What You Need to Know About a Utility Vehicle
Utility vehicles are a versatile type of vehicle used for a variety of tasks. They can haul people and cargo, tow equipment and more.
They are also known as side-by-sides, UTVs or crossover utility vehicles. Regardless of their acronym, these machines are designed to work hard.
Payload Capacity
If you’re in the market for a utility vehicle, payload capacity is one of the first things you’ll want to check out. The capacity of a truck’s bed or trailer is important to know because it helps prevent your vehicle from being overloaded, which can cause suspension problems and premature drivetrain failure.
Most manufacturers provide the payload capacity of their vehicles, and it usually appears on a placard located on the driver’s doorjamb or in the owner’s manual. You can also use a calculator to calculate the capacity yourself.
You should always remember that the GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) is the curb weight of the vehicle plus any cargo or passengers inside the vehicle. Subtracting the curb weight from a vehicle’s GVWR will tell you its payload capacity.
Payload capacity is a good indicator of how much weight you can load into the truck or trailer without exceeding its GCWR (gross combination weight rating) and towing capacity. It’s generally not necessary to use this information while purchasing a vehicle, but it can be useful when you’re shopping for accessories.
Many utility vehicle models feature a separate cargo area or box that can be used to store equipment and supplies. These models’ cargo areas are often rated separately from the GCWR and payload capacity, and can be used to determine whether you can fit items in that area without overloading the vehicle. Excessive loading or overuse can damage the structure of the cargo area, and can even cause a vehicle to tip. Fortunately, most trucks and SUVs can carry a reasonable amount of cargo, especially if you buy the right accessories.
Cargo Capacity
Cargo capacity is the amount of space in a vehicle that’s capable of carrying a lot of stuff. Depending on the size of the vehicle and what it’s meant for, cargo capacity can range from just a few cubic feet to hundreds of square feet.
When you’re buying a utility vehicle for hauling, cargo capacity is the most important factor to consider. UTVs are designed to handle heavy loads and transport heavy equipment, but it’s crucial to be safe and secure when loading up your ride or trailer with heavy cargo.
While you’re weighing your options, be sure to check out the vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and Curb Weight, which are both essential metrics to look at. GVRWR is the maximum allowable weight a vehicle can safely hold, while curb weight is the weight of the vehicle plus all fluids (including fuel) and accessories that are configured to the vehicle’s specs.
Whether it’s a large bale of hay or a ton of tools, you’ll need ample storage for your load. Choosing a utility vehicle with a large bed is a great way to maximize storage, especially if it’s for use on a farm.
Aside from the bed, you’ll also want to consider storage options for your UTV that improve the cargo capacity. For example, a Utility Vehicle LinQ heavy-duty basket for an ATV provides a nice sized area to place heavy items while reducing the chances of tipping over.
Other important features to look for include a strong drivetrain, multi-ply load-rated tires, and a variety of other features that will reduce service needs down the line. Some of these include things like a front-mounted air intake filter, an easy-to-reach oil dipstick and a fault code system to notify operators of potential issues before they become big problems.
Towing Capacity
The towing capacity of a utility vehicle depends on how much weight it can safely pull behind it with a trailer attached. It also takes into account whether or not the trailer has its own braking system.
There are two main numbers you’ll want to know when determining your towing capacity: the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, or GVWR, and the Gross Combined Weight Rating, or GCVWR. These ratings are determined by the manufacturer based on a number of factors, including the strength of the truck’s frame and axles and how much weight the trailer can carry before it becomes unbalanced.
Most truck and SUV manufacturers list their towing capacity in one or more places, usually inside the owner’s manual. You can also find similar charts on many truck and SUV websites.
Towing capacity is equal to the GVWR minus your truck’s curb weight, which includes gas and fluids that the truck normally needs while driving. It excludes anything that you have in your truck, such as passengers and cargo.
The amount of torque a tow vehicle has is another factor that affects the towing capacity. Torque is the force that moves a vehicle’s wheels, and it’s measured in pound-feet.
It’s important to keep in mind that towing capacity is based on the assumption that you’ll be hauling across a flat surface, but real life involves navigating up and down hills and over bumps and ditches from time to time. This puts a greater strain on your tow vehicle and lowers its towing capacity.
The good news is that most vehicles have a towing capacity that will get you through your towing jobs. Thankfully, there’s a simple formula that automakers use to make estimating towing capacity easy.
Seating Capacity
A utility vehicle is a versatile and functional vehicle that offers an extensive array of features and technologies. They are designed to perform a variety of tasks, from hauling loads to providing safety features and comfort to passengers. A utility vehicle is a good choice for families or anyone looking for a practical, reliable and fun way to travel around town or across the country.
One of the most impressive features of a utility vehicle is its seating capacity. Many vehicles offer a variety of seating configurations, including bucket seats in the front and more spacious rear rows. Some models also offer power-operated liftgates, making it easier to load and unload large or bulky items.
The seating technology is a big part of the fun, and the best utility vehicles have an intelligent design that maximizes the use of the available space. They often have a smart storage system that will automatically store items out of sight until needed, which helps keep the interior neat and tidy.
It’s also a good idea to opt for a model that has a spacious and well-designed cargo area with room for your gear. If you’re looking for the best utility vehicle, you’ll want to consider a model that has a high maximum payload capacity and a large, easily accessible trunk.
The most important factor when shopping for a utility vehicle is to consider your specific needs and budget before deciding what kind of utility vehicle is right for you. You might want to try out a few different models and compare them against each other to see which one is the most suitable for you.
Safety
Utility vehicles are tools, not toys and operators should take the same safety precautions as they would when operating a tractor or skid steer loader. Operators should read their owner’s manual and follow all recommended safety guidelines when using the vehicle.
A vehicle should be used only for work that is appropriate for the model and manufacturer of the machine. It is important to understand the limitations and features of each vehicle, and receive model-specific training from a qualified supervisor.
Before starting work on a jobsite, the operator should walk the area and familiarize themselves with the terrain. This will help prevent accidents down the road.
When a worksite has steep or rough terrain, it is essential to drive slowly and smoothly on the slope. This will help avoid overturning or crashing.
It is also a good idea to Utility Vehicle pay attention to the speed limit. The driver should adjust their speed to the current conditions and anticipate that they may need to stop for a passing or crossing pedestrian.
Pedestrian protection systems such as a rollover prevention system (ROPS) or occupant protection system (OPS) can reduce the risk of an accident or injury. Some models also feature forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking to prevent pedestrians from being thrown from the vehicle in case of an accident.
Towing capacity is also a critical safety feature to consider when operating a UTV. When towing heavy loads, operators should always be sure they are within the maximum towing limits for the vehicle.
A utility vehicle fleet is an integral part of any construction site, but they must be used safely for the safety of the crew and others on the jobsite. By adding affordable safety accessories, operators can increase the odds that accidents on a construction site will be prevented.
