Best Tyre Pressure For Sand Driving

So you have decided to come and visit Fraser Island.

Your 4WD is prepared and packed with all your supplies and recovery gear, you have your permits and barge tickets and you’re ready to go.

But you’re thinking about all the concerns of driving on the beach in the sand for the first time.

The question you may be asking is.

What Tyre Pressure Should You Have?

Here is a rough guide. Knowing your own vehicle is a must as it can vary.

4WD only – 16-20psi of tyre pressure
4WD + trailer (box trailer or camper-van) – 12-16psi of tyre pressure
4WD + Large Boat or Caravan – 12psi of tyre pressure

The tyre pressure will vary depending on the conditions. The softer the sand the flatter you will need to make your tyres.

The best guide we can give is from our own personal experience. We own a Land Cruiser V8. On occasions, we have lowered the tyre pressure down to as low as 12psi to get us out of a bog while towing a boat.

What tyre pressure is normal for beach driving?

The firmer the sand the higher the vehicle tyre pressure should be. We use up to 20psi on the firm beach sand. Down to 16psi or lower on the softer sand.

What Pressure if I’m towing a boat or camper trailer?

If you are towing a camper trailer or boat. You will need to lower the pressure ranges some more. Generally between 12-16psi of tyre pressure depending on the conditions.

We would raise the pressure again when driving on the beach on firmer sand.

Crossing at Rainbow Beach (Inskip Point)

You need to deflate your tyres at Rainbow Beach before attempting to board the barge from the beach. There is a large sand crossing before reaching the barge.

This is known by locals as the Graveyard. Don’t get bogged at Inskip Point.

I’m at Rainbow Beach where do I let my tyres down?

Our favourite spot to let tyres down is on the side of the road at Inskip Point under the big trees. Just a 15-minute drive. You are in the shade, off the main road and close to the entryway towards the barge.

You can deflate tyres at the Rainbow Beach Car Wash however we don’t recommend this as it is a long drive from the township out to the Point. Driving on bitumen with low tyre pressure and a full load can be unsafe.

Just in case you missed this point, we will say it again. Don’t make the mistake many drivers do and think to drop the pressure on the Barge. You will be driving in the sand way before you hit the barge.

The roundabout at Inskip Point is the last bit of bitumen road. It turns to dirt and then the soft sand hits. This area is known as the Graveyard !!!

Many vehicles sink and get bogged because they have not let tyre pressure down before this point.

Learn more about the Inskip Point Barge here

Crossing At River Heads (Wanggoolba Creek)

Crossing at River Heads is different. You should let your tyres down while on the barge during the River Heads to Wanggoolba Creek crossing. When you drive off the barge you almost immediately hit the sand.

Handy Hint
River Heads and Wanggoolba Creek are renowned for mosquitoes and sand flies so please have your insect repellent handy. You don’t want to start your trip full of itchy bites !!

Learn More about the River Heads Barge

What Will I Need To Carry?

To lower tyre pressure you will need a pressure gauge. You can purchase these at any 4×4 or auto superstore. There are many to choose from depending on budget but they all do the job.

We carry a digital gauge and just hand deflate each tyre and deflate till we reach the optimum pressure. Takes a bit of time but if you have a few passengers you can all do one each.

Otherwise, you can buy 4 self-deflating gauges that can be pre-set to the desired pressure you require. These are fast and great if you are travelling alone.

Learn more about 4WD vehicle preparation.