Before you wheel out your ATV and get ready for a ride, you’ll want to ensure you’re ready for anything and everything headed your way. Not only do the best ATV accessories guarantee a good time, but they’re also necessary tools that can help keep you safe.
Having extra bags for additional ATV storage is a smart way to keep must-have tools and supplies at the ready. But, of course, ATV accessories aren’t all about utility—some are designed to increase your fun while out on the trails!
So, whether you’re looking to make each romp outdoors a party by adding powerful speakers to your vehicle or you’d like to keep yourself from walking home after getting a flat tire, this list can help you find top-notch accessories to suit your needs.
Let’s kick things off by addressing the six most crucial ATV accessories and discussing why they’re so important.
1 – Retractable Winch
One of the best aspects of owning an ATV is that it allows you to explore off-road areas easily. But muddy areas can be challenging, even for vehicles with the thickest and most capable tires.
Failing to have a retractable winch for each ride is a common beginner’s mistake and one that you’ll likely only make once. After all, the average ATV weighs more than 500lbs (about 226.8 kilograms), and lifting one out of a muddy path can be back-breaking work without the help of a winch.
Most retractable winches install directly onto the rear of the ATV, and they’re powerful enough to pull your ride out of tough spots. All you need to do is pull the winch cable out and wrap it around a stable nearby object (like a thick tree trunk), then activate it!
Of course, installing a powerful retractable winch isn’t as simple as adding a new cargo net to your vehicle. Fortunately, you’re welcome to visit the Muskoka Powersports Service Centre for professional installation assistance.
Our team is more than happy to help you install any and all accessories to ensure your ATV is ready to tackle any challenge.
2 – ATV Led Light Bars
While riding your ATV during the autumn and winter, it’s easy to find that it’s a struggle to see the path ahead. Snowy skies and early sunsets can make for short and unsatisfying rides, but ATV LED light bars can help.
These mountable light bars attach to the front of your ATV, flooding the space ahead and around you with bright light. With the help of these bars, you can see hazards long before they become a hazard to you!
LED light bars also make you more visible, ensuring that pedestrians, motorists, and other ATV riders can easily spot you. In short, equipping your four-wheeler with these bright light bars is one of the best ways to improve your overall safety.
3 – Speakers
Staying safe and ready for emergencies is crucial when riding an ATV, but having fun is just as important. For that reason, you’ll want to add ATV speakers to your vehicle at the soonest opportunity.
These rugged weatherproof devices attach to the front end of your four-wheeler and can connect to your smartphone or MP3 player via an auxiliary cable or Bluetooth.
No matter what music you like rocking out to while on a ride, the right speakers can make every journey feel like a music video—starring you!
4 – Ramps
Unless you’re fortunate enough to live on an expansive property with plenty of riding trails, there’s a good chance you’ll need to load up your four-wheeler onto a trailer or truck bed to travel to your riding destination. But if you don’t have ramps, getting your ATV off the ground can be impossible!
Fortunately, ramps come in all lengths, widths, and weight limits, ensuring you can find a pair that’s well-suited to your vehicle.
The highest-quality options are typically made of metal, though you may be able to find some heavy-duty plastic versions that are a little easier to carry and store.
5 – Wheel Spacers
The wider your ATV’s stance, the more stable it is when tackling bumpy terrain.
If you’ve found that your off-road excursions are murder on your back and arms, adding wheel spacers to your vehicle could be a smart choice. Wheel spacers push your ATV tires further outward, resulting in a smoother and more stable ride.
6 – ATV Emergency Kits
Accidents happen, and the outcome of those accidents often depends on whether you’re prepared for them or not.
In Canada alone, about 100 people die from ATV accidents yearly, and many more suffer injuries requiring hospitalization.
Safe riding practices can help prevent the worst from befalling you while you’re out riding, but having an emergency first aid kit is just as valuable. ATV emergency kits are sized to fit discretely onto your vehicle and contain everything you need to handle off-road injuries.
Be sure to select a kit with essential first aid items (such as sterile bandages and pain relievers) and must-have tools like an air compressor and tire repair kit.
Must (Always) Have Tools
Do you have everything you need to handle a flat tire, snapped belt, or dead ATV battery? If not, you could quickly find yourself stranded on a remote trail, unable to ride your vehicle back to the starting point.
That’s why it’s essential to stock up on must-have tools like:
- An air compressor
- A pressure gauge
- Screwdrivers
- Spare belts
- Tow straps
- Tire plug repair kits
Air Compressor
Temperature changes and rough terrain can quickly leave your ATV tires looking a little flat. But a handheld air compressor can help you pump up those tires to optimal firmness, keeping you on the trail for longer.
An air compressor is also handy when dealing with a punctured tire, as you can seal the tire with a repair kit and then pump it up just enough to make it safely to your starting point. Of course, you’ll need a pressure gauge to ensure you’re not overfilling your tires.
Pressure Gauge
A traditional pressure gauge is a battery-free tool that helps you check the air pressure levels of your tires. This tiny device can help you ascertain the current PSI of your ATV’s tires, ensuring that you’re always riding on optimal air pressure.
Screwdrivers
Having a set of screwdrivers at the ready is crucial, as you’ll never know when you need to take a peek inside your four-wheeler.
For example, if your ATV’s drive belt suddenly calls it quits, having a compact screwdriver set in your gear bag can help you replace it and get back on the road.
Spare Belts
Speaking of broken drive belts, do you have spare belts at the ready? If not, now is the time to pick up a few. Just be sure you’re choosing belts that are graded for your vehicle, or you could end up towing your ATV back home after a belt snaps.
Tow Strap
If your retractable winch fails, a tow strap could be a lifesaver.
These thick straps attach to the rear of your vehicle and allow other riders to pull you out of muddy or tricky situations.
You can also use a tow strap to make downhill journeys a little safer, as tow straps can offer a literal lifeline to keep your vehicle from overturning on steep declines.
Tire Plug Repair Kit
ATVs sport thick, capable tires that are designed to handle rugged conditions. But that doesn’t mean the occasional sharp branch of a bit of road debris won’t puncture your vehicle’s tire.
Having a tire plug repair kit might not save your tire entirely. But it can help you temporarily plug a hole or puncture mark in a tire, ensuring that you make it back to your starting point safely and quickly.
Getting stranded along a remote trail because of tire problems isn’t only frustrating but can be dangerous, especially when the weather is extremely hot or cold. Always double-check that you have a tire plug repair kit in your gear bag before setting off.
Honourable Mentions
While these aren’t as necessary as the items we’ve already discussed, some of them (like gear bags and cargo nets) can help you keep your must-haves secure while exploring bumpy off-road destinations.
So, if you’re looking for the best possible ATV riding experience, consider adding these accessories to your shopping list.
Gear Bags
Even the most advanced ATVs can suffer from a lack of storage space. Therefore, you’ll want to select a few gear bags for storing tools, emergency items, and snacks. Gear bags come in many sizes, and most fit neatly beneath a rear cargo net.
Cargo Nets
Discovering that half your gear has disappeared while tackling bumpy trails is a frustrating experience. Cargo nets (in addition to gear straps) keep your gear bags stable, preventing you from losing your belongings while enjoying rough terrain or steep trails.
GPS Mounts
If you enjoy riding in remote off-road locations, you’ll likely be accustomed to using a GPS with your ATV. But pausing every few miles to check your GPS is a hassle, and it can distract from your fun.
Fortunately, GPS mounts keep your GPS device in clear view during your ride. They’re a great way to enjoy hands-free guidance while zipping along hidden paths deep in the wilderness.
Coolers
Riding an ATV can be thirsty work, but sipping on a lukewarm (or hot) beverage while you pause along the trail isn’t the most satisfying experience. Adding a portable, compact cooler to your ATV’s cargo area is a smart way to keep drinks cool, even on a sweltering summer’s day.
12-Volt Phone Chargers
Having a handful of 12-volt phone chargers is a brilliant way to keep your mobile devices charged and ready. Because emergencies can happen anytime, having a charger available could be a life-saving decision.
Besides, these devices are affordable and easy to find, so there’s no reason not to have a few inside your gear bag.
Best ATV Accessories: Final Thoughts
From ATV emergency kits to handle scrapes and minor injuries to speakers that blast funky tunes while you ride, the best ATC accessories have a massive positive impact on your journeys—both great and small.
Before you hit the trails, check that you’ve got all the right tools and accessories at your disposal. Remember, if you don’t feel you have enough ATV storage to handle all the must-haves, a few extra gear bags can help.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to Muskoka Powersports today for answers to all your ATV inquiries!