consider relaxing traction control slightly to allow minimal slip (practice safely).
- Use 4-High for most sand; keep steering inputs wide and smooth.
When You Bog Down: Mini-Recovery Checklist
- Stop immediately. Don’t spin — it digs trenches.
- Air down more by 2–4 PSI.
- Shovel ramps in front/behind tyres; clear any belly-out sand.
- Seat recovery boards under the leading edge.
- Idle out in a taller gear with steady throttle until you reach firm ground.
- If needed, assisted recovery with a kinetic rope between rated points and clear comms.
Gear We Trust for Sand
Staun Tyre Deflators — Set & Forget (6–30 PSI)
- Clip on and walk away — auto-stops at target PSI.
- Fast, repeatable, back-friendly airing down.
EZ FLATE M.O.A.B. Compressor (Auto-Stop, 10.6 CFM)
- Set PSI on LCD; pump auto-stops at target.
- High flow for big A/Ts; ideal post-beach reinflation.
Recovery Boards (Maxtrax/TRED class)
- Instant traction + ramp; the first tool to deploy.
Sand Ladders + Mounts
- Long-span traction/bridging for heavy touring rigs.
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Practical Drills: Sharpen Your Sand Skills
- PSI Ladder: Drive the same stretch at 20 → 18 → 16 → 14 PSI; note steering feel, engine load, and “float.”
- Momentum Management: Mark a safe run-up and cross a soft patch cleanly without spin.
- Controlled Stop & Go: Bog lightly on purpose; air down, shovel, place boards, and idle out.
Quick Safety & Tread-Lightly Tips
- Use rated recovery points only — never tow balls.
- Carry deflator, accurate gauge, compressor, shovel, boards, and water.
- Respect fragile dune vegetation; stick to designated tracks.
- Travel with a buddy when possible; keep comms clear.
Bottom Line
Drop PSI until you float, then maintain silky-smooth momentum. With boards and a kinetic rope in the kit, most beaches and dune climbs become confident, drama-free drives.
© Overland Gear Guide — Tested in the field by real overlanders.