UTV's as an overlanding vehicle?

[Screwfly]

With the ever expanding UTV offerings, do y'all think it's going to be a player in the future of overlanding? And I'm only thinking UTV's, not SXS like Rzr's and the go fast dune jumpers.
I know they aren't street legal in all states, but how long will that be the case?
They are 1/4 - 1/2 ton capable, can tow up to 2500 in some cases and cost what a good used truck can go for. Heck, some have A/C now!
So, what do y'all think?

 

[DetroitDarin]

I like it except I wonder if the butt can endure what the machine can do...for days on end. It's the wear and tear of being in the elements and stuff and junk. Try 8 hours on the freeway in a convertible with the top down. It can be exhausting. Also - think about storage. And think about parts. And think about fuel economy. Things like that. But on its face, it's a neat idea. Wonder if you could attach a RTT to one?

 

[vintageracer]

We rented a 4 seat Polaris Razor in Moab 2 years ago. According to the odometer we put 116 miles on that sucker that 1 day riding trails. Had a BALL! Road many of the trails that Jeeps and Overlander's like the trail to Gemini Falls and others. Fast, fun and safe with common sense. Not sure how you could haul a bunch of stuff for Overlanding however I am sure that with a little enginuity something could be made to work.

As far as comfort in the Razor we stopped a lot to take pictures and enjoy the scenery therefore comfort was never an issue for all those 116 miles that 1 day. Only issue with the Razor was the A/C was piss poor and not working!

 

[DaveInDenver]

This one seems like it might do the job.



If there was just a way to make it street legal...

 

[crazysccrmd]

We rented a 4 seat Polaris Razor in Moab 2 years ago. According to the odometer we put 116 miles on that sucker that 1 day riding trails. Had a BALL! Road many of the trails that Jeeps and Overlander's like the trail to Gemini Falls and others. Fast, fun and safe with common sense. Not sure how you could haul a bunch of stuff for Overlanding however I am sure that with a little enginuity something could be made to work.

It wouldn’t be hard if you don’t try to take everything from home plus a spare kitchen sink.

 

[adventr]

Anything ever come of this? I'm planning a trip to Moab in 2020 with my UTV. No trailering involved.

 

[GHI]

Anything ever come of this? I'm planning a trip to Moab in 2020 with my UTV. No trailering involved.

Do tell. How far is the drive there and what machine? What's your storage set up. Action packer strapped in the bed? Backpack in a passenger seat?

 

[MOguy]

With the ever expanding UTV offerings, do y'all think it's going to be a player in the future of overlanding? And I'm only thinking UTV's, not SXS like Rzr's and the go fast dune jumpers.
I know they aren't street legal in all states, but how long will that be the case?
They are 1/4 - 1/2 ton capable, can tow up to 2500 in some cases and cost what a good used truck can go for. Heck, some have A/C now!
So, what do y'all think?

Different jurisdictions, different laws. I live rural. Some small little cities close to were I live have ordinances allowing side but sides but not 4 wheelers other don't allow either on the streets

If you get a white sticker from the county you can ride them on all county roads, an orange from the state and you are good to go on forestry motor vehicle usage roads and if you get another sticker (along with a flag on triangle) there are certain OHV areas you can use them. Now you can take them on the highway during daylight hours below 25 miles an hour short distances for agricultural uses, but you need that flag and triangle.

Now if you side buy side is wider than certain amount but narrower than a certain amount it is considered equipment and you don't have to title it but you need a certificate of origin. But if it is tow narrow or too wide you have to register and title it (25 a month fine if you don't).

This is just one county in one state. I can't imagine they becoming 50 street, all city and every count legal anytime soon.

BUT they are fun and back packer make it with even less cargo caring abiltiy.

 

[adventr]

From Arkansas. Mine is pretty comfy on the road though, so not exactly a big challenge. Sealed cab, heat, air conditioning, heated seats, nav, front/rear cameras, remote start, bi-xenon retrofit headlights, wiper/washer, duraclutch setup, beefed up suspension/steering...etc.

Couple pics and a design pic attached that I'm working toward.

 

[jkam]

We have a John Deere 852D Gator on the farm.
It's a diesel powered UTV.
We have a dump bed on it and it's a little beast.
Hauls all kinds of stuff, the bed has been full of big rocks, no problem.

I thought that putting a roof top tent on one and extended fuel tank and it would make a fun overlander for Baja.

 

[calicamper]

The UTVs with heat and Air would make sense. Especially for folks who have utility uses for them at home. I get the toy Side by side thing cheaper than a jeep “sort of” smaller so easier on tight trails. But they seem like giant expensive toys rather than a useful utility vehicle.

 

[adventr]

The UTVs with heat and Air would make sense. Especially for folks who have utility uses for them at home. I get the toy Side by side thing cheaper than a jeep “sort of” smaller so easier on tight trails. But they seem like giant expensive toys rather than a useful utility vehicle.

No doubt they are expensive toys. I originally purchased mine for utility use around my property. Never owned one prior.
After getting it, I discovered it's ability to cover rough terrain at speed. Much more maneuverable than a jeep as well.
After getting it street legal/tagged/insured, I discovered that it's a better daily driver around town than my truck is. LOL

So, that's lead me down this path.

 

[AMBOT]

I’m patiently waiting for someone to make a camper using a Tomcar TX

 

[calicamper]

No doubt they are expensive toys. I originally purchased mine for utility use around my property. Never owned one prior.
After getting it, I discovered it's ability to cover rough terrain at speed. Much more maneuverable than a jeep as well.
After getting it street legal/tagged/insured, I discovered that it's a better daily driver around town than my truck is. LOL

So, that's lead me down this path.

Until a tourist in a rented Mini Van punts you across Main St

 

[adventr]

Until a tourist in a rented Mini Van punts you across Main St