When it comes to off-roading, sand dunes present a challenge, both to the vehicle and the driver. Many drivers assume that sand driving requires specialized equipment, aggressive tires, and powerful engines. However, the Ford Bronco Sport proves that you don't always need all of the features to have an incredible time in the sand.
I’ve known this for a couple of years now, piloting my Bronco Sport Badlands through the Imperial Sand dunes in Glamis, California on the final day of Rebelle Rally and having it outperform my expectations time and time again. What I failed to consider, is how the non-Badlands trims do.
The question was raised at the Bronco Off-Roadeo: How would a non-Badlands do in sand?
All 2023 trim owners now have the opportunity to attend the Bronco Off-Roadeo Sport program, and I’ve guided some non-Badlands owners recently, using the Badland trim vehicles at the Off-Roadeo. Many owners have been asking what the main differences are in actual performance between the 2.0 4-cylinder and 1.5 3-cylinder. It made me wonder how non-Badland Sports would handle off-road as I had not had access to one?
The opportunity was presented to test out the question on dunes near Moab
I just got the opportunity. I had some prospective Rebelle Rally friends stay with me last weekend in Moab, and we went out for a little dune driving lesson in our Bronco Sports.
My new friend Cheryl happens to own a 2022 Bronco Sport Big Bend, equipped with regular Continental street tires and powered by the 1.5 liter, 3-cylinder engine. It does not have the 4x4 switch, the rear locker, or underbody bash plates like my 2021 Badlands, but it does have the G.O.A.T. mode dial with the Sand mode. This mode optimizes the vehicle's performance in sand by adjusting the throttle response, transmission shifts, and traction control settings. Engaging sand mode allows the Bronco Sport to navigate through loose sand more effectively, making it easier to maintain control and momentum.
I hoped this mode, combined with a quick lesson would be enough to get the Big Bend through the soft sand at the base of the first dune.
Understanding how to navigate sand dunes at speed with safety in mind
Before we actually entered the dunes, we discussed best practices for sand driving. One important technique is called tire flotation, which can only be created by driving at sufficient speed. This allows the tires to ride on top of the sand, preventing them from sinking too deep. Sufficient speed is based on several variables but with novice drivers, it often feels too fast. There can be an element of fear in driving at speed in the sand as quick decisions often have to be made when approaching larger dunes to prevent getting stuck or crossing a dune without knowing what’s on the other side. We discussed always having an exit strategy and being able to turn downhill when needed, maintaining that same speed if there is any doubt of being able to safely navigate over a dune.
How low can you go with tire pressures? An age-old question….
We also discussed airing down the tires and reducing the PSI. Airing down the tires enhances flotation and improves traction by increasing the contact area between the tire and the sand. This allows the vehicle to maintain forward momentum and reduces the likelihood of getting stuck.
I personally find that 25 PSI works well for me in most off-road situations and also works fine on the pavement, allowing me to not need to air back up at the end of the trail. In more challenging situations, however, I will go lower. Lowering the pressure too much not only decreases the ground clearance, it also increases the risk of losing the tire off the wheel, commonly referred to as losing the bead. Remember to re-inflate the tires before returning to highway speeds, especially if you've deflated them below 20 PSI, by carrying a portable air compressor.
We started with a driving demonstration, which proved to be a little scary.
I took the two prospective Rebelles on a quick spin through the dunes in my Bronco Sport Badlands, named Cody. That’s when an understanding of the required driving technique and the associated fear kicked in for Cheryl. I explained to her that she should stay on some of the easier dunes until she built up her confidence and that experience would only come with time. She was then somewhat ready to take her own Sport through the dunes.
Once again, the Bronco Sport proves its capability to me
While the Bronco Sport Big Bend doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the Badlands, it still totally impressed me in the sand. Even with a novice driver behind the wheel and highway pressure in the tires, this Sport managed to conquer small dunes and soft sand without becoming stuck.
I had brought all of my recovery gear as part of the sand training, planning for when Cheryl got the car stuck. I would show her how to use the shovel to expose the bottom of the tire and how to strategically place traction boards to get un-stuck.
Imagine my surprise when after several minutes of driving, the Big Bend was still moving through the sand. We actually had to purposely get the car stuck by applying the brake while going up the dune. That did the trick.
Traction tools and training in their use are key in the sand
Sand driving can be unpredictable, and even the most experienced off-roaders can and will eventually get stuck. Always anticipate that situation and be prepared with the right tools and knowledge. Practice using your equipment, such as the shovel and traction boards, before venturing into the sand dunes so you are comfortable with them before you are in a stressful situation. After a little discussion and some further demonstration, the duo successfully freed the Sport.
Get out there and experience some amazing places
In conclusion, the Bronco Sport Big Bend proved to me that you don't need all the high-end features to enjoy the sand, and I wouldn’t hesitate to drive any Bronco Sport trim on the beach or in the dunes.
Cheryl was really proud of herself and the way her Sport handled and felt that she learned some valuable skills. I would encourage all non-Badland Bronco Sport owners to get out there, enjoy the journey, and be confident that you can take your Sport farther than you think.
Comments
You must log in or register to post here.