UTV Recommendations

We receive a lot of calls asking which UTV is “best” for fire and rescue operations. The truth is that several manufacturers build excellent platforms, but the right choice depends on whether the vehicle can safely support a fully loaded QTAC skid. While factors like 4×4 vs 6×6, gas vs diesel, or two-seat vs crew-cab still matter, there are three critical specifications that must be evaluated before anything else:

1. Cargo Bed Dimensions

Every QTAC skid relies on a stable, flat cargo floor.Bed length, width, and rail height determine:

1. Which skids physically fit
2. Whether hose reels or patient transport modules clear the tailgate and ROPS
3. Whether the bed supports safe center-of-gravity placement
4. How much room remains for tools and additional equipment
   

Customer must verify all vehicle specifications with the manufacturer or dealer, as UTV dimensions and payload ratings can change from year to year. QTAC provides this information as a general guide only.

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2. Maximum Bed Payload (NOT GVWR)

This is the most important number when matching a UTV to a QTAC skid.

The factory bed payload rating is the maximum weight the cargo box was engineered to carry. This is the specification that determines whether a QTAC Fire, Fire/Rescue, or EMS skid can be operated safely.

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To illustrate why this matters:

1. A QTAC 85HP weighs ~940 lb wet
2. A QTAC 85EMS-C or EMS-D weighs ~990–996 lb wet
3. Most heavy-utility UTVs have a 1,000 lb bed rating
4. Many mid-duty UTVs only support 600–800 lb
5. Some light-duty models support ≤ 400 lb

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This is why QTAC classifies skids into Light, Mid, and Heavy categories and only recommends Heavy-class skids for UTVs with a minimum 1,000 lb bed rating.

3. Total Vehicle Payload / GVWR Safety Margin

GVWR is not the cargo-bed rating, and it should never be used to determine skid compatibility.

GVWR includes:

1. Vehicle weight
2. Full fuel
3. Skid unit
4. Water weight
5. Crew
6. Gear
7. Accessories

Even when the bed rating is adequate, the total combined load must stay below the UTV’s payload capacity to maintain braking performance, suspension travel, and safe handling on slopes.

QTAC’s maximum wet skid weight (up to ~996 lb) is designed intentionally to align with the industry’s 1,000 lb bed class, but only when:

• the UTV is in its proper seating mode (for example, Mule PRO-FXT must be in 3-seat mode to access the full bed rating)
• additional gear weight is accounted for
• the operator understands how water movement affects vehicle stability

Why This Matters

Selecting a UTV without understanding the above three specifications can lead to:

• Instability on slopes
• Over-loading of the rear suspension
• Premature frame fatigue
• Unsafe braking performance
• Denied warranty coverage
• Dangerous center-of-gravity issues

This is why QTAC always advises customers to confirm bed dimensions, bed payload, and total vehicle payload before purchasing a UTV—especially if the plan is to operate a full-size fire or rescue skid with significant water weight.

We maintain complete, up-to-date compatibility data for:

• Polaris Ranger
• Can-Am Defender
• Kawasaki Mule
• Honda Pioneer
• Kubota RTV
• John Deere Gator
• Mahindra mPact
• Gravely Atlas / Bobcat UV34
• Intimidator

Polaris requires a riser platform

Riser kits and mounting kits are available for all Polaris-specific QTAC builds to ensure proper fit and optimal performance. For full details and ordering information, please contact our sales team.