Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What You'll Need For A Dune Racing Polaris RZR Build
• Recommended Suspension Upgrades For A RZR Sand Rig
• Optimal Tire and Wheel Setup For A RZR Sand Rig
• Engine and Performance Mods For A RZR Sand Rig
• Safety and Comfort Features For A RZR Sand Rig
• Best Accessories for Polaris RZR Sand Performance
• Start Your Sand and Dune Racing Polaris RZR Build At Function Powersports

Introduction

Some controversy is incoming, we're sure - in the UTV world, there's the Polaris RZR, and then there's everyone else when it comes to market affinity, loyal enthusiasts, and long-lasting performance on all types of terrains. Competitors like the Can-Am Maverick and others have come close over the years, but we consistently see that Polaris' flagship machine is leading the pack when it comes to sales and dedication of its followers.

It's easy to see why, to be honest - the RZR is a true titan of the aftermarket powersports world, with strong performance, a workmanlike attitude, and timeless design all in the same package. It's one of the rare machines that is truly at home on all different types of rides, whether you're tackling the dunes for the day, spending an afternoon winding through forest trails, or doing some good 'ol down-home mudding with your buddies for the weekend.

Obviously, though, you'll need a different setup to accommodate each of these driving types, so we want to help if you're in search of the right fit to get your RZR looking and performing like the true weekend warrior that it is. Come with us below as we show you the best wheels, tires, and accessories to fit your RZR when you're going dune racing or spending a day at the beach.

What You'll Need For A Dune Racing Polaris RZR Build

We wanted to take a peek at sand and dune-specific RZR builds in this piece, because this is the build type that we generally see as needing the most specialized equipment, especially as far as tires are concerned. However, there are plenty of things you'll need to do across your build - like upgrading suspension - to make sure your ride is safe and enjoyable.

Recommended Suspension Upgrades For A RZR Sand Rig

Suspension upgrades are the first things you'll want to look at for your RZR sand rig, and we'd recommend any kit that allows you enhanced ground clearance, better travel distance and improved shock absorption. This is because more than most other terrains, sand driving and dune racing are ripe for getting some massive air time with significant variability on ground level - you never really know how the dunes will be laid out that day or how even the terrain will be.

We would recommend long-travel suspension kits and high-end shocks more than anything else for your RZR. HighLifter and Cognito both make great suspension options, which also include longer axles and tie rods for more structural support and flexibility. HD radius rods are a must as well, especially to minimize the impact of hard landings - Kryptonite and S3 are your best bets here.

Optimal Tire and Wheel Setup For A RZR Sand Rig

The most significant upgrade you'll need from an aesthetics and performance perspective on a sand rig is the choice of tires you go with. Sand tires are really unlike any other tire types in the powersports market - because you need way more friction and dedicated contact patches to even get moving on sand, basically all sand-specific rigs will have paddle tires that can increase traction and handling on dunes.

When you're building your wheel and tire package for a sand rig, we'd recommend having a 10-inch wide wheel in the rear and a 7-inch wheel in the front. Stick with beadlocks if you can - Hostile, Method and Fuel are the big three in this regard when it comes to heavy-duty ATV/UTV wheels.

Now for the sand tires - in this market, Tensor and EFX are the two top choices, and by a pretty wide margin. They both offer fantastic paddle tires that are specifically designed for maximum performance on dunes, and this makes them a great choice for your build as well.

Engine and Performance Mods For A RZR Sand Rig

There's our structural components handled, but what about your RZR's engine? Sand driving presents a unique challenge because there is so much that can potentially stagnate your engine and keep it from performing at its best - obviously, there's the grains of sand themselves, but dust particles can get into your engine too as you're kicking up the sand and dirt behind you.

Your first consideration should be for a particle separator to keep harmful debris out of your engine - S&B makes great options here. You'll also want to grab an exhaust kit for more optimal airflow and sound. Just make sure to tune the engine accordingly and get a tuner that's branded the same as the exhaust system - they'll usually come pre-tuned to work with the exhaust kit you just installed.

Elsewhere, your RZR build should come with a clutch kit, as this will ensure that the vehicle is geared properly and isn't slipping. That's extra important when you're deep in the flow of a dune run - you don't want to be thinking about if anything might be going wrong. Also, keep a spare belt with you to make sure that you can keep your engine running in case it fails.

Safety and Comfort Features For A RZR Sand Rig

The RZR comes super strong and capable off the line, but if you want even more assurance and peace of mind during your dune ride, a good roll cage upgrade and set of race harness seats will probably be your best bet here. PRP makes great, supportive and comfortable seats, and these can help reduce your impact on landing after jumps - just make sure you pair them with harnesses for additional safety.

Along with your roll cage, we'd also recommend full doors to keep sand and debris out of your cockpit - you don't want to be breathing that stuff. One thing we'd also mention - ESPECIALLY for days on the dunes - is that a good communication system between you and your crew is essential. Since the dunes are so wide open it can be easy to get lost and separated from the pack, and an intercom with radio comms can be super helpful. We love the intercom systems from Rugged Radios - they're durable, high quality, and as the name suggests, able to withstand quite a bit of abuse.

Best Accessories for Polaris RZR Sand Performance

Finally, we'll talk about some of the other accessories that are great to add to your RZR build when you're heading out for the dunes. First things first, we'd recommend a strong, high-quality front bumper, because if you nosedive you'll want something that can help protect the vital components of your machine up front. This is also a good mounting spot for winches and recovery rope, which can help a ton if something goes wrong.

To help with visibility, you can go with LED light whips on your RZR, although we'd recommend checking with your park's regulations first to ensure that they fit the criteria of height and location on your machine.

Start Your Sand and Dune Racing Polaris RZR Build At Function Powersports

Obviously there's quite a bit that you can do to your Polaris RZR build to get it ready for the dunes, but don't feel overwhelmed or like you have to complete everything all at once. No matter which build stage you're in, we've got all the solutions you need to get your setup complete. Check out our store page today and find all the best components for your RZR - we offer financing, free shipping and quick delivery on everything in stock.

Be sure to contact Function Powersports today for more information or if you have any other questions on the best setups for your dune racer. We can't wait to share the sand with you!