If you enjoy riding a UTV, the thrill of beating through dirt, mud, or snow is enough to know how much fun it can be. To improve your rides, and to keep your UTV tough enough for the rough trails to come, you’ll need the right gear.
Riding a UTV is fun, especially when you go off-road. But riding in trails that are sometimes muddy, rocky, and wet can be hard on a vehicle. Most riders will outfit their UTV’s with additional parts to protect their UTV and help it work the way it was intended.
In this guide, you will find out how to choose the right accessories that are strong, built safe and good for years, but mostly for your outdoor adventures in unpredictable and often dangerous riding location.
The Importance of Off-Road Durability for UTV Accessories
Driving on flat easily managed terrain is simple to accomplish in your UTV, but attempting steep inclines, on a rocky path, or off-road in wet mud or heavy rain can put extra stress on your vehicle. Your UTV is subjected to bumps, vibrations, dust and debris, and the stopping and going of driving and riding off-road can wear on weaker parts of your UTV.
Choosing the right accessories for your UTV can give them the power to withstand the potential stress.
This is good news for keeping you, your family or friends safe while you are out and about in the rugged terrains; who does not want to avoid mechanical breakdowns? Plus, it is good for the longevity of your UTV and will significantly protect your vehicle from wear-and-tear.
Quality UTV accessories that are properly fitted not only add colour and style to your vehicle, but also prevent your UTV from becoming damaged, and help deliver performance when out in extreme conditions.
What to Consider When Choosing UTV Accessories for Off-Road Durability
When searching for UTV accessories for off-road durability, there are several materials and attributes to consider that will keep you on the search for the most durable products that will fit your UTV and are best for your riding type and terrain.
1. Quality and durability.
Off-road terrain put’s a beating on your UTV. Dust and dirt, rain, and flying debris result in weak materials that can break, crack, chip, dent, or wear fast. You need to look into UTV accessories made of strong and durable materials. Some of the more ideal materials for accessories include:
Off-road terrains are harsh on your UTV. Weak materials break, crack, scratch, dent, or wear out quickly when exposed to dust, rain, and flying debris. Look for UTV accessories that are strong and durable materials. The best materials for accessories include:
- Polycarbonate windshields: Look for scratch resistant, impact resistant and shatterproof.
- Skid plates and bumpers: steel and aluminum. Steel and aluminum are hard materials as a shield to the undercarriage and front of your UTV from damage from shrubs, sticks, debris and building rocks with braking power.
- UV resistant and waterproof fabrics for seat covers and bags. Protect your seat and some gear from the elements and hazards of the sun, rain, dust and dirt.
Example: A skid plate made from heavy-duty aluminum will protect your UTV chassis from rocks, sticks, and debris that will help maintain the strength of your UTV for a long life.
Check the product description for anything that describes “heavy-duty” or “waterproof”, to help understand causes or extreme elements, and harsh pressures that accessories can sustain.
2. Compatibility with Your UTV Model.
Not all UTV accessories are compatible for every brand. Vehicles of various brands like Polaris RZR, Can-Am Maverick and Honda Pioneer UTVs are manufactured differently, therefore the accessories are made for a specific model, and can vary from brand to brand even though they might serve the same purpose.
For instance, there is a wind shield for a Can-Am Defender is not going to fit a Polaris Ranger. You should check the product description to make sure it fits your UTV.
Selecting the correct wind shield for your UTV is a good first step to not only improve your vehicle’s performance when off-roading but for having long-term, off-road durability.
3. Terrain and Weather Conditions.
When determining what accessories to purchase, the terrain is the number one consideration. Depending on where you explore with your UTV, you may need certain accessories:
- Muddy or wet trails: There are waterproof storage boxes or cargo nets and water repellent seat covers that will protect your gear from rain, mud or wet conditions. For windshields, purchasing a strong and tight fitting one, either with the word “tight seals” in our customer reviews or ones that fit tight to the frame will help protect you against rain or mud.
- Sandy dunes: When riding in sandy conditions, you will want to look for some sand tires that have deeper tread patterns and wider ground contact area for traction and stability. Also consider getting whip lights for improved visibility in dunes!
- Snowy or cold environment: To stay warm or keep ice and snow from building up on your windshield, consider a heater or defroster system to improve your vision on off-road.
Ease of Installation
Some UTV accessories are easy to install and some take tools and experience to install. For example, storage bags with straps that simply buckle onto the roll cage, or bed-mounted storage boxes that drop into place are relatively simple to install.
If you are looking to install UTV accessories like lift kits, or complex electronic accessories, to avoid damaging your UTV it may be advisable to use a professional for installation.
If you are not someone who has the technical knowledge or is experienced with tools, pick UTV accessories with simple and tool-less installation, or whichever has explicit installation directions.
Brand Reputation and Warranty
Choose UTV accessories from trusted manufacturers, which have good reviews. For example, StarknightMT is a member of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), they are recognized for producing high-quality products & have excellent customer support.
Warranties (like a 30-day return period) can give you peace of mind, if anything goes wrong. Reading warranties can be helpful, since customers often describe their accessories durability on tough trails; for example, StarknightMT has windshields that have “superb packaging” and “outstanding fit”.
The Top UTV Accessories for Off-Road Durability If
you’re reading this, then you know how to select the best UTV accessories. So let’s look at some of the best accessories that you can upgrade your UTV with to improve durability and performance off-road.
#1. Windshields.
Windshields are first on our list and one of the best UTV accessories for off-road durability. Windshields will protect you and your passenger from the elements of nature, such as extreme wind, rain, dust, and debris, when you go off-roading.
You should choose a good polycarbonate windshield that can seal well, it’s best for off-road durability. Windshields are most effective when they are already scratch-resistant and shatterproof.
Vented windshields, like our Can-Am Commander 1000 Vented Front Windshield, allow you to control airflow inside your UTV, yet still block the wind and keep the dirt and rain away. Of course, you should use a windshield that has a very durable scratch-resistant coating.
#2. Skid Plates.
Skid plates are but a necessity if you enjoy rocky trails and unpaved, uneven terrain, especially a desert environment, as it protects the underbelly of your UTV from rocks, branches, and other objects.
A quality skid plate made from heavy-duty aluminum or steel can save you from costly repair bill and allow your UTV to glide over rugged of nasty terrains.
#3. Storage Solutions.
Often on your off-road trips, you’ll be carrying tools, gear, and other supplies. UTV accessories like waterproof (or at least weather resistant) storage boxes and cargo nets can help you keep your gear and equipment secured and safe from weather elements.
Storage boxes mounted on the bed of your UTV, such as those made for a Polaris Ranger, can usually be fairly easy to install and remove for many riders, therefore, the storage box is a convenient option.
There are also storage bags you can hang on tire cage bars or using your harnesses, which help protect your bed area and take up no space, so items like tools, first aid kits, or accessories can also be stored in the UTV instead of outside. You could also consider a tank bag, if you want easy access to some items from the driver’s seat.
#4. Lift Kits.
Lift kits provide greater ground clearance on your UTV so you can go over obstacles, and now you can put on larger tires for more traction. Suspension lift kits which include spring spacers or larger shock absorbers are a good option for any serious off-road enthusiast upgrade.
Be sure you choose a kit that will fit your UTV model and meet your off-road riding needs. If you’re riding extreme off-road terrain, a 4-6 inch lift is appropriate; if you enjoy recreational off-road trails, then a 1-2 inch lift may meet your needs.
#5. Winches.
Winches are ideal UTV accessories when you find yourself stuck in muddy ground, sand or snow. It can help you and your UTV get out of trouble or assist a friend who needs help.
When looking at winches, make sure to choose one with a weight rating that is at or above the weight of your UTV for guaranteed performance.
For off-road enthusiasts, winches that are easy to install are favorited, especially for those who want to take the UTV out for a ride on the trails and are not out to spend hours doing all of the necessary installations of accessories.
#6. Tires and Wheels.
One of the best ways to enhance your UTV’s off-road performance and durability is to have the right tires. Deep tread patterns will give you better traction for muddy trail conditions and snowy terrain.
If you’re riding down dunes, use sand tires which have a larger contact with the ground. Make sure to check your UTV suspension and ground clearance to make sure it can support larger tires, in case you are upgrading to larger tires.
#7. Bumpers and Nerf Bars.
Bumpers will protect the front and rear of your UTV from impacts. The best solution for protecting the sides of the UTV are nerf bars (often called rock sliders) so they do not rub against branches and rocks when used off road.
I suggest you purchase heavy-duty aluminum or steel bumpers that also have a mount for accessories like light bars, a winch, or your phone camera mount. If your UTV is lifted, nerf bars with stairs will help you get in easier.
#8. Heater and Defroster System.
You need a heater and defroster system for winter off-roading. Warm riders are comfortable and they won’t have ice build-up on the windshield.
All clear views are ideal views ahead! Locate a heater and defroster system that includes adjustable heat settings and doesn’t require much effort for installation, which will help with the electrical system load on your UTV.
Tips for Maintaining Your UTV Accessories
Like other vehicle parts, UTV accessories need to be cleaned and well maintained as well. Here are some simple maintenance tips that can help with that:
- Clean as needed: Accessories like windshields, storage boxes and bags can hold onto mud, sand and dust, same as vehicle parts. Rinse off your accessories after each ride to get rid of the dust and any other ground.
- Check for any wear: Check for scratches, dents, or tears on skid plates, bumpers or tires, and replaces as soon as possible. The faster you replace damaged parts, the less likely further damages will occur.
- Tighten loose connections: Some of your accessories have connections that can loosen easily from vibrations from off-roading; for example, bags which typically only had straps and bolts to attach to your roll cage, straps and bolts also need to be checked, and tightened to make sure the storage bags will not fall off when you are out in the trails.
- Store properly: Whenever a removable accessory is not in use, if it is a cargo box for example, it is best to store it. Store it properly (and especially removable items) in a dry and shady place whenever possible when not in use, both the sun and moisture are not good for storage.
Where to Buy Quality UTV Accessories.
You won’t find good parts at every online store, but check out sites that provide product specifications, the models the parts fit, and a return option.
StarknightMT has a full line of UTV accessories made for actual off-road use. Bumpers, skid plates, storage boxes, and windshields are made for rugged use and were field tested.
Wrap up.
It is possible to find quality UTV accessories for off-road durability. All it takes is finding a durable and rugged accessory that fits your UTV and riding style.