Tips for Riding Your Side-by-Side in the Sand

If you’ve ever pictured your Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV) soaring across a sea of sand, then we’re going to head deep into the arid desert in search of a Sahara-like adventure. In this post, we provide tips for riding your side-by-side in the sand to ensure you enjoy your time riding the dunes.

Choosing Your Perfect Dune Companion

A side-by-side, also known as a UTV, is perfect for conquering dunes thanks to their stability and power. You should check for models with high ground clearance, robust suspension, and powerful engines when shopping around for one to ensure you can tackle those steep climbs and thrilling descents.

Substantial ground clearance is crucial to protect the under carriage, avoid becoming stuck (or high-siding) on a crest or smashing into hidden rocks and vegetation. Proper suspension absorbs any trauma from abrasive, uneven terrain. This system maintains contact and traction for control and stability, especially while cutting across a dune’s face or landing a jump.

A commanding engine provides the torque and horsepower needed to climb steep hillsides and power through soft sand. It ensures you have enough grunt to handle tricky maneuvers. Always check your tires before heading out to the dunes. A lower pressure increases surface area and, therefore, traction on loose surfaces, offering stability and flotation.

Regularly inspect your air filter, as sand can wreak havoc on your engine if it sneaks into the manifold. A clean air filter is your best defense against the gritty invader! So, consider installing aftermarket parts designed specifically for riding in sand. These can enhance your vehicle’s performance and durability on challenging terrain.

Companies such as DRT Motorsports offer a range of RZR Pro R aftermarket parts that can take your ride to the next level. They offer everything from exhaust covers to skid plates to a vented engine cover and more if you’d like to ramp up protection or just give your rig a brand new look.

Keep That Momentum Going

Momentum is crucial. Sand gives way under the UTV’s weight, making it easy to bog down if you lose speed. The key is to maintain a steady pace, even when ascending, which requires more throttle input, while going downhill is a whole different animal. Sustaining momentum takes a steady hand and light foot.

Gradually increase velocity in your uphill approach to build momentum before climbing. Be steady with the gas until you reach the top and your front wheels cross the peak to avoid high-siding; then, let off the gas so you can survey your next obstacle: the descent.

Don’t go too fast because you don’t know what’s on the other side. Could be a sudden drop or an oncoming vehicle. You’ll want to approach slowly and tap on the brakes as you go. Don’t stab the pedal, but gently and briefly apply pressure to arrest speed without unintentionally locking the wheels. Sudden accelerations can cause your tires to dig in and lose traction. Instead, apply the throttle smoothly and consistently. Resist the urge to floor it if you feel your vehicle starting to slow down; doing so will only dig you deeper. Instead, try to maintain your current speed or gently decrease it to find better traction.

Fast braking, by law of physics, will force the nose of your side-by-side (SXS) to sink, and the rear end to come around to the front, essentially creating a turn. This situation can be very dangerous when you descend as it makes you that much more susceptible to rolling. Therefore, try to avoid turning the steering wheel.

Up or down, the rule still applies: if you decrease momentum, the SXS sinks. The goal is something like hydroplaning. The soaring feeling means you’re doing it right. And while maintaining your motion is great for control, it’s also pivotal the taller and more abrupt dunes become.

Consider your exit strategy when riding (or skiing) down into a bowl or the valley between each wave of sand. You don’t want to go downhill too fast because any incident could become catastrophic at an increased pace. However, you risk being stuck at the bottom if you don’t have enough propulsion to conquer the next rise.

Equip Your Ride

Despite being barren, dunes have a peculiar tendency to camouflage objects within them, not to mention the ridges completely hide oncoming traffic, so you should equip your vehicle with an antenna and flag or an LED whip (a type of light bar) which alert other riders to your presence.

The height, brightness, and color will make it easier for others to spot you from a distance or over a blind crest, especially in the vast spaces of the dunes. Now, while we are suggesting that riding your side-by-side in the sand is an open, remote desert excursion, most OHV areas will require an alerting system on your UTV before heading onto the sand.

A navigation system is also an invaluable tool, especially in an ocean of featureless mounds in a remote area where visible trails and landmarks can be sparse. Even on a well-manicured path, having a device which can leave “breadcrumbs”, so you can always find your back, is paramount.

The right GPS equipment can easily track your location and navigate unfamiliar terrain, preventing you from becoming lost. Some of these gadgets connect with satellite service to send SOS distress signals or, better yet, allow you to text in case of an emergency or to check in with family as a safety measure.

Because it provides real-time updates on your position, this tech is compulsory in cross-country or off-road desert races. Speaking of competition, you might also want to consider installing four or five-point harnesses typical in this setting. These safety belts will keep you securely strapped in during high-speed rides in the challenging desert terrain.

Unlike standard seat belts, these harnesses distribute forces more evenly across your body, reducing the risk of injury in the event of a sudden stop or rollover. Many debate which harness works best and whether the traditional seatbelt, for some body types, could be optimal.

Take the time to do the research and find what’s best for you and your family. It’s not a one-size-fits-all situation, and so what’s good for you might not be ideal for your spouse or children. Adjustable straps cover the bases in most scenarios, but you should consider adding booster seats for anyone with a smaller profile.

Even adults can benefit from the elevation (not to mention it adds comfort for your tailbone), whether this benefit means better visibility over the control panel or merely allows you to fit into the harness completely. The apparatus should be quite snug so that there is very little “play” for your body to slide around.

The energy of a sudden stop will fling and disperse into you versus the car and its suspension system, even with a loose harness. The sudden force could lead to bruising, light injury, or something severely detrimental. So, consider all your safety equipment before you go. Not doing so is not worth the possible damage to your vessel or your loved ones.

Gear Up for the Desert

Considering your UTV’s weight when getting ready for dune riding is crucial. How much weight you’re carrying onto the soft, shifting sand can make the difference between smoothly gliding over obstacles or getting stuck. You should pack light and keep the number of passengers to a minimum.

Of course, a helmet and goggles are a must since they shield your eyes from sand and glare, with tinted lenses being especially helpful on sunny days. Some riders even wear a face covering. A good face covering, such as a bandana, scarf, or specialized desert mask, shields your face from the sun’s intense rays, wind, and blowing sand.

Wearing gloves can improve grip and protect your hands from rough surfaces. You’ll also want to pick up some sturdy, long-sleeved clothing and boots to shield your body from the harsh desert elements.

Prepare for Sandy Situations

Even the most experienced riders can sometimes find themselves stuck in the sand. The key is to prepare and know how to react when it happens. Don’t panic if you feel your vehicle sinking or losing momentum! Your first move should be to stop spinning your wheels, as not doing so will only dig you deeper into the sand.

Try reversing along your entry tracks where you’ve already compacted the sand. Depending on your elevation and the angle you are pointing, you could use gravity to your advantage. Just carefully turn the tires downward, putting minimal and gradual pressure on the gas pedal (in Drive or Reverse, depending) to start rotating the wheels.

Soon, gravity’s pull will take over and you will avoid spinning out. You may try this method even if your rear will lead you downhill. Just be sure whoever is driving is confident navigating in reverse. Perhaps practice driving backwards in a safe environment so that you are well-versed before you need to use the skill in a pinch.

If that doesn’t work and you’ve exhausted your technical knowledge, it’s time to break out the recovery gear. A simple shovel to dig a fresh path can be all that you need. Combine that with an anti-skid traction plate, such as those by MAXTRAX, and there will be a few squelchy scenarios you can’t escape.

A winch is your last-ditch effort, which can sometimes be the only remaining option. Anchoring to a stable, nearby vehicle or another sturdy fixed point allows you to pull yourself free when all else fails. Using a winch is time-consuming, so leave this in your pocket until absolutely necessary.

Riding in a group is safer and can be way more fun. Someone can lend a hand (or a tow) if you become stuck, and you can return the favor when needed. Plus, there’s nothing like sharing the joy of conquering a challenging dune with friends!

Implementing these helpful tips for riding your side-by-side in the sand will put you well on your way to becoming a Mad Max-esque master dune rider. Practice makes perfect, so don’t feel discouraged if your first few rides aren’t so graceful. Knowing what to look for, how to prep, and upgrading your UTV is a great way to progress; it only takes seat time!

Now that you’re ready to hit the sand, why not try taking your ride to the next level? Check out DRT Motorsports for top-quality RZR Pro R aftermarket parts to enhance your vehicle’s performance and keep it on-point for all your adventures in the dunes.