Trail Talk by Red Sands Adventures

Join us this week as we chat with Riley Erickson, the innovative mind behind R1 Industries, a rising name in custom off-road fabrication and vehicle builds. Riley shares his story of turning a passion for building unique rigs into a thriving business, detailing what goes into creating vehicles that stand out on the trail and at events. We cover the ins and outs of vehicle customization, from choos...

In this episode, we're joined by Casey Irwin, of ‪@blacktruckadventures‬ for a deep dive into off-road exploration, adventure lifestyle, and building a brand around outdoor passion. Casey shares his journey into the world of off-roading, what inspired him to start Black Truck Adventures, and the stories behind some of his favorite off-road trips and builds. From trail tips and vehicle preparation...

In this episode, we sit down with Send It Rubi, the fearless driver behind ⁨Send It Nation to discuss her journey into the thrilling world of Ultra4 racing. Rubi shares the story of how she got started, the challenges she's overcome, and what it truly takes to compete at the elite level of off-road motorsports. We also dive deep into the current trends shaking up Ultra4 racing—specifically, the su...

In this episode, we're hitting the trails with Nate Bailey from MezzaJeep, creator of an innovative, self-designed mezzanine suspension system that’s redefining Jeep off-road performance. Nate walks us through the inspiration and engineering behind this unique setup, highlighting how it dramatically enhances ride quality, articulation, and control on challenging terrain. Powered by clear trail com...

In this episode, we’re joined by Andy DeSoto of Triple S Polaris for a real conversation about the rising cost of UTVs and side-by-sides. Are they truly more expensive than they used to be—or does it just feel that way? Andy breaks down the numbers, looks at inflation-adjusted pricing, and shares insight from years in the powersports industry. We also talk about Andy’s upcoming involvement in Trai...

Just me, my dogs, and some honest trail talk in this episode! If you're thinking about buying your first UTV or SXS—or even upgrading your current rig—this one’s for you. I break down the key things you need to know before you drop the cash: from the different types of machines, to real-world costs, trail etiquette, maintenance, and what kind of riding suits which setup. Whether you’re planning we...

Just me, my dogs, and some honest trail talk in this episode! If you're thinking about buying your first UTV or SXS—or even upgrading your current rig—this one’s for you. I break down the key things you need to know before you drop the cash: from the different types of machines, to real-world costs, trail etiquette, maintenance, and what kind of riding suits which setup. Whether you’re planning we...

This week, we’re hitting the trails with Layne Foor from Voodoo, the company setting the standard for aftermarket UTV and SXS cages built for real adventure. If you love pushing your rig to the limit, this episode is for you. Layne takes us behind the scenes of Voodoo’s mission to blend rugged style with unstoppable strength—keeping you safe while you tackle the toughest trails, biggest dunes, and...

In this episode, we sit down with Charlie Stevenson—Trail Technician for Iron County, off-road advocate, and the guy behind the Iron County SXS Facebook group. Charlie’s boots-on-the-ground perspective gives us a look into what it really takes to keep our trail systems alive and accessible. We talk about trail restoration, mapping forgotten routes, and how Iron County is working to maintain access...

In this episode, we’re joined by Chris Gatelein—better known as “Farm Use” from Skinny Pedal Addicts—for a conversation that dives into the differences between UTV riding on the East Coast versus the West. From tight tree trails and mud parks to wide-open slickrock and red sand, we explore how terrain, style, and off-road culture shift depending on where you’re riding. Chris shares his experiences...

In this solo episode, I flip the script and talk directly to the UTV crowd about the full-size off-road community. After years of riding with and talking to folks on both sides, there are some common misunderstandings—and a lot of respect that goes both ways—that often gets overlooked. I break down what makes full-size wheeling unique, the challenges and skill it takes to build and drive those rig...

Ever wondered what it takes to capture off-roading in all its raw, adrenaline-fueled glory? This week, we sit down with Rhett Taylor of by_rhett Media to talk about the art of off-road photography, from shooting epic action shots on the trails to getting his work featured by major brands and events like SEMA. Rhett shares what goes into crafting the perfect off-road image, how he built a career be...

Ever wonder what makes high-performance off-road shocks so crucial for tackling the toughest terrain? In this episode, we sit down with David from Shock Prep Unlimited to break down the art and science behind building top-tier suspension setups. From dialing in the perfect shock tune to understanding how suspension upgrades transform your ride, David shares his expertise and sheds light on the lit...

In this special solo episode, I’m taking a moment to reflect on all the incredible conversations we’ve had so far with off-road legends and enthusiasts. From rock crawling in custom-built rigs to pushing the limits in high-performance UTVs, there’s a lot to unpack. But more than that, I dive into the things I wish the full-size off-road crowd knew about UTVs—the innovation, the skill, and the tigh...

In this episode, we sit down with Rob Christensen to discuss the upcoming TREAD Off-Road Expo, scheduled for June 20-21, 2025, at the Dixie Convention Center in St. George, Utah. This premier event brings together off-road enthusiasts, industry leaders, and top brands to showcase the latest in off-road innovation and performance. treadoffroadexpo.com Rob shares insights into organizing such a sign...

In this episode, we sit down with Derick from @blancobroncoadventures to talk about his journey into the off-road world and how his channel came to life. Derick shares how his family’s passion for adventure inspired them to get off the couch and explore the great outdoors, building a community around off-roading and exploration. We also dive into the process of creating SEMA-worthy builds, what go...

In this episode, we’re joined by Jordan Jones to talk about his journey from ripping through the trails in a UTV to building and wheeling Jeeps. Jordan shares what drew him to each side of the off-road world, the biggest differences between the UTV and Jeep communities, and what makes both so unique. We also discuss how off-road culture is evolving, the challenges and advantages of each type of ve...

In this episode, we sit down with Brett Benassi to talk about the high-speed world of UTV sand drag racing and the Sand Outlaws race series. Brett gives us an inside look at what it takes to compete in the fast-growing sport, from dialing in the perfect setup to the intense competition on the sand. Beyond racing, we also dive into the business side of the off-road industry—what it takes to turn a...

In this episode, we’re joined by Jaden Young of Youngs Rigs, a skilled builder who has crafted SEMA-level vehicles and now brings his expertise to UTVPros. Jaden shares his journey in the off-road industry, from building some of the most eye-catching rigs to his work in the UTV performance world. We also dive into his unique Jeep Cherokee build, which runs on Maxxis UTV tires, and discuss how cros...

In this episode, we’re joined by Crystal Fulton of Sand Hollow 4x4 to talk about the world of professional off-road training and guided tours. Crystal shares how Sand Hollow 4x4 got started, their journey into off-road guiding, and how they’ve grown into a premier training company for large commercial clients. We also dive into the importance of proper off-road education, the growing demand for gu...

In this episode, we’re joined by Kelson Downes, of SSV Works and SwitchWorks, to dive deep into the cutting-edge products that are transforming the UTV and off-road experience. Kelson shares the story behind these innovative brands, their mission to enhance every ride, and the game-changing audio and switch solutions they’ve brought to the market. We also discuss how technology is shaping the futu...

In this episode, we’re joined by Justin Kee, the founder of UTVPros, to discuss his incredible journey in the world of UTVs and motorsports. Justin shares how UTVPros came to life, his experiences working with top racers, and how his passion for motorsports and off-roading shaped his career. We also explore the broader impact of UTVs on the off-road community, the evolution of the sport, and the i...

In this episode, we’re joined by Andy Desoto from Triple S Polaris in Cedar City, Utah, to talk all things off-roading and Polaris! Andy gives us the inside scoop on the Polaris Xpedition, sharing what makes it a game-changer in the side-by-side world. We also discuss the dealership’s role in supporting the off-road community and helping enthusiasts get the most out of their machines. As always, w...

In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Lee, a professional UTV racer with a passion for pushing the limits of off-road performance. Michael shares his journey into the world of racing, what it takes to compete at a professional level, and how he’s preparing for one of the most grueling events in off-road motorsports: King of the Hammers. We also dive into the broader off-roading community, discu...

In this episode, we’re joined by Lorey Beard, a true pioneer in the Sand Hollow off-roading scene. Along with her husband, Lorey is part of the original group of wheelers who blazed the trails we all love today, including iconic routes like "The Maze" and "Plan B." Lorey shares her memories of those early trail-building days, the challenges and excitement of exploring untouched terrain, and how th...