Quads are designed for all types of off-road adventures, but it can be a little tricky to keep your vehicle in great condition. Quad covers may seem like a hassle, but they’re an important part of protecting your equipment. Thankfully, it only takes a few minutes to choose and install the right cover for both your seat and your entire vehicle.
StepsPart 1Part 1 of 2:Measuring Your Quad
1Extend a measuring tape on the ground from the front to the back of your quad. Take a hard measuring tape and place it along the ground next to your parked quad. Extend the tape from the furthest point forward on your quad to the back. Jot down the measurement on a separate piece of paper so you don’t forget it.XDon’t just measure from tire to tire—instead, measure from the whatever parts of your quad stick out the most, like the front of the vehicle
2Run the measuring tape from the left tire to the right tire to figure out the width. Arrange your measuring tape along the far edge of 1 of your front tires, then extend the tape to the far edge of the opposite tire. Take down the exact measurement so you have an idea of how wide your vehicle is overall.XDon’t include any side mirrors in this measurement.If any sections of your quad are wider than the tires, start measuring from that point instead.
3Check how tall your quad is from the tires to the handlebars. Place your tape measure upright on the ground so it’s right next to the front tire. Pull the tap upwards until you reach the tallest portion of your quad, which is probably the handlebars. Write down this measurement along with your other measurements, so you have a full set of dimensions.X
Tip: Always round up each measurement to the nearest inch or centimeter, as this will make it easier to buy a new cover. For instance, if your quad is 81 3⁄4 in (208 cm), you can round it up to 82 in (210 cm), or the closest equivalent in centimeters.
Part 2Part 2 of 2:Selecting a Good Cover
1Find a cover that fits your quad dimensions or is slightly larger. Check online or visit a specialty store that sells ATV/quad supplies, like covers. Reference your set of dimensions to find a cover that will fit snugly over the top of your vehicle. If you can’t find something that fits the dimensions exactly, choose a cover that’s a little larger than your quad.X
2Choose a waterproof cover if you’re storing your quad outside. Look at the product description to see if the cover can hold up during bad weather. If you plan on parking your quad outside, pick out a cover that can repel water and prevent your vehicle from becoming rusty.XIf you have a safe, indoor place to park your quad, a waterproof cover doesn’t have to be as high of a priority.
3Look for covers that have built in UV protection. Check the product label to see what kind of protective qualities the cover has. Specifically, look for covers with extra UV protection built in, which guards your vehicle from strong, harmful rays of sun. If you live in a sunny area or plan on keeping your quad outside, you may want to invest in the extra protection.X
4Opt for a trailer-safe cover if you plan on transporting your quad. Covers can be a bit tricky to manage when you’re moving your vehicle from place to place, so it may help to look for a cover designed with this kind of transportation in mind. Check the product label to see if it’s listed as “trailer-safe,” or something similar.XIf you plan on keeping your quad in 1 place most of the time, you don’t have to worry about this.
5Stretch and pull the cover over your quad when you’re not using it. Drape the cover over the back of your quad, then gradually pull it forward over the rest of the vehicle. Double-check to make sure that the top, sides, and tires of your quad are covered so they won’t be exposed to the elements. Try to do this each time you store your vehicle, which will help it stay in great condition.X
