Last Updated on April 13, 2024
A dune buggy is a type of all-terrain vehicle especially suited for riding on sand dunes. Dune buggies have essential bodywork and very wide wheels, and are lightweight enough to be driven on soft sand.
Dune buggies look similar to other off-road vehicles, but with no fixed roof or conventional doors, in some cases they appear almost made entirely of tubes.
These unique vehicles are named after a very simple American carriage of the late 19th century simply called “buggy”, a term later used to identify the bodies of early automobiles.
Types of Dune Buggy
There are two main types of dune buggy: fiberglass dune buggies and sand rails. The main difference between the two is that fiberglass dune buggies are created by modifying another type of vehicle, whereas sand rails are built from scratch.
Fiberglass Dune Buggy
Fiberglass dune buggies are recreational off-road vehicles created for riding on beach or desert sand dunes, but in some cases can also be street legal.
Dune buggies are quite customizable and nearly anyone can build them and adapt them to different types of pavements, although they are generally used for riding on dirt and sandy terrains.
Sand rails
Like dune buggies, sand rails are vehicles created for riding on sand dunes, but built from scratch rather than modified from existing cars.
These vehicles are built from scratch using tubular, open-frame chassis with incorporated roll cages and “rails”. In some Spanish-speaking countries they are known as “carros tubulares” (tubular car).
Because they are much lighter than regular cars, sand rails are especially suited for driving on soft sand without sinking and they are not meant for use on hard pavements.
Desert Racing and Dune Bashing
Dune buggies are some of the most common type of off-road vehicle used for desert racing. Races are held in many parts of the world, from North America (US, Mexico) to Africa (Senegal) and the Middle East (UAE, Qatar). Buggies often race on soft sand, dirt, rocky and paved terrains.
In some parts of the world, “dune bashing” has become a popular recreational activity and tourist attraction. It consists of driving a buggy up and down sand dunes in order to enjoy the adrenaline of a very bumpy ride, and it is a lot more fun than it sounds.
History of the Dune Buggy
The history of the dune buggy tracks this vehicle back to Meyers Manx, a company formed by Bruce Meyers – artist, mechanic, boat builder, and surfer. Meyers shaped this iconic car by giving it the shape we still know today.
Meyers’ dune buggy was the first to be mass produced, thus going beyond the custom-made car aspect.
Built on a Volkswagen Beetle base, whose engine it also exploited, the car was about 36 centimeters shorter and had a fiberglass body to reduce its weight.
In the late 1960s, abetted by the historical moment, the dune buggy became the iconic car of nonconformity.
At the same time, several manufacturers copied Meyers’ idea by offering assembly kits to modify Beetles at the end of their lives.
Dune Buggy FAQs
Are dune buggies dangerous?
Driving or riding a dune buggy is not dangerous per se, but extreme sports activities such as dune bashing are not risk-free. As a rule of thumb, the steeper the dunes, the bumpier the ride.
Riding a dune buggy is not safe for pregnant women, very young children and people with heart conditions.
Can you drive a dune buggy without a license?
No, you cannot drive a dune buggy without a valid driving license. In addition to that, if you are renting a dune buggy to go desert riding or dune bashing at the beach, you are going to want to make sure you are covered by a health insurance that covers sandsports.
Who invented the dune buggy?
The original dune buggy was conceived by Bruce Meyers in the 1960s. Meyers itself claims not to be the inventor of the dune buggy since many similar vehicles were already built at the time, but he was the first person to commercialize and popularize his own design for a fiberglass dune buggy based on a Volkswagen Beetle base.
How to make a dune buggy street legal?
To make a dune buggy street legal, you will need to follow the laws and regulations for vehicles in your state or country so that you may legally operate it on public roads.
There are services out there that can help you make your dune buggy street legal in your state without hassle. Check out Dirt Legal for more information.
Here are some steps you can take to make your dune buggy street legal:
- Check the laws and regulations for vehicles in your jurisdiction. Each state or country has its own laws and regulations regarding the operation of vehicles on public roads, so it is important to familiarize yourself with the rules in your area.
- Register your dune buggy with the appropriate government agency. This typically involves obtaining a title and registration for the vehicle, and paying any applicable fees.
- Install safety equipment and features. Depending on the laws in your jurisdiction, you may be required to install certain safety equipment and features on your dune buggy in order to make it street legal. This may include things like seat belts, headlights, taillights, and turn signals.
- Pass a vehicle inspection. Some jurisdictions require vehicles to pass a safety inspection before they can be registered and driven on public roads. This may involve checking the vehicle’s brakes, lights, and other safety features.
- Obtain insurance. Most jurisdictions require vehicles to be insured before they can be driven on public roads. You will need to purchase an insurance policy that covers your dune buggy.
What is the best engine for desert driving?
When it comes to the best engine for desert driving in a dune buggy, it ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. That said, some popular choices include the Volkswagen air-cooled engines and the Corvair flat-six engines.
The Volkswagen engines are known for their simplicity and durability, while the Corvair engines offer more power and displacement.
It is important to note that the VW transaxle may have difficulty handling higher power outputs, so it is important to consider the power needs of your specific use case.
Additionally, it is important to consider the weight of the engine and its impact on the overall weight of the dune buggy.
Read also: ATV Dune Riding & Desert Off-roading
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