For all you off-road enthusiasts behind the wheel of a Ford Everest—here’s how to get your ride desert-ready before hitting the dunes.
Tire Deflation for Sand Driving
Deflation values can vary across off-road vehicles, but from my own experience behind the wheel of a Ford Everest, I’ve found these settings work best for soft sand:
- 14 psi on the front tires
- 13 psi on the rear tires
This setup gives just the right balance of traction and floatation without compromising control. Always adjust based on terrain and load—but this is my go-to for desert runs.
Visibility is survival in the dunes
Mounting a flagpole and flag onto a vehicle is a safety compliance. In undulating terrain, vehicles can be completely hidden behind sand dunes. A tall flag mounted on a pole allows others to spot you before your vehicle becomes visible, reducing the risk of head-on collisions.
Drive Mode Set-Up
- Use the rotary dial on the centre console to select Sand Mode.
- Once engaged, the digital instrument cluster will display the selected mode.
- Activating Sand Mode automatically engages the 4x4 High (4H) setting, ensuring optimal traction and control across soft terrain.
- Heads-up: Sand Mode automatically engages the rear differential lock.
- The differential lock needs to be switched off, using the switch as shown. it’s best reserved for recovery situations.
- De-activate the differential lock from touch screen of the centre console.
- To fully disable ESC (Electronic Stability Control), press and hold the switch for around 8 seconds. Until the dashboard indicator confirms it’s off.
- Switch to Manual mode by pressing the ‘M’ button located on the side of the gear shifter. This gives full control over gear selection for precision driving in the dunes.
- Gear changes in Manual mode are simple, using the +/- buttons on the side of the gear shifter.
- The current gear selection is clearly displayed on the driver’s front console, giving you real-time control and awareness while navigating the dunes.
With these essential steps, your Ford Everest is primed for safe and confident desert driving. Always respect the terrain, drive responsibly, and enjoy the adventure ahead.
