Oct 2006 UTV Accessories Review

The demand for UTVs is increasing and with that demand comes a desire to accessorize. From bumpers, to cabs, to replacing the vehicle's bodywork, consumers are looking to spend big bucks to get the look they want. We contacted some of the industry's leading manufacturers to find out their latest UTV accessories for this month's Market Report.

Black Rhino is the exclusive distributor of FMF Racing's dual exhaust, reports company President Brain Hart. The FMF dual exhaust system for the Yamaha Rhino reportedly features full stainless steel construction for both the pipes and the muffler cans for increased durability. “The muffler cans have a highly versatile modular rear endcap for maximum tunability and FMF's exclusive Hi-Flo square core to evacuate exhaust better and provide maximum core surface area for sound absorption,” states Hart. The UTV market is growing and buyers have gone from mid-30s to the 20s and teens, the female crowd has become more interested in buying a UTV and consumers are crossing over from the automotive market as well, he tells us. Sales for Black Rhino have gone way up as more of these vehicles are being sold, informs Hart. He suggests dealers remember Black Rhino now has a facility in both San Diego, CA and Lake Havasu, AZ, so when it comes to supply and demand the company will have it in stock, ready to be shipped to your dealership.

Maier Manufacturing released replacement bodywork for the Yamaha Rhino UTV, according to Sales Manager Jeff Lewis. The new bodywork reportedly consists of replacement pieces for every section on the Rhino and comes in eight different colors with a one year limited warranty against breakage. “Demand for the new UTV models is crazy. Sales are up tremendously due to the popularity of the Rhino,” Lewis reported. He says retailers should know Maier Manufacturing stands behind their products.

The ArmorTech Cabs for the Polaris Ranger and Yamaha Rhino are the latest UTV accessories from McDonald ATV, reports General Manager Tony Runions. The cabs feature all steel construction, plus they feature Rhino lining inside and out for durability and noise reduction, he said. Runion adds, the cabs include a fold-down windshield of tempered glass to prevent scratching from mud and dirt, the rear window is a sliding glass style like those used in pick-up trucks, the top has a gutter to prevent water running onto the driver and passenger, plus they are quick and easy to install. The cabs are sold as three separate parts: top, windshield system and back with slider, he explains. “Consumers seem to want all the bells and whistles on their UTV that they have on their truck,” stated Runion. The company's UTV accessory sales have gone up, he tells us. “Remember to place the accessories on the vehicle in your dealership. Not only will you sell more accessories, but you'll sell more units,” he advises.

The latest UTV accessory from Pro Armor is the Rhino Front Bumper, available in polished stainless steel and powder-coated black, states Marketing and Sales Manager Fred Brayton. The bumper offers a stylish trophy truck look, is compatible with Pro Armor's winch mount adapter and has built-in desert light mounts, compatible with all of the company's skidplates, he explains. Sales of UTV accessories are increasing, he has noticed, and that goes for Pro Armor's sales as well. Retailers should remember style and quality is everything, Brayton concludes.

Pro Rhino Products owner Garett Hendry tells us his company has expanded into the UTV market with 18 new products for 2006. One of those products is the Full Cab Enclosure, which includes doors that easily convert to half doors for use in warm weather, he explains. Hendry has noticed a trend in UTV owners trading or selling their utility ATVs in favor of a side by side. Sales for their new UTV accessory line has met with great success thus far, he reports. “Pro Rhino's UTV accessories have been designed for everyday use and most items are material soft parts that are very cost effective and easy to ship,” Hendry tells us.

The hard top with optional light bar and a center console for the Yamaha Rhino are the newest products from QuadBoss, reports spokesperson Glen Urquhart. He tells us the hard top was designed to keep the rain and sun off the driver and the passenger. “The QuadBoss center console fits so well you'd think Yamaha forgot to put it in at the factory,” exclaims Urquhart. The company has noticed UTV accessories, for both sport and utility, are selling really well, he said. With dealers displaying the accessories on the units, consumers see them and buy them, causing the dealer to order more and the result is an increase in sales for Tucker Rocky, explains Urqhuart. Retailers should remember to install the products and sell the accessories as packages with the unit, he advises.

“As the UTV market continues to grow, the need and demand for diversified accessories continues to grow,” explains Kevin Savant, owner of Savant Manufacturing, Inc. The company's latest accessory is the BG-25, a Brush Buster Bumper designed for the Kawasaki Mule 600 Series, informs Savant. The bumper is designed to protect the Mule's front end and to blend in with the UTV body design to give the BG-25 a custom look, he adds. Sales of Savant's UTV accessories are up as more enthusiasts are using UTVs for hunting and recreation, says Savant. “Dealers should remember to display the accessories on the UTV to help inform buyers and to increase sales,” he stated.

Consumers don't stop with just buying a UTV. They will want to make them as personal as possible and it's your job to make sure you have what they are looking for. By displaying the accessories on the floor model, you can help them find which accessory is right for them. We hope you have enjoyed this look into UTV accessories and be sure to check out our reports on the new UTV models and ATV specific oils and lubricants elsewhere in this issue.