robcarync
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- Location
- Raleigh, NC
Well gents, I had my bachelor party last weekend with my groomsmen...camping on the beach: Freeman Park - Wilmington, NC/Carolina Beach...LOTS OF FUN!
This is the first time I had been camping in...10 years or more...and first time ever offroading/driving on sand. Just a few general musings and observations from my adventure:
1) I was surprised how little traction there was on the sand. Not that I expected a lot of traction, but even with good tread all terrains and a front Lokka...it was difficult to get moving and very necessary to to keep moving. I didn't air down though, which was probably mistake #1. A few friends that have been out there before told me airing down usually isn't needed, so I didn't bother.
2) There were a lot of ruts from other drivers, which made the driving easier. Just hope the ruts go to where you want to go. Trying to get out of them to get out of other people's way, get to your desired camp site, etc...was difficult. Driving on the sand was just a cool feeling...nothing like I had done before (mud, snow, rocks, ice, etc)
3) My engine temp got up to the red by the time I noticed it! Luckily I had just pulled into the camp site and was done driving. Let it idle while parked to circulate the coolant for a few minutes. Temp dropped quickly once the load was off the engine. May be time for the super charged radiator and radiator drop so I can retain use of the fan shroud after the body lift. Never had cooling issues offroading before, but I guess this instance was 1.25 miles of continuous 4Lo with no real stop and go...didn't want to get bogged down in the sand by stopping. Any other ideas on keeping my cool?
4) I originally wanted to roof top tent on top of my Xterra. With alcohol involved, I opted to take the safer route of throwing some blankets and pillows in the back with the rear seat laid down. Next time I camp...better creature comforts are a must. I thought it would be great...but I am a little too tall to lay down in the hatch comfortably...and even with pillows and blankets, the hatch area feels like a cement floor, and I had gear basically falling all over me. Sleeping on a sand base below a tent wasn't much better. Blow up mattresses seem like a lot to carry for a quick trip...any suggestions for making a more comfortable sleeping arrangements? I obviously am getting too old...but waking up at 7am when the sun rises after 5 broken hours of sleep was enough that we all gave up on the 2nd day of camping, and went to my parent's beach house to grill and hang out the 2nd night. Ahhh...5 comfy beds to sleep in...that was nice
All in all...great trip. A LOT of fun...but I need some more experience in the camping department. I need to find some gear that will keep me comfortable at night, since I am no longer of the age of being able to pass out anywhere (bushes, back yard, front porch with key in the lock...etc) and still feel good enough to have fun the next day.
We did make a cool canopy tent by roping a tarp to my roof rack/front bumper and my friend's Durango roof rack. That was pretty cool.
This is the first time I had been camping in...10 years or more...and first time ever offroading/driving on sand. Just a few general musings and observations from my adventure:
1) I was surprised how little traction there was on the sand. Not that I expected a lot of traction, but even with good tread all terrains and a front Lokka...it was difficult to get moving and very necessary to to keep moving. I didn't air down though, which was probably mistake #1. A few friends that have been out there before told me airing down usually isn't needed, so I didn't bother.
2) There were a lot of ruts from other drivers, which made the driving easier. Just hope the ruts go to where you want to go. Trying to get out of them to get out of other people's way, get to your desired camp site, etc...was difficult. Driving on the sand was just a cool feeling...nothing like I had done before (mud, snow, rocks, ice, etc)
3) My engine temp got up to the red by the time I noticed it! Luckily I had just pulled into the camp site and was done driving. Let it idle while parked to circulate the coolant for a few minutes. Temp dropped quickly once the load was off the engine. May be time for the super charged radiator and radiator drop so I can retain use of the fan shroud after the body lift. Never had cooling issues offroading before, but I guess this instance was 1.25 miles of continuous 4Lo with no real stop and go...didn't want to get bogged down in the sand by stopping. Any other ideas on keeping my cool?
4) I originally wanted to roof top tent on top of my Xterra. With alcohol involved, I opted to take the safer route of throwing some blankets and pillows in the back with the rear seat laid down. Next time I camp...better creature comforts are a must. I thought it would be great...but I am a little too tall to lay down in the hatch comfortably...and even with pillows and blankets, the hatch area feels like a cement floor, and I had gear basically falling all over me. Sleeping on a sand base below a tent wasn't much better. Blow up mattresses seem like a lot to carry for a quick trip...any suggestions for making a more comfortable sleeping arrangements? I obviously am getting too old...but waking up at 7am when the sun rises after 5 broken hours of sleep was enough that we all gave up on the 2nd day of camping, and went to my parent's beach house to grill and hang out the 2nd night. Ahhh...5 comfy beds to sleep in...that was nice
All in all...great trip. A LOT of fun...but I need some more experience in the camping department. I need to find some gear that will keep me comfortable at night, since I am no longer of the age of being able to pass out anywhere (bushes, back yard, front porch with key in the lock...etc) and still feel good enough to have fun the next day.
We did make a cool canopy tent by roping a tarp to my roof rack/front bumper and my friend's Durango roof rack. That was pretty cool.
