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UTV Dune Riding Tips: A First-Timer’s Guide to Sand Dunes

by Landon McMath

Riding your side by side in the sand isn’t like running trails or desert hardpack. The dunes look wide open, but soft sand, steep bowls, and blind crests create challenges that can surprise even experienced off-roaders. If this is your first dune trip, a little preparation will make the difference between a great day and a frustrating one. Here’s what you need to know.

Setting Up Your Side by Side for Sand Dunes

Sand is one of the toughest environments on your UTV. It demands more power, traction, and protection than most riders expect. Before heading out, go through this checklist:

Tire Pressure Adjustments

Drop your tire pressure several pounds from your normal trail setup. This increases the contact patch and helps your tires “float” instead of digging into soft sand. Just don’t go so low that the bead risks popping off the rim.

Suspension Prep and Inspections

Inspect arms, bushings, and shocks for play or leaks. Sand amplifies every bump, and you’ll often be hitting transitions between bowls or landing off small jumps. A quick inspection and a once-over with a wrench can prevent failures.

Air Filter Protection

Fine sand particles are brutal on engines. Start the day with a clean filter. If your dunes are dusty and crowded, consider a pre-filter sock or dual-stage system. A clogged filter robs power quickly.

Cooling and Protection Upgrades

Sand keeps heat in. Intake grills, vented hood covers, and the right exhaust cover help your machine breathe. Brands like DRT Motorsports offer RZR Pro R aftermarket parts built for exactly this kind of environment.

Driving Techniques: How to Handle the Dunes

Momentum is the golden rule of dune riding. Sand constantly shifts under your tires, so smooth inputs matter more than raw horsepower.

Climbing Dunes

Roll into the hill with a steady throttle. Build your speed before the climb, and avoid hammering the gas at the base — that just digs ruts. Ease off once your front tires crest to prevent high-siding or launching blindly.

Descending Safely

Treat every descent like it could hide a drop-off or another rider. Point straight down, use light braking, and resist turning until you’re on flat ground. Sharp steering inputs here are a common cause of rollovers.

Maintaining Speed

If you feel bogged down, keep the throttle smooth. Flooring it only buries the tires. Sometimes easing off a touch lets them regain traction. Think of it like driving in snow: finesse beats aggression.

Crossing Slopes

When side-hilling across a dune face, keep momentum up and avoid sudden direction changes. If you feel the machine sliding, gently steer downhill rather than fighting gravity.

Safety and Visibility in the Dunes

The dunes may look empty, but hidden traffic is one of the biggest risks for new riders. That’s why most riding areas require a whip flag or LED whip mounted to your machine. The height and color make you visible over blind crests.

Other safety must-haves:

  • Helmets and Goggles – Sand is relentless on your eyes. Tinted lenses help cut glare during the day.

  • Harnesses – Standard seat belts work, but a four- or five-point harness keeps you planted on steep climbs, hard landings, or rollovers. Make sure they fit snugly. Loose straps defeat the purpose.

  • Protective Gear – Long sleeves, gloves, and closed-toe shoes keep sand rash down and add protection if you tip over.

Tip: Adjust harnesses for each rider. What fits you might not secure your spouse or kids correctly. Add booster cushions if smaller riders can’t sit high enough for a proper fit.

What to Do if You Get Stuck in the Sand

Everyone gets stuck eventually. Knowing what to do will save time and frustration:

  1. Stop spinning the tires — Digging deeper is the fastest way to bury yourself.

  2. Back out on your tracks — Your entry path is already compacted and easier to climb.

  3. Use recovery gear — A shovel clears a path, and traction boards give your tires something firm to bite.

  4. Winch or tow — When all else fails, a strap or winch from another vehicle is the surest way out.

Riding in a group makes recovery faster and safer. Plus, you’ll always have someone to spot you when dropping into bowls.

Gear Checklist for Sand Dune Riding

Pack light, but don’t skip the essentials. Sand is unforgiving if you’re unprepared.

  • Tires – Lower pressure for flotation
  • Suspension – Inspected and tightened
  • Air Filter – Cleaned or replaced
  • Flag/Whip – Required in most OHV dune areas
  • Helmet, Goggles, Gloves, Shoes – For safety and comfort
  • Recovery Gear – Shovel, traction boards, tow strap/winch
  • Navigation – GPS or breadcrumb tracker
  • Hydration – Plenty of water, snacks, shade gear

Final Thoughts

Your first trip to the dunes will be a learning experience. Smooth throttle, steady momentum, and good prep are the keys to keeping your side by side moving and avoiding common mistakes. The more seat time you put in, the more natural it becomes.

Before you load up, consider upgrading protection and performance parts built for sand. DRT Motorsports offers aftermarket UTV parts designed to handle the heat, sand, and stress of dune riding — so you can focus on the ride, not the breakdown.

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