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Righteousself Profile
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Date Registered: 05-2012
TOTAL POSTS: 35
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Beach driving, CVT transmission


Hi Guys,
Being new to the xtrail and beach driving, what is the best mode to have the Auto set to in soft sand ? Should I set it to manual mode and stick with 1 st or 2nd when driving through the soft stuff to get on the beach ?.

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Marcus & Michelle X-2438 C
2012 XTrail ST 2.5l cvt series 4
Caboolture QLD
10/Jun/2012, 10:37 am Link to this post Send Email PM   Send Private Message Blog
 
dlpeek Profile
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Date Registered: 12-2010
Location: Macquarie Fields SYDNEY
TOTAL POSTS: 1025
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Re: Beach driving, CVT transmission


Hi Marcus and Michelle.

I have driven on Stockton beach on many occasions including travelling its whole length and exiting at Anna Bay and then at a later time in the reverse direction. Have also driven other beaches as well and also 1 week on Fraser Island experiencing from very firm sand to very soft and rutted sand. (see Trip Report section for more details).
Even some of the the larger sand dunes at Stockton beach did not cause much problem except that I tore the rear bumper off but this was due to not taking much notice of "departure angle" when tackling dunes. Since fitted bash plates.

In all my beach driving I never once resorted to 4WD lock. All my driving was in Auto Mode and auto CVT execept on a couple of occasions where I changed to manual mode and used 2nd. Even then I believe the auto CVT would have sufficed but I was experimenting.

The most important things I believe are to 1) Lower your tyre pressure (I recommend down to 16psi to begin with and adjust from there) 2) Turn ESP to OFF position and 3) maintain momentum on the soft stuff.

Each peron's driving style is different and you really have to have a go yourself and try things out and learn from there.
The xtrail is more than capable of handling beach driving but even the big guns can get bogged.

I also recommend you go along with another vehicle if possible until you feel more comfortable.

You should take with you the following as a minimum:-
a) recovery strap suited to an xtrail......recommend 4000 - 6000kgs which is within the recommended 2-3 times GVM ..I have a 5000kgs. Also an air dampener/brake to put over strap to minimise damage/injury if strap brakes under tgension.
If you do need to be snatched out, other vehicles will be more than willing to help if you use your own strap....

b) a tyre deflator (I use an ARB deflator which has a handy presure gauge attached...there are other brands and types/styles around)

c) a reliable 12V compressor...you don't want to drive far on the main road again with deflated tyres.

d) a long handled spade....you may be unlucky to have to dig yourself out.
 
Some sand drivers carry Maxtracks, pieces of carpet and other such stuff to put under wheels to get out of bogs but I have not had a need to use them.

As mentioned above I have never had to resort to 4WD lock when beach driving. I have not been bogged in sand but I guess that if I was bogged then I would use 4WD Lock to assist me driving out of the bog.........whether being snatched out or whether driving out after removing and from under wheels etc.

Anyway, others on the forum may also offer advice and even differ to what I have stated.
But I feel comfortable on sand now and by following above advice have had absolute minimum issues.

cheers...hope this helps and enjoy your beach experience.



Last edited by dlpeek, 11/Jun/2012, 11:00 am


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Dave Peek
X-1756 (c)
2010 T31 ST-L (S2) CVT Precision Grey.
Tow Bar, bash plates, PEDDERS lift, YOKO GEO 15 AT/S tyres.


11/Jun/2012, 9:48 am Link to this post Send Email PM   Send Private Message Blog
 
Righteousself Profile
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Date Registered: 05-2012
TOTAL POSTS: 35
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Re:


Thanks Dave,
I have purchased a 12 v compressor, just need a recovery kit and I'll be hitting the beach ! I will invest in underbody bash plates when I can afford it. I live very close to Bribie Island so that might be a good testing ground.
Have you ever towed a trailer on the beach ? I have a camper trailer when loaded is about 600 to 650 kg


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Marcus & Michelle X-2438 C
2012 XTrail ST 2.5l cvt series 4
Caboolture QLD
11/Jun/2012, 6:38 pm Link to this post Send Email PM   Send Private Message Blog
 
dlpeek Profile
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Date Registered: 12-2010
Location: Macquarie Fields SYDNEY
TOTAL POSTS: 1025
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Re: Beach driving, CVT transmission


No, I have'nt towed a trailer on the beach. Would be intereting to find out how the exy handles on soft stuff with a trailer behind.

If you don't intend to tackle the ups and downs of sands dunes then travelling without bash plates should be OK on relatively flat beaches, Just have to watch for sudden larger dips in the sand such as washaways etc and then take it slower.

All in all, an awareness of approach and departure angles should assist you enjoy your beach experience without mishap.

cheers again



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Dave Peek
X-1756 (c)
2010 T31 ST-L (S2) CVT Precision Grey.
Tow Bar, bash plates, PEDDERS lift, YOKO GEO 15 AT/S tyres.


12/Jun/2012, 7:56 am Link to this post Send Email PM   Send Private Message Blog
 
Jupitor 2 Profile
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Date Registered: 01-2009
Location: Newcastle Australia
TOTAL POSTS: 318
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Re:


I have driven on the beach several times, trying different methods, heres what works for me on very soft sand at Redhead beach, I deflate to at least 12psi maybe 10, leave the cvt in drive, I tried using manual, 1st and 2nd, but found that it just induces to much wheel spin which digs nice holes, a good way to get stuck, in drive the cvt will change to higher gears easily so there isn't to much torque going to the wheels.
Make sure you turn ESP off, if not you won't get very far.
I carry Maxtrax and have no worries about going out by myself.
Have fun.


Last edited by Jupitor 2, 12/Jun/2012, 9:51 am


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Diamond White Series 1 T31 CVT Petrol
X-1111 (c)
Bash Plates
Towbar
Rubber Mats
TomTom GPS
Garmin Etrex 10 for Geo-caching
12/Jun/2012, 9:45 am Link to this post Send Email PM   Send Private Message
 
Translucidus Profile
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Date Registered: 05-2010
Location: Adelaide
TOTAL POSTS: 599
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Re: Beach driving, CVT transmission


Regarding not using "Lock" in sand - I was watching a 4WD TV episode on sand dunes and the Patrol got bogged every time until he was told "Never use rear diff lock in sand!"

Had no more trouble after that.

X-Trail Lock mode is a bit different in that it locks drive Front/Rear (whilst Left/Right slippage is controlled by Brake Limited Slip differential action) but advice may still be relevant.

Interesting . . . .

Last edited by Translucidus, 26/Sep/2012, 11:51 pm


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2007 X-Trail T31 ST-L

Xy going vertical at Bendleby Station . . .

26/Sep/2012, 11:48 pm Link to this post Send Email PM   Send Private Message
 
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Date Registered: 07-2012
TOTAL POSTS: 21
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Re: Beach driving, CVT transmission


I have a T31 diesel manual. From what I've read about driving on the beach I should do the following before hitting the soft stuff:
* deflate tyres by about half, so ~15psi
* switch to AUTO
* turn off ESP

Now do I drive through in 1st or 2nd. I'm thinking 2nd as I'll already have built up momentum by the time I get to the sand. Or is it ok to change to 2nd while I'm in the soft sand?
I figure while I'm on the hard sand driving is much like dirt road driving.

As you have gathered I've never driven on the beach but will be driving up at Noosa Nth Shore and Rainbow Beach.

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Paul
2010 T31 XTrail
5/Dec/2015, 6:23 pm Link to this post Send Email PM   Send Private Message Blog
 
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Date Registered: 11-2016
Location: Brisvegas, Northside
TOTAL POSTS: 12
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Re:


Beach driving is a lot of fun!
Some tips to remember..

Low tyre pressure!!!! Do it! Anywhere between 14-20 psi (depends heavily on tyre type!) You will increase the tyre foot print and also soften the ride. Mud tyres or aggresive AT tyres are pointless on sand.. highway tyres are optimal for beach driving.
Saftey tip! DO NOT DRIVE LIKE AN IDIOT WITH LOW TYRE PRESSURES!!! You risk breaking the bead and potentially rolling your car!

Stick to the hard stuff! Less strenuous on your car and a helluvalot smoother! If you do happen to get stuck driving on the soft sand, do not labour your engine.. overheating will result! Select a higher gear, keep the revs up around 3000 and you will be fine.. if your Exy is CVT.. select the correct preset that will maintain these revs.. auto trans Exys (6spd) don't leave it in drive, pick a gear and chug along.. letting the trans shift up and down constantly is pointless, unnecessary and creating exessive heat which autos do not like one bit!
If you do find that engine overheating is becoming an issue, pull over, turn on your heater and run it full blast and DO NOT SWITCH OFF THE CAR! Let it idle to cool off a little by not overworking it... unless you have a failing cooling system... then you may need to sort that out.

Take your own recovery gear... be sure you also have adequate recovery points! If you get stuck... remember this...Getting snatched backwards will see the end of anything plastic held on by clips under the car!

DO NOT THINK YOU'RE AN AWESOME JEEP OWNER AND THINK IT TO BE A GREAT IDEA TO DRIVE THROUGH THE WATER AND BE ALL COOL SPLASHING AROUND LIKE A NUMPTY! Reasons are quite obvious!

Beach etiquette... help out where you can if someone is stuck. Drive with lights on, look out for kids, take your rubbish with you and be safe!

Spend a good amount of time after your trip on the sand with a hose and a beer washing every conceivable crevice you can manage to reach under the car and everywhere else to remove as much salt and sand as you can... rust sucks!

Beach driving is the best.. the relaxation with the famz and the freedom of getting there in your Exy is even better!
 

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Craig "BigBro" X4853

2010 TS 6spd Oil burner - Stock everything.. has a cargo barrier! Woohoo!

5/Nov/2016, 11:59 pm Link to this post Send Email PM   Send Private Message Blog
 
Ipektib Profile
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Date Registered: 11-2016
TOTAL POSTS: 2
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Re:


Hello guys first time to take my xtrail t32 to stockton beach,can i make it? All ihave is an air compressor and a tred recovery tracks.any advice would be helpful.Im going this xmas eve til boxing day thanks
20/Dec/2016, 3:02 pm Link to this post Send Email PM   Send Private Message Blog
 


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