Anone have insteresting storage ideas for the RTV500?
- Thread starter DIXIEDOG
- Start date
I can't say it's a "good" idea, but it was an idea that's worked well for me for the past 6 years...
I bought one of the first RTV's back in 2004. At the time, there were no forum discussions about the RTV. I had a concern about the integrity of the sides of the cargo bed when I'd fill it with wood or stone. I wasn't sure if they would bow out or get banged up badly.
So, right after I got the RTV, I removed the OEM bed sides. I then made my own cargo box out of pressure treated lumber as I knew the wood could take the impacts and if it did get all banged up, I wouldn't care as I didn't have much invested.
I laid some plywood on the bed floor then built sides out of PT 5/4 decking boards with 2x4" vertical supports. The top 5/4 decking board has some 2/4 blocks to keep it from sliding around but is otherwise not secured. I lift it off, and there's storage under there. There's a bit over 3000 cu/in of storage which is the equivalent of 2 medium sized backpacks.
Once I stained it, it doesn't look bad.
Here's some pics. BTW, in the unstained pics, there is no tailgate mounted yet. There is one there, made out of a 2x12.
A hood rack (if they make one for the 500) is another idea. I have one but don't use it as much, since I can put things in the back.
I also added some hooks to the ROPS for holding things. The single J-hook pictured below is mounted near the top of the ROPS. I use that for a coat hook.
In another picture below, you'll see some brackets coming off the ROPS with an eye-bolt coming off them. I have one bracket on the front ROPS, another on the rear. I use this setup for carrying long items. I carry extension ladders by just setting them on top of these brackets. For other big items, I carry a couple small chains (like safety chains from a trailer) that I wrap around whatever needs carrying then hook them on the 2 brackets and off I go.
I bought one of the first RTV's back in 2004. At the time, there were no forum discussions about the RTV. I had a concern about the integrity of the sides of the cargo bed when I'd fill it with wood or stone. I wasn't sure if they would bow out or get banged up badly.
So, right after I got the RTV, I removed the OEM bed sides. I then made my own cargo box out of pressure treated lumber as I knew the wood could take the impacts and if it did get all banged up, I wouldn't care as I didn't have much invested.
I laid some plywood on the bed floor then built sides out of PT 5/4 decking boards with 2x4" vertical supports. The top 5/4 decking board has some 2/4 blocks to keep it from sliding around but is otherwise not secured. I lift it off, and there's storage under there. There's a bit over 3000 cu/in of storage which is the equivalent of 2 medium sized backpacks.
Once I stained it, it doesn't look bad.
Here's some pics. BTW, in the unstained pics, there is no tailgate mounted yet. There is one there, made out of a 2x12.
A hood rack (if they make one for the 500) is another idea. I have one but don't use it as much, since I can put things in the back.
I also added some hooks to the ROPS for holding things. The single J-hook pictured below is mounted near the top of the ROPS. I use that for a coat hook.
In another picture below, you'll see some brackets coming off the ROPS with an eye-bolt coming off them. I have one bracket on the front ROPS, another on the rear. I use this setup for carrying long items. I carry extension ladders by just setting them on top of these brackets. For other big items, I carry a couple small chains (like safety chains from a trailer) that I wrap around whatever needs carrying then hook them on the 2 brackets and off I go.
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I'm not sure which to drool over, the bed or those shiny tires I can't match Brian's modifications, but the two best storage solutions I added to my RTV900 were the bed tool box and the hanging rifle carrier/head rest. I keep my rain suit in the pockets of the rifle carrier and it makes a great head rest. The platform over the tool box is a pivoting deck for the high rack hunting seat I installed.
Andrew
Andrew
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That platform is slick, that would be perfect for someone with coon hounds. With my dog box in the back of my 500 using the bed for storage is out, it's just not big enough for it. I do like the looks of the tool box and platform but it won't work for my application. I do have one of the soft UTV organizers which is similar to your gun scabbord and it's pretty good.
Has anyone done anything to add storage under the hood? It's just wasted space right now, if I could utilize that for anything it would be great.
Has anyone done anything to add storage under the hood? It's just wasted space right now, if I could utilize that for anything it would be great.
Jim_S
Super Moderator
I have a 900 and Kubota sells a tray that mounts under the hood. Not very large but better than nothing. Maybe they have one for the 500.
Jim
BTW, the clamps I use on the ROPS are called "O-Clamps" and are used for lighting and such on stages for bands or whatever. They're quick on/off and are pretty darn sturdy.
I believe the 500 ROPS is 1.5" which is a pretty standard size for these clamps.
E-bay and other stores sell these clamps for about $5 each.
EDIT TO ADD:
Oops. I didn't attach the pic of the J-hook in my original post.
I believe the 500 ROPS is 1.5" which is a pretty standard size for these clamps.
E-bay and other stores sell these clamps for about $5 each.
EDIT TO ADD:
Oops. I didn't attach the pic of the J-hook in my original post.
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I checked on them $140 and I had to order it sight unseen, I was hoping that somebody would know of a cheaper alternative or at least have first hand experience with the expensive Kubota part.
Well, I was thinking you could store it in my pole building.
I'll keep that in mind
I'll be checking out the O clamps looks perfect for storing my tow strap and extra tiedown straps.
Jim_S
Super Moderator
OUCH! I don't remember it costing near that much but I bought mine several years ago.
It's just a flat tray with a lip shaped for the available space. It is a hole in one place that fits over an existing stud and either one or two tabs molded on it to fit other studs.
I'll try to get you a picture of it.
Jim
Jim_S
Super Moderator
TWO GUNS
Senior Member
This is our little box, holds everything we need, snatch blocks, gloves, straps, extra tools when needed, chains. Holds more than one thinks. And nothing has ever bounded out . In the hunting months, it also carries extra batteries for the game cameras and cartridges, and marking glow sticks. The price ( the storage box ) was in the area of two dollar at Wal-Mart, seen also at Dollar stores.
Included under the hood, is a light, ( it's green, you can see it up top ) been there for over two years and still just as bright as the day I stuck it on the bottom of the hood.
P.S.
Also drilled some very small holes in the lower corner, to let any water that needs to excape while spashing threw the swamps during the bad months. > Looks like it's time to bath under the hoods after crossing some of the bad ditches behind the place ....
Included under the hood, is a light, ( it's green, you can see it up top ) been there for over two years and still just as bright as the day I stuck it on the bottom of the hood.
P.S.
Also drilled some very small holes in the lower corner, to let any water that needs to excape while spashing threw the swamps during the bad months. > Looks like it's time to bath under the hoods after crossing some of the bad ditches behind the place ....
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You are inquiring about RTV500 storage. I have the RTV900 and solved my under hood storage by cutting two pieces of plywood to cover the plastic "flaps" in the middle and using a canvas bag on each side to store winch accessories,tools, etc. I also fabricated a metal tray that fits on the front dash. Another metal tray is attached to the safety screen above the seat back. I will try to add photos later.
LETHAL GTS
Member
BCZOOM
Are those speakers you have mounted to the rear top corners?
If so, what do you have for a sound system?
Are those speakers you have mounted to the rear top corners?
If so, what do you have for a sound system?
GTS
Yes, those are speakers. Those pictures are old and I've since moved them to the inside of the ROPS.
I'm not on my regular PC so I can't give detailed pictures but here's an outline.
The box speakers you see are either Acoustic Research or Cerwin Vega. I don't recall which.
In the picture that has the wood box not yet stained, you can see 2 round domes in the passenger compartment ceiling panel. Those are another couple marine speakers.
In the side view picture, centered in the ceiling panel you can see the Boss Marine stereo/CD player.
What can't be seen is the amp that's mounted between the ceiling and roof panels.