Need to be able to drive 2014 durango on soft sand beach. Should I get hemi or 6 cylinder? What are the differences in transmissions? What about 4wd in hemi?? Would that make a difference?

 

Either would work fine as long as you get an AWD.

 

I don't think the 6 has the low range transfer case?

 

Soft sand? How soft? Salt water or fresh water beach?
If you're ocean beach bound and you're going to make a habit of that make sure you have a good undercoating to keep out the salt water, just in case.
Lastly, make sure your AAA membership is paid up.

 

It does not, but it does not matter. Better tires will help -- aggressive narrow tires do not help, you need something wide and can float. The only safe and controlled procedure to drive on soft sand is with substantially deflated tires. Depending on your tire size and vehicle weight, drop from your regular tire pressure of about 30 psi down to at least 20 psi - much better for soft sand is 10 psi. Also, drive at a lower gear.


I guess I will find out myself when I go to the OBX this June.

 

I drive on beach all time. Usually at 13 psi. It's soft sand on cape cod. Just curious how ghe v6 durango would handle compared to v8. Last truck I had was a pathfinder which had a locking differential. Just makes me nervous. Was thinking hemi woukd be better since it has the low gear but rather not pay for the gas

 

I would not take a chance on loose sand without the Low range case and extra tq available.
Also the 8 speeds are not the same between 6 and 8 cylinder models
The 8 speed in the V8 is supposed to be a stronger model.
I Know that the 8 speed transmissions in the D are made by Chrysler with a ZF design, not sure why they arent using genuine ZF trans as they do in the Jeep V8 models.
STEVE

 

I believe the 8 speed in the V-8 D is a genuine ZF built, while the 8 speed in the V-6 D is built by Chrysler under license from ZF. Two different model numbers.

You're going to have to have AWD to toodle around on the beach. Durango would not be my first choice if I wanted a sand runner. 5200 pounds can sink pretty quickly, ha ha.

That said, I LOVE my AWD R/T. SOmetimes I just go down to the garage and look at it.

 

How did driving on beach go? Do you have the RT?

 

This is correct.