You may not know who David Erickson is but chances are you are protected by, at least in a small way, his work.
Erickson is a Supplier Quality Engineering manager at Autoliv automobile safety products in Ogden, UT. That is the company that makes airbags--among many other things--for your vehicle.
We first met Erickson a handful of years back when we attended a UTV event (prior to our first Rally on the Rocks) in Moab, UT. He has been off-roading with his ATV and side-by-sides for more than 10 years and has been riding motorcycles since he was a teenager.
Erickson usually goes to Moab to play. This past May, however, he was a guide for a couple of different rides at the Rally on the Rocks. Thinking he still didn't have quite enough to do at this year's ROTR, we asked him to pick five different products displayed by the vendors at the ROTR that caught his eye. We wanted to see what the everyday side-by-side enthusiast might pick as some of his favorite products.
Here they are:
Side-by-Side Tent
What Is It?
This unique tent from MacAttaxx actually goes on top of your side-by-side--literally. Not only do you carry the tent on top of the roll bars on your side-by-side, you can set it up and sleep in it on top of your side-by-side. The roof top tent is made from durable, rip-stop waterproof material and easily mounts to the roof rack or roll bars and can even be mounted to aftermarket roof bars. We watched the makers of the side-by-side tent tear it down and set it up again in a matter of minutes while we were at the Rally on the Rocks.
The tent comes with a ladder to climb up into the tent. The tent is available in several different colors. At the time we went to press with this issue, the tent kit retailed for $1,199.99.
Dave's Take
Obviously fresh and intriguing. It keeps you off the ground away from predators/snakes/heat seeking creatures including cougars. But it is also a practical and compact way to travel with amenities.
Information
MacAttaxx (855) 836-1098 or www.macattaxx.com.
Paxrite
What Is It?
If you don't think you have quite enough space to carry all your gear, then the Paxrite UTV Cargo Carrier by Diamond E Enterprises might help solve your problem. The makers of the Paxrite designed the cargo carrier to be useful for many different kinds of hauling, including recreational, agricultural and commercial applications.
The Paxrite fits most side-by-side models and is secured to the cab frame and dump bed of the vehicle. Of course, even though you can load a ton (not literally) of gear on to your side-by-side using the Paxrite, you shouldn't exceed the manufacturers' specified weight limits.
Dave's Take
In addition to being able to carry more stuff, this looks like it could also offer more roll protection. Its functional and useful additions come via a shape and size that fit your work or play priority.
Information
Diamond E Enterprises (208) 278-3060 or www.paxrite.com.
ProLink Shackle Mount
What Is It?
Erickson saw the ProLink Shackle Mount at the American Rock Rods booth at the Rally on the Rocks. The ProLink is manufactured by Idaho-based Factor 55 and is made from lightweight billet 6061 aluminum. It is designed to be used for winch cables and synthetic ropes and can easily be mounted to a side-by-side.
According to Factor 55, there are several advantages of winching with a screw pin shackle over a conventional winch hook. One such advantage is that shackles are five times stronger than a conventional winch hook. The ProLink fits all steel cables and synthetic ropes up to 3/8-inches in diameter.
Dave's Take
The shackle mount has several appeals, including a compact design along with a robust and no doubt tough ware qualities. Far from looking like a visit to the hardware store gone wrong, this recovery/winch accessory really boasts stylish sophistication.
Information
American Rock Rods www.americanrockrods.com.
RZ Mask
What Is It?
Dirt Toys Magazine actually did a product review ("Product Review: RZ Mask," Fall, 2012, page 43) on the RZ Mask, a product Erickson really took notice of at the Rally on the Rocks.
The Minnesota-based company claims the RZ Mask filters out 99.9 percent of all dust and particulates from the air, a pretty handy feature when you're off-roading on dusty trails. The mask is made of a strong neoprene material and is equipped with dual one-way valves for moisture control and includes a replaceable active carbon filter that does the work of clearing the air you breathe.
Dave's Take
The face dust mask could potentially be the most useful accessory for those who encounter dusty conditions on the trail. You might say such a mask is not needed, but the masks are frequently coveted by those not sporting one when the trails really get dusty. At the end of the day those who wore a mask usually saving an hour or two by not having to decongest their airway of the dust they "ate" during their ride.
Information
RZ Mask (888) 777-9422 or www.rzmask.com.
Mig ATV Trailer
What Is It?
Think of this as a tent trailer you can pull behind your side-by-side (or ATV). The trailer features two sleeping areas, each the size of a full-size mattress, so it can sleep four people. Additionally, the trailer's rear door can be used as a table. The durable tenting (with features zip-down screened windows) on the trailer is weather proof and the frame is powdercoated.
One thing that really is appealing about the Mig trailer is how tough it is on the trail. It's sturdy enough to go on fairly rough trails. You can also tow the trailer on the highway by car, truck or SUV.
Dave's Take
The compact camper wagon is a smart and functional way to arrive and then celebrate life while taking it easy in the outback. This little nugget allows you to go into places and camp in relatively decent accommodations you might not be able to with a bigger rig. And when the lights go out a comfortable slumber is yours to take and likely enjoy.
Information
Mig Trailers (435) 994-0464 or www.migtrailers.com.
