Sand Tire Suggestions Anyone

gtj · June 25, 2005

Dear Group,

I though I'd ask this question here first as it seems there are often tire questions and 4-wheelers responses.

What size tire and any recommendations would I need to traverse through beach sand with some moderate sand drifts (approximately 10 feet in height) without significant risk of getting stuck? Airing down I understand is recommended.

I have a '95 Suburban that I use to access kayak areas. Powertrax locker in rear, T-bars adjusted up a bit to fit 235 X 85 R16 tires (32" diameter) Firestone Destinaton MT or in summer 265 X 75 R16s. A lift kit and/or front locker is not out of the question.

There are some areas that I could get the kayak alot closer by a sand access route so as not to require carrying the 'yak across the sand that whole distance. Want a little energy left to paddle! The sand is deep and loose and dry with some moderate sized mounds and valleys that I'd have to go through/over. I've drove slowly into the sand in 4X4 Low a few times but start bouncing and spinning climbing up the sandy slope. It's a bit of an uphill grade getting back from the water, so I didn't persue it further.

Thanks,

Glenn

Wingnut · June 26, 2005

How aggressive of a tire do you want?

If you're looking at AT tires, my Nitto Terragrappler tires kick ass in the sand for AT tires.

facn8me · June 26, 2005

I have the terra grapplers. Never tried anything else since this is my first 4x4. My girlfriend is from vegas. She prefers to drive a 4x4 so I did what I could. I choose the terra grapplers for all around performance. I wanted something quiet and wore well. We do go out to vegas 1 or twice a year. I also wanted something that would work well in sand. It also snows occasionally and rains quite often. I have had them in the sand but did not air down at all. Never though I would get stuck, although the soft sand made me think about gettin out and letting air out. They work OK in the mud. Gotta keep'em spinning cause they don't clean out easy. All and all I and more importantly she is happy.

Tire size wise I'd look into 285 75's if you have the room

gtj · June 26, 2005

Hi Wingnut,

I'm not looking for a very aggressive tire, as I have the Firestone Destination M/T tires for the winter snow season.

I checked the Nitto site and the Terra Grapplers you suggest look great. What size are you running with what lift and rims?

Thanks for the info,

Glenn

gtj · June 26, 2005

Hi facn8me,

Thanks for the real life experiences with the Nitto Grapplers.

Nice looking rig. Kudos to keeping your gal happy!

Thanks,

Glenn

GF7PE · June 27, 2005

I have had the Nittos also. They were a pretty good all around at tire. I had BFG at's before the nittos and bought them after the nittos as well. I thought that the BFG offered a bit more floatation than the nittos but if you have to climb some decent size drifts the Nittos might help you up there as they are a tad more agressive. The Nittos are a little more tire pressure sensitve but as long as you adjust the rear psi depending on the load you shouldnt have a problem.

Wingnut · June 27, 2005

Hi Wingnut,

I'm not looking for a very aggressive tire, as I have the Firestone Destination M/T tires for the winter snow season.

I checked the Nitto site and the Terra Grapplers you suggest look great. What size are you running with what lift and rims?

Thanks for the info,

Glenn

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'm running 285/75/r16 with no lift.

facn8me is right about the mud. They really don't do so well there. But 90% of my off-road comes in the form of sand...So I know they do quite well there. Better than BFG A/T, and better than the Bridgeston Dueller (both regular and Revo versions).

They're also a LOT cheaper than BFGs or Revos.

GLOCKM22 · June 27, 2005

You can't go wrong with the Baja Claws. You will NOT get stuck with these! They may be a bit more aggressive than you want but once you get them on you won't think that. They don't look bad at all once they are on. Nitto is a sweet tire; as i run the DR's on my SS Camaro.