would this work

riverfisher · #1 02-06-2008, 04:11 PM

Hi everybody
I,ve been off line for a while, computer problems. But now I'me back.
A friend of mine just bought a Chevy Astro van With AWD . Has anybody ever used or seen one on the beach?
Would it do as a beach buggy?

Riverfisher/ Steve

CarpenterSteve · #2 02-06-2008, 05:00 PM

AWD is not 4WD and usually dosen't work well at all on the beach. Astro vans also have relatively poor ground clearence.

My guess is that an Astro would be fine at Daytona, but very risky on the beaches here.

Good to see you back Steve!

042801 · #3 02-06-2008, 06:01 PM

Actually, there is a guy from Hudson River Surf Club that uses an Astro van for his beach buggy. He fishes everywhere from Seaside Hts down to Hatteras. First time I saw him, it was

, and sniggles to my buddies. The guy does know how to drive the beach, and I have never seen him stuck. Can't say the same for my buddies.

Joe,

042801 · #4 02-06-2008, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CarpenterSteve63

AWD is not 4WD and usually dosen't work well at all on the beach. Astro vans also have relatively poor ground clearence.

My guess is that an Astro would be fine at Daytona, but very risky on the beaches here.

Good to see you back Steve!

As of 2 weeks ago, there was no beach in Daytona to drive on. Joe.

Wildbob · #5 02-06-2008, 09:48 PM

Hi, Steve. Nice to hear from you. I would have agreed with Steve, but Joe knows a guy!? Maybe its not a stock AWD Astro. I would be hesitant anywhere north of Atlantic City.

CarpenterSteve · #6 02-06-2008, 10:20 PM

I have never heard anything good about AWD on a beach, but if someone has one and it works.... they may know better then I.

I guess basically, try and test it out with a fully equiped buddy in another vehicle just in case AWD Asto's aren't good.

Maybe the clearence on an AWD Astro is better then a reg Astro.

CarpenterSteve · #7 02-06-2008, 10:21 PM

Quote:

As of 2 weeks ago, there was no beach in Daytona to drive on. Joe.

OUCH!

So the bottom line may be its OK to drive here, but in Daytona you would be underwater!

row4fun · #8 02-07-2008, 10:09 AM

I have seen one a few times on the beach but its a Quigley 4X4. I have seen a few AWD Outbacks, Foresters and a Element, but have also seen a few of them stuck, but mostly driver error.

Jess · #9 02-07-2008, 01:50 PM

There light so I would guess with wide tires aired down, common sense & watching your clearance you should be OK.

042801 · #10 02-07-2008, 06:20 PM

Actually, I don't know the guy personally, but I have fished next to him. Stock Astro, and like Jess said, aired down and rides right on top. I've seen him on Seaside Hts, and that beach is soft. Joe.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wildbob

Hi, Steve. Nice to hear from you. I would have agreed with Steve, but Joe knows a guy!? Maybe its not a stock AWD Astro. I would be hesitant anywhere north of Atlantic City.

DanS · #11 02-09-2008, 07:57 AM

Yes, the guy in the Astro van lives up by me. He works for an Orvis store near me and fishes alot and he knows what he is doing.

blazin420 · #12 02-09-2008, 08:10 AM

i personaly wouldnt use it but pay attention, air down and be careful on those soft sand days it only takes a minute to get stuck and sometimes hours to get out

....meaning less time fishin

also keep a shovel and some boards just in case

joeaugeri · #13 02-19-2008, 07:33 AM

i owned a custom bilt astro many years ago , a pathfinder 4x4, great truck for the beach, but it was a 4x4.i saw guys with awd astros trying to drive the beach, big problems. there is no ground clearence, if u air down, everything drags. you cant raise it up ,i know some one who tried, it failed. cant just put bigger tires on it. next bought an astro awd and now own a safari awd ,i wouldent even think about putting them on the beach. i have seen a few on the beach, but......................