T5 struggled in soft sand

**winchmeup** · 20-11-2013, 09:33 PM

I have a T5 4 motion dual cab.
I have fitted larger diameter tyres and a lift kit. I finally got to drive in some soft sand on the weekend and was pretty dissapointed.
I havent done any sand driving before so i have nothing to compare it with but it struggled. It felt like i had the handbrake on even when on the harder sand and really needed booting to get through the soft stuff.
When i stopped i noticed that my tyres were sunk into the sand a lot more that the other surrounding 4wd.
When i tried to reverse out it got bogged straight away. I dug out ramps and let the tyres down even more (later checked at 22psi) I got out fine but left me wondering about wheather or not i would take it in sand again.
Oh and the other 4wds were towing trailers and seemed to do it effortlessly.
Any tips or info would be welcomed.

IN2VWS · 21-11-2013, 06:04 AM

Never driven in sand myself......but maybe the 4WD's can handle it better than your AWD.

**Transporter** · 21-11-2013, 06:20 AM

You can go lower than 22PSI in sand, especially the soft sand. Also depends from the tyre construction. Yours have quite strong side wall, so therefore I would set the tyre pressure to 16PSI (be careful not to break the tyre bead - don't go lower than that). You will get better with more practise. Wider tyres with softer sidewall would be my choice. To get through the soft sand you need to build up the speed, use the momentum.

Are you watching 4WD TV? Some good tips there.

**winchmeup** · 21-11-2013, 07:19 AM

Thanks

i have also read that some people have diff locks on thier 4motion. This would give me more confidence if i head somewhere remote. Is it an option to upgrade to know or would i have to order from new?

**Transporter** · 21-11-2013, 07:27 AM

Originally Posted by winchmeup

Thanks

i have also read that some people have diff locks on thier 4motion. This would give me more confidence if i head somewhere remote. Is it an option to upgrade to know or would i have to order from new?

It can be done, and there is a member who done it to his T5.

His details T5 Double offroad and some of his posts http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/foru...archid=1248617

Try emailing him, he has done a lot to his T5 including the diff replacements for a better one for offroading.

**winchmeup** · 21-11-2013, 02:33 PM

Thanks
i just finished chatting to a 4wd enthusiast who advused that my driving skill were also to blame. He said i need to be very gentle when starting off and gradually increase throttle. He also confirmed the tyres should be let down to 16 to 18 psi.