Using ATV junkyard parts is one of the best ways I've found to save money on ATV parts.
If you can use a few basic tools and read a repair manual, it's possible to save some big bucks when it comes time to fix your ATV. Like a mechanic I know always says, "It's all just nuts and bolts".
The biggest trick is finding the right part. Especially if you have to use a parts locator service. And unless you're lucky enough to live near a mega-ATV salvage yard, that's what you'll have to do.
So we'll give you some tips to help make sure you get the part you need the first time.
Detailed info about your ATV - Like make, model, year, engine size, color, serial number, etc. The more detailed and specific the info, the better chance of getting the right part for your ride.
Asking for a "upper whatch-ma-callit on a Honda quad" won't get you the part you need anytime soon. And write all that stuff down. It's probably because I'm getting older, but by the time I get where I'm going to ask for a part, I can't remember half the things I was supposed to.
Match the old part with the new part - If you are lucky, and a local ATV junkyard is close, take the old part with you. Even if they don't have your specific make and model, a lot of parts interchange. They might recognize your old part, and know what else it may fit.
Be specific about what you want - This applies to the condition of the part more than anything. If you want a like new cam cover for a certain Honda, then you need to tell them. If a few scratches or cosmetic damage is OK, be sure and say that. By the way, cosmetically damaged parts are usually quite a bit less, so you need to try to convince yourself you could live with it.
Be patient with parts locators - Depending on the day of the week, the ability of the ATV or UTV junkyard to actually find what they have, and several other factors, it may take some time to hear back from them. If you don't here anything in a reasonable amount of time (maybe a week) they probably don't have it.
It's doubtful they will go to the trouble to tell you this, so just ask for the same part some time later.
But if the part you need is pretty common, you might want to wait to hear back from a few dealers. Prices can vary widely and if you jump too soon, you might miss out on a better deal.
Ask questions - Make sure the part is exactly what you want. It's a lot better to find out if it isn't before you have it shipped. Find out about the return policy and any warranties. Pay with a credit card so you may be able to have the charges reversed if you run into problems.
Don't assume anything - If you have any doubts about anything at all, ask. I've made this mistake before, and the hassle of wasting time and money on a part you can't use is no fun! Even if it's not your fault, do you really want to spend your time on hold with the credit card company trying to get things straightened out?
Imagine you are having the time of your life driving along a riverbank in your UTV, or perhaps you are working up a storm using your UTV at work. Suddenly, you get a popped tire or the belt comes undone, and your whole ride is ruined as you have to wait for someone to help you. That is, if you don’t have the proper materials to fix it yourself. To make sure you can be self-sufficient and handle whatever problems come up, here is a guide to what UTV parts you should take with you on the trail.
These are perhaps the most common part to break down on a trip, which is unfortunate because they are very necessary to get anywhere. One of the best things you can do is carry around a spare tire to offset this problem. You will need to know how to change a tire as well to make full use of this tip, so we suggest learning that at some point. A plug kit and air pump can get you back home if the tire is just punctured. One way to avoid all these problems is to use a UTV track that is less susceptible to the same problems as a regular tire. You might need to get some UTV track parts to keep it running smoothly though.
A spare belt can be extremely useful for repairs if your UTV breaks its belt. Unlike a punctured tire, it is hard to repair a belt. You will most likely need to replace the belt with your spare before resuming travels. A set of pliers capable of fishing out any parts of the broken belt along with a belt replacement kit can really save the day. Be safe and cautious, as the belt area can be quite hot without proper care.
These few items can also be great for getting yourself out of a jam. A tow rope can help others get you where you need to go and can help others pull you out of any terrain if you get stuck. An adjustable wrench will give you access to a lot of the UTV, and so will a set of screwdrivers. Zip ties and duct tape will also save your hide more times than you can count, as they allow you to hold virtually anything together. Do not forget a flashlight as you don’t want to be stuck in the dark and it can even help you see the inner workings of the UTV during the day.
Running a dual battery system on your UTV is the smartest way to ensure you always have enough juice to power your machine and accessories at the same time.
Here We Talk How To Install A UTV Dual Battery Isolator And What It Does
ATV partsIf you want to add a killer sound system, extra lights, or any other aftermarket add-ons, the best way to do it is by installing a second battery specifically dedicated to your non-essential electronics.
But a second battery can be a headache in UTVs. If any of your devices pull juice when they’re powered off, you could come back after a couple days of rest and find that your second battery is dead.
A better option is to use an isolator to keep your second battery working right—and make sure your machine never runs out of power.
The True Am UTV Dual Battery Isolator connects easily to your primary and secondary batteries.
Once installed, it keeps your second battery powered up by using the “overflow” charge from your first battery. Once your primary batter reaches a specific threshold of charge, the isolator sends the extra juice to your second battery.
If the primary battery’s charge dips ever too low, the isolator automatically flips back and works to recharge your main battery before it runs out of juice.
As an added benefit, the isolator won’t let your extra accessories zap your primary battery. If you’re hanging out and playing the radio while your UTV is off, you might run the secondary battery dead. But if you do, the isolator won’t let it draw power from the primary battery to keep going.
This way, you’re never in danger of getting stuck somewhere without the power to drive home.
Two Min Tuesday, UTV Dual Battery Isolator Overview And Breakdow
The True Am isolator is designed for machines already running two batteries. Thanks to its two-way design, which ensures it can’t be installed backwards, the isolator only takes about 30 minutes to add it onto your kit.
It works with dual battery setups on the RZR, Honda Talon, and X3 models.
The isolator connects directly to your batteries, so you don’t need to fiddle with your ignition or charging source. Not only does this keep the job simple, it also means that installing an isolator won’t void most UTV warranties.
The isolator also offers protection against electrical surges that can happen when your machine starts up or unexpected voltage spikes that can result in electrical system failure.
Adding UTV side view mirrors to your machine is usually one of the first upgrades that new UTV owners make. Whether you want to keep an eye on who’s behind you or just want to back up without any surprises, installing mirrors on your UTV is downright essential. In many places in the U.S., side-view mirrors are required to drive on public roads.
But these days, mirrors don’t just reveal what’s behind you. Thanks to innovative ideas from companies like Sector Seven Products, side views have become one of the best ways to get a better look of what’s in front of your machine as well.
UTV Mirrors with lights have steadily gained popularity due to their ability to better illuminate the terrain to the front and side of your buggy. They make a great addition to light bars and can greatly enhance your field of view and depth of vision.
