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Cargo Racks

Face it: your UTV's bed and roof offer tons of real estate that's basically going to waste if you're not running cargo racks. That space that could be used for hauling coolers, camping gear, recovery equipment, or tools instead of sitting empty. Stock machines rarely include any kind of rack system beyond maybe a basic roof, which means you're limited to whatever fits in the bed or cab, and that fills up fast when you're heading out for a full day. Side by Side Source carries a complete selection of cargo rack systems that multiply your hauling capacity without sacrificing bed space or blocking access, from overbed racks that let you stack gear vertically to roof-mounted systems that turn wasted space into secure cargo platforms. Ready to stop leaving gear behind?
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Buyer's Guide for UTV Cargo Racks: Helping You Shop!

Overbed UTV Cargo Racks: The Easiest Way to Double Your Capacity

The funny thing about cargo is that it doesn’t organize itself into cute little Tetris pieces for you, now does it? When real clashes with ideal, an overhead rack just may be the answer for you. By creating a second level above your bed, these racks let you get the best of both worlds. Keep your bed access and get all that extra storage at the same time.

One thing to watch out for: make sure your overbed rack design doesn't block the bed access you actually use. Some racks run full-length and make it tough to load larger items into the bed from the sides. Others are designed with cutouts or shorter lengths that maintain side access while still providing tons of cargo space. Think about how you typically load your bed before committing to a specific rack configuration. There's no point in adding capacity if it makes your workflow more annoying.

Roof-Mounted Side-by-Side Cargo Racks: Turning Empty Space Into Useful Storage

Working with a hard top? If so, you have added an entirely new foundation for more UTV storage capacity. Side-by-side roof racks are a great way to take along items that you need without clogging up the bed or cab space. Whether that’s PVC, lumber, a spare tire or what have you, a roof rack will make your life so much easier (if you get a good one, of course).

Speaking of how to tell the quality from the not-so-great when it comes to aftermarket UTV roof racks, the mounting setup is definitely your top indicator. If it doesn’t clamp or bolt securely to your roof structure without requiring a bunch of drilling or modifications, then trust us, you’ve got too many options to dwell on it. Other telltale signs of a high-quality UTV roof rack include rubber or foam padding at contact points and crossbars that can be adjusted. 

Specialized UTV Racks for Front and Rear Applications

Front racks mount to your front bumper or the front end of your frame and will provide a solid platform for equipment that you want to be able to grab quickly. For example, you can throw your winch controller, recovery straps, first aid kits or tools in there and trust that the rack will keep your gear safe 

Rear cargo racks, as the name implies, mount behind your bed or on the tailgate area, which allows you to up your storage without compromising your bed capacity. Hunters love to throw game bags or other related equipment in these things. Front or rear, the main thing you want to pay attention to with these racks is the approach and departure angles. You want to make sure you’re not significantly cutting into your clearance or creating a snag point that will catch on obstacles. That’s not something you have to worry about with our UTV front and rear cargo racks, as they keep a low profile to make your life easy!

3 Top Selling UTV Cargo Rack Brands

  1. Kolpin Outdoors builds smart cargo rack systems that maximize capacity while maintaining easy access to your bed and other storage areas.
  2. Bad Dawg Accessories makes heavy-duty racks that can handle some serious weight. 
  3. Rough Country is known for their next-level rack designs that add a ton of functionality without being too bulky.

5 Top Selling UTV Cargo Rack Products

  1. Transform your Polaris Ranger's hauling capacity with this Overbed Cargo Rack by Kolpin, which creates a whole second level of storage without blocking bed access.
  2. This Expedition Rack by Razorback Offroad is a prime pick for campers and anyone else planning on a longer trip. engineered specifically for hauling camping gear and supplies on extended trips.
  3. Make use of that empty roof with this Roof Cargo Rack by Bad Dawg, which will keep your gear virtually bolted down in any conditions with the help of its crazy robust construction and tie-down points.
  4. This Cargo Gate by Rough Country is an easy win when you want a safe place to bring along your recovery gear or fuel cans. 
  5. Keep essential tools and gear within immediate reach with this Honda Pioneer 1000 Front Rack by Bad Dawg, mounting up front where you can grab what you need without digging through your bed.

UTV Cargo Rack Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most weight I can put on an aftermarket UTV cargo rack? 

This is a clear case of “listen to your manufacturer”! It can vary a good deal. Some racks will be limited to a fifty-pound capacity, while others can handle two hundred pounds or more. 

What about performance and handling?

If you’re not racing, it’s probably too negligible a difference to matter. That said, you can cut down on any minor performance changes by keeping the weight evenly distributed when loading up your rack(s).

What if I’m already running with a cab enclosure?

You might be surprised by how many cab enclosures play nicely with overbed racks and roof racks. You still want to check specs on both products and confirm mounting points, but don’t count yourself out if you want both an enclosure and a UTV cargo rack.