If you’re looking into SXS rentals, you probably want the real version: the dirt in your teeth, the smell of the pines, and that “did we really just drive over that?” feeling.
Renting a Side-by-Side (SXS) is the most fun you can have on four wheels, but if you go into it treating it like a standard Hertz rental car, you’re going to miss out. To get your money’s worth, you have to think a little differently.
Here is the no-nonsense guide to making sure your off-road day is actually legendary.
Forget the “Go Fast” Mentality
The biggest mistake people make the first time they get into an SXS is thinking it’s a drag race. Sure, these things are quick, but the real thrill isn’t top speed, it’s capability.
An SXS can go places a Jeep wouldn’t dare. Instead of pinning the throttle on the straightaways, try to appreciate the suspension. Feel how the machine crawls over a rock the size of a microwave or how it stays level when you’re driving through a rutted-out wash.
When you slow down just a hair, you actually start to see the trail lines, which makes the drive feel like a game of strategy rather than just a bumpy ride.
The “Golden Rule” of Following
If you are riding with friends (be it UTV or motorcycle), do yourself a favor: stay back. In a car, tailgating is rude. In an off-road rig, it’s a recipe for a miserable day. These vehicles kick up a massive amount of dust (called “roost”). If you’re right on the bumper of the guy in front of you, you’ll be breathing sand and driving blind.
Stay far enough back that the dust has time to clear. You’ll see the obstacles better, your lungs will thank you, and you won’t end the day looking like a powdered donut.
Pick a Route That Matches Your Vibe
Don’t just “head out” into the desert. Have a destination. Whether it’s a hidden cave, an old mine, or a specific overlook, having a goal makes the rental feel like an expedition.
If you aren’t sure where to go, ask the locals. When you pick up your machine from a spot like Extreme Arizona, ask the staff where they ride on their days off.
They usually have a “secret” spot that isn’t on the main tourist map. Those are the trails that usually have the best views and the least amount of traffic.
Gear: Function Over Fashion
You don’t need fancy “off-roading” clothes, but you do need to gear smart.
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The Bandana: Tie it around your neck and pull it up over your nose when the trail gets dusty.
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Eye Pro: Don’t wear your expensive designer sunglasses. They will get hit by a pebble or covered in grit. Use cheap polarized glasses or, better yet, actual goggles.
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The Spare Key: It sounds silly, but if your rental comes with a physical key, make sure it’s clipped to something. Bouncing around on trails has a way of shaking things loose.
Check Your Ego at the Trailhead
Most SXS rentals are incredibly easy to drive. They have automatic transmissions and power steering, which gives people a false sense of “I’m a pro.”
The trail doesn’t care how good a driver you think you are. If you see a massive puddle, don’t just floor it. You don’t know if there’s a two-foot deep hole under that water. If you see a steep ledge, take it at an angle.
The best part of the experience is returning the machine in one piece without a “recovery fee” attached to your credit card.
Respect the “Quiet” Moments
It sounds contradictory for a sport involving loud engines, but the best part of the experience is often when you turn the engine off.
Drive deep into the backcountry, find a spot where you can’t hear the highway, and just sit there for ten minutes. The silence of the desert or the woods is different when you know you’re miles away from civilization.
Bring the Essentials (And a Little Extra)
Most rental shops provide the basics, but you should always pack a small “survival” bag:
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More water than you think: The wind from driving dries you out instantly.
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Wet wipes: You will want to wipe the dust off your face and hands before you eat lunch.
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A backup battery: Using your phone for GPS and photos drains the battery fast.
Closing the Loop
If you go in with a bit of a plan, respect the equipment, and keep enough distance to stay out of the dust, you’re going to have a blast.
Just remember: it’s not about how fast you get to the end of the trail; it’s about what you saw along the way. Now go out there, get a little dirty, and enjoy the ride.
