Get Your UTV Ready for Dune Season: Essential Prep Tips
9 Sep

Get Your UTV Ready for Dune Season: Essential Prep Tips

Dune season is one of the best times of the year to enjoy your UTV. From carving bowls at Glamis to blasting wide-open desert trails at Dumont, there’s nothing like pushing your Polaris RZR, Can-Am Maverick, or Kawasaki KRX to the limit in the sand. But before you load up and hit the dunes, it’s critical to make sure your machine is dialed in. The desert is unforgiving, and proper prep will keep you riding instead of wrenching.

At Iron Born Offroad, we specialize in premier service, repairs, and upgrades to keep your UTV in peak condition. Here’s our recommended checklist to get your car dune-ready:

1. Engine & Fluids Check

  • Oil Change & Filter: Fresh oil is a must before heavy dune riding. Sand and heat push your engine harder than normal trail use.

  • Coolant Flush: Make sure your cooling system is topped off and functioning properly to avoid overheating in the desert.

  • Air Filter Service: Sand is your engine’s worst enemy. Run a clean, properly oiled filter and consider a particle separator for extra protection.

2. Drivetrain & Transmission

  • Belt Inspection: Dunes = higher RPMs and more stress on your CVT belt. Check for cracks or glazing, and always carry a spare.

  • Clutch Service: Balanced and clean clutches reduce belt wear and improve performance.

  • Fluid Levels: Transmission and differential fluids should be fresh and full before heading out.

3. Suspension & Steering

  • Shocks: Inspect for leaks and check nitrogen pressure. Sand whoops will punish your suspension if it’s not maintained.

  • Bushings & Ball Joints: Play in your suspension can cause dangerous handling issues at high speed. Replace worn components.

  • Steering Rack & Shafts: EPS-equipped vehicles use multiple steering shafts. Make sure they’re tight, and inspect your tie rod ends for wear.

4. Brakes & Safety

  • Brake Pads & Rotors: You’ll need reliable stopping power when descending dunes. Replace worn pads.

  • Brake Fluid: Old fluid can boil under heavy braking. Flush if needed.

  • Safety Gear: Harnesses, helmets, fire extinguishers, and whips are must-haves for the dunes.

5. Tires, Wheels & Alignment

  • Sand Tires: If you’re running paddles, inspect for cracks or damage from storage.

  • Beadlocks: Torque your beadlock rings properly before riding.

  • Alignment: Proper toe, camber, and caster keep your UTV tracking straight and reduce steering effort in soft sand.

6. Electrical & Lighting

  • Battery Check: Cold mornings and hot days can kill a weak battery quickly.

  • Wiring Inspection: Sand and vibration can wear down wiring. Check for loose or exposed connections.

  • Lights & Whips: LEDs are essential for night rides, and lighted whips are required in many dune areas for visibility.

7. Extras That Save Your Trip

  • Spare belt & tool kit

  • First aid kit

  • Extra fuel (consider extended fuel tanks for longer desert runs)

Final Thoughts

The dunes are a blast, but they’ll expose every weak point in your UTV. Taking the time to prep your machine before the season starts ensures more seat time, less downtime, and safer rides for you and your crew.

At Iron Born Offroad, we offer full pre-season inspections, clutch tuning, suspension service, and custom upgrades to keep your car performing at its best. Whether you’re headed to Glamis, Dumont, or Baja, let us get you dune-ready today!

👉 Call or stop by Iron Born Offroad today to schedule your pre-season service!