The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Taking Your Caravan on the Beach

A beach camping trip with your caravan is a quintessential Australian experience. But it requires some specialised skills and preparation, especially for first-timers. Driving on soft sand is very different from normal roads. Without the right approach, you can easily get bogged or damage your rig.

That’s why Simon and Andie from the YouTube channel Another Cross on the Map enlisted seasoned caravaner Haydo from The Real Australian Dream for advice on their maiden beach outing. In this post, we’ll go over Haydo’s top tips plus additional considerations for ensuring a successful seaside caravanning adventure.

Lower Your Tire Pressures

This is the cardinal rule according to Haydo. On bitumen, you might run your tires around 50 psi. On dirt roads, drop to 25 psi. For beach driving, let them down to 15-18 psi. The lower pressure means more tire surface in contact with the sand, increasing traction. It also allows the tires to mould around the terrain rather than sitting atop it. Consider airing up the rear tires slightly more than the front to cope with the extra weight on the back.

Check out this video – https://youtu.be/4-_2iZltyxo

Get a portable tire deflator tool so you can easily adjust pressures on-site. We used the “camp boss” deflaters and you must have an air compressor for re-inflating when leaving the beach. Always use a tyre gauge to verify pressures after adjusting.

Inspect Conditions Beforehand

Before embarking, walk the beach to assess the surface. Look for any hard-packed tracks from previous vehicles and stick to those if possible. Avoid making new tracks, especially in very soft sand, as you’re likely to get bogged.

Also consider the tides. You don’t want to get bogged with the tide coming in. that’s a great way to lose your rig and caravan.

Maintain Momentum

When driving on soft sand, momentum is your best friend. Avoid abrupt stops or starts. Get to your desired camp area before worrying about taking in views. Losing momentum with a heavy caravan is an easy way to get bogged

Watch Your Approach Angle

Entering the beach usually requires a descent down a beach access road. Take this diagonal to the slope to avoid bottoming out or dragging your caravan.

Drive Safely

The beach presents unique hazards. Children playing and swimming, people fishing, rogue waves, and changing tidal and terrain conditions. Respect speed limits and be extra vigilant. Getting bogged with kids around adds extra stress. Patience and planning provides for the most relaxed experience.

Prepare Recovery Equipment

Hope for the best, but pack recovery gear in case you do get stuck. A shovel, recovery boards or a mate with a winch can get you out of most situations. Plus you’ll gain valuable experience for next time.

Check Regulations

Research rules about where you can drive and camp on particular beaches. Things like permits, designated areas, pet restrictions and fire bans vary greatly so do your homework.

So there you have it – a complete guide to taking your caravan or camper trailer onto the beach with confidence. As Haydo says, “prior preparation prevents poor performance!” Do your research, ready your rig, and hit the sand for memories to last a lifetime.

Got any other beach caravanning tips? Share your wisdom in the comments below!