Protecting Your ATV/UTV From The Elements

April 22, 2022

By Tony Dolle

There's no denying it, your ATV\UTV is an expensive investment and one you need to protect from the elements as much as possible.

If, like me, you have the luxury of enough space in your garage (of course, my definition of enough space and that of my wife are two entirely different perspectives!) that's great. My Polaris Sportsman 500 sits clean and dry year-round in the space my pickup truck used to occupy.

A friend keeps his in a barn. Another friend keeps his in an outbuilding he purchased expressly for the purpose of protecting his ATV, though he told his wife he bought the building for to store her huge collection of antique doll houses. Hey, whatever it takes, right?

But, what do you do if you don't have the luxury of storing your ATV in a building?

Several friends have purchased a heavy-duty ATV cover designed for their vehicles, keeping them covered and parked in their backyards. One friend parks his under an elevated deck, but still covered. A few friends don't cover their ATVs at all, a practice not recommended by anyone.

Covering your ATV/UTV (if kept outside) protects it in many ways:

Keeps the sun from damaging seats, cables, grips, and tires.
Prevents rain from rusting exposed metal parts.
Keeps wind-blown objects from damaging your vehicle's body
Prevents excessive condensation inside your gas tank.

Also consider this; covering or storing your ATV/UTV inside a building enhances its value, which is very important when it comes time to sell it or trade it in for a newer/larger model.

I know folks who use a simple nylon, waterproof tarp and some bungee cords to cover their ATVs. This might not be the absolute best option, but it works.

I've seen ATV owners who use a backyard privacy fence to provide some protection for their ATVs, at least from one side, which is better than no protection at all.

The key is to find cover for your ATV/UTV that protects it from the elements year-round. It doesn't matter whether you store you vehicle inside a heated garage, in a barn, under a deck, or under an ATV cover, protecting it is essential to keep it ready for use when you want to use it for work or play.

There is nothing better than to take the cover off your ATV/UTV, turn the key, and have it start so you can enjoy using it. Keeping it covered and/or inside is essential for this to happen with any consistency.

Originally published on May 28, 2020. Tony Dolle has been writing about and working in the outdoor, entertainment and manufacturing industries for the past 35 years as a journalist, marketing, public and media relations professional and as a resource user (hunting, angling, cycling, sailing, photography to name just a few). He's been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for his work as a news reporter.