Best way to drive on soft sand?

wagga · Jul 8th, 2010, 15:21

Hi

I've driven my XC90 on an open beach with slightly hard sand (on the edge of sea water). Could drive at 50km/h for 30km without any issue - DSTC remain On and GEARBOX on Auto.

However, planning to drive on a soft sand area next week.

SHOULD I switch the DSTC to OFF and should I opted for manual on the geartronic. I reckon I would be driving about 20km/h. Should I be on manual gear 2 and/or 3 all the time? (Of course will deflate tyre to 20psi)

ANy tips appreciated.

RoyMacDonald · Jul 8th, 2010, 17:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by wagga

Hi

I've driven my XC90 on an open beach with slightly hard sand (on the edge of sea water). Could drive at 50km/h for 30km without any issue - DSTC remain On and GEARBOX on Auto.

However, planning to drive on a soft sand area next week.

SHOULD I switch the DSTC to OFF and should I opted for manual on the geartronic. I reckon I would be driving about 20km/h. Should I be on manual gear 2 and/or 3 all the time? (Of course will deflate tyre to 20psi)

ANy tips appreciated.

That's not you is it? There's a Perth in Scotland and Australia.

I'd try it in auto and with it on first then, with DSTC off and see how it goes.

bobdabuilda · Jul 8th, 2010, 20:56

I think he's in Perth WA the best one! Have you been up to the pinnacles and Lancelin sand dunes in the xc90 yet wagga? I had great fun in the dunes with a Toyota back in 04.. those were the days.

wagga · Jul 8th, 2010, 21:57

I am in Perth Australia.

I went to Lancelin but kept mostly to the harder sand. Not too concern at Lancelin as recovery vehicle is not too far off.

Planning to drive in Peron Peninsula. That is a bit of distance to cover over there.

bobdabuilda · Jul 9th, 2010, 07:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by wagga

I am in Perth Australia.

I went to Lancelin but kept mostly to the harder sand. Not too concern at Lancelin as recovery vehicle is not too far off.

Planning to drive in Peron Peninsula. That is a bit of distance to cover over there.

I am green with envy! I didn't make it that far North, don't forget to check out the pink lakes on the way up and that ruined prison settlement (spooky).

RoyMacDonald · Jul 9th, 2010, 11:50

So it's a bit more than driving on the beach then?

OK. 50% tyre pressure, grease the windscreen or cover it during a sandstorm, do not use your windscreen washer/wipers. Press DTSC button. Get a ground anchor and fix a winch to the back, and when you get back on tarmac check you still have working brakes as the sand can wear them down to nothing even if you don't use them much. As for auto, I'm not sure, with the DTSC pressed that may be OK. But the usual rule is to use a higher gear than first so use second or third if you find it's not good enough in auto. (could press the W switch as well. I think that gives a higher gear.)

RoyMacDonald · Jul 10th, 2010, 13:35

I forgot to say to use tyres with the least tread on them as possible, bearing in mind you still have to be legal on the tarmac.

wagga · Jul 10th, 2010, 15:11

Having 2nd thought about driving at the Peron Peninsula (in WA, Aus). Written guide do not recommend AWD ............

Jul 8th, 2010, 15:21	#1
wagga Member Last Online: Jan 19th, 2013 23:41 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Perth	Best way to drive on soft sand? Hi I've driven my XC90 on an open beach with slightly hard sand (on the edge of sea water). Could drive at 50km/h for 30km without any issue - DSTC remain On and GEARBOX on Auto. However, planning to drive on a soft sand area next week. SHOULD I switch the DSTC to OFF and should I opted for manual on the geartronic. I reckon I would be driving about 20km/h. Should I be on manual gear 2 and/or 3 all the time? (Of course will deflate tyre to 20psi) ANy tips appreciated. __________________ 2009 XC90 AWD 3.2

Jul 8th, 2010, 21:57	#4
wagga Member Last Online: Jan 19th, 2013 23:41 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Perth	I am in Perth Australia. I went to Lancelin but kept mostly to the harder sand. Not too concern at Lancelin as recovery vehicle is not too far off. Planning to drive in Peron Peninsula. That is a bit of distance to cover over there. __________________ 2009 XC90 AWD 3.2

Jul 9th, 2010, 11:50	#6
RoyMacDonald VOC Member Last Online: Feb 1st, 2023 11:27 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Rye, East Sussex View Photos By: RoyMacDonald	So it's a bit more than driving on the beach then? OK. 50% tyre pressure, grease the windscreen or cover it during a sandstorm, do not use your windscreen washer/wipers. Press DTSC button. Get a ground anchor and fix a winch to the back, and when you get back on tarmac check you still have working brakes as the sand can wear them down to nothing even if you don't use them much. As for auto, I'm not sure, with the DTSC pressed that may be OK. But the usual rule is to use a higher gear than first so use second or third if you find it's not good enough in auto. (could press the W switch as well. I think that gives a higher gear.) __________________ 1984 245 SE 1986 345 SE Auto 1991 940 TD Auto 2003 XC90 D5 SE AWD Geartronic2002 V70 D5 SE Auto 2014 V40 D2 SE Tiptronic Cross Country 2017 V40 D2 Cross Country Geartronic Pro 2015 XC60 D5 Polestar SE Lux Nav AWD Geartronic Last edited by RoyMacDonald; Jul 9th, 2010 at 12:12.

Jul 10th, 2010, 13:35	#7
RoyMacDonald VOC Member Last Online: Feb 1st, 2023 11:27 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Rye, East Sussex View Photos By: RoyMacDonald	I forgot to say to use tyres with the least tread on them as possible, bearing in mind you still have to be legal on the tarmac. __________________ 1984 245 SE 1986 345 SE Auto 1991 940 TD Auto 2003 XC90 D5 SE AWD Geartronic2002 V70 D5 SE Auto 2014 V40 D2 SE Tiptronic Cross Country 2017 V40 D2 Cross Country Geartronic Pro 2015 XC60 D5 Polestar SE Lux Nav AWD Geartronic

Jul 10th, 2010, 15:11	#8
wagga Member Last Online: Jan 19th, 2013 23:41 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Perth	Having 2nd thought about driving at the Peron Peninsula (in WA, Aus). Written guide do not recommend AWD ............ __________________ 2009 XC90 AWD 3.2

Jul 8th, 2010, 20:56	#3
bobdabuilda Premier Member Last Online: May 31st, 2022 11:32 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: south	I think he's in Perth WA the best one! Have you been up to the pinnacles and Lancelin sand dunes in the xc90 yet wagga? I had great fun in the dunes with a Toyota back in 04.. those were the days.

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