Your car or truck has a roof, so why shouldn’t your UTV? While most UTVs come from the factory without a roof, it’s a popular option. In fact, it’s popular enough that there are plenty of styles available from OEM and aftermarket companies.
We’re going to break down the most common types of roofs and their benefits. If you’re looking to enhance the comfort of your machine, it only makes sense to consider a side-by-side roof.
People use UTVs for a lot of different things:
Roofs can protect you from common trail annoyances like tall rooster tails or low-lying branches. Rooster tails might be fun, but not when you’re on the receiving end of one!
Putting a roof on your ride is also practical, as you can mount light bars to them to make night riding safer. Plus, you can attach stereo systems to roofs to transform a regular UTV into a full-blown party wagon.
UTV racers run roofs for added safety and can use the space to promote sponsors. Even if you don’t have any sponsors yet, you can still look the part. We won’t tell anyone.
If you use your UTV for work, you know you can’t always change your work schedule to avoid the rain. And you sure can’t control the sun or temperature. A good roof can help block the sun and keep it out of your eyes, and it can make a fall chill or a winter freeze much more tolerable if used with doors and a windshield.
A roof is one of those accessories that you can leave on your ride year-round. Temperatures can drop suddenly. A rainstorm that the weekly forecast forgot to mention can happen no matter the season. A roof means you’re protected against all of it.
If you run a heater, adding a full cab enclosure along with your roof can help keep heat from escaping out of the top—great for those chilly fall mornings.
Every season has weather that can wreak havoc on your comfort. A roof is a great starting point to make inclement weather more tolerable.
In the spring, most people are itching to get their side-by-sides out—especially if it’s been a long winter. However, spring brings frequent rain that can cut your ride short and make you miserable. No one likes a soaked seat. A roof can extend your ride and let you play in the mud in comfort.
Summer brings warm weather and plenty of sunshine. It can also bring intense heat. A roof can block the sun and provide you shade no matter where you ride—a necessity when you’re at places like dunes where shade is scarce.
Fall has some great opportunities for riding. Wooded trails have begun to turn to beautiful colors, and the summer heat has started to cool off. Depending on where you live, fall can bring morning frost and cold winds that can make even the most hardened outdoor enthusiasts wish they’d stayed home.
Roofs and other accessories can block frigid winds and make the ride much more tolerable.
While many people hang up their helmets in the winter, it can offer amazing riding opportunities. Snow is beautiful, but not when it accumulates in your cab after you stop for a break. A roof can protect your interior from becoming a winter wonderland.
While a roof alone won’t keep you warm, it’ll help guard you against flying mud and almost frozen water. Mud is fun in the summer, but it hits different when the temperature is in the single digits.
There’s a lot of styles of roofs available. No matter your budget or needs, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to find the perfect UTV roof.
Soft Side-By-Side Tops
This type of roof is usually made from polyester and secured with Velcro straps. Soft tops lack the durability of a hardtop, but they still offer protection from rain and the harsh summer sun. They’re also the most affordable option for putting a roof on your ride.
Plastic Side-By-Side Roofs
Plastic roofs tend to be injection molded with black HDPE, which is what OEM roofs are often made from. Prices vary, but you can find a plastic roof for your machine that won’t break the bank. A plastic roof is an excellent choice for someone who doesn’t need the strongest material out there but still wants the protection of a hard top.
Tinted Side-By-Side Roofs
Tinted roofs are generally made out of durable polycarbonate, a material much stronger than glass. As with plastic roofs, tinted windows can range in price. Tinted roofs also won’t block your view like other roofs. The added visibility makes riding in places with large elevations like dunes safer and more enjoyable. When you can see out of your UTV roof, you can get a better understanding of your surroundings.
If you’re taking the family on a scenic trail ride, your backseat passengers will appreciate the view. Nobody likes staring at the back of a helmet for an entire trip.
Tinted roofs also have a more open feel, so you won’t feel as shut off from nature. With the tint, you’ll be able to let light through while still blocking the heat.
Aluminum Side-By-Side Roofs
Aluminum roofs not only protect you from the elements, but they’re also tough. They tend to be the most expensive option. You’ll get a stylish look that helps your UTV stand out from the crowd. While it’s made out of a lightweight material, aluminum is also the heaviest, yet strongest, option out of the four.
Many UTV riders agree that spending a little extra money and time in the garage is worth the added comfort. Regardless of the roof you choose, it beats getting rained on. If you’re ready to get covered, stroll over to our website to check out our great selection of UTV roofs.
