Pick yourself up a used UTV or ATV and want to bring it into the new generation of accessories and upgrades? Here are our recommendations for essential upgrades, what to consider on a budget and why overkill is easy to do.
Suspension
Let's face it, the earlier models of UTVs weren't exactly the most plush rides. Depending on how old your UTV model is, landing a suspension/gearing upgrade can be difficult. Most models of UTV and ATV within the last 5 years will have an easier time finding new suspension upgrade parts over models 5+ years old. Scour the online marketplaces for people looking for a quick sell - There are plenty of people who will make you a killer deal on parts if you put in the time to find them
Wheels and Tires
This is the easy button for the quickest upgrade both in performance and in styling. The trend is to go bigger than what the vehicle came with originally, however be careful not to exceed 2" extra overall diameter compared to OEM or you'll quickly wear out parts that could already be on their last leg. The great news is bolt patterns haven't changed much so you'll easily find 14" wheels for nearly any make or model of UTV or ATV. Check out the full collection of UTV wheels and UTV tires from Valor Offroad to fit your unique model. Don't want to buy new? Spend some time on those online marketplaces and you find hundreds of listings for lightly used wheels and tires that should work great.
Recovery Gear
We recommend recovery gear on brand new UTVs and ATVs, so if you are planning to hit the trails in an older/used machine, it's not a choice, you need them. Because you'll be limited by speed and possibly clearance in comparison to modern models of UTVs and ATVs, don't go overboard in this category. Just get the essentials and you'll be good to go.
Recovery Gear Essentials:
- Recovery Straps (Rhino USA)
- Portable Jack (Pro Eagle)
- Shovel
- Gloves
- Hammer
Recovery Gear Extras:
- Winch
- Traction Boards
- Air Compressor
Storage
Outside of the Ranger style UTVs of the past, older models of UTVs (and ATVs) didn't come with the storage capabilities on modern machines. Having what you need when you need it is a lesson every offroad junkie learns from experience. There will be a time when you're on trail and all you needed what a ____ and you could have fixed yourself up and been home for dinner. We have several offroad gear essential checklist on our The Source Blog if you need a refresher.
You don't need to spend a fortune on storage, just make sure it's rugged enough to bounce around a little in the back, withstand the brutal elements (sun/rain/snow/wind) and can be easily cinched down. The folks at any local hardware store can steer you in the right direction of a good all-weather worksite tool box or container.
