Life's a beach

[russell d]

I'd like to take my 19' 2003 Bambi to the beach and camp on the sand. I've seen what some of the Bambis that come from ocean states, like Florida, look like after a while, and I'm hesitant to spend time on the beach. I'd hate to have Bambi start to rust and corrode (can't spell that word). Any suggestions on beach living and how to clean it after my stay? Should I just avoid the ocean all together? Thanks, rd

[uwe]

Originally Posted by russell d

I'd like to take my 19' 2003 Bambi to the beach and camp on the sand. I've seen what some of the Bambis that come from ocean states, like Florida, look like after a while, and I'm hesitant to spend time on the beach. I'd hate to have Bambi start to rust and corrode (can't spell that word). Any suggestions on beach living and how to clean it after my stay? Should I just avoid the ocean all together? Thanks, rd

Unless you get splashed by the salty surf, you should not have any problems. Short term exposre does not hurt a vehicle. I've camped on teh beach several weeks a year, and never had as much as a trace of a problem with neither the Suburban nor the trailer.

Camping beaches that I know of are in Baja California, Pismo Beach, and Galveston, TX.

[azflycaster]

I would think you would get alot of salt from the roads in the winter in Colorado as well. Same rules apply, wash the trailer when you get home...

[CanoeStream]

Dry sand above the high tide line seems like an Airstream trap to me. Are you intending to actually drive out on the sand? I speak from some experience with Texas' Padre Island, etc. Anywhere near Corpus Christi and Rockport (Port Aransas/Mustang Island) will have a lot of tar pellets on the beach from offshore oil wells. It gets on everything -- feet, sandals, floor coverings.

[gb3.and.Bine]

Originally Posted by uwe

Unless you get splashed by the salty surf, you should not have any problems. Short term exposre does not hurt a vehicle. I've camped on teh beach several weeks a year, and never had as much as a trace of a problem with neither the Suburban nor the trailer.

Camping beaches that I know of are in Baja California, Pismo Beach, and Galveston, TX.

Any problems towing an Airstream into and out of the sand? I have an FJ Cruiser pulling a 19' international...I KNOW the FJ can get thourhg the sand...but I'm unsure about trying to tow the 'Stream....

gb3

[thecatsandi]

That should nto be aproble. If you have any doubts take it to a truck wash and have the top and bottom rinsed.

[uwe]

Originally Posted by gb3.and.Bine

Any problems towing an Airstream into and out of the sand? I have an FJ Cruiser pulling a 19' international...I KNOW the FJ can get thourhg the sand...but I'm unsure about trying to tow the 'Stream....

gb3

You can do it, but don't do it unless there's a second vehicle that can help you get unstuck.
Whenever we drive out on the softer sand, we air down the tires to about 15lbs of pressure, truck and trailer. Then, go as straight lined as possible. If you have to steer and maneuver much, forget it. Make mild turns, and use the throttle sparingly. Walk the spot first, always, and make a plan. We camp in the desert from time to time, as well as on the beach. It's great fun!

[mike rogers]

Bolsa Chica in Orange County is a nice place to go and no need to park on the sand but it is outside the door. Watch for fires!

[dmreilly10000]

Originally Posted by uwe

We camp in the desert from time to time, as well as on the beach. It's great fun!

WOW, your '63 Overlander is beautiful.

[uwe]

Originally Posted by mike rogers

Bolsa Chica in Orange County is a nice place to go and no need to park on the sand but it is outside the door. Watch for fires!

We're supposed to camp there this weekend. I am hoping for some fresh sea air, which would be a great change of climate from the smoke aand ash filled air at my house.