Tips to Avoid Getting Your UTV Stuck in the Dunes

Riding the Dunes is one of the most exhilarating experiences for any off-roader but off-roading in the sand is the one place where if you get it wrong, it goes really wrong fast. The most frustrating thing for anyone riding in the dunes is when you unexpectedly get your SXS stuck in the sand. A miscalculated move and your vehicle can roll sideways on a dune-like a tumbleweed, get swept away with the tide or even sink in quicksand. Here are a couple of tips that will help you avoid getting stuck in the dunes and enjoy your time in the sand!

Lower the Tire Pressure:

Since sand is so soft your SxS will have the tendency to want to sink into it. In order to make sure your tires have the maximum contact with the surface, it is recommended that you lower the tire pressure of your vehicle. This will increase the size of your tire footprint, imagine snowshoes for the snow, improving your traction and float. The accepted normal tire pressure on the sand for a SXS with paddle tires can be as low as 8 psi but of course, each day and location can be different so adjust accordingly. Dropping the psi is one of the single most important adjustments you can make when you hit the dunes so make sure that is one of the first things you do when you get there.

Rider Tip: Make sure you have either a portable plug-in compressor or one at camp so you can re-inflate your tires once you are on an ideal road surface. Always use a pressure gauge.

Maintain Momentum:

Maintaining momentum is everything in the dunes. When climbing those dune walls speed up a bit beforehand so you have the momentum to get to the top. Make sure to avoid throttling so hard that you spin the rear tires or snap a CVT belt. You'll lose essential forward momentum and your rear tires will dig into the sand causing you to get stuck. You should throttle back a little if the wheels start to spin as it will help you regain traction. The key is to keep your momentum up and stop only when it’s safe to do so.

Only Go Straight Up and Down a Dune:

In order to keep your SXS moving on the sand, you want to avoid anything that will cause your tires to dig in too much. When riding the dunes and going slow only drive straight up and down dunes because driving on an angle can lead to a weight shift that sinks your rear tires in and makes a rollover more likely. Speed is your friend so when climbing steep dunes gain some speed, drive straight up without turning, and hold the pace until you reach the peak. If you have to back down a dune, never turn the vehicle sideways unless you want to turn your SXS into a rolling metal tumbleweed.

Rider Tip: Reduce the chance of getting stuck by traveling on the compressed path that other vehicles have used whenever possible

Never Use Brakes Suddenly:

It is recommended that you avoid using the brakes because braking will create a deep hole from which you will have difficulty coming out of. If you're at the top of a dune and driving down the other side of the dune, proceed in low gear and try not to use your brakes. Braking too heavy while coming down a sand dune can cause your SXS to sink or slide instead. If you need to stop then simply slow down your vehicle and it will come to rest eventually.

How to Get Unstuck:

As much as you try to avoid it your SXS will get stuck in the sand eventually. If it ever does one thing to remember is that you want to avoid digging your tires in deeper than they already are. If you get stuck try backing out first by following your same tracks in. You can also lower the tire pressure, even more, to increase surface area and provide more traction. If none of that works and you hopefully riding in a group, fingers crossed that someone in the group has a solid tow strap or a winch...otherwise you could be there for a while! Riding the sand dunes is one of the most thrilling experiences for any off-roader. Knowing the dunes and how to ride them is the key to make sure you do not end up stuck in the sand. By lowering the tire pressure and maintaining momentum, your side-x-side should have no problem staying above the sand surface and avoiding getting stuck in the sand.

RELATED BLOGS:

- How to Master the Dunes on a UTV

- Tips to Avoid a "Witch's Eye" at the Sand Dunes

- Tips to Avoid a "Razorback" at the Sand Dunes

- 5 Best Local Deserts for Off-Roading

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