Buying guide for best ATV covers
An ATV is an expensive item, so of course you want to protect yours — even when you’re not riding around your property or tearing up the woods. An ATV cover can be a valuable addition to your collection of care and maintenance tools, protecting your machine from sun, rain, dust, and even scratches.
To select the right ATV cover, a wide number of features must be considered. What size do you need? What level of protection from the elements is required? Do you need a cover for trailing? Do you need one for storage in a garage or barn? In addition to these concerns, price is a factor. You should know what kind of price tags to expect when you shop.
Key considerations
Size
Your first consideration when shopping for an ATV cover is size. Of course you want to pick one that fits your machine. It needs to be large enough to completely cover the ATV without being so large that it’s hard to secure.
Some manufacturers offer covers for specific ATVs; others sell covers in a variety of sizes. There are even “universal fit” covers. Check to see if the maker of the cover you’re considering offers a sizing chart. This chart can help you gauge what size you need.
Durability
Durability is a vital feature, especially if your ATV cover will be used outside. While the type of material can affect a cover’s durability, covers can also be made rugged by utilizing multiple layers of material. Double-stitched or taped seams can add strength to stress points and keep the edges from fraying.
Other features to note when evaluating a cover’s durability are any straps, cords, or design elements (like grommets) that are used to secure the cover.
Securing options
An ATV cover needs to be secured to keep out rain and hold the cover in place in windy conditions. To achieve this, the cover may offer an array of securing options. These options range from an elastic hem that clings to the bottom of the ATV to a variety of tie down loops, straps, cables, shock cords, and built-in grommets. Note that materials like elastic and Velcro offer minimal security, whereas heavy-duty ratchet straps and grommets offer the best protection.
Ease of use
Some ATV covers are more user-friendly than others. The best covers slip over the ATV effortlessly and are also easy to remove. This is particularly important if you frequently cover and uncover your machine. For efficiency, some ATV covers have quick-release buckles and hem elastic for ease of use.
Features
Materials
ATV covers are made of a variety of materials. The material that’s right for you depends on how you plan to use the cover. Cotton and nylon covers are appropriate for indoor use. Canvas, nylon, and polyester are better for ATVs that need covering outside. The material of your ATV cover should resist shrinking and stretching. It’s also a good idea to choose a cover with a soft backing layer on the inside.
Water resistance and waterproofing
All ATV covers should offer some level of protection from rain, snow, and the occasional roof leak. Thinner covers designed for indoor use may be only water-resistant but covers designed for outdoor use offer more protection in the form of waterproofing. For example, an ATV cover made with multiple layers of polyester is better at warding off water than an ATV cover made of one layer of cotton.
UV resistance
Sun exposure can inflict considerable damage on both ATV covers and the machines they protect. UV rays can cause a cover to fade and leave its material brittle. For this reason, some degree of UV protection is largely standard, especially in ATV covers made for outdoor use.
Mildew resistance
An ATV cover should include some form of venting for breathability. This keeps moisture from building up under the cover, which can lead to mildew and mold growth. Some covers have mildew/mold/rot resistance built into them. This is a particularly desirable feature if your cover will frequently be exposed to moisture.
Easy-access panels
While not standard, some ATV covers include built-in easy-access panels (usually zippered) that allow you to access the gas tank, key, and other areas without removing the cover. If this is something you would use, it can be a handy feature to have.
Reflective strips
Some ATV covers come with reflective strips. Given that the majority of covers are black, these strips provide some welcome visibility in the dark.
Case/storage bag
The majority of ATV covers ship with a bag for storage. Make sure the bag is sealable via zipper, drawstring, or some other means.
"What exactly is UV protection on an ATV cover? Most often, it comes in the form of a protective layer that reflects heat and light away from the ATV."
STAFF
BestReviews
ATV cover prices
ATV cover prices range from under $30 to $60 or more, with the average price falling between these two numbers.
Inexpensive: Covers that cost less than $30 offer basic protection and are best for indoor use. These covers are lightweight but should still be durable enough to serve you for years. UV protection may be minimal, but the product should still resist water.
Mid-range: The majority of ATV covers fall in the $30 to $60 range. With these covers, you will receive better protection against the elements and better securing options for tying down the cover. These covers may be for indoor or outdoor use, and a minimal warranty of one to three years is usually included.
Expensive: For $60 or greater, you can get a premium ATV cover that offers maximum protection from sun, water, and mildew. These covers are made for larger ATVs. Some feature additional elements, such as reflective strips and easy-access panels. A durable build with double-stitched seams is standard here, and the warranties are more robust at three years or longer.
Tips
- A storage bag for your cover is useful. A durable storage bag will not only afford you a neat and compact way to store your cover but also a way to protect it when not in use.
- Adjustable straps add versatility. Does your ATV include accessories such as a cargo box or plow? Consider a cover with adjustable straps for a better fit.
- Ratchet straps are great for trailering. If you plan on trailering your ATV, consider buying a cover that includes ratchet straps. These straps provide a tighter fit for on-the-road use.
- Water resistance matters, even if the cover will only be used indoors. Any water resistance built into a cover will protect your ATV in the event of a sudden roof leak.
- ATV covers can be cleaned. While you should check with the manufacturer (or included care instructions) before attempting to clean a cover, the majority clean up nicely with mild soap, warm water, and a soft cloth. Rinse with a hose and dry thoroughly before deploying the cover or storing it.
FAQ
Q. Are all ATV covers designed for indoor and outdoor use?
A. Some can be used in both environments, but others are strictly for indoor use. Indoor covers are generally thinner and offer less UV resistance. They are designed to protect garage and barn-housed ATVs from dust and scratches. These covers should be breathable so moisture doesn’t accumulate and contribute to mold and mildew growth.
Covers designed for outdoor use tend to be thicker and offer better resistance to both water and UV rays.
Q. How often will I need to replace my ATV cover?
A. This varies depending on a number of factors, including the quality of your cover and how you use it. A high-quality cover used indoors will obviously outlast a poor-quality cover used outdoors. Generally speaking, an ATV cover should last around five years, at which point you should start checking it periodically for signs of wear.
Q. How heavy are ATV covers?
A. Surprisingly, the covers are not as heavy as you might think. The weight ranges between 2 and 5 pounds, with heavier covers having a thicker material or a larger size. If you’re trying to minimize weight, consider a cover designed exclusively for indoor use.
