Hello Gentlemen:

I took my 2004 F-150 4x4 FS S/C FX4 off road for the first time, and actually it was my first time ever with any vehicle.
(Its not quite 1 month old).

I took it on to the ORV Area of Assateague Island, near Ocean City Maryland.

Okay the reason for the new tread:

I went on to the sand, without a permit or any equipment required by the DNR.

And, because I know I'll be there again in a few days, I was wondering if someone would let me know what sort of things I should take with me, and also enhancements I can make to my truck that will assist me in the future!

P.S. Surf Fishing is next on the agenda.




Julie
Baltimore, MD

 

Welcome to the boards

The equipment that you will need somewhat depends on what type of off-roading you plan on doing. Different terrain calls for various tactics. The easiest/most beneficial upgrade is better tires. I don't know what kind of tires your 04 came with but the Badyears RT/s that came on my 01 and 03 suck. Since your truck is new you proably do not want to spring for new rubber yet. With the stock tires I would stay out of deep, slimey mud. This is where they will be the biggest let down. If you plan on doing a lot of driving on deep, soft sand you might let some air out of your tires (~20 psi) this will let the tires float on the surface better. If the sand is loose on top and firm a little ways down, the opposite is true. You will want the pressure high. This will help the tire cut through the top and down to the firm sand below. This also holds true for mud. If you do let some air out, fill your tires up as soon as you get back to paved roads. Driving on underinflated tires on the road is dangerous and will wear out your tires fast. If I was to make a list of must have equipment it would go something like this:

Tow strap (I prefer the straps to chains)
Shovel
Cell phone (Sometimes you might need to call the calvery)
Flashlight
Shop rags (Tie the rags to the tow strap, if it breaks the weight of the rags tends to cause the strap to fall faster. I have a dent in my tailgate becaue a strap broke)
Tool kit
Digital camera (Then post the good pics)

This would be a good place to start, I am sure that other will add to the list.

Joe

 

Wookie has the gist of it, I'll add a couple things I'd take...

Cut two 2x12s or 2x10s the length of your bed. That makes them easy to take with you, and can come in helpful to shove under the tires when you need the extra traction.

Take an old pair of jeans and cut the legs off. Fill the legs with sand and sew both ends closed. Use these to drape over the tow strap when you're gonna need to get yanked out. If the strap breaks, the weight of the sand will keep the strap from flying around and will drop it down to the ground. Once you've seen a strap break, you'll know just how important this is.

Water, water, water. Pick up a couple gallon jugs. If nothing else, for washing hands, cleaning fish, etc. You may never have an urgent need for it, but the one time you do and don't have it...

Rope. Not for any one thing, but it's always good to have around.

I've got an outdoor doormat that is carpeted on one side and rubber on the bottom. It kicks *** for not having to lay in the mud or wet sand or hot ground working on something. I can't say where I got it, but it says Bennigans on it... Something to put between you and the ground if necessary can be a godsend in a bad situation.

A roll of T.P. Self explanatory.

Trash bags. If I see you leaving your trash behind when you leave, you'll not be happy about the manner in which I return it to you.

Fire Extinguisher. I carry one in all my vehicles on a daily basis.

There's probably a bunch that I'm missing, just trying to remember what's in my box o'shyt. You'll find as you do it more and more what works for you, and what you need. I've got far more crap in my box than I'll probably ever need, but it's there if I, or anyone I might be riding with, have a need for it.

 

Much Thanks Hillbilly & Wookie.

I am certainly going to print out both list, and go shopping!

I think I'll be sticking to sand for some time...I don't have the stomach to take a new vehicle....truly off roading!

P.S. The extra water will be great for the Puppy!


Julie

 

Wish me luck...heading to the beach tomorrow night...

Springing for the annual registration as well!



Julie

 

I just wanted to say thanks for the help.

I went back to Assateague Sunday and had a blast.
I purchased the required equipment and went to the Rangers Station and purchased my annual pass.

I'm Legal!

The equipment I purchased:
6000 lb Tow Cord; (2) 12" x 12" Wood square for a Jack; a Foldable Shovel; and another Tire Pressure Guage for to lower those tires quicker!

Here's a few shots!

 

I think someone needs to change the thread title! :o)


Been three times now, and plan on going much more.
Here's the most recent pic...more can be found in my gallery...

No tenting allowed...here was our solution!

 

I have been looking around the area for some open 4x4 areas.
How is Assateague? Lots of open area? Can you drive the shoreline too? How much did it cost?
Any info would be great...I need to get this lift and tires tested.

 

Hey Eddie, your truck looks great. I was courious how much did your Procomp lift cost ? Did you do it yourself or did a shop do it for you?

Thanks.

 

Eddy -


I love the lift!

Assateague is absolutely great, although its not a true off roading experience. What I mean, is you can cruise the beach, maybe screw around a bit, but for the most part, your just driving on the beach.

The Rangers are pretty cool as long as you follow the rules.
The cost is 70.00 for a full year (ie September to September).
I also got the annual pass for 20.00, which gets you a entry card for off hours entry in to the park.

Only 145 vehicles are allowed on the beach (approx 13 miles) at one time, so if you go try to get there early. And, if you see a blazing yellow flareside, stop by to say hey!


Julie

 

If your driving on sand this may not be related, but once your back on level ground, check your under carrage, front, rear diffs ect to ensure your did not damage your diff covers, transfer case ect, extral silcon and gear oil would be good to carry, just in case.

I have no faith in skid plates, they help, but don't be like me and go off road, than get back on road and than blow your diff because some rock hit the lip on the diff cover.

 

Lonnie - thanks for the information!

I'm heading to the beach tomorrow after work!
I'll have shot for all - with the new linex!

Not sure what mod, I'm doing next, probably tint the windows!

 

Hey FX4nWoo, good to hear your truck did well out at assateague. It's been a long time since I've been out there. I have been out to the beach a couple times as well. My favorite is the Outer Banks. Great fishing down there too. Check it out!

 

Hey Zoltan....

Thanks for the pic!

I love the Outer Banks, but haven't been in quite a while.
Actually, I was planning on going the first week in November, but I was going to wing the off-road thing because I didn't know where to go.

Is there somewhere I can get on the beach, and not pay?


Thanks

Woo

 

Good to see some more people from baltimore going off road. Did they check to see if you had a jack that could lift the truck off the ground. I'm not sure if the stock jack can get my truck off the ground since I lifted it and I hear they are pretty picky about that kind of stuff.

Eddy, you might have the same problem.