What Are The Best Mods To Add To My Polaris RZR For Trail Riding?
November 22, 2024
Table of Contents
Polaris RZR Trail Riding Rig Build Sheet & Fitment Guide
Last week we told you about the best parts and accessories to add to your Polaris RZR for a day at the sand dunes, complete with everything you need to have a successful day with your machine. This time around, we're taking things a bit closer to home - for most of us, anyway - and heading out for the trails.
Especially here in the Upper Midwest, trail riding is a fact of life for off-road enthusiasts, and no matter the weather, it's always a good time to take out your RZR, attack the trails, and find a new spot that you've never conquered before. The sense of adventure that comes with trail riding is undeniable, but there are still some careful considerations you need to make when building your Polaris machine for the occasion.
Today, we'll show you the best wheels, tires, suspension, accessories, and more to add to your RZR's trail riding setup. Best yet, everything you see today is currently available in our store, so if something catches your eye, you can grab it with no problem. Let's dive right in!
What You'll Need For The Best Trail Performance From Your Polaris RZR
So, let's get your build taken care of right - to get the best performance possible out of a RZR trailrider, the parts we need should help it navigate tight paths, handle varied terrain, and have excellent longevity for longer trips. This means our rig should prioritize handling, ride quality, and durability.
Most of the parts we discuss below will focus on ground clearance, seating, and smoothness of ride - with that in mind, we'll show you what we recommend. Financing and free shipping are available on everything we've got in our store!
Suspension and Ground Clearance Mods For A Polaris RZR Trail Riding Build
We'll begin our ultimate RZR trail build by looking at the suspension and ground clearance mods that you should add to it.
For starters, high-clearance A-arms and shocks that are specifically tailored for rough trails and rocks are your call here. Both of these parts, when built and designed correctly, can help the structural integrity of your machine big time, and that can prevent cracking or parts snapping when you run over some particularly difficult obstacles.
We'd also recommend some radius rods for additional flex strength and a small bracket lift kit to help with ground clearance. Keep in mind that the ride quality won't be as strong when your machine is lifted, but it will help you get over rougher patches a bit easier.
Tire and Wheel Recommendations For A Polaris RZR Trail Riding Build
When hitting the trails with your Polaris RZR, the right tires and wheels can make all the difference. All-terrain tires are a must-have for trail riding, providing the grip you need to tackle everything from slippery mud to rocky climbs and hard-packed dirt. Upgrading from stock tires to options like the BFGoodrich KM3, Maxxis BigHorn 3.0, EFX MotoVator, EFX MotoClaw, or TIS UT1 can drastically improve your performance, especially at higher speeds on dirt and gravel. While most factory setups include 28-inch tires, many RZR models can accommodate up to 32-inch tires with little to no modifications, giving you more flexibility depending on your trail goals.
As for wheels, durability is key. The abuse of off-roading demands wheels that can withstand the harsh impacts of trail obstacles. Beadlock wheels, while excellent for holding the tire in place under low pressure, aren't a necessity for most trail riders. Choose wheels that match your style—functionality and aesthetics go hand-in-hand here. A solid recommendation is pairing 15x7 wheels with 30x10 tires for a balanced upgrade that boosts trail performance without overcomplicating your setup. Keep it simple and focus on what suits your riding needs best!
Engine and Cooling Upgrades for a Polaris RZR Trail Riding Build
Trail riding demands a Polaris RZR that’s ready to tackle steep climbs and tough terrain, and engine and cooling upgrades can give your ride the edge. Boosting low-end torque is crucial for conquering tricky climbs, and a clutch kit is a game-changer, especially if you’re running bigger tires. By improving the way power is transferred to the wheels, a clutch kit ensures your RZR handles the demands of trail riding with better efficiency and responsiveness.
Cooling upgrades are just as important, particularly for heavy trail use. High-performance radiators and fans are designed to handle the heat, keeping your machine running smoothly even on long, grueling rides. For added protection, an S&B Particle Separator is a standout upgrade—it filters out dust and debris, ensuring clean air reaches your engine. This not only improves your RZR’s performance but also extends the life of your air filters and engine, making it a smart investment for trail enthusiasts.
Protection Components for a Polaris RZR Trail Riding Build
When you’re ripping through tight trails or navigating rugged terrain, protection for your Polaris RZR is non-negotiable. Skid plates, rock sliders, and bumper guards are essential to keep vital components safe from impacts. Open Trail skid plates are a solid choice, shielding the undercarriage from rocks, stumps, and debris. For added side protection, rock sliders and tree kickers are a must—they defend against scrapes, collisions, and those accidental run-ins with trees or other machines (a lesson many of us learn the hard way). DRT Motorsports offers a stellar lineup of sliders and bumpers that’ll keep your rig trail-ready and looking sharp.
Extra-wide fender flares are another underrated upgrade, especially if you’re tired of mud, rocks, and debris flying into the cab. While options like DRT Motorsports fender flares can provide great coverage, you’ll want to choose a set that fits well with your existing accessories. With these upgrades, your RZR can handle the abuse of trail riding while keeping you and your machine protected for the long haul.
Comfort and Utility Accessories for a Polaris RZR Trail Riding Build
Trail riding isn’t just about performance—it’s also about enjoying the journey, and comfort goes a long way. Upgrading to PRP seats can transform long days on the trail, providing better support and cushioning to keep you comfortable through rough terrain. Pair those seats with harnesses for an added layer of safety, giving you peace of mind when the trails get unpredictable.
For utility, cargo and storage racks are a trail rider’s best friend. They let you bring along everything you need—spare parts, tools, snacks, and drinks—without sacrificing cabin space. A GPS navigation system is another must-have, keeping you on course whether you’re exploring new trails or heading back to camp. With these accessories, your RZR will be as functional and enjoyable as it is capable.
Lighting and Visibility Enhancements for a Polaris RZR Trail Riding Build
Trail riding doesn’t stop when the sun sets, so proper lighting and visibility upgrades are key for both safety and fun. LED whips and light bars are essential for navigating at night and cutting through dusty conditions. They not only illuminate the trail ahead but also make your RZR more visible to other riders, reducing the risk of collisions. Auxiliary lights are another great addition, providing focused lighting in areas your main lights might miss, especially in tricky terrain.
Don’t overlook windshields—they’re a game-changer for comfort and visibility. Plastic windshields are more versatile and budget-friendly but can scratch easily, making them harder to see through over time. Glass windshields, while pricier, resist scratching and are easier to clean on the trail, though they’re more susceptible to chips from flying rocks. Whether you opt for plastic or glass, a windshield adds a crucial layer of protection and visibility, making your rides safer and more enjoyable.
Shop Wheels, Tires, Suspension & More For Your Polaris RZR Online At Function Powersports
Now that we've got our build sheet for a trail-riding Polaris RZR taken care of, it's time to get started! Feel free to take a peek at our inventory and check out all of the parts we mentioned, or others that you've been hunting for on the RZR build that you're trying to complete.
Also, you're welcome to head over to our online fitment gallery and see how fellow enthusiasts have built their trail RZRs and other ATVs and UTVs, so you can get a bit more inspiration if you need it. Thanks for hanging out with us, and make sure you contact us at any time if you have questions before you buy - we're always here to help. We'll catch you on the trails!
