How Wide Is a UTV?
The width of a Utility Task Vehicle (UTV)—commonly referred to as a side-by-side (SxS)—ranges from 50 inches wide for trail-legal narrow machines up to 74 inches wide for wide-track desert sport racers. UTV width is the single most critical engineering dimension governing where the vehicle can legally ride, how it handles steep off-camber terrain, and what size trailer or pickup truck bed is required to transport it. State and federal Forest Service trail systems strictly enforce 50-inch and 60-inch width gate posts to protect wilderness paths, making vehicle width the primary deciding factor when purchasing an off-road utility or sport vehicle.
UTV Width Classes: 50-Inch Trail to 72-Inch Desert Racers
The powersports industry manufactures side-by-sides in four standardized width tiers, each engineered for distinct trail environments. The narrowest category is the '50-Inch Trail Class' (e.g., Polaris RZR Trail 570/900 or Can-Am Maverick Trail). These compact 50-inch vehicles were specifically engineered to comply with United States Forest Service (USFS) trail rules, fitting through physical 50-inch steel restriction gates found on public OHV trail networks in states like Utah, Colorado, and Michigan.
The most versatile category is the '60-to-64-Inch Utility & Crossover Class' (e.g., Polaris Ranger XP 1000, Can-Am Defender, or Honda Pioneer 1000). Measuring 62 to 65 inches wide, these machines balance spacious three-across bench seating with excellent woodland trail maneuverability. At the extreme end sits the '68-to-74-Inch Wide-Track Sport Class' (e.g., Can-Am Maverick X3 RS, Polaris RZR Pro R, or Honda Talon 1000R). Featuring ultra-wide long-travel suspension arms, these 72-inch-plus machines deliver unmatched high-speed stability and rollover resistance over desert sand dunes and rock crawls.
The comparison table below details major UTV width classifications, typical models, and their intended riding environments.
| UTV Width Classification | Typical Width Range | Popular Benchmark Models | Trail System Access Level | Primary Riding Terrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50-Inch Trail Legal | 50.0 Inches (Exact) | Polaris RZR Trail, Can-Am Maverick Trail | 100% USFS 50" gated trail access | Tight wooded public trails, switchbacks |
| 60-Inch Narrow Sport | 59.0 - 60.5 Inches | Yamaha Wolverine X2, CFMOTO ZFORCE 800 | Fits 60" restricted state forest trails | Eastern woodland trails & mountain passes |
| 64-Inch Standard Utility / Sport | 63.0 - 65.0 Inches | Polaris Ranger XP 1000, Can-Am Defender | Standard open OHV trails (No 50" gates) | Farm utility, hunting, all-around trail |
| 72-Inch Wide-Track Sport Racer | 72.0 - 74.0 Inches | Can-Am Maverick X3 X RS, RZR Pro R | Wide open trails, dunes, private parks | High-speed desert whoops, sand dunes, rock crawl |
| Youth Mini UTV | 48.0 - 49.5 Inches | Polaris RZR 200, CFMOTO ZFORCE 110 | Fits all trail gates & small trailers | Youth training tracks & flat trails |
Adding aftermarket wide-offset wheels, wheel spacers, or larger mud tires often adds 2 to 4 inches of width, which can disqualify a 50-inch machine from restricted trails.
Trailer Sizing, Truck Bed Fit, and Trail Gate Restrictions
Transporting a UTV requires matching machine width to trailer deck dimensions. A standard 6x10-foot or 6x12-foot utility trailer features an inside rail width of approximately 76 to 78 inches, which comfortably accommodates 50-inch, 60-inch, and standard 64-inch UTVs. However, hauling a 72-inch sport machine (like a Can-Am Maverick X3 RS) on a 76-inch trailer leaves only two inches of total clearance, risking sidewall damage against metal side rails. For 72-inch wide UTVs, an 82-inch to 84-inch wide deck-over or tandem equipment trailer is necessary.
Many prospective buyers hope to transport their side-by-side in the bed of a full-size pickup truck (such as a Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado, or Ram 1500). Standard pickup truck beds measure approximately 50 to 51 inches wide between the interior wheel wells. Only true 50-inch UTVs can squeeze into a pickup bed, and even then, the tires often rub against the wheel arches. Machines wider than 50 inches require a dedicated trailer or an elevated UTV truck bed rack system.
The trailer compatibility matrix below outlines minimum trailer widths required for different side-by-side categories.
| UTV Machine Width | Minimum Trailer Deck Width | Recommended Trailer Size | Pickup Bed Transport Feasibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50-Inch UTV (Trail) | 60 Inches (5 Feet) | 5x8 or 5x10 Utility Trailer | Yes (Fits between wheel wells of full-size truck) |
| 60-Inch UTV (Narrow) | 70 Inches (5.8 Feet) | 6x10 or 6x12 Utility Trailer | No (Too wide for truck bed wheel wells) |
| 64-Inch UTV (Utility/Sport) | 76 Inches (6.3 Feet) | 6.5x12 or 7x14 Tandem Trailer | No (Requires trailer or specialized bed deck) |
| 72-Inch UTV (Wide Sport) | 82 Inches (6.8 Feet) | 7x14 or 8.5x16 Car Hauler | No (Trailer only; too wide for truck beds) |
| 74-Inch UTV (Extreme Sport) | 84 Inches (7.0 Feet) | 8.5x20 Enclosed or Deck-over | No (Requires wide equipment trailer) |
Measure your UTV's true width across the widest outside tire bulge with normal tire air pressure before buying a trailer; manufacturer specs often measure bare metal track.
How to Measure UTV Width Accurately in 4 Steps
Follow this practical procedure to verify your UTV width for trail gates and trailer hauling.
Check and Inflate Tires to Operating PSI
Inflate all four tires to normal riding pressure (typically 12 to 18 PSI); low pressure artificially widens tire bulge.
Park on Flat Concrete and Settle Suspension
Park on level ground, roll the machine forward 10 feet, and bounce the roll cage to settle suspension arms.
Place Vertical Straightedges Against Outside Tire Bulges
Hold two vertical carpenters levels or 2x4s plumb against the widest outer rubber sidewalls of the rear tires.
Measure Distance Between Straightedges with Tape
Measure across the chassis between the straightedges to determine true maximum running width to the nearest 1/8 inch.
Frequently Asked Questions (7 Questions Answered)
Q1: How wide is a standard side-by-side UTV?
The most common utility side-by-sides (like the Polaris Ranger or Can-Am Defender) measure 60 to 64 inches wide (5.0 to 5.3 feet).
Q2: What is the 50-inch rule for UTV trails?
The 50-inch rule is a Forest Service standard where trails feature physical 50-inch steel gates. Only machines measuring 50 inches wide or narrower are legally permitted.
Q3: Can you fit a UTV in the bed of a pickup truck?
Only 50-inch trail models can fit between the 50-to-51-inch wheel wells of a standard full-size pickup bed. All wider UTVs require a trailer or over-bed loading deck.
Q4: How wide is a Polaris RZR?
Polaris RZR widths vary dramatically by model: the RZR Trail is 50 inches, the RZR XP is 64 inches, and the high-performance RZR Pro R is 74 inches wide.
Q5: How wide is a Can-Am Maverick?
The Can-Am Maverick Trail is 50 inches wide, the Maverick Sport is 60 inches wide, and the desert racing Maverick X3 RS is 72.7 inches wide.
Q6: Do wheel spacers make a UTV wider?
Yes. Installing 1.5-inch or 2-inch wheel spacers adds 3 to 4 inches of total machine width, which can disqualify a trail-legal UTV from 50-inch public trails.
Q7: What size trailer do I need for a 64-inch UTV?
A trailer measuring at least 76 inches wide inside the rails (typically sold as a 6.5x12 or 7x14 trailer) is recommended for safe loading and tie-down clearance.
Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways
In conclusion, understanding how wide is a utv? 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.