Do I need experience?
No. There's no experience requirement, and you don't need an off-road endorsement or any special license. Here's what you do need:
- A driver who is the primary renter: 25 or older with a physical driver's license. Only that person drives.
- A physical credit or debit card in the renter's name that matches their ID, for the security hold (credit works best).
- A signed vQuip waiver for every rider.
A passport, state ID or international driving permit works only for riders who aren't driving.
What to rent your first time
Two Can-Am models are a good fit for first-timers. Both come in 2-seat and 4-seat versions.
Commander XT and Commander MAX XT
Easy to drive and comfortable, with 100 HP and a 64-inch stance. The relaxed pick, and a good place to start if you've never been off-road at all.
Book the Commander XT Book the Commander MAX XT
Maverick X3 DS Turbo and X3 MAX DS Turbo
A turbo Maverick that stays easy to handle: 120 HP on the same 64-inch width. Pick this one if you want a little more punch than the Commander.
Book the X3 DS Book the X3 MAX DS
The 72-inch X3 RS and XRS and the 240 HP Maverick R are best for experienced riders. Save them for a later trip, or see them on our Maverick page. Can't decide? Call or text (760) 573-6825, tell us it's your first time, and we'll help you pick.
Who can drive and who can ride
- Driver: only the primary renter drives, and they must be 25 or older with a physical driver's license. If two people in your group want to drive, rent two machines, each in its own driver's name.
- Riders: any age. A parent or guardian signs for anyone under 18, and one parent can sign for up to 6 kids. Bringing kids? See family UTV rentals.
- Waivers: every rider signs a vQuip waiver before pickup. After your deposit, vQuip emails the primary renter a "Register Now" link to forward to your riders (check spam). Riders can also sign at the counter. No signed waiver, no ride.
- Same name everywhere: the booking, rental agreement, driver's license and card all need to show the same name.
What happens at pickup
Come to our shop on Vendor Row at 5775 E Hwy 78 in Brawley, next to the Glamis Beach Store. Pickup is quick: we check your license and paperwork, hand out helmets (one per rider) and go over sizes, and walk around the machine with you. Ask us anything before you pull out.
The balance of your rental is charged to your card on file that morning, and the security hold goes on: $2,500 per Commander or X3 DS. It's a hold, not a charge. We release the hold the same day the unit comes back clean. Your bank can take up to 7 days to show it, and longer on a debit card.
Your UTV leaves with the whip flag installed and a current plate, registration and OHV sticker, so you don't need to buy a permit for our machine. Bringing your own vehicle into the dunes too? See the Glamis permit guide.
What to bring
- The driver's physical license and the renter's physical credit or debit card
- Closed-toe shoes for everyone. No flip-flops.
- Goggles or sunglasses. Kids' helmets, goggles and gloves are for sale at our shop.
- Water, snacks, sunscreen and a warm layer for the morning
More on the day itself: our pickup checklist for Vendor Row.
Our rules
- Helmets on at all times, for every rider.
- Only the primary renter drives.
- No night riding. Bring the machine back before closing on your last day.
- Never leave a machine in the dunes overnight. If it breaks down or gets stuck, call us and stay with the machine. After hours, call (760) 573-6825 and press 8.
- BLM rules apply to everyone: a whip flag on every machine, 15 mph near camps and roads, quiet hours from 10 pm to 6 am, and no glass.
If something goes wrong out there, here's what to do if you're stuck or broken down.
First-timer FAQs
Do you offer guided tours?
Not right now. Every rental is self-guided: you pick up the machine and ride on your own schedule. Ask us for GPS coordinates of popular spots before you head out.
Do you rent ATVs?
Not right now. Every machine we rent is a Can-Am UTV (side-by-side), with seats for 2 or 4.
Can my teenager drive?
No. Only the primary renter drives, and they must be 25 or older with a physical driver's license. Teens and kids can ride along at any age.
Can I rent for a half-day the first time?
Yes, on select models, including the Commander XT, Commander MAX XT, X3 DS and X3 MAX DS. Half-day and 2-hour rentals aren't available on holiday dates. You'll see the time slots when you book.