Camping with your UTV in tow is an excellent way to infuse some adventure into your weekend getaways. You can ride a nature trail or head to an off-road track to meet up with fellow adventure enthusiasts. Camping and UTVs go hand-in-hand because they’re both activities that are designed to get you in touch with the great outdoors. SoCal Honda Powersports in Carson, CA, is proud to be your local UTV dealer. To help you have a successful journey, here are some tips for UTV camping.

Plan Where to Go

First, you need to think of where you’ll want to take your UTV. This means finding local UTV riding areas and locating a nearby campground. Make sure you find a campground that has the facilities you’ll need. If you’re just camping in a tent with your side-by-side in a trailer, then you’ll want restroom facilities available. If you’re taking a recreational vehicle, then campground amenities may not be as necessary. You should also take the time to check the weather where you plan to camp and ride so that you aren’t taking your UTV out when a heavy thunderstorm is on the radar.

Prepare Your UTV

Now it’s time to make sure that your UTV is ready for action. Do a thorough pre-ride inspection about a week before your trip so you’ll have some time to fix any mechanical problems. Here are some things to check:

    • Use a tire-pressure gauge to check the pressure of each tire and air them up to the manufacturer’s recommended psi levels. Examine each wheel for uneven wear, worn-down treads, embedded objects, and cracks in the sidewall. Repair or replace worn or damaged tires.

    • Check your oil by removing the dipstick, wiping it with a soft cloth, reinserting it, and removing it again to check color and consistency. Clear and runny oil can be topped off, but sludgy and opaque oil merits a change. Change your oil filter at the same time.

    • Make sure your air filter is clean, especially if you frequently ride in dusty conditions.

    • Do a test ride to make sure your UTV can accelerate, brake, turn and signal without stalling out or making strange sounds. You may want to do another test ride on the day of departure just in case.

    • Fill up your UTV’s gas tank and carry some extra fuel.

Remember that if you discover any issues with your UTV that you can’t address at home, you can always schedule an appointment with our service department. Our team of professional mechanics should be able to get your vehicle all fixed up and ready to go.

Pack Lightly

Most people overpack for a camping trip and don’t use half of what they brought. For example, you can probably get food at or near your campsite, so you don’t have to pack an entire pantry’s worth of staples.

Wherever possible, use travel-sized shampoos, conditioners, and other toiletries. Backpacking gear is a good idea because of its lighter weight and smaller size. Pack enough clothing for the duration of your trip, including some waterproof gear in case it rains. Make sure you pack all your UTV riding gear, including your helmet, riding boots, riding gloves, jackets, and pants. Some other supplies you may want to carry are a means of starting a fire, an emergency radio, a solar phone charger, a first-aid kit with all your medications, and extra water.

We hope this guide helps you to have a successful camping experience with your UTV. Still in search of the perfect powersports vehicle? Visit SoCal Honda Powersports to check out our stock of new and used UTVs for sale in Carson, CA. We proudly serve all those in Los Angeles and Long Beach.