
Here on Delmarva, surf fishing on Saturday and Sunday afternoons has become more and more popular with both locals and tourists. You are able to enjoy a day of fishing, sun and fun while having everything at your disposal right in your 4WD vehicle. With so many AWD and 4WD options in Chevy’s line-up, lets take a look at which models would perform best gliding across the soft sand and dune crossings. We will hit points such as GVWR, ground clearance, cargo room, and best practices for the best performance.
9. Chevy Equinox
AWD V6: GVWR: 5,300lbs Cargo Volume: 63.7 cu. ft./31.5 cu. ft. Clearance: f:6.9 in r:6.9 in Passengers: 5
Ground clearance and AWD can be a concern for anyone attempting to take it on the beach. I would certainly not suggest an Equinox for any inexperienced drivers. Those who know what their doing can make the Equinox work for them, but I personally wouldn’t recommend it if you are a frequent beach goer.
8. Chevy Traverse
AWD V6: GVWR: 6,459lbs Cargo Volume: 116.4 cu. ft./68.8 cu. ft./24.4 cu. ft. Clearance: f:7.2 in r:7.2 in Passengers: 8
Ground clearance and AWD can be a concern for anyone attempting to take it on the beach. I would certainly not suggest a Traverse for any inexperienced drivers. Those who know what their doing can make the Traverse work for them.
7. Silverado HD 2500 4WD 6.6L Turbo Diesel
- Reg Cab: GVWR: 9,900lbs Cargo Volume: N/A./75.5 cu. ft. Clearance: f:9.75 in r:9.10 in Passengers: 3
- Ext Cab: GVWR: 10,000lbs Cargo Volume: 60.7 cu. ft./75.5 cu. ft. Clearance: f:9.75 in r:8.5 in Passengers: 6
- Crew Cab: GVWR: 10,000lbs Cargo Volume: 60.7 cu. ft./75.5 cu. ft. Clearance: f:9.75 in r:8.2 in Passengers: 6
The Heavy Duty Silverados work well on the beach, especially if you haul a slide in camper for weekend stays. Drivers should have some experience driving on the sand before tackling it with a heavy duty pickup. The weight of the pickup takes some getting used to when starting from a stop. The Diesel engine also produces so much torque, it can very easily bury itself before you know it. For the best performance, decrease the tire pressure to 15-20 psi, lock into 4WD high, and turn off traction control.
6. Silverado HD 2500 4WD Gas
- Reg Cab: GVWR: 9,500lbs Cargo Volume: 60.7 cu. ft./75.5 cu. ft. Clearance: f:9.5 in r:13.10 in Passengers: 3
- Ext Cab: GVWR: 9,500lbs Cargo Volume: 60.7 cu. ft./75.5 cu. ft. Clearance: f:9.3 in r:12.50 in Passengers: 6
- Crew Cab: GVWR: 9,500lbs Cargo Volume: 60.7 cu. ft./75.5 cu. ft. Clearance: f:9.0 in r:12.10 in Passengers: 6
The Heavy Duty Silverados work well on the beach, especially if you haul a slide in camper for weekend stays. Drivers should have some experience driving on the sand before tackling it with a heavy duty pickup. The weight of the pickup takes some getting used to when starting from a stop. For the best performance, decrease the tire pressure to 15-20 psi, lock into 4WD high, and turn off traction control.
5. Tahoe 1500 4WD
4WD V8: GVWR: 7,300lbs Cargo Volume: 108.9 cu. ft./68.8 cu. ft./24.4 cu. ft. Clearance: f:10.5 in r:9.10 in Passengers: 9
The Tahoe provides room for up to 9 passengers, but you can easily remove the 3rd row for plently of cargo room to load up beach essentials. For the best performance, decrease the tire pressure to 15-20 psi, lock into 4WD high, and turn off traction control.
4. Suburban 1500 4WD
4WD V8: GVWR: 7,400lbs Cargo Volume: 137.4 cu. ft./68.8 cu. ft./24.4 cu. ft. Clearance: f:10.5 in r:9.10 in Passengers: 9
If you want to haul a large family with a lot of cargo across the sand, the Chevy Suburban is your best choice. You can haul up to 9 people and still have room inside for the cooler, umbrella, towels and much more. For the best performance, decrease the tire pressure to 15-20 psi, lock into 4WD high, and turn off traction control.
3. Silverado 1500 4WD
- Reg Cab: GVWR: 6,400lbs Cargo Volume: 60.7 cu. ft./75.5 cu. ft. Clearance: f:9.5 in r:13.10 in Passengers: 3
- Ext Cab: GVWR: 7,000lbs Cargo Volume: 60.7 cu. ft./75.5 cu. ft. Clearance: f:9.3 in r:12.50 in Passengers: 6
- Crew Cab: GVWR: 7,000lbs Cargo Volume: 53.2 cu. ft./N/A Clearance: f:9.0 in r:12.10 in Passengers: 6
Best truck on the road hands down. The Silverado is no slouch on the beach either. I am on my third Silverado and have been driving on the beach for 20 years without a seconds trouble. For the best performance, decrease the tire pressure to 15-20 psi, lock into 4WD high, and turn off traction control.
2. Colorado V6 4WD Z71
- Reg Cab: GVWR: 5,150lbs Cargo Volume: 44 cu. ft./N/A Clearance: 11.2 in Passengers: 3
- Ext Cab: GVWR: 5,300lbs Cargo Volume: 44 cu. ft./N/A Clearance: 11.4 in Passengers: 5
- Crew Cab: GVWR: 5,300lbs Cargo Volume: 37 cu. ft./N/A Clearance: 11.4 in Passengers: 6
With the Z71 package on the Ext Cab, the Colorado is the lightest vehicle with the highest clearance and widest tires available. If we were to evaluate on drivablity across the beach alone, the Colorado would be the winner hands down. What it lacks in passenger and cargo space it makes up for in drivability.
1. Avalanche 4WD
4WD V8: GVWR: 7,200lbs Cargo Volume: 45.5 cu. ft./68.8 cu. ft./24.4 cu. ft. Clearance: f:9.10 in r:9.10 in Passengers: 6
Versatility, The Chevy Avalanche is by far the most versatile vehicle in our line-up. With the ability to extend the cargo box up to 8 feet you can easily toss in a surfboard for the trip. The covered cargo box will keep stuff high and dry if the weather turns foul. Bed side storage can double as a drink cooler with drains holes in the bottom, just throw in the ice. You also have the ability to move up to 6 people on the trip and still have plenty of space to bring the necessities. Performance across the sand is no issue for the Avalanche. For the best performance, decrease the tire pressure to 15-20 psi, lock into 4WD high, and turn off traction control.

