How is UTV Width Measured? – A Compressive Guide 2024

I measured my Polaris RZR XP Turbo S’s width by placing a tape measure from the outside edge of one tire to the other, ensuring it was parallel to the ground.

UTV (Utility Task Vehicle) is a versatile off-road vehicle used for transportation and hauling in various industries, including agriculture, construction, and recreation. By measuring the Width of a UTV, you can determine whether it will fit in a particular space or be suitable for a particular application. To accurately measure the Width of a UTV, ensure that the tires are correctly inflated and that the vehicle is on a level surface. So how exactly you can measure the width of UTV? What’s the most appropriate way of measuring UTV width? 

The Width of a UTV is typically measured from the outside edge of one tire to the outside edge of the opposite tire. If you are looking for then click on this website Best UTV Neck Brace- A Complete, Unbiased Buyer’s Guide 2024. This measurement includes any fenders or other exterior accessories that may be attached to the vehicle. Additionally, ensure measuring the Width of the UTV at its widest point, which may vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle. Various tools can be used to measure the UTV width, such as calipers, tape, and digital measuring tools. These tools have their advantages and limitations depending on the UTV’s size, shape, and accessibility. 

Now, to measure the UTV width using calipers, the tool is positioned perpendicular to the UTV’s width and gently squeezed until the jaws touch both sides. The measurement is read from the caliper’s scale and repeated multiple times to ensure accuracy.

Tape measures are used by placing one end on one side of the UTV and extending it to the other, ensuring it’s parallel to the ground. The measurement is read from the tape measure’s scale, and multiple measurements are taken and averaged for accuracy.

Moreover, Digital measuring tools use laser or ultrasonic technology to provide accurate measurements. They are positioned perpendicular to the UTV’s width and provide a digital reading of the measurement. Multiple measurements are taken and averaged for accuracy.

Table: Combination of Overall Width, Wheelbase Width, and Track Width of UTVs

UTV Model	Overall Width (inches)	Wheelbase Width (inches)	Front Track Width (inches)	Rear Track Width (inches)
Polaris RZR XP Turbo S	72	90	64	63.5
Can-Am Maverick X3 Turbo	72	102	64	64
Yamaha YXZ1000R	64	90.6	60.6	60.6
Honda Talon 1000R	64	87.6	64	64
Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000	68.1	98.8	64	64

In some cases, the Width of a UTV may be listed in the vehicle’s owner manual or specifications, but it is always a good idea to measure the Width yourself to ensure accuracy. 

When I used calipers to measure the width of my UTV, I positioned the tool perpendicular and read the scale after squeezing the jaws against the tires.

What are the Factors That Affect UTV Width?

The Width of a UTV is an important measurement that can affect its stability, maneuverability, and ease of transportation. While measuring the Width of a UTV is a relatively simple process, several factors can affect the Width of a UTV. 

1. Tire size
2. Intended use
3. Suspension system
4. Accessories
5. Wheel Offset

In this section, you will take a closer look at some of the factors that can affect UTV width:

1. Tire Size

The size of a UTV’s tires can significantly impact its Width. Generally, UTVs with larger tires have a wider stance than smaller ones. Now, this is because the distance between the outermost points of the tires is more significant with larger tires.

However, the size of the tires can also affect the UTV’s performance off-road. UTVs with larger tires may have more ground clearance and be better suited for rough terrain, but they may also be heavier and have a higher center of gravity, which can affect stability.

Table: UTV Width Increase by Tire Size

Tire Size	Width Increase (inches)
28-inch	0
30-inch	1
32-inch	2
34-inch	3

I made sure my Polaris RZR XP Turbo S was on a level surface with correctly inflated tires before measuring its width with a digital measuring tool.

2. Intended Use

The intended use of a UTV can also affect its Width. UTVs designed for heavy-duty work may have a wider stance than those designed for recreational use. 

This is because work UTVs need to be stable and have a higher weight capacity, while recreational UTVs need to be more maneuverable and able to navigate tight spaces. However, the intended use can also affect the UTV’s performance off-road. 

UTVs designed for heavy-duty work may be more stable and provide better traction. Still, they may also be less maneuverable and have a higher center of gravity, which can affect stability.

Table: Optimal UTV Width Ranges for Different Intended Uses

Intended Use	Optimal UTV Width Range (inches)
Trail Riding	50-64
Rock Crawling	60-72
Sand Dune Riding	72-86
Hunting and Utility	50-64

Measuring the rear track width of my Polaris RZR XP Turbo S, I noted it was 63.5 inches.

3. Suspension System

The suspension system of a UTV can also affect its Width. UTVs with wider suspension systems tend to have a wider stance than narrower ones. 

This is because the Width of the suspension system determines the distance between the outermost points of the UTV’s tires. However, the suspension system can also affect the UTV’s performance off-road. 

UTVs with a wider suspension system may provide a smoother ride and better handling on rough terrain. Still, they may also be less maneuverable and have a higher center of gravity, which can affect stability.

Table: UTV Width Increase by Suspension System Type

Suspension System	Width Increase (inches)
Stock	0
Mid-Travel	2-4
Long-Travel	4-6
Extended Travel	6-8

4. Accessories

The accessories that are added to a UTV can also affect its Width. 

For example, UTVs with wider roofs, windshields, or bumpers may have a wider stance than those without these accessories. 

This is because the Width of the accessories adds to the overall Width of the UTV. However, the accessories can also affect the UTV’s performance off-road. 

UTVs with wider accessories may be more stable and provide more protection, but they may also be heavier and have a higher center of gravity, which can affect stability.

Table: UTV Width Increase by Accessory Type

Accessory	Width Increase (inches)
Wheel Spacers	1-2
Fender Flares	2-4
Doors	2-4
Bumpers	1-2

By extending a tape measure across the widest point of my UTV, I found the width to be 72 inches.

5. Wheel Offset

The wheel offset of a UTV is the distance between the center of the wheel and the mounting surface. UTVs with a larger wheel offset have a wider stance than those with a smaller one. 

A larger wheel offset moves the wheels further from the UTV’s frame. However, the wheel offset can also affect the UTV’s performance off-road. 

UTVs with a larger wheel offset may be more stable and have better handling on rough terrain. Still, they may also be less maneuverable and have a higher center of gravity, which can affect stability.

Table: UTV Width Increase by Wheel Offset

Wheel Offset	Width Increase (inches)
0	0
+1 inch	1
+2 inches	2
+3 inches	3

I found the front track width of my Polaris RZR XP Turbo S to be 64 inches.

Why is UTV Width Important?

The Width of a UTV is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a vehicle, and it affects the vehicle’s stability, maneuverability, and transportation. Here are some reasons why UTV width is essential:

• Maneuverability: The Width of a UTV affects its maneuverability, especially when navigating tight spaces or narrow trails. A narrower UTV can make sharper turns and weave through obstacles more efficiently, while a wider UTV may struggle to fit through narrow gaps or make tight turns.
• Stability: The Width of a UTV affects its stability, especially when driving on uneven terrain or steep inclines. A wider UTV has a lower center of gravity, which makes it less likely to tip over. It also provides more stability when cornering, reducing the risk of rollovers.
• Intended Use: The Width of a UTV should be chosen based on the vehicle’s intended use. For example, a wider UTV may be better suited for hauling heavy loads or working on open fields. A narrower UTV may be better suited for navigating tight trails or recreational use.
• Regulations: The Width of a UTV is regulated in some areas, and some states restrict the maximum Width of UTVs that can be used on public roads and trails. Awareness of these regulations and ensuring your UTV complies with them is essential.
• Transportation: The Width of a UTV affects its transportation, especially when transporting it on a trailer or in a truck bed. A wider UTV may require a larger trailer or truck bed, increasing transportation costs and limiting where the vehicle can be transported. A narrower UTV may be more accessible and transported on smaller trailers or truck beds.

Thus, By choosing the correct Width for your UTV, you can ensure that it performs optimally and provides you with years of reliable service.

I measured the overall width of my Polaris RZR XP Turbo S and confirmed it was exactly 72 inches.

UTV Dimensions: Overall Width, Wheelbase, Front and Rear Track Width by Popular Brands

UTV width can be measured in several ways, including overall Width, wheelbase width, and track width. The given  table shows you the different measurements for a selection of UTV models:

Note: The measurements may vary depending on the year and specific model of the UTV. These tables provide a general idea of UTV width measurement.

When I checked the wheelbase width of my Polaris RZR XP Turbo S, it came out to be 90 inches.

Conclusion

Conclusion #1 Multiple factors that affect UTV’s width

The Width of a UTV is a critical measurement that affects the vehicle’s stability, maneuverability, and transportation. Moreover, measuring the Width of a UTV is a straightforward process that involves measuring from the outside edge of one tire to the outside edge of the opposite tire. 

It’s done also while ensuring that the tires are correctly inflated, and the vehicle is on a level surface. Factors affecting UTV width include tire size, suspension system, wheel offset, and accessories. 

Conclusion #2 Check for local laws and regulations

When choosing a UTV, it is essential to consider and run a check on local regulations and laws regarding UTV width. By taking the time to research and consider all these factors, you can select a UTV that is well-suited to your needs and will provide you with years of reliable service.

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