| Author | Message | ||
| Caseman
New member Username: Caseman Post Number: 1 Registered: 10-2002 |
We just purchased a 2001 Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer. I need some help from the experts at Cafe Local. What do I need to do and have to drive in the sand besides the beach tag and all the fishing gear? Checklists and tips are much appreciated. Thanks. Caseman | ||
| Beachnut
New member Username: Beachnut Post Number: 30 Registered: 4-2002 |
Here is a list off the top of my head. I believe the literature you get when you buy the vehicle permit has some guidelines and I'm sure the DE state park web site does too - www.destateparks.com. Low pressure tire gauge - let your tire pressure down to about 18 lbs or lower. Maybe another board member with an Expedition will chime in on inflation for this truck. A full size shovel for getting unstuck. Comes in handy for other things too like dealing with skates. A piece of wood at least 1 foot by 1 foot to support a jack. Tow strap. Enjoy your new toy! | ||
| 4x4play
New member Username: 4x4play Post Number: 1 Registered: 3-2003 |
Good list of the "essentials" Beachnut. To your list, I'd add a fly swatter and a few cans of Off! The flies have been horrendous! | ||
| Caseman
Advanced Member Username: Caseman Post Number: 202 Registered: 10-2002 |
Great thank Beachnut and 4x4play! How about some driving tips? | ||
| 4x4play
New member Username: 4x4play Post Number: 2 Registered: 3-2003 |
Probably the most important thing is to remember to air down!!! Too many people get stuck because they think they can make it without airing down. Next, it's safer to go in in 4 wheel drive. I've seen idiots go in in 2 wheel and try to switch mid-way....not always smart! Try to drive in the tracks that have already been established. This will create a little smoother ride, and less likelihood of burying yourself. **If you do get stuck, don't floor it. You'll only bury yourself. Easiest thing to do is rock yourself our of a jam. Always be mindful of the others on the beach. Try to leave enough room between you and the guy you pull up next to. Too often you'll have the entire beach, and the next guy will come in and pull up right next to you!!! | ||
| Jjm
Junior Member Username: Jjm Post Number: 67 Registered: 10-2002 |
in addition to what every one else has said ,....common sence ,and patience for the people who dont have any....take your trash with you and enjoy it all | ||
| Caseman
Advanced Member Username: Caseman Post Number: 203 Registered: 10-2002 |
I assume it would be best to use 4Wheel low instead of high? Any other Expy owners have any expereices or advice? | ||
| 4x4play
New member Username: 4x4play Post Number: 3 Registered: 3-2003 |
I generally use 4 wheel high. The sand usually doesn't warrant low. As, Jjm said, remember to clean up after yourself and have fun! | ||
| Caseman
Advanced Member Username: Caseman Post Number: 204 Registered: 10-2002 |
thanks all!! maybe i will see you out there. look for a blue and gold Expy. | ||
| Beachnut
New member Username: Beachnut Post Number: 31 Registered: 4-2002 |
I also user 4 wheel high in my Bronco. Keep your momentum up until you know where you want to stop. I'm in a two tone blue/white Bronco with a large yellow lab hanging around. Stop by if you see me. | ||
| Jjm
Junior Member Username: Jjm Post Number: 68 Registered: 10-2002 |
never had to use 4L , ....only time was when I used my old toyo 4 cyl in reverse to pull out a full size bronco ,...drove away from that grinning !!!! | ||
| Delangler
Junior Member Username: Delangler Post Number: 70 Registered: 10-2002 |
I measured up the space between the wheel wells of my Explorer,( with the backseat in the upright position) and found a container (turns out, one intended for Xmas decorations) to hold all the following: small tool kit tow rope can of Fix-a-flat quart of oil shovel (folding) jack board air compressor first aid kit fire extinguisher jumper cables set of wiper blades schrader tool,spare valve caps extra rain top duct tape electrical tape (I think I put a bottle jack in there and maybe a second tow rope, can't quite remember.) In various other places in the car, I carry; dial type air gauge Oasis off-road deflators CB radio 3D cell Maglite another raintop a whisk broom a small box for trash Other things that I use to make beach drivin' easier: -freeze a 2.5 gallon container of spring water(can be refilled after empty),not only is it a block of ice for your cooler, but the melt water can be used for drinking and washing. - consider getting floor mats with DEEP wells (front and back) for holding all the sand knocked off of everyones' feet. Also a cargo area mat with the two inch lip. I also invested in light nylon/pvc coated seat covers. Not only do they save the seats from wet waders and swim suits and sand, the back seat bench cover is performing a miracle with two young children riding back there all the time  . Hope this helps. D. | ||
| Beachnut
New member Username: Beachnut Post Number: 32 Registered: 4-2002 |
Wow - I guess that just about covers it! You certainly are well prepared, Delangler. And I must second the jumper cables. | ||
| Delangler
Junior Member Username: Delangler Post Number: 71 Registered: 10-2002 |
Thanks Beachnut, I've been in 'bad', missed being in 'bad' , and pulled others out of 'bad'. Never hurts havin' the right thing at the right time. Nothin worse then being stuck on an empty stretch of beach or a desolate point. The only thing I think I wish I had was, ..maybe an electric winch (LOL). Stay tuned for driving tips . D. PS - Forgot to add that I carry spare fuses too, for everything from the cell phone adapter and CB plug to the air compressor and standard vehicle fuses. | ||
| Basspro_de
New member Username: Basspro_de Post Number: 1 Registered: 2-2003 |
has fishing been good enough to even bother driving onto the beach? fishing slowed way down for me. hopefully trout will be hitting good soon. | ||
| Uglystik
Member Username: Uglystik Post Number: 104 Registered: 10-2002 |
DO NOT DRIVE DOWN BY THE WATER LIKE YOU SEE ON TV. THAT WILL MAKE FOR A BAD DAY. SEEN IT HAPPEN A FEW TIMES. | ||
| Caseman
Advanced Member Username: Caseman Post Number: 205 Registered: 10-2002 |
Deangler, thanks for the great list. I think I need a loan to get all that gear Basspro, not sure, nut you are probably right Uglystik, No way, I will make sure there is at least 40 feet between the water and the truck. Thanks for all your responses. | ||
| Caseman
Advanced Member Username: Caseman Post Number: 206 Registered: 10-2002 |
Which parks in Delaware have air stations? | ||
| Matey
Senior Member Username: Matey Post Number: 456 Registered: 10-2002 |
it is on the info literature with the rules and regs you get when you get your tag. | ||
| Scooter122
New member Username: Scooter122 Post Number: 37 Registered: 4-2003 |
Large Gaitor aide bottle just in case you gotta go  scoot | ||
| Flukinuki
New member Username: Flukinuki Post Number: 19 Registered: 7-2003 |
Caseman...ya may want to check out this site for info on your EX and driving on the beach. TONS of great info here: http://www.explorer4x4.com/index.html Try a search in the "general explorations" forum for driving on sand or driving on the beach. And for those of you who are inclined there is also some good information regarding "on board air" systems so you dont have to find an air station to air your tires back up after being out on the beach. While your there be sure to check ouot some of the photos...you wont believe what some of these guys are doing with their EX's! | ||
| Wgl56
Senior Member Username: Wgl56 Post Number: 419 Registered: 11-2000 |
Although it's probably great fun, I can't, for the life of me figure out why anyone would want to drive anywhere that one of your tires has to reach 5ft DOWN to touch ground, while the other three are still 5ft up. Not to mention that there is no water in site. But, hey, I'm glad that many enjoy that sort of thing, or else the beach would be that much more crowded, and all the money they spend on a suspension that will let an axel to leave the vehicule like that, has to help the economy. I'm still trying to figure out how to handle flat sand | ||
| Flukinuki
New member Username: Flukinuki Post Number: 21 Registered: 7-2003 |
I posted the link because the actually is some very good info on that site regarding driving on the sand/beach NOT to suggest we should all jack our trucks up and drive to the canyon! Although...maybe Im on to something here There is also alot of good maintenance information/tips for those of us who are LUCKY ENOUGH to own Ford Exploders Right caseman? I am LUCKY ENOUGH to own one of the worlds few 1991 EX with 2 WHEEL DRIVE and an open rear differential!...No sand for me thanks!  But what the heck...the truck was FREE! | ||
| Iceismeltin
New member Username: Iceismeltin Post Number: 5 Registered: 10-2002 |
All these posts, and nobody mentions the most important thing on the truck....BEER!! I don't know if I can speak to you guys anymore! HEHE...Mikey | ||
| Iceismeltin
New member Username: Iceismeltin Post Number: 6 Registered: 10-2002 |
Caseman, good advice from all....especially...AIR DOWN...you should never get stuck. But, beware the surf-bug...you will end up with a mobile beachfront condo that does nothing but sit most of the year...IE...  | ||
| Charlietuna
Senior Member Username: Charlietuna Post Number: 1458 Registered: 7-2000 |
Yo Mikey, where the hell you been? Are you coming Saturday? Get in touch with Joe. BTW, where is that picture from? With the little spit of sand between water and the rocks in the background, perhaps the point at Cape Henlopen three years ago? |