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📦Storing your side-by-side for the Summer: How to Do It Right
By ASA Staff | American Sand Association

When the desert sun starts scorching and the dunes simmer under 110+ degree heat, it’s time for most dune riders to give their machines a well-earned summer break. But before you roll your side-by-side (UTV) into the garage or storage unit, take some time to prep it properly.

Storing your rig right protects your investment and ensures it’s ready to fire up the moment the first cool breeze hits Glamis or your favorite dunes in the fall.

Here are 7essential steps to “summer-ize” your UTV the right way:

1. Give It a Deep Clean

Start with a thorough wash to remove sand, dust, mud, and any grime buildup. Pay extra attention to the undercarriage, suspension parts, and wheel wells. Left over sand and moisture can cause corrosion over time.

🧽 Pro Tip: Let it dry completely before storing to prevent mold or rust.

2.  Stabilize the Fuel

If your UTV will sit for more than a month, add a fuel stabilizer to a nearly full tank. This prevents the gas from breaking down and gumming up the fuel system. After adding stabilizer, run the engine for a few minutes to circulate it through the system.

⛽Why it matters: Today’s ethanol-blended fuels can cause damage if left untreated.

3. Change the Oil and Fluids

Used oil can contain contaminants that lead to engine corrosion. Drain and replace engine oil, and check other vital fluids—coolant, brake fluid, and transmission oil. If any are looking dirty or low, swap or top them off.

🛢️ Think of it like brushing your teeth before bed—it’s good hygiene for your machine.

4. TireCare

Proper tire storage is essential to maintain their condition and extend their lifespan. Here are some key tips:

1. Clean the Tires: Before storing, wash your tires with mild soap and water to remove dirt, debris, and brake dust. Let them dry completely to prevent moisture damage.
2. Bag the Tires: If practical, place each tire in an airtight plastic bag, like a large trash bag. Remove as much air as possible to reduce exposure to oxygen, which can degrade the rubber.
3. Choose the Right Location: Store tires in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and chemicals. Basements or climate-controlled garages are ideal.
4. Positioning: If the tires are mounted on wheels, store them stacked horizontally. If they’re unmounted, store them upright to prevent deformation.
5. Avoid Weight Stress: If the tires are still on a vehicle, consider using jack stands to relieve the weight and prevent flat spots.
6. Protect from Ozone: Keep tires away from ozone-producing equipment like generators or furnaces, as ozone can cause cracking.

🔧 Bonus move: Spin the wheels a few times during storage if you can to avoid flat spots and sidewall cracking.

     Another tip: Swap out paddle tires for street/desert tires, wash them, spray with 303, then let the air out and store out of sun.  If you can store the car on jacks, give the tires a spin now and then, keeping the bearings lubed and avoiding flat spots.

5. Battery Maintenance

Top the electrolyte to proper level. Disconnect the battery or, better yet, hook it up to a trickle charger (or battery tender). This keeps the battery healthy and ready for action after months of downtime. This can also extend the useful life of your battery.

⚡Don’t get caught with a dead battery opening weekend!

6. Seal It Tight

Cover your side-by-side with a breathable, weatherproof cover to keep dust, critters, and UV rays off your ride. This is especially important if it is stored outdoors.

🐭 Mouse tip: To deter rodents, toss a few dryer sheets or cedar blocks in the cab and engine compartment.

7. Document and Label

Leave yourself notes or a checklist on what you did and what to check when you pull it back out. Jot down anything that needs repair or replacement before next season.

📝 Future you will thank present you.

RideSmart, Store Smart

Taking the time to store your SxS/UTV properly ensures it stays in top shape, avoids costly repairs, and gives you peace of mind all summer long. It’s all part of being a responsible rider and steward of our sport.

Let’s all do our part to ride smart and protect our gear—and our dunes.

🚐 Getting Your Trailer Ready for the Summer Break

While your side-by-side may be catching a break during the scorching summer, don’t forget about the rig that hauls it—your trailer. Proper off-season care keeps your trailer in top shape, prevents wear and tear, and ensures it’s ready to go when the dunes start calling again.

Here are 7 smart steps to “summer-ize” your trailer before the mercury rises:

1. Inspect and Clean the Exterior

Give your trailer a good wash—top to bottom, fenders to frame. Remove caked-on sand,bugs, and road grime. Pay special attention to the underside and around joints where rust loves to form.

🧼 Pro Tip: To add a layer of sun protection, wax the exterior if it’s painted or gel-coated.

2. TireCheck

Inspect tires for wear, dry rot, or cracking. Make sure they’re inflated to the correct PSI, especially if the trailer will sit. Cover tires with UV-protective covers if stored outside. Spray on some 303.

🔧 Better yet: Consider placing it on jack stands to take the weight off the tires and axles.

     Another tip: If you can store the trailer on jacks, consider letting the air out of the tires and give them a spin now and then to keep bearings greased and to avoid flat spots and sidewall cracking.

3. Grease and Lube Moving Parts

If you haven’t done so recently, grease the wheel bearings. Also, lubricate the hitch coupler, jack, hinges, ramps, and latches to prevent seizing or rusting while idle.

🛠️ A little grease now beats a lot of grief later.

4. Check the Deck

If your trailer has a wood deck, inspect it for cracks, rot, or loose boards. Sand and seal if needed. For metal decks, check welds, look for rust, and touch up any paint damage.

🌞 The sun is brutal—protect your deck before it dries and splits.

5. Inspect the Interior

Clean out gear, wipe down cabinets, and vacuum the floors if the trailer is enclosed. Check for pests or leaks and make sure vents are working properly.

🧹 Now’s the time to freshen it up before everything bakes.

6. Electrical and Battery Systems

Disconnect any batteries and store them on a trickle charger. Inspect wiring, lights, and connectors. Test all your brake lights, running lights, and interior lighting if applicable.

💡 Light it up now so you’re not scrambling later.

7. Cover and Store Safely

If you’re parking it outside, use a high-quality trailer cover or tarps that breathe. Lock it up, chock the wheels, and if possible, park it on gravel or pavement instead of bare dirt.

🔐 Out of sight, out of sun, out of trouble.

Be Ready for the Next Ride

Taking the time to “summer-ize” your trailer means fewer headaches and more ride time when dune season rolls back around. It’s all part of