Hiya Folks,
Well I am starting to get my head around just what I want in the way of storage for my XP. This will be used primarily for trail riding (short distances primarily...less than 20miles), possibly a bit of logging, and plowing snow. Given this is MY first ATV, I'd appreciate it if some of you seasoned veterans could review my plan and add any insight you may have.

I'm looking at the Lock and Ride front storage box for the front.
For the rear, I'm looking at a cargo rail and possibly two rotopax tanks (water and gas).
I was considering the Lock and Ride rear cargo box but got to thinking that it might limit me in terms of what I can carry. What if I want to carry a cooler or a chainsaw etc.... I suppose it's easy enough to remove but I'd have to empty the contents everytime I wanted to change "configurations". I can use a smaller storage box on the rear and still be able to tie on a cooler/chainsaw/etc. I'd prefer to run the rotopax up front but that would, it appears, block the light on the steering column. The other option is to ditch the front storage and put the rotopax's up there. What to do?!

I appreciate any insight you may have. As you can see, I'm a little torn on just what to do!
Cheers,
cc

 

Just my opinion, but if your rides are limited to 20 miles or less, I'd forego the Rotopax altogether and go with a storage box or rack front and rear. You'd have plenty of room for your logging supplies, and could always throw a 2 gal. gas can in one of the boxes/ racks if you think you'll be gone long enough to need it. Anyway, that's what I'd do...

-J

 

Montana Jacks Deluxe Box 2 for the rear-MTJ 5002, Rotpax fuel mounts on top lid.
Kolpin Saw 2 Carrier KOL20044-also from Montana Jacks.
Polaris LnR box for the front.
Polaris Rack Extension for the rear-to mount the saw carrier to.

ATV Accessories, UTV Accessories, warn winch, cargo box - Montana Jack's

You might get a Tamarack Tube-It on the back of the rack if you need more storage, mounting the saw carrier to the sides of the rack.

Tamarack ATV Accessories - Tube-It Revolutionary Storage

My .02

 

Yeah, no need to Rotopax based on your description. What do you need all that extra water and gas for? You could travel 3 times that distance without any extra gas. Just bring some water in a canteen, throw it in the box and be done with it.

 

Yea, I have to agree. Considering the cost of the Rotopax and your planned usage.

I strap a 5 gal gas can to my rear rack if I decide to take a long ride. I've used it 3 times in 3 years, I paid $6 at wally world, I would not have been able to get my money's worth outa the Rotopax, and I usually ride about 30-50 miles each trip with no extra fuel. Throw some bottles of water in the storage box and you're ready to go.

 

Unless the weight is a problem for you, you don't have to empty the rear storage box to remove it. The Lock & Ride anchors are tucked under the ends of the box ( on the outside) and easy to get to. Flip the levers and lift it off! Done!

 

Thanks folks for the responses. A few learnings from your advice. I believe you are right regarding the gas storage. I really wouldn't be travelling that far to justify having the extra gasoline. Water on the other hand, I'm in NM and many places I'd be going to have little or no water so I may still consider something there although I could just as easily put a jug or two on the rear cargo area or in a box back there. I like the idea of having a large box back there for tools, parts, first aid, etc... but I also want to be able to carry a cooler at times. So I may just put a rail around the back (cargo rack extender?) and have to find a smaller box to put all my essentials into that would allow for a cooler etc... as well. I did go ahead and purchase the front storage box from Polaris so I may just wait until that comes in to see just how much stuff I can really fit into it. Thanks for the advice!!!
Cheers,
jlc

 

Glad we could help! Don't forget to post some pics when you get your racks/ boxes mounted!

-J