A day at the beach

BT17R · 05-13-2006, 10:13 PM

The last time I visited Sand Lake near Pacific City, OR, home to The Riverhouse restaurant, some of the best seafood on the Oregon coast, I buried my Taco 4X4 in short order in the deep, soft sand characteristic of the area.

This time was different, very different. I talked with several quad pilots about conditions, tips and tricks, aired down to 20 psi, 4Lo locked, A-TRAC off, and headed out. Bottom line is FJ made me look good. By day's end I was easily running in the deepest, softest stuff I was told to avoid by the quad crowd. I ran the entire park, climbed the steepest dunes and bowls, all with ease.

I think it's a combo of the center and rear lockers plus the ability to disable A-TRAC, and of course the phenomenal Nittos. FJ is nearly unstoppable on the beach. Jaws dropped whenever I approached a group of quads, I was the only street legal vehicle in a few places. I'm sure most any CJ could've done the same, but none were out today. That, combined with FJ newness, drew lots of nice comments and questions from everyone.

I got 20 mpg on the way out, the best yet as the 1GR loosens up. And my MV-50 portable compressor aired up the tires from 20 to 35 in under 2 min. each. Then it was off to Riverhouse for fresh halibut with bay shrimp sauce and home. Does it get any better? Maybe, I'm going back next weekend.

This ad is not displayed to registered members.
Register your free account today and become a member on Yotatech!

**rocket** · 05-14-2006, 02:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BT17R

I ran the entire park, climbed the steepest dunes and bowls, all with ease.

So your saying you didn't need 21 inches of lift?

Sounds like you had some fun. I love halibut and miss the beach!

***Corey*** · 05-14-2006, 08:14 AM

Looks like a lotta fun Bob.

I have been reading on quite a few forums that owners of the FJ are very impressed with the off road capabilities of the rig.

I am use to doing dirt roads/trails, ect... and one thing I notice even with your windows up all the way you get a lot of dirt coming in around the door closures, and it ends up on the seats and all over the carpet.
Nothing a quick job with a vac and some Tuff Stuff cleaner and a rag can not handle though.

How is it with the sand?
Does it get everywhere, or does it stay on the outside?

BT17R · 05-14-2006, 09:07 AM

Corey, interesting you mention that. Except for sandy front floor mats, you couldn't even tell I'd been to the beach. FJ is very well sealed. I kept windows up since I was throwing sand everywhere during hillclimbs and power slides. A/C was on, set to fresh air and blower on med-high to pressurize the interior. Other than shaking out the mats, there's no other interior cleanup needed. I'll wash the exterior and pressure wash the undercarriage tomorrow.

Next time I'll strap my cargo carrier to the tie-down loops. On a couple of jumps I could see it floating near the ceiling in the rear view mirror!

***Corey*** · 05-14-2006, 09:31 AM

That is good to know Bob.
During the summer I put the AC on and have the windows up almost all the way when I am off road if the dust is flying.

Not that I do not want dirt/dust coming in, but I have suffered from allergies all of my life, and I go into sneezing fits around the stuff.

BT17R · 05-14-2006, 10:24 AM

FJ has standard cabin micron air filtration. It's easily replaced, located under/behind the glove box. Even on-road driving they get gummed up in about six months, so more frequently for you. The Toyota filter is around $10 IIRC, but you can buy filter media from Home Depot and cut your own to size for $4.

05-14-2006, 08:14 AM	#3 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 26,615	Looks like a lotta fun Bob. I have been reading on quite a few forums that owners of the FJ are very impressed with the off road capabilities of the rig. I am use to doing dirt roads/trails, ect... and one thing I notice even with your windows up all the way you get a lot of dirt coming in around the door closures, and it ends up on the seats and all over the carpet. Nothing a quick job with a vac and some Tuff Stuff cleaner and a rag can not handle though. How is it with the sand? Does it get everywhere, or does it stay on the outside? __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser Built for 4wheelin', expedition, camping, and overlanding use PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse Part II ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge Blog About Roof Top Tents ☺ FJC Magazines Online Review Of My Tent ☺ 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Pro "Hey Corey, where is my thread?" Missing your thread, then click here

05-14-2006, 09:07 AM	#4 (permalink)
BT17R Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Da Gorge, Oregon Posts: 5,707	Corey, interesting you mention that. Except for sandy front floor mats, you couldn't even tell I'd been to the beach. FJ is very well sealed. I kept windows up since I was throwing sand everywhere during hillclimbs and power slides. A/C was on, set to fresh air and blower on med-high to pressurize the interior. Other than shaking out the mats, there's no other interior cleanup needed. I'll wash the exterior and pressure wash the undercarriage tomorrow. Next time I'll strap my cargo carrier to the tie-down loops. On a couple of jumps I could see it floating near the ceiling in the rear view mirror! __________________ '07 FJ Cruiser TRD SE 6M/T

05-14-2006, 09:31 AM	#5 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 26,615	That is good to know Bob. During the summer I put the AC on and have the windows up almost all the way when I am off road if the dust is flying. Not that I do not want dirt/dust coming in, but I have suffered from allergies all of my life, and I go into sneezing fits around the stuff. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser Built for 4wheelin', expedition, camping, and overlanding use PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse Part II ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge Blog About Roof Top Tents ☺ FJC Magazines Online Review Of My Tent ☺ 2009 Specialized Rockhopper Pro "Hey Corey, where is my thread?" Missing your thread, then click here

05-14-2006, 10:24 AM	#6 (permalink)
BT17R Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Da Gorge, Oregon Posts: 5,707	FJ has standard cabin micron air filtration. It's easily replaced, located under/behind the glove box. Even on-road driving they get gummed up in about six months, so more frequently for you. The Toyota filter is around $10 IIRC, but you can buy filter media from Home Depot and cut your own to size for $4. __________________ '07 FJ Cruiser TRD SE 6M/T

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Who wants to go to the beach?	Paul H.	Off Topic Talk	7	07-16-2006 07:49 PM
bad day...baaaaaaad day	E30M3Pilot	95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners	16	06-24-2005 06:34 AM
Beach day with my 03.. =)	BlkSS1755	95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners	12	03-26-2004 09:59 AM
Beach pics	Woodbert	95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners	3	03-02-2003 10:03 AM