Pajero on the Beach

[Mark2]

How does a Pajero (NL 3.5 GL - steel rims - standard tyres) go on the beach?
Reason I ask is that we used to have a GQ which we used a lot for beach work and it never looked like getting stuck with the tyres aired down. Also towed in sand a fair bit with the GQ - no probs. Had Suzukis before that which were also awesome on the sand. We now have the NL and so far I havent been game to take it on the beach - have seen quite a few Pajeros stuck in the soft stuff. Maybe the drivers didnt know to air down?

So with the tryes aired down am I going to be OK? I dont think I could stand the shame of getting stuck in the soft stuff! Any other Pajero specific tips for beach work? Any particular spots to watch out for when cleaning afterwards?

[-Scott-]

How does a Pajero (NL 3.5 GL - steel rims - standard tyres) go on the beach?
Reason I ask is that we used to have a GQ which we used a lot for beach work and it never looked like getting stuck with the tyres aired down. Also towed in sand a fair bit with the GQ - no probs. Had Suzukis before that which were also awesome on the sand. We now have the NL and so far I havent been game to take it on the beach - have seen quite a few Pajeros stuck in the soft stuff. Maybe the drivers didnt know to air down?

So with the tryes aired down am I going to be OK? I dont think I could stand the shame of getting stuck in the soft stuff! Any other Pajero specific tips for beach work? Any particular spots to watch out for when cleaning afterwards?

I don't know why they would be stuck - on the original H/Ts I never needed to air down on the beach, and never struggled. Once I fitted more aggressive (square shouldered) A/Ts I needed to reduce pressures. Once I learned to reduce pressures I've never been stuck. Stopped, but not needed to be recovered.

Why do Pajeros get stuck? Perhaps they didn't let their A/Ts down, perhaps they're poor drivers, or don't know how to select 4wd properly? Who knows?

NL GL is probably running 235/75R15 tyres - not exactly "flotation" tyres, nor particularly tall. Reduce pressures (start at around 30 psi?) and you should have no problems in 4HLc - that's with the centre diff locked.

Go for it - you'll be fine!

Scott

[klrevo]

my paj absolutely kills it on the sand, i rekon would have to be one of the best cars for the beach. The amount of hills that iv climbed and some fot he bigger boys have gotten stuck on is incredible. From cruisers to patrols, the beach is one area i would rather have my paj. Usually run around on about 18-12 psi, 33" tyres. Once took the valves out completely when i ran the JT2s, they dont bag so well. But yeh, paj kills the sand, never needed low range, actually thats a lie, with the JT2s on i needed low range, everything else high range. Thats pretty much the reason i sold the JTs. I spend a fair bit of my time up at stocko and its known to have some of the softest sand in Australia. Wouldnt trade my paj for anything on the sand.

dean

ps, mines a shortie 3.0L nj if that helps. The 3.5L has more poke and lwb doesnt really hurt on the sand unless your running really steep dunes.

[.:Dave:.]

Loaded up NH had no troubles on fraser - had wider wheels and aired down though

[j-top paj]

i drop to 10psi, but im running really agresive tyres so they like to dig.

[flylux]

I used to drive NH 3.0 v6 LWB
It absolutly kicked ass on the sand. Once flat towed a sierra with a broken engine mount off stockton all the way from the water to lavis lane! May have redlined it most of the way but the paj held out!

And I usually run about 14 in my 31x10.5 MTRs

[its fishi]

First go with the NH on the beach (Stockton) today.

Pirelli Scorpion A/T 31x10.5x15

35 psi - brrrrrrrpp = no good

20 psi - baaaahhhhhhhhhrrrrrrrrrrpppppp = no good

15 psi - mrrrrrrrrr wahhhhhhhhhhrrrrrrr baaaahhhhhhrrrrpppp = nearly no good

13 psi - come get some!

man is that stuff at the begining soft!!!! lucky I've got a rear locker and innate skill!!!!

'twas a fun day, will be back for sure

only downside was I split a valve stem, and luckily found a tyre place open on sat arvo.

[Scolers]

I found my NJ Paj was 'ok' in the sand with 235's but as soon as I changed to 31" it pretty well cruised over along.

I found the same thing with it fishi ... need to keep the pressures low ... I'm running same size but Maxxi's.

Cheers ...

Scol.