So you're an ATV owner—good on you. You've resisted consistent market change, where everything seems to be catered to and built exclusively for UTV owners. The good news is that there are still plenty of products on the market, specifically manufactured for you, ATV owners. But what exactly is the difference? Is there truly a UTV-specific product? The quick answer is no, but let's discuss it further.
No matter your favorite flavor, UTV, SXS, or ATV, there are products proudly made for you by several high-quality brands, including Valor Offroad, SDR Motorsports, HCR Racing, and SuperATV. Brands tend to latch onto what is most popular or trending in the market to boost website SEO or attract more attention via marketing, so it is no surprise that UTVs are getting all the hype these days. It's hard not to disagree that a 240-horsepower out-of-the-box machine is fantastic.
The most significant difference between UTV-specific products, such as ATV tires, is one critical specification: load capacity. The bonus for ATV owners is that most powersports products are over-engineered for UTVs. The downside is that products continue to get heavier to compensate.
Quick weight comparison:
Polaris Sportsman: 911 lbs (413 kg)
Polaris RZR Pro R Ultimate:2187 lbs (992 kg)
When browsing tires for your ATV, be sure to check the load rating to ensure it matches your vehicle's weight. All the tires featured on this site are load-rated for UTVs, which means your ATV will never risk overloading the tires, regardless of your payload. But...not all tires are created equal. If you pick up a set of tires on Marketplace or through a third-party sale, make sure the tires are in good shape before you run them, regardless of the good deal you got.
What to look for if purchasing used ATV tires:
- Tread: This is obvious, but always make sure there is enough tread left on used tires. If the tread wears down completely, you will be traveling on the carcass of the tire, which we promise was never intended to tackle roots, rocks, or trail debris. You'll risk immediate tire failure.
- Age: Unfortunately, ATV tires have a recommended use window. If you pick up a tire from an ATV built in the 1980s, that tire will likely show significant wear and tear, including dry rot (cracks and crumbling), an irregular shape (oblong), or pinhole leaks. The natural rubber in tires breaks down as they age, especially when exposed to the sun's UV rays.
Considerations:
All Valor Offroad UTV products are engineered with the heavier UTV specs in mind, so both UTV and ATV customers are covered.
