![]() ![]() Different Types of Sand RailsĮach sand rail can be built with different options such as engine sizes, 1-seat, 2-seats, or 4-seats, and visual design. Sand Rails are made to drive in the sand. While some owners do switch out their paddle tires for regular tires to drive on dirt or gravel roads, this is not too common. That is why you normally see rails and buggies at the sand dunes. The front tires have smooth rubber tires with a treadless or minimal tread design so that the front end has less drag on the sand and better top speeds.Įverything about sand rails, including the tires, designed for them to be driven on the sand only. These tires have rubber paddles that scoop down into the sand to allow for more traction and performance. On the rear sand rails have a special kind of tire called a paddle tire. They also have a low center of gravity so that they can easily turn on the face of a dune and climb steep hills. The engines on most sand rails are located on the rear to make their front ends lighter. They are lightweight so that they can skim over the surface of the sand without getting stuck. Sand rails are built so that they can drive on soft sand. The term “buggy” is used to refer to all the different types of sand rails, the term “sand rail” is not used to refer to the original fiberglass buggies. Here is a complete list of different terms. Since sand rails were born from buggies, the terms sand buggy or sand rail were what most people referred to their sand rails as.Īs buggies and sand rails evolved through the years different terms were born to refer to these new cars. Technically they are each a different style of vehicle. You will often hear people referring to sand rails as buggies. Dune buggies are not made to be as fast, some have a fiberglass frame, and many are street legal. Sand rails normally have high performance engines, a tubular chassis, and roll cage. They are both designed for driving in the sand. What is the Difference Between a Sand Rail and a Dune Buggy?ĭune buggies are modified from existing vehicles and sand rails are built from a custom frame. If you visit the sand dunes today you are most likely to see a mix of the old school buggies from the 70’s to the newer and more modern mid and long travel rails. ![]() These new sand rails were called mid-travel and long-travel. In the late 1990’s the desert racing community took hold and the original old school sand rails were upgraded to include modern shock technology and longer suspension travel. These first sand rails were more powerful, lighter, and could go up larger dunes than the original buggies. By the 70’s, VW powered tubular chassis sand rails were mostly designed and built by their owners. In the mid 60’s, the term “sand rail” emerged. Two years later in 1960 Pete’s original design was the basis of the first dune buggy called the “Sportster”. In 1958 Pete Beiring used the frame of a damaged Volkswagen and shortened it. Part of this off-road recreation was driving on beaches and sand. They had more disposable income and the off-road community was born. Soldiers returning home after WWII were used to driving off-road jeeps and tanks. In this article, we’ll discuss everything that you need to know about sand rails. We have personally built and owned a few different styles of rails and have close friends that have them as well. If you want to learn more about dune buggies and sand rails, you’ve come to the right place. ![]() They are also referred to as dune buggies and can have 2 or 4-seats for the driver and passengers. Most are lightweight, have rear engines, and paddle tires to help them to glide across the sand. What is a sand rail? A sand rail is an off-road vehicle that is built for driving in the sand dunes. In recent years these vehicles have become very popular at the dunes. If you have been to any sand dune recreation area then you have probably seen something called a sand rail or dune buggy driving through the sand. ![]()
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