Have you ever wanted to take your Jeep® brand vehicle off-roading in the Sahara Desert?  While the logistics of getting there are probably over the top, you don’t have to travel to Africa to enjoy your Jeep 4×4 in the sand.  There are outstanding opportunities to get in the sand all over the United States.  Sandy conditions exist in almost every state, especially in deserts and coastal areas.  You can also find some very fine natural sand dune locations in Oklahoma, California, and Nevada.

Driving in sand can be a blast, but can also present certain challenges for your Jeep 4×4. Your tire size and inflation pressure are the key components when dealing with sand.  Larger tires are obviously going to be better suited for soft sand. Plus, deflating to around 10-15 pounds of pressure will help your tires find the traction they need to negotiate sandy obstacles.  However, always follow the manufacturer instructions before deflating tires and make sure to air them back up to the recommended pressure before you’re back on the road.  If you drive on sand dunes, a flag from a tall antenna or whip mast is highly recommended (or sometimes required) so that you are better visible to other vehicles.  Some sand dune areas are immense, so extra water and supplies are a must.  As a reminder, it’s never a good idea to go off-roading without a vehicle buddy.

The consistency of the sand can play a large part in how you negotiate it. Softer sand will require high range four-wheel drive, while harder, wetter sand may require more low-range operation. No matter what the consistency, always keep your vehicle moving. The vehicle’s momentum will contribute greatly to its ability to get through the sand. Turning your steering wheel quickly to the right and left can also increase tire traction. The most important thing to remember in sand is to avoid spinning the wheels while stationary. Spinning tires will cause your vehicle to sink into the sand very quickly. If you do get stuck, wetting the sand or using your floor mats in front of your tires may help you out of your predicament.

Before venturing off into a sandy or dune location, check to make sure it is legal to drive in that area. A good site for finding legal sand dune locations in the United States is: http://www.duneguide.com. So go ahead, deflate your tires, and have some sandy fun, because off-roading in sand can be a great way to enjoy your Jeep 4×4.

Have you ever driven your Jeep brand vehicle on the dunes or some other sandy location, such as the beach? Share your Jeep 4×4 adventure!