Sand vs Baja mode for Silver Lake Dunes

[murrman]

My wife and I are planning a trip to Silver Lake Dunes next week, and I have a question for anyone who's been there (or any place similar). We don't plan on doing any crazy driving, just cruising around the dunes. I'm wondering whether Sand mode or Baja mode would be best suited for the type of sand there. I know I can try out both once I get there, but I'm just curious what others have used.

I've only driven on the beach one other time (in the OBX). There I used Baja when near the water and Sand if I was going slower in the dry sand areas. Since it looks like Silver Lake is pretty much all dry sand (since you can't drive too close to the water), I wasn't sure if I'd be best off sticking with Sand mode.

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[DarthLincoln]

Last time I went to Silver Lake Sand Dunes was like 20 years ago, but yeah I remember it as all deep dry sand (dry for Michigan).

Sand mode is better for a couple reasons:

1. Sand mode defaults with rear locker on, which is what you want. Of course, you could use Baja and turn on the rear locker.
2. Baja reportedly has a more agressive throttle like Sport mode does, which you don’t want in deep sand. A heavy throttle is great if you want to throw huge rooster tails, but it will quickly dig your tires into the soft sand and get you stuck.

Both modes will disable traction control which is good - you definitely do not want traction control in deep sand since it will reduce your momentum.

It’s not really a huge difference between the two modes, but Sand mode is intentionally designed for deep sand dunes. If you were driving on a hard-packed sand surface like.a desert wash, then Baja would be better (more fun).

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Easy-v]

Sand mode is just fine and what I usually stick with.

Airing down to 10-13 is more critical imo.

 

[Roger123]

Air down to 10 and run in 4-low. We were there a few years ago, going up the big dune is a real rush.

 

[murrman]

Air down to 10 and run in 4-low. We were there a few years ago, going up the big dune is a real rush.

Thanks. Did you keep it in 4-low the whole time? I've only ever used 4-high, so am not sure what the exact limitations are when in 4-low.

 

[Easy-v]

well, if you have the Luxe package and all the cameras, 4l allow allows you to use the front camera above 5 miles an hour.

I don’t think you can go wrong in 4l, it’s only been after several trips to Silverlake that I feel more comfortable in driving in something other than 4l

Again, there are different areas of the park and different depths of sand very so be aware of that if you plan on not driving in 4l.

Of course, if you’re just going to drive to the beach you can do that 4h no problem

 

[Z because X was taken]

4Low is not necessary, you are gonna need some speed to get up them big sandy hills, carry your momentum until you just get to the top and then back off that throtttle. I have seen a lot of folks sending it then get to the top and crest and nose dive straight down. Air down is the most important thing you can do. I always run at 10 psi. I like sand mode cause the front camera comes on, and when you get to the top of the hill its awesome to have a view of what is coming up. I have also just put it in 4wd and turned the rear lockers on and manually turned the camera on. Play around with the differant modes. Mud and ruts mode works too. Enjoy its a great place to put your Bronco thru its paces.

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