Driving in Sand?
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Joined: Aug 2013
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2014 GL 350 Bluetec
Driving in Sand?
Has anyone taken the GL on the sand by chance? We go to Nantucket every year and wasn't sure how it would handle on the sand. Some areas are very soft and you have to let out your tires to 12psi. The tires alone (original Continentals) probably wouldn't get me through but just didn't know if anyone has done so.
Thanks!
Thanks!
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From: Minnesota
2015 Ram 2500, former 2013 GL350, 2007 GL450
I seem to remember someone in the X164 forum talking about and taking pictures in the sand. Might want to check in that forum. I would think the experience wold be much the same.
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From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
"Keep moving" is always the best 4 wheel drive advice……so many folks think "ill stop and see if i can get moving again" as a test of their 4wd capability ….WRONG….the systems on GL, and others, are designed to keep you moving! I have the "off road package" for use on tough mud and snow roads in Vermont….. I assess the road situation first, adjust the settings and then proceed….as long as movement is there, the systems work…..stop or get stopped and all the locking diffs, controlled wheel spin, low range gadgets most likely will NOT get you going again! (been there!)
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A gaggle of MB's
My lesson when younger... Kauai... Barking Sands beach... a legitimate 4X.. young, I stop on the beach for a beautiful sunset... prud of myself...stuck like a drowned hedgehog.... no cell reception at that time either... it was a beautiful night once I forgave myself being goofy..
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Joined: Aug 2013
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2014 GL 350 Bluetec
Thanks for the advice. I've definitely driven on sand in my past 4 wheel drive SUV's. Yes, always keep moving is what I found as well. I've never driven an AWD on sand, so just didn't know what the difference would be like. I also have the original stock tires and don't know how well they would do on it. Since I have the 350, I couldn't get any locking differentials. I'm thinking I might just have to take my Dad's Jeep if I need to get out there. Thanks for the tips!
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Joined: Aug 2013
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2014 GL 350 Bluetec
I just got up here Sat night but have not taken on the sand. I am probably not going to just because I don't feel like getting stuck. I did get some new tires but they are a summer tire and not sure how they would do. I've read reviews of people driving on the sand and they are fine in the Outer Banks in NC. Nantucket as you know has some dead sand out in Coatue area and don't want to push it. The 450 should be fine though if you get it. The 350 didn't have an option for an off road package but you can get it on the 450. That's the one thing I was so mad about because I think you could get them over in Europe and Canada for the 350.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2013
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2014 GL 350 Bluetec
Well, I proved myself wrong and ended up getting the Oversand Permit and trying it out on the sand. Great Point is closed but just went along the east side between marker 1 and 2. It did fine! I have a summer tire and just kept moving and it felt good. I felt that if I really needed some help I could put it into manual 1 and had some friends along the way if I got stuck. Coatue is way too soft for me to go on but otherwise all was good! My husband saw a Kia Sorento and said if they can go out on the sand, then we should have no problem! Haha.
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GL-350
Sand Champ
Has anyone taken the GL on the sand by chance? We go to Nantucket every year and wasn't sure how it would handle on the sand. Some areas are very soft and you have to let out your tires to 12psi. The tires alone (original Continentals) probably wouldn't get me through but just didn't know if anyone has done so.
Thanks!
Thanks!
We drive our 2013 350-GL in the very soft sand on Cape Hatteras and it works great. Take the tire pressure down to 20psi and carry a shovel, board, and rope just in case. (The surest way to make sure you won’t need it is to have it with you!)
