Accessories & Upgrades to Enhance Your UTV

Investing in your UTV goes beyond just buying the actual machine. To get the most out of your side-by-side investment, adding accessories and making upgrades is a must. 

Partzilla has done many side-by-side repair and maintenance projects for our YouTube channel on models from the major manufacturers, including Polaris, Honda and Yamaha. We’ve also done several accessory installation and upgrade projects on both Can-Am and Kawasaki UTVs. Here are some accessories and upgrades we recommend doing for your side-by-side, regardless of its make and model. 

Roof Rack 

When it comes to adding cargo space for long excursions on a side-by-side, a roof rack provides extra space for storing spare tires, camping gear, hunting equipment, and pretty much any other bulky cargo you haul on your adventures. 

• Check out the video below to see an ADV roof rack installation on a 2021 Can-Am Defender Max side-by-side.

Headache Rack 

A headache rack for a side-by-side has several purposes, including protecting the cab’s rear window from flying debris. It also helps prevent damage to the interior of the UTV, and injuries to the driver, by stopping heavy cargo and loose items from sliding or flying into the cab. 

• Check out the video below to see a headache rack installation on a 2021 Can-Am Defender Max side-by-side.

Side Mirrors 

An obstructed rear view on a UTV is not uncommon, especially if you've got a headache rack installed and/or are hauling large cargo in the bed. Side mirrors are a must for improved safety. Not all UTVs come standard with side-view mirrors, so you should have those installed to provide better rearview visibility while riding on the trail. 

• Watch the videos below to see our UTV side mirror installations on both 2021 Can-Am Defender Max and Maverick X3 models.

Spotlight

Adding spotlights to a side-by-side is an upgrade useful for improving visibility even if the vehicle already has plenty of lighting. Spotlights illuminate further down a trail at night than other lights, allowing time to react faster to whatever's coming at you in the dark. They also have the flexibility to provide multi-directional illumination to areas on the trail your UTV’s other lights may not cover. 

• Check out the video below to see a spotlight installation on a 2021 Can-Am Maverick X3 side-by-side.

LED Light Bar

Like the spotlight, an LED light bar provides additional illumination on the trail. Light bars are mounted to the front of a UTV to emit a focused beam when riding offroad in the dark. Installing an LED light bar not only provides added safety, but is also a stylish addition to any side-by-side.

Watch the video below to see an LED light bar installation on a 2018 Kawasaki Mule Pro FXT side-by-side.

Brush Guard

A brush guard (or grille guard) is a great accessory for giving your SxS a more rugged look. Grille guards protect the front end of the UTV from trail debris such as rocks, branches, limbs and even wildlife. They also serve as a perch for other accessories you might want to add on to the front of the machine.

• Watch the video below to see a UTV brush guard installation on a 2018 Kawasaki Mule Pro FXT.

Rear Bumper

While a brush guard protects the front of the UTV, a rear bumper does the same for the back of the machine. Bumpers are made for absorbing shock during collisions, and also help protect the cargo bed area, the tail lights and the tires.

• Watch the video below to see a UTV rear bumper installation on a 2018 Kawasaki Mule Pro FXT.

Dual Battery Kit

A dual (or secondary) battery kit holds two batteries to provide additional power for running more electronic accessories to a UTV, including heavy duty winches, additional lighting, or even a high-tech audio system. By enhancing your side-by-side with a dual battery kit, you’ll be able to customize it with more accessories without worrying about draining too much power out of the main battery. 

• Watch the video below to see a dual battery kit installation on a 2018 Kawasaki Mule Pro-FXT side-by-side.

Accessory Fuse Box

Along with the dual battery upgrade, another great way to get more power for your side-by-side is adding an accessory fuse box to handle additional electrical loads. Installing an accessory fuse box doesn't require any fancy equipment. With just a few basic tools and simple wiring, you can add more electrical load capacity to your UTV.

• Watch the video below to see an accessory fuse box installation on a 2018 Kawasaki Mule Pro-FXT side-by-side.

These are just a handful of accessories and upgrades you can do on your side-by-side to enhance its safety features, cargo capacity and overall style. From winches to covers, attachments and beyond, Partzilla sells just about everything you need to get the most out of your UTV.