It may seem like more of a cosmetic item at first, but make no mistake, how your UTV seat cover fits actually affects both protection value as well. A custom cover, for example, is going to provide the best fit. They’re intentionally designed to hug all the natural contours of your seats without bunching or riding up.
On the other hand, universal covers use features like elastic edges and drawstrings to fit a wide range of seats. They’re typically more affordable and can be exchanged between multiple machines if you have a fleet. The trade-off, if you haven’t guessed already, is the non-custom fit. Though they’ll do in a pinch, universal covers are more likely to bunch or wrinkle.
How covers attach determines whether they stay positioned or constantly need readjusting. Elastic edges (like fitted bed sheets) stretch over seat edges, using tension to hold their position. These are effective for seats that have edges you can access, but they have a habit of coming loose in more aggressive riding conditions. Alternatively, velcro straps that actually wrap under your seat tend to create a more secure attachment point than elastic.
Snaps or buckles are always nice, because once that thing is buckled, you know it isn’t going anywhere. The only tradeoff here is that they can take a little bit longer to install and remove, depending on the setup. Finally, UTV seat covers with zippers may give you the cleanest aesthetic, and are very secure, but they can still fail when placed under a lot of stress.
UV exposure is a primary cause of seat cover degradation, particularly for machines stored outdoors. This is why UV-resistant material is a make-or-break item for most. Each color extreme also has its advantages and drawbacks. Light colors will reflect more sunlight and show dirt more easily, while dark colors are the opposite on both counts.
Another often overlooked factor for UTV seat cover shoppers is the quality of the stitching. Double or triple-stitched seams are what you want, with reinforcement at potential failure points.
What’s the best way to clean these things?
That depends largely on your material. You may be advised to use water, mild soap, vacuums, and certain cleaners. Read those labels!
Can I just leave my waterproof covers on all the time?
Sure, you can, but they tend to be a bit less comfortable and may eventually get mildew. Many riders choose to keep them on for the wet season and then remove them.
What if I run a harness?
Most custom-fit seat covers should include harness pass-throughs.