Four-wheelers love their four-wheelers. The newest love affair is with the "side-by-sides." In fact, they are so popular now, they have become a segment unto themselves in the all-terrain-vehicle world, much like SUVs on the automotive side. Some liken the side-by-sides to the 21st Century version of the earliest Jeeps.
It's no surprise, either. Being able to have all the maneuverability and go-anywhere four-wheel-drive capabilities of a big ATV with greater hauling and towing capability, coupled with the added bonus of bringing along some buddies, is tough for most wheelers and outdoor types to ignore. And the new Toys of Summer have enough power on tap to make the most dubious smile.
Let's face it: Side-by-sides are just plain hot. So are a lot of the new products hitting the market-and there's a pile of them from which to choose. If you thought it'd be cool to have this item or that for your side-by-side, chances are really good some enterprising company out there makes exactly what you want.
We took a quick stroll through the thick forest of the Internet, Googling our way toward products and companies that specialized in aftermarket goodies for side-by-sides. What we found is a seemingly unending trail of cool items for those hot summer days running the desert, climbing dunes, four-wheeling the deepest backwoods trails, or just plain joy riding.
Camo is also taking on a great wave of acceptance, so if you want your ATV to be really sick, add a little Mossy Oak or Realtree to your ride while you're in the movin-up mode....
Rhino Cover
Side-by-side owners looking for a way to protect valuables in their Yamaha Rhino bed will find the new Diamondback Rhino Cover a winner. This aluminum diamond-plate box provides lockable storage for the Rhino with a secure cover that allows for top hauling, and mounts using the Rhino's existing hardware. Info: 800/935-4002, www.diamondbackcovers.com
RZR Sharp
Polaris RZR owners will love these Mossy Oak full bucket seat covers. They feature 600-denier PVC-backed polyester with elastic cord sewn into the seam for easy installation on the seat back and bottom. The covers protect your seats from punctures and daily wear. Instructions and all necessary items are included. Info: 336/670-2186, www.greenemountain.net
Born To Tow
Hidden Hitch, a division of towing giant Cequent Towing Products, offers this Universal ATV Hitch that is one example of a product in a new and broad line of hitches and towing accessories innovatively designed specifically for the ATV/UTV market. The Universal Hitch allows users to tow a variety of trailer types with one convenient hitch. Info: 800/632-3290, www.hiddenhitch.com
Electronic Muscle
Smoke every other side-by-side and many race quads with your Kawasaki Teryx running a Race Level CDI from Dragonfire Racing. The electronic box plugs into the existing factory harness and instantly gives a 57mph top speed and 31 extra rear-wheel horsepower at 9,000 rpm. A toggle switch on the unit allows the user to switch between two preloaded setups to run cooler, produce more horsepower and torque, while minimizing fuel consumption. Info: 800/708-9803, www.dragonfireracing.com
Mean In Greene
Leave it to the folks at Greene Products to be the first out with a Mossy Oak full cab enclosure for the new Polaris Ranger Crew. It's made from 600-denier, PVC-backed polyester and has a heavy acrylic windshield and four removable zip-out doors. Installation is quick and simple with instructions and needed items included. The doors include a roll-up feature to fasten them to your rollcage. This will allow driver and passenger entry, while leaving the doors attached to the vehicle. It's also available for the Kawasaki Teyrx. Info: 336/670-2186, www.greenemountain.net
Tired Is Good
Great traction and superb ride quality are wrapped in this fine TerraCross R/T radial from ITP. The TerraCross R/T's unique rubber compounds, interlocking tread pattern, and wide footprint allow it to deliver exceptional traction and flotation, making it ideal for mud, snow, and sand. It's available in both 12- and 14-inch rim sizes including all-new 25x9R-14 and 25x10R-14 models. Info: www.itptires.com
Handle It All
No hunter's side-by-side should be without the Handle-All. This multi-functional tool from the Hi-Lift Jack Company consists of a telescoping handle and four fullsize, interchangeable implements: Shovel, sledge hammer, axe, and pick. The Handle-All stores compactly in any vehicle, providing the right tool when it's needed. Info: 812/384-4441, www.hi-lift.com