ATV Upgrades and Must Have Accessories

The Essential Guide to ATV Upgrades and Accessories

Some buy off-road machines for sport and recreational use, some buy them as utility and work vehicles. Many buyers select ATVs for use on a farm, traveling to fishing holes, hunting, transporting gear, plowing, or simply for fund and adventure. No matter what your reasons, there are accessories that can significantly enhance your experience and take it to the next level.

In this article, we explore the must-have accessories and dig deeper into what each of them can do to elevate your ride.

Why Add Upgrades/Accessories to Your ATV?

Accessories can enhance the performance of your ATV, taking it from more basic functions to hauling items, stylizing, allowing you to ride through harsher terrains with ease, and adding additional comforts, amongst many other benefits.

Upgrades That Are Worth the Investment

There are so many incredible accessories on the market. What you’re using your ATV for will determine which options best suit your needs based on your budget.

With that being said, let’s break down some of the must-have options and what they can do to enhance your ride.

Bumpers

Whether you enjoy a quieter ride or adventuring is more your style, bumpers can protect you and your ATV from both obstacles and other riders. Bumpers get used and abused, which is why you want something that can stand up to the rigors of ATV riding without spending a fortune.

Grab Bars

Grab bars have many functions. They not only give you the ability to pick your ATV up from the rear, but also act as a bumper. For mud riders, most grab bars offer a mounting point for a tow.

Skid Plates

Skid plates and A-Arm Guards are what help protect the side of your rig. Sliding through tight trails and keeping sticks from hitting your undercarriage is their primary function.

Grips

Riding through the trails and rugged terrain can cause blisters, since you are typically using all of your strength to hold on. Grips are reasonably priced and a necessary accessory if you want to enjoy the softness along with having a solid grasp when riding.

Exhaust

For most folks who are looking for a power gain along with a nice throaty sound and some added flare, an exhaust can add new thrills and added confidence when adventuring and mudding.

Tires

This one is the #1 must-have upgrade for any ATV owner, as most tires that come with an ATV are simply not enough. For those who enjoy deep mud riding, heavy snow, or rugged terrain where extra ground clearance is needed, a tire upgrade may enhance your ride quality. There are several options to choose from, such as sand tires, racing tires, mud tires, and all-terrain tires.

Lighting

LED lights draw far less power and usually give you even more light than halogen. This allows you to run other electrical gadgets and accessories.

Racks

There are multiple different styles of racks available. A good option is one that has built-in tie-down locations, which allows you to utilize more vertical space in your bed by stacking items securely and leaving more room underneath.

Must-Have Accessories

Winch

A winch is another must-have. A winch will get you out of situations you just can’t get out of without one. A winch isn’t only useful for getting you out of a tight spot but can help pull your friends out of the mud too. They tend to vary in price though, so be sure to do your research before buying.

Seat Cover

Nothing will enhance your ride like a more comfortable seat. Seems simple, but it can really boost the amount of time you can ride without getting uncomfortable.

Thumb Assist

This accessory can keep you from wearing your thumb out on the throttle.

Spare Battery and Battery Tender

Most ATV’s are designed to accommodate basic use of the stock features on a single battery, however, adding accessories can drain battery power. Adding an extra battery and battery tender can add benefits such as providing greater supply of spare power. This can decrease the likelihood of your primary battery going dead. Plus, a battery tender will help your maintain the longevity of your OEM battery.

Track Kit

If you’re riding in thicker terrain, a track kit might be an ideal upgrade. This accessory can enhance your performance significantly, allowing you to get through deep snow. Tracked ATVs can operate all year round and are ideal for accessing fishing huts, fire routes, and even island properties. They are also a more cost-effective alternative to investing in a snowmobile.

Trailer Hitch

Adding a trailer hitch is a must, as it provides you with significantly greater hauling capacity. They add versatility to your quad and allow you to pull small trailers, wagons or other disabled ATV’s, which can transform your quad into a work horse.

Tow Strap

A tow strap has loops on each end without any hooks attached. They have an elastic property. This energy is transferred to the stuck ATV, allowing you to pull it out. This is definitely a handy accessory to have for anyone who rides with others.

Take Your ATV To New Heights

If you want to build a proper ATV, there is no way around making at least a few modifications to your stock machine. Some accessories act simply to enhance performance, but many are almost essential to ATV ownership. They can prevent excessive damage, provide additional safety benefits and add a whole new element of fun to your quad. Your local professionalcan walk you through all of the options specific to your driving needs.