The Ultimate UTV Trail Tool Kit
There's nothing worse than being 30 miles deep on a trail with a broken belt, flat tire, or loose bolt — and nothing in your cargo bed to fix it. Whether you're running a quick loop through Sand Hollow or spending the day exploring the backcountry near Paiute Trail, having the right tools on board can be the difference between a great story and an expensive tow.
We put together this list based on years of real trail experience here in Southern Utah. This isn't about packing your entire garage — it's about carrying the right gear in a compact, organized setup that actually fits in your UTV without taking up every inch of cargo space.
The Must-Have Tools
These are the tools that should live in your machine permanently. Throw them in a small bag or toolbox and leave them there. You'll use them more often than you think.
Basic Hand Tools
- ▸ 3/8" ratchet with metric & SAE socket set
- ▸ Combination wrench set (10mm–19mm)
- ▸ Allen key / hex set (metric & SAE)
- ▸ Adjustable crescent wrench
- ▸ Needle-nose pliers
- ▸ Channel locks
- ▸ Wire cutters / strippers
- ▸ Multi-tool (Leatherman style)
- ▸ Flathead & Phillips screwdrivers
- ▸ Torx bit set (common on Can-Am & Polaris)
Trail Insight
Can-Am and Polaris machines use a lot of Torx fasteners. If you ride one of these, a T20–T50 Torx set is absolutely essential. Don't learn this the hard way 20 miles from the trailhead.
Electrical & Misc Repair
- ▸ Electrical tape
- ▸ Zip ties (assorted sizes — lots of them)
- ▸ Duct tape or Gorilla Tape
- ▸ Wire connectors / butt splices
- ▸ Fuses (matching your machine's specs)
- ▸ 12V test light or multimeter
- ▸ JB Weld or epoxy
- ▸ Hose clamps (assorted)
Tire Repair — Don't Get Stranded
Flat tires are the single most common trail issue. Period. Rocks, cactus spines, sharp ledges — Utah's terrain is brutal on rubber. Having a proper tire repair setup is non-negotiable.
Tire Plug Kit
A quality tire plug kit is compact and can fix most punctures in under 10 minutes. Look for one with the reamer tool, insertion tool, and a good supply of sticky rope plugs. Rubber cement is a bonus but not always necessary with modern plugs. Practice using it in the garage before you need it on the trail.
Air Solutions
After plugging a tire, you need to re-inflate it. There are a few approaches depending on your setup and budget:
- ▸ Portable 12V air compressor (most common)
- ▸ CO2 inflator kit with threaded cartridges
- ▸ On-board air system (if you've got the setup)
- ▸ Tire pressure gauge (digital or analog)
- ▸ Valve stem tool & spare valve cores
- ▸ Bead seater (for stubborn bead breaks)
Heavy Damage — Sidewall Repair
Standard tire plugs work great for tread punctures, but sidewall damage is a different animal. For those situations, consider carrying a sidewall repair patch (like a Seal-Tite or similar internal patch kit), a ratchet strap to compress the tire for bead re-seating, and even a small can of tire sealant like Slime as a last resort to limp home. Some riders swear by carrying a compact spare tire strapped to the cage — if you have the room, it's the ultimate insurance policy.
Trail Insight
Running beadlock wheels? They're awesome for low-pressure riding, but if you pop a bead on a non-beadlock wheel out on the trail, a ratchet strap around the circumference of the tire can help compress it enough to re-seat the bead with your compressor. It's a trail hack that's saved more than a few rides.
Spare Parts to Carry
You can't carry a full parts catalog, but a few key spares can turn a day-ender into a 20-minute trailside fix.
Recommended Spare Parts
- ▸ Spare drive belt (the #1 spare for CVT machines)
- ▸ Spare axle or axle boot kit
- ▸ Extra lug nuts
- ▸ Spare spark plug(s)
- ▸ Coolant hose repair / silicone tape
- ▸ Radiator stop-leak
- ▸ Extra oil (1 quart minimum)
- ▸ Brake fluid (small bottle)
- ▸ Fuel line and clamps
- ▸ Cotter pins & clevis pins (assorted)
Trail Insight
If you ride a CVT machine (most UTVs), a spare belt is the single most important spare part you can carry. Belt failures are common, especially on hard climbs and in hot weather. Learn how to swap yours trailside — it's a skill every UTV owner should have. Most belt changes can be done in 15–30 minutes with basic tools.
Recovery & Safety Gear
Recovery Essentials
- ▸ Tow strap or kinetic recovery rope
- ▸ D-ring shackles (rated for your vehicle weight)
- ▸ Winch line dampener / blanket
- ▸ Snatch block (doubles winch pulling power)
- ▸ Tree saver strap
- ▸ Hi-lift or farm jack
- ▸ Compact bottle jack
- ▸ Work gloves
Safety & Survival
- ▸ First aid kit
- ▸ Fire extinguisher (UTVs catch fire more than you think)
- ▸ Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries)
- ▸ Extra water & snacks
- ▸ Emergency blanket / space blanket
- ▸ Whistle & signal mirror
- ▸ Satellite communicator (Garmin inReach, etc.)
- ▸ Paper trail map (cell service is rare out here)
How to Pack It All
Organization matters. Throwing everything loose in the cargo bed means nothing is where you need it when things go wrong. Here are some popular approaches:
A dedicated UTV toolbox or cargo bag that straps to your bed or mounts to the cage keeps everything contained and rattle-free. Many riders use a small Pelican-style case for electrical supplies and small parts, then keep larger items like the jack and tow strap in a separate bag. Some machines have under-seat storage that's perfect for a tire repair kit and basic hand tools.
The key is to find a system that works for your specific rig and the type of riding you do. A quick desert loop doesn't need the same loadout as a multi-day backcountry trip. Scale your kit based on how far from civilization you're riding — the more remote the trail, the more comprehensive your kit should be.
Download the Printable Checklist
We put together a printable trail tool checklist so you can keep one in your garage. Run through it before every ride and never forget the essentials again.
Download Checklist (PDF)Free download — no email required
Got something on your list that we missed? Drop a comment below or tag us on Facebook — we're always looking to hear what other riders are packing on their Utah adventures.
Ride safe, ride prepared.
— The Utah Offroad Team