Tips for Riding Your ATV in the Sand

Oklahoma may not be known for its abundance of dunes, but we do have some sandy areas and if you’re looking for a slightly difficult ATVing experience, you may be interested in riding in the sand. Sand riding has some unique qualities that you can’t experience on dirt. It also presents unique challenges that you’ll want to be ready for, which is why we here at Maxey’s Motorsports, in Oklahoma City, have provided some tips for riding your four-wheeler in the sand. You can also stop by our dealership for additional assistance. We proudly serve all those from Tulsa and Edmond, so visit us today!

Getting the Quad Ready

First, it’s important to understand that the average ATV isn’t designed to excel in sand. That doesn’t mean you can’t modify it to make it more equipped for looser terrain. You’ll want to start by swapping out your standard tires for tires built for sand. This will include wide, paddle-like ridges and a wider overall tire to cover a larger surface area and prevent getting stuck in soft material.

You’ll also want to switch out any aluminum sprockets for steel ones, as steel can withstand the abrasive qualities of sand better. Choose a lightweight, low viscosity chain lube that’s less likely to jam up, and keep the air filter protected with a pre-filter and Airbox cover. 

Finally, many sand dunes or sand areas where you’re permitted to ride your ATV will require you to attach an orange safety flag so you’re more visible to other riders. Even if they don’t, it’s a good idea to have one. 

All the Right Gear

What you wear on a sand riding trip isn’t altogether different from what you'd wear during any other riding adventure. You’ll need to put safety first, so things like a helmet and proper riding clothes are essential. This does mean you’ll still need to wear long sleeves and long pants to cover your skin, even if it’s hot. You can always choose light colors and lightweight material to still stay as cool as possible. 

You’ll also probably want a good set of goggles or some other eye protection to shield you from all the sand that’ll be kicked up by other riders and even the wind. Also, assuming it’s sunny out, make sure you’re applying sunscreen to areas that will be exposed to the sun.

Additional Supplies

Whether it’s warm, cool, windy, or dry, you’ll want to make sure you’re packing plenty of water. Even though you’ll be sitting down most of the time, it’s still easy to work up a sweat while riding your ATV, and you’ll need to rehydrate throughout the day. You can even look for a hands-free hydration pack for convenience. 

If you can find room, you may also want some basic repair tools and maintenance supplies, at the very least in the vehicle you drove to the trails in. This can include a basic tool kit, tire pressure gauge, spare tire, coolant, and extra fuel. 

Tried and True Riding Tips

Now, finally, for a few actual riding tips. The first thing you’ll want to do when you arrive, before you even start riding, is to take a look at the riding area and establish where you’re going to ride. This can help you remember where you are, where you parked, and stay out of areas that aren’t authorized for ATVing. This can be particularly helpful when the sun starts to set and you’re ready to head home. 

If you’ve found an area with lots of high dunes, you might want to find a spotter to bring with you, even traveling with a group of people. The spotter can let you know what’s happening on the other side of a dune and prevent any possible collisions. 

Not to mention, having a few friends around can be a big help if you have a breakdown or if there’s an injury. And it can just be more fun to ride with people you enjoy spending time with!

With all this in mind, you’re probably ready to start looking for some places to experience sand riding for the first time on your ATV! If you still need the right four-wheeler to accomplish this, check out our inventory here at Maxey’s Motorsports in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. We’re happy to help all those from Tulsa and Edmond, so contact us for more information on the best models available.