Category Archives: Accessory Review

Reviews of accessories.

REVIEW: Moto-Gate Original and Mini

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There is no doubt about it, truck beds have been getting smaller. Many trucks are becoming less about hauling capacity and more about being a family vehicle. The increase in cab length has led manufacturers to shorten many truck beds. Closing your tailgate after loading your ATV is becoming nearly impossible with many trucks. This is especially a concern if you need to secure other gear in the bed, like fuel packs, ramps and gear bags. Professional freestyle motocross rider Lance Coury felt the same concerns when he started hauling dirtbikes in his truck. That’s when he developed the Moto-Gate.

The design is really quite simple. It’s based on a net made of nylon webbing stretched between two tie-down straps. The Moto-Gate Original measures 17 inches by 54 inches. It is secured by straps on each side that adjust from 10 inches to 39 inches long allowing you to reach most any tie point in your truck bed. For smaller trucks the Moto-Gate Mini measures 12 inches by 36 inches with the same 10 to 39 inches of strap adjustment. The end of the straps have rubber coated hooks and the straps are adjusted by weather resistant, spring-loaded cam locks. The Moto-Gate takes less than a minute to install.

The Moto-Gate takes all the worry out of losing your gear on a haul. In particular, we found it to be a great way to keep ramps in place rather than trying to awkwardly tie them down. It also removes any fear of losing fuel cans or other gear.

If you aren’t sold on the Moto-Gate yet, consider that the possible uses expand well beyond hauling your ATV, side by side or dirtbike. Stretched between the four corners of your truck bed, the Moto-Gate can help keep loads from blowing out. The Mini even makes a good tie down system for the bed of a side-by-side.

Moto-Gate Tie Downs. Moto-Gate Stock Photo.

While testing out the Moto-Gate we also had a chance to try out the Moto-Gate Tie-Down straps. The six foot straps are great, especially if you are hooking up alone because one end has a carabiner instead of a traditional hook. The other end is specially designed with the offroader in mind giving you the choice of a nylon loop or a hook. The tie-downs feature the same spring loaded cam locks found on the Moto-Gate.

The Moto-Gate is one of those items you look at and say “why didn’t I think of that?”. To that we say thank you to Lance for creating this must-have accessory. The Moto-Gate Original and Mini carry an MSRP of $59.95 each. The Moto-Gate Tie-Downs can be had for $29.95 a pair. Both products have found a permanent place on our toolbox. For more details about Moto-Gate products or to make a purchase, check them out at http://www.moto-gate.com. KTM fans can find a KTM branded version of the Moto-Gate through their product line.

 

REVIEW: Quadboss Weekender Storage Trunk

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Nowadays you can’t have enough storage when riding long distances. ATV manufacturers have been increasing the amount of dry storage found on most units but sometimes you just need more. There is no limit to the things a rider could or should take. Smart carry-ons include first aid kits, air compressors and tire kits, belts, a jacket, snacks and drinks, tools and any number of items specific to your riding environment and conditions. With the adventures we tend to get into we decided it was time to get one ourselves. We picked up a couple of Quadboss Weekender Trunks at Halls Motorsports in Mobile, Alabama. The Quadboss Weekender is a hard plastic storage trunk. It has a large amount of storage space internally and a shelf on which to strap a small cooler or fuel can. The Weekender also adds a comfortable cushioned seat.

Quadboss Weekender Trunk. Quadboss stock photo.

Mounting the trunk is accomplished using four U bolts and wing nuts. It’s designed to be pretty universal so you’ll have to drill your own mounting holes in the trunk. You may find it’s best to remove the rear rack to help make marking the mounting holes easier. We found that mounting it to our Polaris rear rack was a bit of a pain thanks to the Polaris rack design, but it is quite secure once in place. Installation on the Yamaha Grizzly was much easier. Remember to frequently check the wing nuts and tighten them up as needed.

Be sure to check the fit with the driver in place to make sure the trunk is not mounted too far forward. Unfortunately, the Weekender is so long that is can be hard to get proper placement for the driver without modification to the rear rack. In both our Grizzly and Hawkeye installs we found that placing the trunk in front of the lip on the back of the rear rack placed it too far forward to be comfortable for long rides. We cut the plastic lip off the Hawkeye rack. On the other hand, the bottom seat cushion is removable, held in place by just velcro.

Looking at the Weekender you would expect it to serve as a passenger seat. Afterall, it has plush back and bottom cushions, comfortable hand holds and sits back too far to be used by the driver. However, Quadboss disclaims that it is “not for passenger use while operating vehicle.” I would imagine this is for their own protection from mis-use, improper installation and driver stupidity. Most parks will probably enforce their passenger rules against this seat as well, too. However, there is some level of expectation that it will serve as a passenger seat at times. In controlled tests it worked well, but it certainly pushes a single passenger ATV beyond its designed limits, especially on inclines and sidehills. It makes a comfortable spot for a small passenger, but if your need is to have a place for a constant second rider, there are plenty of 2-up ATV’s that will accomplish this much easier and safer.

Most comfortable seat in the house for sure! Disclaimer: Neither Quadboss nor WeekendATV.com condone using the Weekender as a passenger seat. Always heed manufacturer warnings.

The Weekender opens up on both sides. It opens from the rear so access while seated is a bit difficult. The elastic cords work well for holding the trunk doors closed. The openings measure (get measurements). It’s not quite big enough for most adult sized helmets, but youth helmets will fit inside nicely. It would have been nice if they had included padlock holes so you could lock the trunk. The design of the openings is pretty water-resistant thanks to the lip it has. It would be easy to add a little foam water-proofing strip to the edge if you need.

The Weekender has a textured finish that helps keep scratches from being too visible. This is especially good on tight trails. The size of the Weekender makes it as wide or wider on some ATVs, and you may find that it gets hung up on branches and vines that the ATV itself easily clears.

Overall, the Quadboss Weekender Trunk is a solid accessory. An MSRP of $333.99 may be a little steep for a plastic box, but its pretty well inline with other industry-specific offerings. Dealers should also be able to provide a full line of replacements parts. This may come in handy if you forget to remove the seat cushion before heading down the highway. And no, we haven’t had that happen yet.

To find a Quadboss dealer near you or to see other trunks they offer check out the Quadboss website at http://www.quadboss.com. If you are on the Gulf Coast check out the Hall’s Motorsports locations at http://www.visithalls.com.

REVIEW: Dee Zee Specialty Series Narrow Tool Box

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Truck tool boxes are a way of life for many truck owners. Having secured storage for tools, straps, tow ropes and other items is often more necessity than desire. Unfortunately a tool box can take up valuable bed space. For several years manufacturers have worked to overcome this issue with specialty boxes that limit the amount of space they take up. One such example is the Specialty Series Narrow Tool Box by Dee Zee. The box is only 12 inches wide compared to the 20 inch average width of other commonly found tool boxes.

Time to move up the WeekendATV.com logo!

Most of the remaining features are standard. Construction is made from .056 brite-tread aluminum and can also be ordered in black powder-coat. The .056 is a little on the thin side and may not hold up well to heavy abuse. The front, bottom and back of the unit are bent from a single piece of aluminum like heavy-duty origami. Closed cell foam across the lid keeps the 5 to 5.75 cubic feet of storage space dry. The locking lid is controlled by a single gas strut to add to the longevity of the unit. But the real seller is the price tag. The MSRP is $301.95 but you can find it online for under $250 shipped.

I ordered the DZ6170NB through an online retailer and in two days it was delivered. At only 35 pounds the package was easily maneuvered. I noticed a couple marks on the shipping box but nothing of concern. Once I opened the box I realized there was no padding whatsoever and my new toolbox had suffered some small dings and scratches from the shipping process. A higher end tool box with thicker metal and without the black painted finish would probably have held up better, but a budget unit like this should really be packaged a bit better. I also noticed that one of the latch rivets was poorly done. The latch is firm and it’s really only a blemish close up.

Shipping damage.

Weak rivet.

Installation is simple. The box comes with a pair of J-hooks used to catch the lip of the bed and hold it tight. Once you have the box centered between the bed rails a pair of holes need to be drilled to insert the bolts through. Overall installation is only about a 10 minute process. The provided instructions are weak. They appear to have been photocopied several times and are very blurry. There were duplicated pages and some instructions were apparently in error. It recommends drilling 1/4″ holes to insert the blunt 3/8″ J-hooks into.

A tool box with room to spare.

Overall this is a prime example of “you get what you pay for.” If you have a smaller budget or don’t expect heavy abuse to the tool box, this unit is probably enough for you. If money isn’t an issue or you plan to really push the durability of your tool box there are thicker units on the market that will probably hold up much better.

REVIEW: DU-HA Truck Storage Systems

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Several months ago I switched from an SUV to my Ford F250 Crew Cab truck. The transition has been very well enjoyed but I was quickly reminded of the vast difference in enclosed storage space between an SUV and a truck. I have room for six passengers and as a primary family transportation system I need to keep the seating space available. Sure, you can add a toolbox but that exterior storage isn’t always appropriate. Plus you can lose valuable ATV space in the truck bed by adding a toolbox.

DU-HA stock before photo.

During my search for an alternative I came across DU-HA Inc. and their storage solutions for pickup trucks. DU-HA offers storage systems to fit behind and/or under the seats of most full size trucks. The DU-HA storage boxes are significant upgrades to the stock storage options (or lack thereof) and provide a great deal

DU-HA stock after photo.

of hidden space. The units are even capable of safely carrying rifles and are considered legal gun cases in most states.

The factory behind-the-seat storage versus the DU-HA. DU-HA stock photo.

I picked up both the Underseat and Behind-the-seat models for my Ford F250 Crew Cab. The amount of space added was incredible. The space is secure and out of the sight of prying eyes, removing any temptation that toolboxes and bed covers often give. Peering through the windows the boxes aren’t noticable at all. They do not interfere with the functions of the seats or the passengers in them.

The storage boxes come in several colors to match most interiors. The boxes average about $199 for understeat models and $179 for behind-the-seat models. Boxes are available for full-size trucks from Ford, Chevrolet/GMC, Dodge, Nissan, Toyota and the Honda Ridgeline. They come with a 30 day money-back gurantee and a lifetime warranty. Installation is easy and takes only moments using a couple of tools and existing hardware. Accessories include anti-theft locks and subwoofer boxes for some models. Since my own purchase I have recommended these to others who have bought them and been equally pleased. For more information see www.DU-HA.com.

The storage systems make a great place for my first responder gear. My radio and lighting controls are mounted in the box to keep them safe.

REVIEW: Polaris ORV Trails App

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Recently, Polaris Industries released an app for Apple and Android devices. ORV Trails is one of a suite of apps created by Polaris that includes Indian Rides and Victory Rides for the streets, and Polaris Snow Trails. The app includes several handy features like live GPS tracking of your venture, weather conditions, waypoint placing and locating local services.  Here is the full feature list from the iTunes store:

– display your current location
– view maps of US ORV trails
– view weather conditions and advisories for any US location
– find and contact Polaris dealers
– local services search with integrated direct dialing, including gas stations, restaurants and lodging
– save waypoints along your route
– track and save multiple ORV routes
– automatic map caching so maps can still be viewed while on the trail and outside of data coverage areas
– multitasking on iOS4 for route tracking in the background
– share saved routes to Twitter or Facebook
– export route data in GPX or CSV format

 

This trail might not be a good option today.

Admittedly, most of these aren’t particularly new items. Most smartphones have built-in maps, GPS, weather and can easily locate the nearest fuel, food and lodging. There are also apps for tracking our routes and adventures. However, there are few options that combine all of this info in one convenient app that is directly targeted at riders like you. As a bonus, there are thousands of trails already posted in the app. It also provides a unique method for mapping areas you may often ride, but have trouble seeing in full due to tree cover. The ability to place waypoints is a great feature too. Think “great hunting spot” or “great view from here”. The number of uses is endless and certainly not limited to ATVing.

The red and orange represent trails.

Perhaps the best thing about the Polaris ORV Trails app is that it’s free. To be completely honest it would have to be a really bad app to get a poor review when it’s free. However, there isn’t much negative to say about the Polaris ORV Trail app.  The app is available for Apple devices and Google Android devices. There is also a PC desktop version. More details are available here:

Polaris: http://www.polaris.com/en-us/Corporate/Pages/polaris-apps.aspx

Apple Devices: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/orv-trails/id493558794?mt=8

Android Devices: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.weathernation.mobile.orvtrails&hl=en

REVIEW: HJC CL-X6 Helmets

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Some people are just too cool for helmets. No argument, we still feel right at home without ours on. But we have also watched some pretty bad stuff happen to people who were completely in control of their ATVs, so we have been forcing ourselves to wear them. Even disregarding personal safety, there will surely come a time when you will want to ride at an ATV park that requires helmets. In preparation for such a park trip, Neecy and I picked up a pair of HJC CL-X6 helmets from Hall’s Motorsports in Mobile, Alabama. There were plenty on display so we were able to find the best size for each of us. The staff at Hall’s Motorsports was able to make recommendations regarding helmet sizes for our quickly growing daughters too. The sizes range from XS to 3XL, but an in-store fitting is your best bet to ensure an accurate fit.

While you may not consider HJC to be one of the elite names in helmets, they have plenty of experience, having been in the motorcycle helmet industry since 1971. According to their own website they have been the #1 selling motorcycle helmet manufacturer in the United States since 1992. The helmets are manufactured at three different plants in Asia.

The CL-X6 is the choice mounting location for our GoPro HD Hero2 cameras.

We found the helmets to be quite comfortable and not too heavy, even after a full day of riding. They also provide adequate dust protection for the mouth and nose. After a couple of riding trips I removed the cheek pads and sent them through the washing machine and a good air dry. The rest of the helmet cleans up easily with a damp cloth and a little soap, if needed. They both still look great. We’ve been using our CL-X6 helmets for about 7 months now and are very pleased with our purchase. Each new HJC helmet comes with an extra nut for the visor, a storage bag and instructions for proper wear and care.

      The CL-X6 line comes in 8 different graphic styles with several color choices of each for a total of 27 different helmet looks. MSRP for the helmets ranges between $119.99 for the solid colored helmets to $154.99 for the most graphically intense series. You can view this and other helmet lines from HJC at www.HJChelmets.com. The site also has a dealer locator to help you find the nearest retailer including the many locations of Hall’s Motorsports.

REVIEW: RotopaX Gasoline Fuel Pack

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Being as enthusiastic about our industry as I am, I am an avid reader of some of the great magazines available for ATVs. As such, I was disturbed to read a recent review where Kolpin’s Fuel Pack JR was given a 5 star rating despite leaking fuel from the seal while riding. Now I have bought plenty of $5 hardware store fuel cans that leaked around the spout, granted I also got what I paid for….a $5 fuel can. However, if I am paying $50+ for a fuel pack designed for ATV riding, then I expect it to hold all the fuel in. I was determined to find a real 5-star winner when I found RotopaX by GREAT Outdoor Products LLC. I got in touch with Jason at RotopaX and ordered the new 1.75 gallon gasoline pack to try out.

RotopaX 1.75 Gallon Gasoline Pack – RotopaX stock photo

Right out of the box the RotopaX fuel can feels tough. The shell is obviously thicker than fuel cans you’ll find at your hardware store. This is thanks to a rotational molding process used to manufacture them. This process is more costly that traditional blow molding, but creates a higher quality product as is evident with the RotopaX units. RotopaX also provides several secure mounting options that lock the pack down through the mounting hole found in the center of the pack. There are several variations including one that locks to prevent theft.

We rode all day without the least bit of fuel loss at the spout, even with the tank laying down.

During a recent day trip I had the RotopaX fuel pack straped horizontally on my rear rack. It was full of fuel and I wanted to give it every chance to leak. Through trails, mud and bouncing through sand dunes the RotopaX never lost a single drop of fuel. It held up incredibly well through some of the most aggressive terrain I could put it through. I felt this was especially important after the Kolpin review. How can a fuel pack get 5 stars when it leaks? Sounds like 2 stars to me. RotopaX is your 5 star winner.

Like an extra life in a video game, playtime has been extended!

RotopaX has a full range of sizes. They also make the mounts in various colors designed to specify contents like diesel, kerosene, water, etc. The packs are also EPA and CARB compliant. They also have emergency preparedness and empty storage packs.To check out their full offerings visit them at http://www.rotopax.com or call them at 801-299-1885.

REVIEW: D&G Enterprises Tool Rack

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A year or so ago I stumbled across an ebay auction for a homemade tool rack. The small setup was designed to hold a couple of tools like a shovel and axe as well as a fire extinguisher. I liked the idea and convenience and since the price was right I ordered one. It had a couple of universal mounting options and I found the one that best mounted to my rear rack. It has proved invaluable over the last year and has recieved many comments and compliments.

Polaris Lock and Ride Install. D&G Enterprises Stock Photo.

I looked up the same rack again a couple of months ago and found that the seller had created a new and improved version. I immediately got in touch with Dave at D&G Enterprises to see the new system. Dave is an experienced metal fabricator who came up with the rack idea to comply with his local riding requirements during fire season. Dave shipped out my new rack and when it arrived it was out with the old and in with the new.

Universal fit usually means it kinda fits everything, but doesn’t fit anything well. D&G Enterprises has done a great job of overcoming this issue by providing several different mounting options. When you order one you can specify bar mounts for a 3/4 inch bar, a 1 1/2 inch bar or an L bracket. The 3/4 inch bar mount will fit most standard ATV racks. The 1 1/2 inch bar mount is a good fit on side by side roll cages. The L bracket works great for the Polaris Lock and Ride system. The unit could also be bolted directly to storage boxes or other scenarios as appropriate. The rack itself is welded steel. The rack and mounting hardware are laquer finished and the tool mounts are rubber coated. I have seen some rust spots in places where the laquer has been scratched, but that’s no different than the luggage racks and bumpers on most quads.

A D&G Enterprises Tool Rack with all mounting options. You’ll need to pick the best one for you.

For tool mounting there is a designated spot to hold two tools horizontally. It’s perfect for a small shovel and axe. Other tools may make sense for your own adventures. The tools are held tightly in place by two plastic finger nuts. The fire extingusher is held into place by a spring-loaded bar. You simply compress the spring and turn it out of the way. The extinguisher slides right out of the bracket and is ready for use. It takes only a couple of seconds to remove the extingusher.

A loaded D&G Enterprises Tool Rack

Certainly there are benefits to having tools on the trail. Shovels can be used to dig you out of certain situations. They can also be used as a winch anchor if there is nothing else around. Having a fire extinguisher can help if an ATV overheats or a campfire gets out of control. There are many OHV parks that actually require them to be carried on ATVs. The D&G Enterprises Utility Rack makes hauling these tools convenient without taking up valuable rack space. At less than $40 the unit is well worth it. Pick one up for yourself at http://www.ebay.com/sch/thewilliesman/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686

REVIEW: GoPro HD Hero2 Camera

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Social media is everywhere. Everyone wants to share the cool stuff they are doing with status updates, check-ins, photos and more. But there is no better way to brag about your awesome adventure than capturing it in true high definition video. Enter the GoPro HD Hero2 camera.

GoPro is no newbie to video capture. The HD Hero2 is the third camera release from the company, building on each one to produce a more feature rich product each time. We decided the HD Hero2 would be the perfect tool for the staff here at WeekendATV.com to use for future reviews so we picked one up amid the holiday shopping excitement. After a few rides we are not disappointed!

First and foremost the HD Hero2 is a video camera. It is capable of videos modes in WVGA, 720p, 960p and 1080p. Each has multiple FOV (field of view) settings and FPS (frames per second). The still camera mode is pretty impressive too putting out 11 megapixel images. There are also some awesome still shot modes, like taking 10 photos in one second or taking a picture every half, 1, 2 ,10, 30 or 60 seconds. The lens design gives a fisheye effect to pictures and video.

Perhaps the biggest seller for those of us that get muddy is the camera is completely waterproof down to 197′. I don’t think there is an ATV snorkel kit yet that can test that so it should handle your riding grounds. There are also multiple mounts for the camera system so it can get almost any point of view you can imagine. There is a helmet mount, a handlebar mount, a rollbar mount, adhesive mounts and many others to cater to both our industry and others.

In our own tests we found out one thing quick. That old SD memory card you have laying around is not going to cut it. For good video quality you’ll need a Class 10 SD memory card as recommended by GoPro. Also, our test days all turned out to be cool, overcast days in the humid deep South. We found that the outer skeleton lens would fog up over time leaving our picture very cloudy. If we opened case the moisture disappeared immediately. GoPro apparently saw this issue and sells strips that help absorb the moisture.

The final result is an awesome piece of hardware. At an MSRP of $299 the GoPro HD Hero2 is perfect for capturing all of your adventures at a  more than reasonable price, Also surprising is the reasonable price for the different mounts. Overall expect your investment to be around $400 between the camera, SD card and a mount or two.  You won’t regret it. For more information visit GoPro at GoPro.com. Stay tuned to WeekendATV.com for a lot more videos made with the GoPro HD Hero2.

REVIEW: CV Restorations Monster Axles

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Sometimes bad luck follows you and if its not one thing its another. For ATVs that are out of warranty this can mean costly repairs. Neecy’s Polaris Hawkeye had two failed front outer CV joints wthin a few months time. There was no visible warning before. There were no torn boots, noises or strange feelings when driving. When the first joint failed I went to my mechanic and asked for his recommendation thinking it was time to order a CV joint. He explained that the best deal is a complete axle replacement from The CV Man at CV Restorations. CV Restorations is a manufacturer in Jessup, Maryland. For over 20 years CV Restorations has been manufacturing CV joints, axles and other ATV parts.

broken axle

My mechanic explained that I could spend $100 for a new joint and about that much for labor. All the while, the CV joint and boot on the other side of the axle is wearing away and could also fail at any time. Alternatively, I can spend $200 for a complete CV Restorations Monster Axle. The complete Monster Axle is fully assembled with two CV joints and thick CV boots on the ends of a heavier duty axle than the stock offering. Plus the labor to replace the whole axle is only about half the labor cost to replace a joint. It’s all common sense at this point.

CV Restorations HD Axle

The Monster Axles are no joke. According to CV Restorations, the bars are almost one inch diameter and are constructed of 43/40 cromolly steel. The boots are thicker than stock making them more puncture resistant. Despite the better quality they are still direct replacements for the OEM parts. This means you can replace a broken OEM axle with a Monster Axle and leave the other axles stock. To back up their quality, CV Restorations offers a one year parts warranty on everything but the CV boots.

CV Restorations offers a full line of CV boots, joints, axles and many other driveline parts for virtually every model of ATV made. To check out their Monster Axles and other products see their website at www.thecvman.com.