A New Side-by-Side Rider’s Guide from the American Sand Association

So, you’re ready to join the dune life and buy your first side-by-side? Welcome aboard—this is where the fun begins. But before you hand over the cash, it pays to slow down and think through the real-world logistics, safety requirements, storage, towing, and ownership costs that first-time buyers often overlook.

This guide will help you buy wisely, ride safer, and avoid the common “I wish someone told me that before I bought it” mistakes.

1️⃣ Start With the Right Question: How Will You Actually Use Your Side-by-Side?

Don’t shop by horsepower alone—shop by how you ride and who you ride with.

Ask yourself:

Pro tip: Leave 10–20% of your budget for immediate upgrades, safety gear, trailer adjustments, and insurance—not just the machine itself.

2️⃣ The #1 Rookie Surprise: It Doesn’t Fit the Trailer

More first-timers get burned here than anywhere else.

✅ Trailer & Side-by-Side Transport Checklist

• Measure before you buy – width, length and height matter (roof racks, cages, whips, spare tires, etc.)
• Toy hauler garage fit: Many SxS are now too long AND too tall for older toy haulers
• Tow vehicle capacity: Total weight = Side-by-Side + trailer + fuel + tools + spares
• Tongue weight: Must match tow-vehicle & hitch limits
• Braking: Trailers over certain weight require electric brakes + brake controller
• Open vs. enclosed trailer:
  • Open = lighter, cheaper, easier to tow
  • Enclosed = storage, security, shade, workshop space
• Tie-downs: Use quality ratchet straps and real anchor points
• Storage reality: If you can’t store it, tow it, or work on it, you won’t ride it

3️⃣ SxS Safety & Day-One Must-Have Add-Ons

These aren’t “mods” — they’re baseline safety and usability gear.

4️⃣ Tires, Suspension & Belt Care for Dune Riding

✅ Rear paddles = traction & climbing
✅ Front ribbed/tri-ribs or even smoothies = steering control in soft sand. Since most all new SxS’s are AWD or 4WD, it’s nice to have something up front that can not only steer but also provide some traction. Options exist from smooth to ribbed to knobby. Talk to your fellow riders and do your homework here. Aired-down stock tires will get you around, however, paddles make it easier and more fun but also add heat and stress on the belt and clutch system. Virtually all veteran duners have paddles, and limit hard runs to about 20 minutes or so.  Clutch work usually isn’t required unless you go to bigger diameter tires, which changes the effective gear ratios. Again, be realistic about the type of riding you plan to do and talk to your fellow duners.

Suspension Notes

• Sand loves long-travel suspension with good damping and bottom-out control
• Proper ride height & preload make a huge difference in stability
• Learn how to adjust clickers, don’t just “set and forget”

Belt & Clutch Tips

• Sand loads the drivetrain—heat kills belts à Be sure to do a proper belt break in & cool downs after long pulls
• Stick to stock tire sizes as larger diameter tires put more load / heat on belts
• Clutch tuning may be needed if you upgrade to paddle tires
• Carry at least one spare broken-in belt and gloves

5️⃣ Communications: The Game Changer

Riding dunes in a group = safety. Riding without comms = isolation. Going with a group is not only the safer option but also provides you with many more learning opportunities. Watch what other riders do; watch the lines they use on the dunes; pay attention to the way others use their throttle; and use your radio comms to stay in touch, ask questions, and learn.

Options:

NOTE: BTH headsets in CA can be worn only with short, open-face helmets. Whatever you do, make sure you do your homework for your type of riding adventures you plan to enjoy.

6️⃣ Ownership Costs Most First-Timers Miss

• Fluids & filters: Sand is harsh—expect more frequent service
• Tires & belts: Consumables, not lifetime parts
• Storage (covered or enclosed): Sun kills plastic, seats, tires
• Trailer registration, tires, bearings, brakes

7️⃣ Insurance & Warranty

Not exciting—until you need it.

Insurance Types to Consider

• Liability (required in many OHV areas)
• Collision & comprehensive
• Uninsured motorist
• Accessory coverage (cages, paddles, radios, lights)

Warranty Notes

• Most new SxS = 6 months of factory warranty
• Extended warranty is negotiable when buying
• Used SxS from dealers may include add-on warranty options

If you finance, insurance is required.

8️⃣ First Ride Reality Check

Before you go solo in the dunes:

✅ Learn throttle/blip control (don’t chop throttle on dune faces)
✅ Practice transitions (cresting, drop-ins, side-hilling)
✅ Always ride with an experienced group first
✅ Understand dune etiquette (no stopping on blind faces, no crest-parking)
✅ Recovery skills: pulling, pushing, winching, belt swap
✅ Navigation: know camp bearings, landmarks, sunset plan

Always park on a flat or downhill slope, never uphill!

Read the owner’s manual

Help your passenger(s) before you start riding

You don’t have to know everything to start—but you shouldn’t start alone.

📌 First-Timer Checklist

▢ SxS actually fits trailer & toy hauler

▢ Tow vehicle + hitch rated for full weight

▢ Spare belt + tools + gloves

▢ Whip/flag (required in dunes)

▢ Helmet + 4/5/6-point harnesses

▢ Fire extinguisher (quick-release)

▢ Radio or in-helmet comms

▢ Mirrors + storage bags/panels

▢ Tire patch kit + air pump

▢ Tow strap + soft shackles

▢ Maintenance: oil, filter, diff, belt tools

▢ Insurance & registration handled

Maps / Navigation / Route Plans

✔️ Final Thought

Buying the right Side-by-Side isn’t just about power or brand—it’s about safety, transport, storage, and long-term cost of ownership. Plan for how you’ll use it, not just how it looks on the showroom floor.

Then… welcome to the dunes. You just joined one of the most fun, family-friendly communities in off-road recreation.

And remember to always pack out what you pack in to keep the dunes clean and enjoyable for future generations!

READ more Did You Know (DYK) articles from ASA here.

CELEBRATE with ASA on 25 Years of Fighting for Dunes

Glamis (Imperial Sand Dunes) BLM Website here.