Customizing Your Dune Buggy: Top Accessories and Modifications for Off-Road Performance and Style
- on May 04, 2023
- Categories: Articles
A dune buggy is one of the best investments for anyone who loves off-road entertainment. Powersports are more popular than ever, providing you with hours of fun and adventurous escape. If you have access to sandy beaches or the desert, a dune buggy is your go-to offroad vehicle.
Once you acquire one, there are many modifications and accessories to customize your offroad experience. Here are some of the best reasons to personalize your dune buggy and the top accessories and modifications available.
Customizing Your Dune Buggy
A new dune buggy arrives to you ready for offroad adventure and doesn't require anything extra to function properly. However, you can significantly enhance your experience by looking into the many upgrades available to you.
Upgrades tend to fall into two categories: functional and aesthetic. Certain modifications, such as roof racks and rearview mirrors, add features to the buggy that it doesn't have on its own. Others, such as new seats or whip lights, personalize it and improve your offroad experience without necessarily adding new functionality.
Before selecting accessories or modifications, think about how you plan to use your vehicle. Are you planning long excursions? Will you have passengers? Do you have friends with offroad vehicles that want to come along? The answers to these questions will help determine the best upgrades for your needs.
Shopping for Top Accessories and Modifications
Once you've invested in your offroad vehicle, you can modify it and make it your own. The possibilities are endless, but here are a few of our best ideas to get you started.
1. Grab Handles and Footrests
Planning an adventure with friends? You can customize your dune buggy to include some upgrades for your passengers. Grab handles and footrests are easy enough to install into the vehicle's framework and give anyone riding in your dune buggy something to hold onto during the ride. They are usually made from aluminum for maximum strength with minimal bulk. Your passengers will thank you!
2. Rearview Mirrors
Many dune buggies come without a rearview mirror. While not strictly essential, a quality mirror that affords you a wide view comes in handy, especially if you plan an excursion with friends and multiple vehicles. It is helpful to have the greatest visibility possible when you hit the trail, making it an advisable upgrade. Installation is straightforward; the mirror typically clips right onto the front of the buggy with no extra steps required.
3. Storage
If you plan to transport gear and equipment, you might want to invest in extra storage capacity. A roof rack lets you bring along anything you might want on your offroad adventure without taking up precious space in your dune buggy. Bags, camping equipment, provisions, and much more can sit safely in a roof rack for transport to your destination. They are widely available for many vehicles, so double-check the model you order and ensure that it is compatible with the model of your dune buggy.
In addition to roof racks, you can purchase storage bags that strap onto the corners of tube-frame vehicles such as dune buggies. These are typically weatherproof, durable pouches that can hold smaller items. Many corner bags also have built-in cup holders that keep a beverage in place.
4. Whip Lights
Nothing adds character to your dune buggy quite like whip lights. They attach to the back of the buggy and typically come with a spring base to allow for movement and flexibility as you drive. Extra lights are especially advisable if you plan to use your dune buggy after dark. You can find very cost-effective and simple varieties or shop for options that change colors. More advanced whip lights are remote-controlled, and you can sync them with your music.
5. Racing Seats
Of all the possible modifications, none affords you more options than racing seats. Upgrading your seats is one of the best ways to improve your offroad experience, as you can select ones that are both durable and comfortable. There are endless possibilities available where powersports accessories are sold. Racing seats come in various colors and styles, from vinyl to PVC to faux leather.
6. Cover
Purchasing a cover is an excellent way to keep your vehicle safe from the elements while out and about. Since dune buggies aren't enclosed, you'll want an extra layer of protection. Look for one with an "all-weather" label that also offers sun protection. Even if you typically store your dune buggy in a garage when at home, you will want a cover for excursions where it may find itself exposed to the elements. This ensures that you have coverage rain or shine, and that your buggy won't suffer damage from the outdoors.
7. Goggles, Masks and Gaiters
Your dune buggy doesn't have to get all the fun upgrades! While goggles, masks, and gaiters are essential equipment, there is plenty of room to customize them to your preference. The options you choose depend on the offroad conditions you anticipate navigating in your vehicle. There are numerous possibilities in terms of materials, colors, and designs for your gear.
Finding Professional Help
If you have questions about your dune buggy or any modifications you would like to try, consider asking a professional or potentially seeking out their services. Search for a reputable mechanic or service specializing in dune buggies in your area. They may also have recommendations or ideas on other modifications for your specific model.
Additionally, remember that certain accessories may not come with instructions and require a professional for installation. For example, racing seats often come without installation guides because the manufacturer assumes that a professional mechanic will do the job. In any instance of uncertainty, check with a mechanic to avoid costly mistakes.
