Beach Running on 20" Wheels

All,

I'd like to hear feedback from those that have been on the beach or other sandy environs running 20" wheels and OEM size tires. It's been awhile since I've had a 4WD/AWD vehicle so I've not been able to see how the larger wheel/tire setups perform in the sand. Previously, I've had great luck running 16-17" wheels with Michelin LTX M/S tires on Tahoes, Suburbans, a Gen3 T4R & full-size trucks. Current new-to-me ride is a '16 Limited T4R with the 20x7 OEM 6-spoke wheels wrapped in 245/60R20 Michelin Defenders.

I've been trying to find some OEM 17x7 or 17x7.5 wheels. The reason for this is I'm not sure how the 20" tires would handle being aired down. Any input is greatly appreciated. I'd be OK keeping the larger wheels if the sand performance is good.

Thanks,
Keith

 

My 2011 LE came with Bridgestone Dueler H/T's on the stock 20s... I did ok on the beach and dunes aired down to 20 PSI. I never got stuck (but the sand wasn't particularly dry/soft that weekend).

 

All depends on the sand itself. If it is soft, definitely need to air down and not sure if those tires would do it. I always had either AT or MT when we drove on the beach.
I have seen plenty of vehicles drive on the sane with street tires if it was packed and hard sand. The biggest tire size I ran was an 18".
I am not sure about the 20". Good luck.