Driving on the beach is both energetic and nostalgic as it is a favorite American pastime for so many. In fact, people flock to the specific beaches that allow them to drive on the beach along the ocean. Beach cruising is a lifestyle and if prepared properly will provide memories that will be passed on for generations to come. This article is for the beachgoer that makes this a lifestyle and is looking to invest in a proper beach cruiser vehicle. Historically, Land Rover Defenders have always ranked on top of the list for the perfect beach cruiser. This still holds true today, whether you are purchasing a new vehicle or want to enjoy the nostalgia of a classic Land Rover Defender that has been restored with modern upgrades and amenities by ECD Auto Design.

Why It is Important to Consider Your Vehicle When Preparing for the Beach

Before you hit the beach, it is important to consider the vehicle that will be cruising in the soft sand by the crashing waves. The beach life can be so exciting and rewarding with the right gear and vehicle. Are you just cruising the beach, or will you be active? Consider what you will be bringing to the beach. Will you be surfing, lounging, biking, grilling, etc. Having a proper vehicle that will allow you to load up all your needs and cruise in style will reduce the stress of overcrowding and add so much to the experience. Because cruising on the beach has such a nostalgic feel, why not enjoy it in a heritage Land Rover Defender or Range Rover Classic that has been restored to provide the best in beach cruising comfort and functionality?

What are the key features of a Beach Runner?

To genuinely enjoy your experience, a proper defender beach runner will allow you to handle the beach terrain, so you will need to consider a few things:

1. Powertrain: Ability to manage challenging uneven and soft terrain.
2. Wheels & Tires: Size of the wheels make a steady impact.
3. Ruggedness: Standing up to diverse driving conditions.
4. Storage: Having organized storage to accommodate your beach lifestyle.

Powertrain & Suspension Can Make All the Difference

When it comes to power, the vehicle should be equipped with a powerful engine that can handle the challenging conditions of sandy beaches. Classic Land Rover Defenders have always been known to have the powertrain to manage the rough terrain. Fast forward to today, you can build a custom Defender 90 or Defender 110 with an entire menu of high output engine options to support any need. ECD Auto Design offers many engine types for all its vehicles including gasoline, diesel, and electric.

The suspension of the vehicle should provide a comfortable ride. Classic Defender are so much fun to drive on the beach, but upgrading the suspension to a comfortable air-ride will make all the difference in the world.

Wheel & Tires

Wheels and tires are going to make a significant impact on a Beach Cruising vehicle.  Be sure to equip your Land Rover Defender with larger wheels because they will distribute the weight of the vehicle more evenly, which is important when driving on the sand. Tire tread is also important to consider as wide, deep treads will ensure better traction. The wide tread will help prevent the Defender from sinking into the sand.

While preparing for a day of driving on the beach, a pro tip is to lower the tire pressure. According to Kelly Blue Book, it is recommended to lower the pressure to 20 psi while at the beach, but to be sure add air while on the main roads.

Ruggedness

A rugged vehicle is essential for any off-roading, including enjoying beach cruising on a regular basis. Driving on the beach will have its challenges as the terrain is always changing with each tide. You will run into rocky areas as well as beach erosion and being prepared with a vehicle that can take on a diverse environment will make a day at the beach always enjoyable. Land Rover Defenders have built their reputation on ruggedness and taking this to the next level, ECD upgrades each vehicle to be ready for any driving conditions.

Some Historical ECD Projects That Have Made a True Impact in The Beach Lifestyle

ECD Automotive Design has built some incredible one-of-a-kind beach specific vehicles that have received accolades from our clients and media alike over the years.  For a few samples of these projects click here.

To begin designing your own vehicle, check out our new vehicle configurator by clicking here.  This new tool which anyone can access from any computer, tablet or phone allows for over 2 Million possible vehicle combinations, making each build truly one-of-a-kind.