nrddct

Looking to try out the dunes in Michigan. Kinda nervous about the current wheel/tire setup. On stock 21's with 295/40 scorpion winter tires still.

I've tested driving on the beach sand nearby without issues at full tire pressure but have been reading people suggest running lower PSI. Wondering the rec psi for a 295/40? Or if its a bad idea to begin with? Wondering if anyone else has been experience in the sand?

RS-America

I run on 18" wheels to get as much rubber as possible. And yes you do want to reduce your tire pressure as much as you are comfortable. Would not try this without a set of Maxtrax - https://us.maxtrax.com.au Ideally run with a friend that has a 4x4 with a winch.
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mtnrat

Low tire pressure and don't be afraid of using the gas to keep your momentum up. Also best to stop on a slight downhill so you can use gravity to get going again.

disasterman

There is so little sidewall on those I don't know how much that would help, those tires will be like slicks. These trucks are very heavy and not great in soft sand and the wrong tire. I have an '09 GTS as well.

nrddct

well I got some smaller wheels (18in vs the factory 21in). They came with the tires which are michelin pilots. Ill try these out on the dunes.

And just FYI 53offset fits the gts. Close though. Factory wheels were 57offset.

nrddct

I didnt like the thought of using suction cups to the fenders so I made this bracket from a shelving bracket and some pipe parts I sourced from home depot.



I think I"m ready

nrddct

well made it up to silverlake today. Had trouble on some of the hills although I probably didnt push it hard enough. Was a learning experience today. Had tires at 20 front and 25rear psi. Computer didnt like those values and kept warning of flat tire heh.

Sorry for the link. photoshop stopped linking to third parties meh

h_____

Hi should have said on facebook - I run at about 12-15 psi on sand. The idea is at the lower tyre pressure the sidewalls deflate and increase the lateral contact patch, as well as soften the patch. This gives traction. However with street 40 profile tyres on 21" you arent going to get a lot of movement.

I ran mine originally on the 21s with 40 profile tyres and struggled (used to get stuck loads), swapping to 18"s and a 60 or 65 profile made a world of difference. I think you are either going to have live with it, or take the plunge and get another set of rims / tyres.

I kept my 21s" thinking I'll swap back when I want the road manors, but never have!

RS-America

We have been running General Grabber AT2s 255-55-18 for five years now - they have not failed us. Considering BFG AT KO2s when it comes time to replace the General Grabbers. On 18s aired down for traction and a set of recovery planks like MaxTrax you should have a lot of fun. We were out playing with this Camel Trophy Defender in the sand and had no issues:

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nrddct

yea I ended up getting 18in OEM wheels which came with michelin pilots 255/55r18. I'll probably just run these until I wear them out.

h_____

Good choice, once you wear them out, there is loads of choice and discussion on here on tyres. Depending what you want to do. I used a lot of the past posts and comments from the guys on here to guide my recent change - and I'm very happy! :-)

nrddct

ever experience suspension component failures? Dunes were pretty uneven in some areas so alot of stress I would think on the airbags especially at max height

nodoors

There are a few people who have blown air struts or the metal cuff above them. Most of the stories seem to be related to hard curb and pot hole hits, though. Just drive it like you stole it and worry about the consequences later, haha. Life is too short to hold back when you have a great machine and perfect conditions to really use it!

I regret the fun I have missed much more than the repairs I was saddled with when things went sideways.

h_____

Its a concern I share. The suspension is taking quite a beating and the car is nearing 10 years old. There comes a point where I may need to replace.

Interestingly the car was stood for 4 weeks, upon return the front right corner was sat on the bottom. I assume this indicates a leak of some kind, and probably should look to get it replaced?

The idea of dealing with it when it happens is fine (its my current approach), however, you can be pretty remote when that happens and its not going to be easy to get the car back out.

CaptainGSR

I sure as hell would not run 21s anywhere off-road nor at lower pressures. I already cringe anytime there is anything on the pavement...