by Todd Davis
It’s that time of year. Dove season is here and deer season is right around the corner. It’s time to take the UTV for a drive around the block to make sure the batteries are good and everything is in working order, but don’t stop there. Now is the time to reflect on last year and add the UTV accessories you wish you had then.
The three things on my wish list were new seat covers, floor mats, and a rear bumper. Duck hunting can take its toll on seat covers, so I wanted to upgrade those. It is a muddy walk to my bow stand every year, and getting the big clumps of mud out of the floor board is a pain. To solve that issue, I wanted floor mats that I could just lift and dump until I got to the car wash. I also needed a rear bumper because I had several near misses while backing up in the woods and would rather bump into a tree with a bumper rather than a fender.
Kemimoto Seat Cover Upgrade
The seat covers on a UTV take a beating, from hunting dogs to trailering in bad weather. I wanted something easy to put on but durable enough to last a few years. I also wanted accessories that wouldn’t break the bank. The Kemimoto seat covers looked like they would do just that.
The installation was straightforward, and the final fit looks great. I am pleased that they will protect my seats, and I can take them off and wash them if I want. They also add a layer of waterproofing to protect the cushion. It’s also easy to brush off any water and not get your butt soaking wet. https://www.kemimoto.com/products/split-bench-seat-covers-leather-for-can-am-defender
Kemimoto Floor Mats
I agree this may just be my OCD, but I have a long muddy walk to my bow blind and a long muddy walk back. Over the course of the weekend you can’t drive the Can Am without scooping out mud from under the gas and brake pedals. I know what you’re thinking, but there is nowhere else to park without adding another mile to the walk.
I wanted two things in a floor mat: I wanted a floor mat that would not blow out while trailering the Defender, and something I can dump mud out of the floorboard without wearing it the rest of the day. Oh yeah…I didn’t want to spend much on them either. To save on shipping, I added floor mats to my seat cover order. They slipped right in and fit great. I haven’t had any issue with them blowing out, and they make dumping mud a quick and painless thing now. https://www.kemimoto.com/products/can-am-defender-tpe-floor-mats
Kemimoto Rear Bumper
I didn’t realize there are so many rear bumpers to choose from. I really just wanted something to keep me from destroying the bed of the Defender when backing up in the woods. Of course, I will probably manage to crush it anyways, but it won’t be because I don’t have a rear bumper. Besides, it is a cool look for very little money. You can spend much more than I did and add lights and steps and other accessories, but in the end it’s just a bumper.
Adding floor mats and seat cushions is one thing, but assembling and mounting a bumper is another. I have to say the Kemimoto bumper is easy to install, even for guys who hate reading instructions. If you are mechanically inclined, you can mount it in no time. If not, it will take a little longer than that. Bumpers are all about the fit. In the end, it should be a bumper, but how many modifications did it take? I am surprised I didn’t have to buy a Snap-On truck, and the bumper looks factory. https://www.kemimoto.com/products/rear-bumper-with-light-for-can-am-defender?variant=42434771517631
UTV Accessories with a Purpose
If you’re like me, every year you say “I need to do something about that,” and then never do. This year, I did something about it. My floor mats let me keep the clumps of clay from under the pedals, my seat cushions seem dog-proof, and my rear bumper gives me a sense of security I will probably one day regret. I am happy with the Kemimoto accessories. They were an easy installation, fit great, and I kept enough money in my pocket to buy an extra box of shotgun shells. Now it’s time for you to make your UTV fit your style of hunting.
