The Father-in-Law Files
Every family has one guy who reads the manual, checks the tire pressure twice and tells you exactly what he thinks. Ours is Marshall, our owner's father-in-law, a Missouri Sports Hall of Famer for clay shooting and a true renaissance man when it comes to hunting, shooting, fishing and UTVs. These are his laws of the trail and the gear on his short list.
Set it before the ride, not after the sun's been on it. A couple PSI low grips rocks; too low and you'll roll a bead off the rim.
A belt always lets go at the farthest point from the truck. Pack a spare, a clutch spreader, and practice the swap once in the driveway.
If you have to unbuckle to get to it, it's in the wrong spot. Roll bar, driver's side, quick-release.
Never leave without a tow strap and soft shackles. Some days you're the one pulling, some days you're the one waiting.
Rinse the radiator, air box area and CV boots after a mud run, before it bakes on and cooks your engine next ride.
Let it warm up a couple of minutes and take the first mile easy. The CVT belt lasts a lot longer that way.
The gear on his short list. Star ratings show up once he has run it on the trail.
Door bags keep your phone, gloves, tire gauge and sunglasses within reach and out of the dust, without eating floor space.
Weather-Resistant Side Door Storage Bags for UTV & SXS$92.99A clutch spreader is the tool that makes a trailside belt swap doable. Keep it in the rig with a spare belt.
CNC CVT Clutch Spreader Belt Changing Tool for Can-Am Mav...$51.99A stretchy recovery rope eases a stuck rig out instead of jerking the frame, and it rolls up small enough to live under the seat.
Heavy-Duty Nylon Tow Rope for UTV & SXS$58.00A roll-bar mount keeps the bottle in reach while you're still buckled in. Re-check the clamp bolts after the first ride.
Roll Bar Fire Extinguisher Mount for UTV & SXS$30.00A tall lit whip helps other riders spot you over a rise. Route the wiring along the cage so brush can't grab it.
RGB LED Whip Lights with App Remote, 3–6 Ft for UTV & SXS$185.99Wider mirrors on the cage let you check your group without turning around. Snug the mounts down so a branch can't fold them.
Upgraded Extended Large-View Side Mirrors for Can-Am Mave...$274.99Full disclosure: Marshall is our owner's father-in-law.
