Minimalist UTV Overlanding - Less is MORE!

The brand ads, the videos, and the dealerships want you to believe that the NORM is a side-by-side vehicle that costs over $40,000.

These "recreational vehicles" provide heat and air conditioning so you can face the Great Outdoors in comfort. OR - they offer twin turbochargers and over 100 horsepower so you can reach top speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour, or spin your tires rolling out of every turn.

In contrast, I choose an under-powered, economical, minimalist UTV

My CFMoto Uforce600 might hit 50 miles per hour, on the paved road, downhill. There is no heat or AC and the dust blows through. I don't have satellite radio or boom box speakers. I also don't have an aftermarket "muffler" that announces my arrival 10 minutes early.

Instead, what I have is an economical side-by-side that goes almost anywhere. It is only two-thirds the length of the mega UTVs so it turns better and can actually navigate woods trails. It's light enough that it seldom gets stuck - and if it does, the standard winch will pull it out.

The 60-inch width provides better stability than the 50-inch "trail" models, but much greater versatility in the woods and trails than the 64+ desert racing models.

Best of all, even after the accessories that I have added, I bought this "utility" UTV for under $10,000.

In addition, the size and weight are perfectly suited for my 5-foot by 10-foot utility trailer - which saved me over $4,000 not needing a second, longer and heavier trailer! The loaded rig pulls easily with my mid-size Nissan Frontier Pro4X.

Where I ride, I seldom exceed 45 miles per hour. In fact, many of the popular OHV trails have speed limits of 30 MPH or less! 100 turbocharged horses are a total waste. The little 580cc motor loafs along at 3500 to 4500 RPMs.

Since I am not racing across the desert in the Baja 1000, I don't need racing seats and a 4-point harness. The upright seating position is comfortable for long rides over 100 miles. I did, however, add a ventilated seat and back rest, the same kind preferred by long-haul truckers.

Finally, the simplicity of the single cylinder engine means lower maintenance costs and greater dependability. The front hood and rear tilting bed provide complete access.

The large rear box provides more than enough room for overlanding - that is, multi-day camping or trips with motel stays. I have added a "48-gallon" Rubbermaid Action Packer tote to contain my gear and protect it from dirt and rain.

The box is tied down to the stock anchor points in the bed, so it is removable if the bed is need for other hauling. There is still plenty of room for bulky camping gear or some firewood. This also places the passenger weight and camping gear almost perfectly centered between the front and rear wheels , making hill climbs stable with great traction.

If I am trail riding - day trips or extended adventures - with rigs that cost more than FOUR times as much - but we cover the exact same route and miles, who has the better experience?

My minimalist UTV is capable of overlanding, in comfort, economically, and doesn't break the bank! When I get home, I check the oil, hose out the dust, and put the fully PAID FOR side-by-side in my garage. My fellow riders take their big rigs and trailers to a rented storage unit. Then they go home and write checks for storage, insurance, and the loans on their expensive toys.

I'll accept the high speed limitations of the U600 for ALL the advantages of the minimalist UTV for riding and overlanding!

Here is a short video of the rural roads and trails in my region of Central Wisconsin: