Your UTV makes it easy to traverse tundra, muddle through mud, and so much more. But did you know that it may not be working to its full potential? A base model side-by-side is powerful, but with the right accessories, you can tap into extra power, comfort, and efficiency. 

And the process for finding the right accessories begins right here: at 2Brothers Powersports in Onalaska, Wisconsin! To get you started, we’ve put together this guide to our favorite UTV accessories. If you want to see these for yourself, or you’re looking for a UTV to customize, stop by our store. Our friendly and experienced staff are ready to help you find what you need, and our parts department has it!


Winches

The number one, most versatile accessory to upgrade your UTV with is a winch. These can be handy for clearing heavy objects from an area, like a stump or boulder. They can also be great for pulling your UTV or another vehicle out of the mud or other sticky situations! Winches can also be important for hunting, allowing you to drag your game to a better area for dressing. Winches come with both synthetic and wire options, and a variety of power setups. Make sure the winch’s power matches your UTV’s to avoid draining your vehicle’s battery.

Enclosed Cab

While the open-air seating in most UTVs is great for feeling the rush of wind in your hair and getting some sun, it can be more of a hassle than a boon in the winter or summer months. That doesn’t even address all the bugs, pebbles, mud, and sand that can find their way into your face without full coverage. A windshield will help a lot, but a fully enclosed cab gives you more protection from the elements and nature. It also makes climate control a feasible option, boosting your comfort even more. Some UTVs come with an enclosed cab already, but for any that don’t, upgrade kits are easy to find and install. 

LED Lighting

Safety comes first in all situations, and you can’t be safe if you don’t know what’s around you. Whether you’re trying to stick to a trail, or you’re off-road and trying to avoid obstacles, you need good lights. LED lights are the best and most cost-effective option: low power usage, bright lighting, and great durability. LED light bars are easy enough to add to your UTV, and many UTV headlights can be upgraded to LEDs if they aren’t already installed. Just stay mindful of your battery power - more lighting means more of a drain on your battery.

GPS Tracking

Even on a well-defined and familiar trail, it doesn’t take much to get turned around. Without road signs or other man-made structures to provide direction or use as landmarks, trees start to blend together. A GPS will help keep you on track and know where you are at all times. 

Obviously, you can just use your phone’s navigation system, but we recommend installing a GPS system into your UTV directly. Many navigation apps require service to function properly and won’t be able to do their jobs in the great outdoors, and all of them drain phone batteries quickly. A system installed into your vehicle provides reliable, consistent guidance and leaves your phone batteries intact in case of an emergency.

Skid Plate

If you’re the adventurous type, you might want to consider a skid plate. These upgrades provide coverage for your UTV’s undercarriage to protect its working parts from bumps or debris that might otherwise cause serious damage. Driving over uneven terrain is a much safer proposition with a skid plate, allowing you to tackle obstacles that might otherwise give you second thoughts.

Emergency Supplies

Your UTV is a powerful machine in a compact chassis and is designed for the toughest terrains, but these places can be unpredictable. Dangerous situations are always a possibility, and you’ll want to be prepared for them when they come around. Pack a few things with you or in your UTV to stay prepared. Include a toolkit in case you need to make repairs to the vehicle, and a first aid kit in case you need to make repairs to yourself! Check out our post on UTV And Side-By-Side Maintenance Tools to learn more about this subject.

In Closing

We hope these tips have helped you make the most out of your side-by-side. For more great UTV tips and advice, or if you’re looking for a new vehicle to try these out with, stop by 2Brothers Powersports. We proudly serve the people of La Crosse, Madison, and Eau Claire, Wisconsin - let us serve you today!