renting a 4x4 (Raleigh: rentals, beach, vacation)

[DanielChang]

I'm planning a trip to the outer banks (staying in the 4x4 region) and apparently, my awd vehicle is not going to make it in the sand. The vacation rental places say that there's very limited satellite parking (and pretty costly) to park in Corolla and get shuttled up to Carova.

What's the best deals on renting a 4wd vehicle for a few days? Do I need to specify to the rental agency that I will be taking the vehicle on the beach (I'd be driving up NC-12)? My idea is to rent a vehicle here in the Raleigh area and drive up to the OBX.

[J_Lurk]

You might want to have your question moved to the Coastal section for more answers.

We were in Corolla last year and did a tour of the 4x4 area, and the number of stuck vehicles we saw was pretty impressive. Our tour guide told us tales of the money the tow guy makes (and how if stuck folks balk at the cost, he'll just drive away). I hope you have experience in sand!

My gut feeling is that you would have to tell the rental agency because that is off-road and it is going to come back coated in sand.

Did you see these guys?
Corolla Jeep Rentals and Tours

[DanielChang]

Originally Posted by J_Lurk

You might want to have your question moved to the Coastal section for more answers.

Did you see these guys?
Corolla Jeep Rentals and Tours

Yeah, I didn't want to leave my personal vehicle in Corolla for the duration of my trip, though, which is why I'd prefer to rent in Raleigh instead. Thanks for the link though, it's something to think about. If I do drive up, I better have the $$$ to pay the tow guy

[J_Lurk]

Originally Posted by DanielChang

Yeah, I didn't want to leave my personal vehicle in Corolla for the duration of my trip, though, which is why I'd prefer to rent in Raleigh instead. Thanks for the link though, it's something to think about. If I do drive up, I better have the $$$ to pay the tow guy

I just figure that people who are in the Coastal forum might have more ideas about national car companies' policies on going off-road.

[DanielChang]

Originally Posted by J_Lurk

I just figure that people who are in the Coastal forum might have more ideas about national car companies' policies on going off-road.

Thanks J, I'll give that a go, too. I hope you guys had as much fun touring Corolla as I did. Saw plenty of wild horses.

[Asheville Native]

Driven the 4x4 from Corolla to the state line a number of times. Novice 4x4 drivers get stuck in the sand, I've pulled a few free with my truck.

Don't recall seeing any Subaru, or AWD vans in the sand. Mostly trucks, jeeps, and SUVs. Last time I was there a Deputy was at the end of the road and was turning idiots around before the ventured onto the sand. Don't know what criteria he was using, he just waved me on.

Then to humiliate you completely you will see one of the locals driving and old, rusted out Oldsmobile 98 down the sand without any problem, passing 4x4's that have managed to bury themselves to the axles.

[sacredgrooves]

Rent a jeep, deflate the tires to about 10psi, accelerate slow and steady from a stop. Biggest mistake people make is gunning it...tires dig in when ya do. Carry a tow strap!

[candlegirl]

Sacredgroves pretty much laid it out for you - the only other thing to tell you is that most get stuck at the entrances and exits to the beaches.....when going up the hill to the entrance to the beach do not stop mid way, you will get stuck. That means giving yourself plenty of room between the next vehicle.

We have gone up in our jeep and have never got stuck in it...