Upgrading the doors on your side-by-side UTV can make the machine more optimized for off-road use while also improving comfort and customizing the look. The doors on side-by-side utility task vehicles take a lot of abuse from brush, mud, weather exposure, and simple wear and tear. Replacing worn factory doors with heavy-duty aftermarket doors is a great way to enhance durability and functionality.
Material Options
When looking to purchase new polaris ranger 500 doors for your side-by-side utility terrain vehicle (UTV), you have several material options to consider. One popular choice is aluminum doors. Aluminum is lightweight yet durable, rust-resistant, and affordable. Aluminum UTV doors are available in various designs from solid to vented for airflow. The downside is aluminum can dent more easily than some other materials.
Another option is steel doors. Steel is extremely durable and provides excellent impact protection for occupants. Powder-coated or stainless-steel doors resist rust and scratches better than bare metal. However, steel doors add considerable weight, and they tend to be one of the more expensive door choices.
For the ultimate rigidity and protection, some manufacturers offer carbon fiber or fiberglass composite UTV doors. These ultra-lightweight materials are solid and resist dents and scratches. Color options for the finish are usually more limited with composites and expect to pay a premium.
When choosing which material is best for new side-by-side doors, consider the balance of affordability, protection, weight, and appearance that match how you use your UTV. Consulting with other owners and reading product reviews can help narrow down the best choice before you purchase. Taking into account your budget and needs will dictate which door material option performs optimally.
Features to Consider When Making This Purchase
When assessing replacement doors, take note of metal thickness, window size, attachment design, and sealing for weather resistance. Doors that tightly seal using automotive-grade sealant tape and silicone keep out dust, rain, and debris. Quick-release suction cup door handles allow for easy opening and closing while preventing accidental opening in rough conditions.
Half or Full Doors?
Half doors, which only cover the lower portion of the side openings, are lighter and allow for easier entry and exit of the vehicle. Their open upper portion promotes better ventilation and visibility. Half doors provide some protection from mud, brush, and trail debris hitting the legs and lower body. However, they leave passengers more exposed to weather elements like rain, snow, and wind. Half doors are easier to install, remove, and store since they take up less space. They allow more freedom of arm movement for the driver and passenger. Their lighter weight puts less strain on the vehicle’s suspension as well.
Full doors, in contrast, protect the entire side openings of the cab. They prevent brush, mud, snow, and rain from directly entering the cab, keeping passengers cleaner and drier. Full doors also provide more safety in case of a rollover accident. However, the trade-offs are less visibility for backing up or looking sideways, reduced ventilation that may lead to fogged windows, and a more confined feeling for passengers. Getting in and out can be slightly more difficult with full doors too, depending on the style. Full doors do add more weight to the vehicle which could impact performance and handling. Installation and removal take more time, and they take up more storage space when not in use.
Overall, half doors provide better visibility and ergonomics while full doors offer superior protection from the elements. The choice depends on the priorities for how the UTV will be primarily used. Weight, performance characteristics, weather conditions, and types of terrain should factor into the door decision. There is another factor to consider, as well. If the UTV will be submerged in water, marine-grade doors are necessary to prevent rust and corrosion.
Glass Options for UTV Doors
When choosing glass for the door windows on a UTV (utility task vehicle), you have a few options to consider. Tempered glass is one of the most popular choices as it is very durable and impact-resistant, making it well-suited for off-road use. It can withstand stone strikes and minor crashes without shattering. However, tempered glass is more expensive than basic automotive glass.
For a cheaper option, you could use standard laminated safety glass. This features a layer of plastic laminate between two sheets of glass to hold it together if it breaks. However, laminated glass is not as scratch and impact-resistant as tempered glass. Over time it may show more signs of wear and tear through off-road use.
Polycarbonate is another good option for UTV door windows. This very strong plastic material is extremely impact-resistant. Polycarbonate won’t shatter like real glass and is also much lighter weight. The downsides are that it scratches easier over time and lacks the same optical clarity as glass.
When choosing UTV door window glass, assessing your needs for safety, durability, optics, and budget will dictate the best solution. Proper installation is also key to maximizing performance regardless of material.
Additional Features
Beyond core construction, upgraded UTV doors allow for mounting specialized accessories for customization. Additional handles, mirrors, storage pockets and pouches, stereo speakers, and light bars can be installed onto new doors. Decals and custom paint colors enable riders to personalize the look as well.
For older UTV models, replacing the doors can entirely transform aging machines. Owners can match doors to accommodate add-ons like winches, lift kits, and larger tires to complete the overall aftermarket upgrades. high-quality doors specifically made for intense off-road riding gain the UTV better maneuverability over jumps, holes, hills, and uneven terrain while protecting passengers.
Purchasing the Correct Doors
Before ordering replacement doors, provide accurate side-by-side year, make, and model details to ensure proper fitting. Measure the door frame openings carefully including heights and widths. Reputable brands provide direct-fit doors for most major UTVs that attach to existing hinges and hardware. Still, some drilling or modifications may be required depending on the customization. Professional installation is recommended but not necessary for those knowledgeable in automotive mechanics.
Replacing worn stock doors with reinforced aftermarket doors enhances the safety and appearance of side-by-side UTVs used heavily for off-roading. Doors optimized for intense trails allow UTVs to be driven harder so riders can explore more remote destinations. High tensile strength metals, weatherproof seals, and shatter-resistant windows hold up better upon impact while protecting the interior in harsh conditions. With almost endless possibilities for customization, upgraded doors enable riders to trick out their UTV uniquely suited for whatever thrilling adventures lie ahead.