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You can use your ATV to tackle a number of different types of terrain. There’s no need to worry about taking it to the beach or a sandy plot of land to chase your adrenaline thrills. However, riding in the sand can be a bit tricky if you haven't attempted it before, so it’s important to know what you’re getting into. 

To help you dominate the sand, we at Southern Illinois Motorsports have compiled the following guide. For additional information or if you’re looking for worthy ATVs for sale, visit us at our location in Carbondale, IL. We’re here for all the ATV needs of our friends from St. Louis, MO as well as Murphysboro and Marion, IL. 

San can be a pretty challenging terrain to ride on, and your ATV “as is” might not be able to handle it adequately. For a smooth ride, you’re going to have to make some modifications. Start with your ATV tires. For optimal traction and to keep your quad from getting stuck in sand, try out paddle tires. They will offer many features making them ideal for soft, sandy ground. For example, the wide paddle ridges will move large amounts of sand so you’ll get solid momentum.

Your ATV should be equipped with steel sprockets instead of aluminum ones because steel is better at handling the abrasive nature of sand. For chain lube, go for something that’s lightweight and has low viscosity. This will prevent it from jamming when you hit the sand. Protect your ATV’s air filter with a pre-filter and Airbox cover to prevent choking your engine with a mass of sand. Finally, most dune areas require riders to use orange safety flags so they’re more visible to other riders on the other sides of the dunes, so make sure your ATV has a flag. 

Riding your ATV in the sand isn’t that different from riding off-road trails or even the pavement. Since there’s an element of risk involved, you need to wear full-length clothing to save your skin from the sun, flying debris and just in case you fall off your quad. It may be tempting to wear a tank top and shorts due to the heat, but you want the protection that full-length clothing offers.

You also need to protect your noggin so look into getting a well-fitting helmet. Check out motocross helmets if you can because they’re built for intense, outdoor adventures and extreme riding. Don’t forget a set of proper-coverage goggles to shield your eyes from the sun, sand and other hazards.

When you’re riding your ATV around on sandy dunes, you’re probably under the hot sky, which means your quad can get hot too. If you keep riding it for too long, it will overheat. Make sure to pack both coolant and fuel to help you out when you’ve been riding for a while and your ATV engine gets too hot or the fuel tank runs dry. 

It’s not just your quad that can overheat in the sun; you, too, will start to feel very hot and will begin to sweat a lot. When you lose fluids, you need to replace them as well as all the lost electrolytes. Bring along plenty of water (a hands-free hydration pack makes it easy) to stay hydrated. Pack a sports drink or salty snack to replace the electrolytes.

When you arrive at the dunes, the first thing you’ll want to do is take a good look at your surroundings and establish a riding area. Stick within the designated area and you won’t need to worry about getting lost when the sun starts setting.

If you can convince someone to come with you, it never hurts to drop a spotter off on the top of a dune that you’ll be riding over. They can signal you if there’s traffic coming the other direction and help you avoid a nasty collision. Riding with others gives you a good safety net as well. They can help assist if your ATV encounters mechanical issues or get help if there is an injury out on the sand. Plus, riding with friends makes the whole experience more fun!

We hope this guide helps you have a safe and fun riding experience on the sand! If you still haven’t found the right ATV for you or need your quad tuned up for your next adventure, come to Southern Illinois Motorsports and have a chat with our expert staff. If you’re looking for ATVs for sale in St. Louis, MO or Murphysboro and Marion, IL, contact our sales department at the earliest opportunity!