Tips for ATV Sand Riding

ATVs are designed to tackle a variety of different environments and overcome all sorts of off-road obstacles. However, certain types of terrain can pose a unique challenge. In these cases, a standard ATV might underperform, resulting in a less than enjoyable ride. Luckily, a little modification can go a long way. Follow these tips from Nielsen Enterprises to prepare your ATV for sand riding. 

Equip Your Quad

Whether it’s a trek through the desert or a pleasant beach ride, you’ll need to get your ATV ready to handle the unique challenges that come with sand riding. Start by equipping your quad with paddle tires. Paddle tires are specifically designed to displace large amounts of loose materials, allowing you to get solid momentum when sand riding. 

If your ATV uses aluminum sprockets, switch to steel sprockets. Steel is better at handling abrasive sand. You’ll also want to use a lightweight, low-viscosity lube on your chain. Otherwise, your chain might jam up due to the sand. 

The last thing you want is for sand to get into your quad’s engine, so be sure to outfit your ATV with a pre-filter and air box cover. If you’re riding in a dune area, you’ll need to put an orange safety flag on your quad. This will make you more visible to other rides when you’re on a dune’s far side, reducing your chances of collision.

Carry Supplies

Sandy areas are typically very hot, meaning both you and your ATV are at risk of overheating. Be sure to pack extra coolant and fuel for your ATV. Don’t forget to pack water and something to replenish your electrolytes as well! A sports drink or salty snack are great options for this. 

Riding Tips

Before you start your ride, take a quick look around and establish a set riding area for yourself. As long as you stay within that area, you won’t have to worry about getting lost. If riding on dunes, consider having a spotter stand on top of the dune so that they can signal you if someone is coming up the dune in the opposite direction. 

Shop ATVs at Nielsen Enterprises in Lake Villa, Illinois. We also offer financing, parts ordering, servicing, promotions, and trade-ins. We’re proud to serve communities like Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Chicago, Illinois, and we hope to see you soon.