When you ride on rough paths with a side‑by‑side vehicle, lots of problems show up. The seats might hurt your back. Wind, mud, and rain hit you. The engine might overheat. You can’t see well at night. Turning fast is hard. You wish things were smoother and safer.
You can fix many of those problems without spending much. By picking some smart UTV accessories, you can ride longer, feel better, and drive with more control. You don’t need fancy upgrades. Just a few smart ones. Let’s break down the seven most useful accessories that are easy to add and won’t empty your wallet.
1. Better Seat Cushions or Pads
Factory-installed seats are often stiff and not shaped well. After an hour on the trail, your lower back or tailbone starts to ache. That’s why one of the first accessories you should get is a high-quality seat cushion.
Look for gel-infused foam or memory foam cushions. These adjust to your body and help reduce the shock that comes from every little bump. Some cushions come with cooling features or waterproof covers. That way, they stay dry and comfortable even when it’s raining or muddy.
They’re simple to attach. Many just strap around your seat or lie on top. No tools needed. Riders who use them say their backs hurt less and they can ride longer without taking breaks.
2. Upgraded Shocks and Suspension Springs
Do you feel like your UTV bounces too much? Do the wheels feel like they lift off the ground when hitting dips or rocks? The issue might be a weak suspension.
Suspension takes the brunt of the terrain. Low-end factory parts wear down fast. By replacing the shocks or adding better springs, you make the ride much smoother. This accessory isn’t just about comfort, it helps keep all four tires grounded, which improves steering and reduces tire wear.
You don’t need a racing suspension setup. Aftermarket shocks with adjustable settings let you pick how firm or soft the ride feels. For heavier riders or those who carry extra gear, stronger springs help balance the load. A basic suspension upgrade can often be done at home with standard tools.
3. Protective Skid Plates and Rock Sliders
Imagine you’re climbing a steep trail and hear a hard clang underneath your UTV. That might be the engine casing or control arm hitting a rock, and that’s expensive to fix. That’s why protective parts are so important. Skid plates protect the bottom of your UTV. Rock sliders go along the sides and help the body avoid damage from logs, rocks, or trail ruts.
Skid plates come in aluminum or heavy-duty plastic. Aluminum lasts longer, but plastic is lighter and cheaper. Both offer a huge upgrade over thin stock plates.
Most bolt on with no cutting. For drivers who ride in wooded or rocky areas, this tool pays for itself fast by avoiding costly repairs.
4. Rear and Side Mirrors That Help You Stay Aware
Being able to see behind and beside you is a big deal, especially on busy trails. Good UTV mirrors help you avoid backing into things or getting surprised by another rider.
Side mirrors mount to the roll cage. Rearview mirrors mount above the dash or center bar. Many kits are universal and adjustable. Look for shatterproof glass or anti-vibration mounts.
Some even come with built-in lights, which give extra visibility at night. Others are foldable for tight trails. At under $50, they’re a must-have if you ride in groups or on shared trails.
5. LED Light Bars and Visibility Add-ons
When the sun sets, or if you’re riding through dense woods or foggy fields, being able to see clearly becomes more than just a comfort, it becomes a must.
Many UTVs come with weak lights. Adding an LED light bar or side-mounted lights can make night rides safer and easier. These lights use little power, last thousands of hours, and can light up a wide area.
Some riders also add reflective tape or corner lights to be seen better by others. A popular combo is a 12” LED light bar in front, plus two small cube lights aimed to the sides. That way, you can see more and avoid obstacles before you hit them.
6. Windshields That Actually Work
No windshield means dust in your mouth, bugs in your eyes, and cold wind on your face. It gets tiring fast, especially on long rides.
A windshield blocks most of that. It also helps with sound. You’ll hear less wind noise, and conversations become easier inside the cab. Clear windshields let you see the trail clearly, while tinted ones reduce sun glare.
Some riders pick flip-style windshields, which can open halfway when it’s hot. Others prefer solid fixed ones. Half windshields just block wind from the chest down. No matter the style, adding a windshield makes every ride calmer and cleaner.
7. Grab Handles and Small Storage Upgrades
When you hit a steep hill or bounce through a gully, your hands instinctively search for something to hold. Stock UTVs don’t always include good grab points. That’s why adding grab handles makes sense.
You can buy padded handles that attach to the roll cage. Some even come with tool pouches or small gear holders. Also, small storage bins, dash bags, and seat-back organizers help hold water bottles, tools, and snacks. That keeps your hands free and prevents gear from bouncing around or getting lost.
One smart tip: Add a cup holder or glove box if your UTV doesn’t have one. They’re cheap but make a big difference.
Tips to Choose Smart Upgrades
- Match your budget to terrain: If you do rocky trails often, invest more into protection. If you ride mostly flat or sandy terrain, comfort and visibility matter more.
- Check weight & fit: Adding heavy metal protection or big lights adds weight high up and can change the center of gravity. Use upgrades that don’t make the vehicle top‑heavy or strain the suspension.
- Quality vs Cost: Cheaper parts may fail sooner. Sometimes spending a little more saves money later. For example, buying a mirror with good glass or shatter‑resistant material prevents early breakage.
- Ease of install: Simple bolt‑on or clamp‑on parts save you labor costs. If you need cutting or welding, costs go up.
- Electrical capacity: If adding LEDs or lamps, check battery output and wiring. Don’t overload the alternator or fuse box.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading your UTV with a few well‑chosen accessories helps rides feel better, safer, and more controllable. You don’t have to buy every item. Pick what troubles you most (bumpy ride, bad visibility, hard turns, or no storage), then add what solves that. Accessories like mirrors, shock upgrades, protection parts, and windscreen bring big gains. Start small, ride more, add bits over time. Your UTV will serve you better, longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are mirror kits hard to install?
Most are simple. Mirror kits often include clamps or bolt brackets. As long as the bracket size matches the roll cage or body mount, it’s usually straightforward. Sometimes a little drilling or wiring is needed if lights are included.
2. Do upgraded lights use more power?
Yes, but modern LED versions use much less than old bulbs. Still, if you add many lights, make sure the alternator and wiring can support them. Use proper fuses.
3. Is the windscreen worth the cost?
If you ride in dusty, cold, or windy conditions, then yes. For short rides on clean, calm trails, maybe not. But once you ride long or often, the windscreen reduces fatigue and improves visibility.
