P500 Starting fresh - What do I Need?

[larrybud]

I’m open to suggestions on hard vs a rag top. Looks like the canvas tops are about 1/2 to 1/3 the price.

As far as the 50” trails go. I bought the P5 for this very purpose. Our hunting area has access to some prime turf accessible only by foot or <50” OHVs. I’m keeping her trail legal.

 

[trigger]

Never owned the soft top but I've always thought they looked cool. I suppose they would serve their purpose but the hard tops are about indestructible. I've beat the hell out of mine and it's held up great. I've mounted led's to it as well, which you couldn't do with a soft top. Cough up a few extra bucks now and it'll be the last top you buy. JMO

 

[tomcj2]

If you are going under any low hanging branches don't waste your $ on a soft top.

 

[Alan aka Davinci]

The reason soft tops are some much cheaper is because they are. buy one hard top and more money it will still be cheaper in the long run because yu won't have to be replacing the soft top.

 

[Mudder]

Squeezed under many a branch with a hard top, would have destroyed a soft top. And a soft rear roll up panel is good help for dust control from the cab vortex.

 

[twodog]

I have a Tusk soft back enclosure and so far it has endured brushy trails and trailering at highway speeds for up to 80 miles at a stretch. Hard top is the only way to go. Mine is Honda OEM but there are others out there that may be better. Shop around and ask here. Someone on here has had or has used about everything. Lots of winches too I got a Superwinch 3500. It was relatively easy to install. I bought a Seizmik Versa vent windshield. Look somewhere else for that.

 

[mrjeff42]

the P5 is a blank canvas.... build yours for your needs.... there are no 2 P5's the same....I am on my second P5 and have put at least 6 different racks on the back until I got it just right for me.....one of the first things I did was tires and a winch... I have never used my winch but have one just in case.... I also run a aggressive tire pattern but don't do much mud riding.... I just don't want to get stuck....I like riding not winching....hard roof, windshield, winch, and tires would be a good start..... but you have to get the chooglin glove box....and they say the red goes faster but the green goes deeper.....that's just a little inside joke

 

[Deleted member 3748]

Never owned the soft top but I've always thought they looked cool. I suppose they would serve their purpose but the hard tops are about indestructible. I've beat the hell out of mine and it's held up great. I've mounted led's to it as well, which you couldn't do with a soft top. Cough up a few extra bucks now and it'll be the last top you buy. JMO

The soft tops can take a hell of a beating.

 

[Steven1968]

I purchased a soft top but before the season was over purchased the hard top. I don't think you can trailer it with a soft top, at least that was what I read and looking at the way it is attached reinforces that thought. You can't mount anything to it, I see a lot of people mount lights up top. I would recommend the hard top right from the start.

 

[Mudcat]

Now which winch?

I just put a SuperATV 3500 winch on mine. Be sure you get the right winch mount for it. The Honda mount will only work with the Warn winch. I found that out and had to take it back. Good thing was I saved about $150 when I got the right mount.

 

[Spellmajr]

I use mine for hunting on small tight atv trails. I don’t ever go on joy rides. Here is a must list for me.

1. Hard Top because the canvas will rip on low limbs.
2. winch
3. Boot protectors
4. The rack setup. Toolbox with a atv drop basket rack. Both can be picked up cheap on Facebook marketplace.
5. Front basket rack from strongmade.
6. The glovebox mod

With that being said you can fit a windshield in there at anytime but the p5 lacks in storage especially for hunting gear.

 

[Spellmajr]

Pic of the tool box with the drop rack.

 

[100Acre]

Be welcome to the hereness of now within this forum. Winch, hard roof, SuperATV flip up windshield if you’re short in stature. Rear panel. Keep the rims and bring a hammer or replace with 5+2 offset rims and bring a hammer unless buying aluminum, replace the tires with 26” all the way around (get a spare). Spacers.
Methuselah Fractal Imagry Retina Cannons in phase 5.

 

[gmacaluso]

Larry,

I'm with others that said while you can empty a wallet, check to see what your riding requires and not be swept up in the "this would be cool to have" hype. That said, I went for winch, windshield (best decision), and roof right off the top. Skid plates and tires are likely soon as the travel needs some help for Colorado classics.

GMac (Lil'Red ... the best color, as in Go Big ...!)

 

[gmacaluso]

By the way, its now official, my P500 is now Lil'Red!

 

[trigger]

swept up in the "this would be cool to have" hype.

That's why most of us bought a sxs in the first place, and they were right!

 

[gmacaluso]

Trigger speaks the truth ... its all about the toys! On the other hand ... happy wife, happy life. *sigh*

 

[Plumber32]

I just bought a 2018 P500 ( red btw ). It's still at the dealer and I'll pick it up next Thursday. I bought it primarily as an Elk Hunting Mobility Tool. However, both my Son and I will use it for some Colorado Trail riding.

I'm thinking a roof ( Canvas or Hard? ), Some of those strap on handles, Don't know if we need a winch? Do we need a windshield? Finally, I'm wondering how to configure the rack? I see the whole thread dedicated to the topic. Hmmm.

Anything else? I know the sky's the limit. Thought I'd keep the stock wheels year one.

Better tires, winch, roof, windshield one that opens all the way like superatv on. Rear window. This is a great start. Maybe charging ports for radios.

 

[Chuckie3]

P5 r fun to customize, wanna play you gotta pay

 

[Seavy]

Not usually, but there are big solid steel posts keeping you out and other riders that take exception to a wide vehicle on a 50" trail and huge fines for getting caught.

Now which winch?

I would strongly suggest a synthetic rope winch the wire cable winches can bind and kink overtime. I have an axon 4500 and have been throughly pleased. Short cable but I carry extra straps.