How Wide Is a Side by Side?
Knowing the exact width of a side-by-side (UTV) is the single most critical factor when selecting an off-road vehicle, determining whether you can access restricted 50-inch public forest trails, fit the machine into the bed of a pickup truck, or load it onto an existing utility trailer. Widths in the UTV industry range from narrow 50-inch trail-compliant models to massive 72- to 74-inch wide open-desert sport machines.
Side-by-Side Width Categories and Trail Suitability
Side-by-sides (UTVs) are engineered for distinct off-road terrain categories: tight wooded trails, utilitarian farm chores, or high-speed sand dune running. Because vehicle width directly dictates both high-speed rollover stability and tight-space agility, manufacturers categorize their machines into standardized dimensional classes.
The 50-inch width threshold is the most famous metric in off-roading, established by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and state departments of natural resources (DNR) to protect mountain trails from erosion. Understanding these class widths ensures you buy a machine suited to your riding trails and hauling equipment.
Examine the standardized width tiers across popular UTV models and their corresponding trail access levels:
| UTV Width Class | Exact Width Range | Popular Model Examples | Terrain / Riding Focus | Trail Access Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50-Inch Trail Class | 50.0 inches (4.16 ft) | Polaris RZR Trail 50", Can-Am Maverick Trail | Tight wooded trails, national forests, switchbacks | 100% Legal on restricted 50-inch public trails |
| 60-Inch All-Terrain Class | 60.0 to 62.0 inches (5.0 ft) | Polaris General, Honda Talon 60, Can-Am Commander | Cross-country trail riding, rocky mountain paths | Permitted on 60-inch trails; barred from 50-inch trails |
| Utility / Workhorse Class | 62.0 to 65.0 inches | Polaris Ranger 1000, Can-Am Defender, Yamaha Viking | Ranch chores, hunting leases, jobsite towing | Full-size utility; wide bench seating for 3-6 adults |
| 64-Inch Sport Class | 64.0 inches (5.33 ft) | Can-Am Maverick X3 DS, Polaris RZR XP 1000 | Fast trail riding, desert trails, dunes | Requires standard wide-open trail systems |
| 72-Inch Wide-Stance Sport | 72.0 to 74.0 inches (6.0+ ft) | Can-Am Maverick X3 X RS, Polaris RZR Pro R | Baja desert racing, Glamis sand dunes, rock crawling | Maximum high-speed rollover stability; wide footprint |
Hauling Feasibility: Pickup Truck Beds and Utility Trailers
The 50-inch class exists purely due to public land trail regulations. Across western states, the U.S. Forest Service installs physical steel gateway bollards spaced exactly 50 inches apart at trailheads to prevent full-sized trucks, Jeeps, and wide UTVs from entering fragile ATV single-track paths. If your local riding clubs ride on 50-inch restricted trail networks (such as Utah's Paiute Trail or Hatfield-McCoy trails), buying a 50-inch model is mandatory.
For general trail riding where strict 50-inch gates are not present, the 60- to 64-inch class represents the industry sweet spot. A 60-inch machine (like a Polaris General or Can-Am Commander) offers a noticeably more stable cornering platform, substantially wider and more comfortable cabin shoulder room, and longer suspension travel without feeling too bulky on wooded switchbacks.
Analyze whether different UTV width classes will fit inside standard pickup truck beds or require dedicated trailers:
| UTV Width | Fits in Standard Pickup Bed? (Between Wheel Wells) | Minimum Trailer Deck Width | Recommended Trailer Size | Hauling Advice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 Inches | Yes (Fits between wheel wells of full-size trucks) | 60 inches (5 feet) | 5' x 10' single axle utility trailer | Can be hauled in 6.5ft or 8ft truck bed with tailgate down |
| 60 Inches | No (Rides over wheel wells; requires truck bed riser) | 72 inches (6 feet) | 6' x 12' utility trailer with side rails | Requires 76-inch clear utility trailer width |
| 64 Inches | No (Too wide for standard truck beds) | 76 to 82 inches | 7' x 14' tandem axle trailer | Must use car hauler or wide landscape trailer |
| 72 Inches | No (Will not fit in any production pickup truck bed) | 82 to 84 inches | 7' x 16' or 8.5' wide car hauler deck | Requires full car hauler deck between trailer fenders |
Strategic Guidance and Expert Recommendations
Utility workhorses (like the Polaris Ranger, Can-Am Defender, and Kawasaki Mule) are built wide—typically 62 to 65 inches—to accommodate three adult passengers sitting side-by-side across a front bench seat. This width allows the machine to carry full 40x48-inch wooden pallets inside the rear cargo bed between the stake pockets.
If you opt for a high-performance 72- or 74-inch wide sport buggy (such as the Polaris RZR Pro R or Can-Am Maverick R), recognize that your hauling logistics change completely. A 72-inch machine will not fit on a standard 6-foot landscape trailer; you will need a heavy-duty car hauler trailer with at least 82 inches between the steel trailer fenders.
How to Measure UTV Width for Trails and Trailers
Follow this step-by-step procedure to measure the true riding width of your side-by-side.
Check Tire Pressure to Factory Specs
Inflate all four off-road tires to the manufacturer's recommended PSI, as deflated tires bulge outward and distort width.
Set Preload and Roll Vehicle Forward
Roll the UTV forward 10 feet on a flat concrete surface to allow the A-arm suspension and wheel camber to settle into natural ride height.
Locate the Widest Outer Points
Find the widest points of the vehicle—usually the outer sidewall tread lugs of the rear tires or wide aftermarket door mirrors.
Drop Plumb Lines or Place Framing Squares
Place two carpenters framing squares or straight 2x4 boards flush against the outer tire edges on both sides of the machine.
Measure Ground Distance Between Boards
Measure the exact distance between the two straight edges to determine your true operational trail and trailer width.
Frequently Asked Questions (7 Questions Answered)
Q1: Will a 50-inch side-by-side fit in a pickup truck bed?
Yes, a 50-inch UTV will fit between the wheel wells (typically 50.5 to 51 inches wide) of full-size Ford, Chevy, and Ram pickup trucks.
Q2: Why are some ATV/UTV trails restricted to 50 inches?
The U.S. Forest Service limits certain trails to 50 inches to preserve historic motorcycle/ATV routes, prevent erosion, and maintain backcountry aesthetics.
Q3: What is the standard width of a 4-seater side-by-side?
Most 4-seater sport and utility UTVs share the same 64-inch or 72-inch width as their 2-seat counterparts; only the overall length and wheelbase increase.
Q4: Can you make a side-by-side narrower?
You can narrow a UTV slightly by installing high-offset wheels that pull the tires inward or switching to narrower cross-section tires.
Q5: How wide is a Polaris Ranger?
A full-size Polaris Ranger 1000 measures approximately 62.5 to 65 inches wide depending on trim package and tire selection.
Q6: What size trailer do I need for a 64-inch UTV?
You need a trailer with a deck width of at least 76 to 82 inches (such as a 7-foot wide landscape trailer or car hauler).
Q7: Does suspension sag make a side-by-side wider?
Yes, as independent A-arm suspension springs sag or compress under heavy loads, the wheel camber flattens, pushing the tires outward and increasing overall width.
Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways
In conclusion, understanding how wide is a side by side? provides essential clarity, practical strategies, and actionable advice. By incorporating these foundational insights, adhering to verified safety guidelines, and following structured best practices, you ensure reliable, long-term outcomes while preventing common mistakes. Stay informed, consult certified professionals when needed, and maintain consistent quality care.