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beach driving info
equipment
This is mandatory for most beaches:
(Please support the NJBBA by purchasing items using the following links, as the NJBBA earns a small commission with each purchase.)
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Jack and support board (12"x12")
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Spare tire
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Litter/Trash Bag
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At least 1/4 tank of fuel
Recommended equipment:
This video, produced by the NJBBA, serves as an instructional guide for the safe and legal operation of vehicles on New Jersey beaches. It emphasizes that beach driving is a privilege that requires specific equipment, technical skills, and environmental awareness. A summary of what is contained in the video can be found here.
vehicle info
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4 Wheel Drive (4WD): Mandatory on almost all beaches and is RECOMMENDED.
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Horsepower: Too much can hurt as much as it can help. Easy on that throttle! Slow and Steady!
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Tires: Standard tread design as compared to mud tread (mud tires are for mud and not sand). Almost all tires must be aired down to 15lbs. to 18lbs. (depending on vehicle weight). Be sure to exercise caution when driving to an air up location. Low tires offer poor handling on a hard road surface.
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4WD High Gear vs. Low Gear: This needs to be determined on a per vehicle basis.
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Washing down: Wash down your vehicle after a trip to the beach is critical if you intend to keep that vehicle. A good coat of wax will help with the removal of salt spray.
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Maintenance: Maintenance is important. Full grease fittings will not allow sand to enter, and a well maintained vehicle will not leak harmful fluids onto the beach.
Beach driving
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ALWAYS air down! Use caution not to get sand in stem or cap. Lowering your tire pressure is easier on your vehicle, on the beach and on the next person to come on the beach.
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Plan your movements. Try not to make last minute decisions. Cross ruts gradually and avoid hard turns. Use pre-existing ruts when possible.
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If you start to get stuck STOP! There is no hard bottom; you will just continue to dig a hole. The throttle is not the answer. Attempt to back up into your own ruts, air down, dig out or get help.
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If you need to be pulled out, always have the towed vehicle in gear if possible. Do not dead pull, a snatch strap and tension is usually all that is needed. Try to avoid 30mph jerk outs they are hard on all the equipment and very dangerous to those nearby.
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Always fill in the holes that are created when you get stuck; the next person will thank you!
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If your vehicle runs hot from beach driving, turn it into the wind and open the hood. Do not shut it down hot!
beach driving
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ALWAYS air down! Use caution not to get sand in stem or cap. Lowering your tire pressure is easier on your vehicle, on the beach and on the next person to come on the beach.
-
Plan your movements. Try not to make last minute decisions. Cross ruts gradually and avoid hard turns. Use pre-existing ruts when possible.
-
If you start to get stuck STOP! There is no hard bottom; you will just continue to dig a hole. The throttle is not the answer. Attempt to back up into your own ruts, air down, dig out or get help.
-
If you need to be pulled out, always have the towed vehicle in gear if possible. Do not dead pull, a snatch strap and tension is usually all that is needed. Try to avoid 30mph jerk outs they are hard on all the equipment and very dangerous to those nearby.
-
Always fill in the holes that are created when you get stuck; the next person will thank you!
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If your vehicle runs hot from beach driving, turn it into the wind and open the hood. Do not shut it down hot!
Courtesy patrol
Courtesy Patrol is a group of NJBBA members who give up their time to assist other beach users. They can be identified by a flag or door sticker on their vehicle. If you need assistance flag down any Courtesy Patrol Member and they will be happy to assist you, if at all possible. For more information about the Courtesy Patrol or joining, please visit our Courtesy Patrol page in the Programs section.