Key takeaways
- Measure the inside width of your cab at the mounting height before choosing a rack, and compare it with the maker range.
- Check the diameter of your roll bar or cage tubes. Clamp-style racks list the tube sizes they accept.
- Consider your helmet and headroom if the rack sits close to your head.
- Match the product to the gear: a compound bow, a crossbow and a scoped rifle all need different cradle spacing.
- Look at how the rack handles vibration. Rubber lining and tight straps reduce rattle and wear on scopes and finishes.
For hunters, an overhead in-cab rack such as the Kolpin Overhead In-Cab Gun Rack suits most buyers who want long guns or a bow carried safely inside the cab, a roll-bar mount like the Kolpin Rhino Grip suits those who want quick access without drilling, and a floor-mounted holder such as the SuperATV Defender unit is the choice for a low, protected carry on specific models. This guide covers what these products are, what the makers and reviewers state, and where each falls short. One point first: most products sold as UTV roof racks for hunting are really gun and bow carriers that mount to the cab frame, so decide whether you need cargo space on the roof or a secure place for your firearm or bow.
Roof Rack or Overhead Carrier: Which Do You Need?
A true roof rack is a flat platform for gear boxes, decoys or a spare tire. An overhead gun or bow rack is a pair of cradles that mount under the roof or to the overhead cage tubes. Review roundups from UTV Source and The Reel Shot cover mostly the second category, and that is where the hunting-specific options cluster. If you want a roof platform for bulky gear, look at the maker of your UTV or a dedicated roof rack brand and check the stated load rating against your cargo weight.
At a Glance
| Product | Best for | Key stated details | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kolpin Overhead In-Cab Gun Rack | Universal overhead carry | Reviewers list a cab-width range of roughly 20.5 to 28.5 inches; holds two guns or one bow per related Kolpin model | Cab width must fall in the range; reduces some headroom |
| Kolpin UTV Gun Rack (20073) | General-purpose protected carry | Heavy-duty rubber construction; adjustable height of about 27.5 to 35.5 inches, per reviewers | Check fit with your brand and model |
| Kolpin Rhino Grip XL | Roll-bar mounted quick access | Largest in the Rhino Grip line; reviewers call it a leading roll-bar mount | Gun is outside the cab; weather and brush exposure |
| Ratcheting Rhino Grip (21540) | Secure, no-wobble clamping | Ratcheting design singled out by reviewers | Slower to adjust than a simple strap |
| SuperATV Defender Floor-Mounted Gun Holder | Can-Am Defender and Defender MAX | Holds two long guns or one crossbow, per listings | Model-specific; premium tier |
| Great Day CL1500 | Wide overhead carry | Listed for 48 to 54 inch spans with a Center-Lok quick install | Needs a cab wide enough for the span |
| Big Sky SBR-2G | Adjustable fit | Telescoping design | Check mounting points on your cage |
Detailed Picks
Kolpin Overhead In-Cab Gun Rack
UTV Source rates this its best universal choice. The cab-width range lets it fit many machines, and the in-cab position keeps the firearm out of rain, mud and branches. The downside is that carrying a gun overhead means you should unload it before loading, and you should keep it secured before moving. A related Kolpin overhead rack is listed for two guns or one bow.
Kolpin UTV Gun Rack (20073)
Often named best overall in roundups, this rubber-based rack is praised for heavy-duty construction and a height range that suits most major UTV brands. Rubber cradles protect finishes and reduce rattle on rough trails.
Kolpin Rhino Grip and Rhino Grip XL
These clamp onto a roll bar and grip the gun or bow without drilling. Reviewers highlight the XL as the biggest and call it a strong roll-bar choice, and credit the ratcheting version with the most secure hold. The trade-off is exposure: a gun carried outside the cab needs a protective sleeve or case in wet or dusty conditions.
SuperATV Defender Floor-Mounted Holder
Built for the Can-Am Defender and Defender MAX, it holds two long guns or one crossbow low under the roof line. It is a model-specific, premium-tier purchase, but reviewers like the protected carry.
Great Day CL1500 and Big Sky SBR-2G
The Great Day is listed for wide cabs with a quick-install Center-Lok system, while the Big Sky has a telescoping design aimed at flexible fit. Either may suit machines where a fixed-width rack will not fit.
Fit, Size and Compatibility
- Measure the inside width of your cab at the mounting height before choosing a rack, and compare it with the maker range.
- Check the diameter of your roll bar or cage tubes. Clamp-style racks list the tube sizes they accept.
- Consider your helmet and headroom if the rack sits close to your head.
- Match the product to the gear: a compound bow, a crossbow and a scoped rifle all need different cradle spacing.
- Look at how the rack handles vibration. Rubber lining and tight straps reduce rattle and wear on scopes and finishes.
Safety and Legal Notes
Follow your local laws on carrying firearms in a vehicle, including whether guns must be unloaded and cased. Read the maker manual for the rack and your UTV. Keep muzzles pointed in a safe direction, never ride with a loaded firearm, and secure bows with covered broadheads. Do not drill into roll cages or roof structures unless the UTV maker allows it. If in doubt, ask a dealer or a qualified installer.
Pick X If You Want Y
| Pick this | If you want |
|---|---|
| Kolpin Overhead In-Cab | Weather-protected carry that fits many cabs |
| Kolpin UTV Gun Rack 20073 | A rubber-lined rack with adjustable height |
| Rhino Grip XL | Quick roll-bar access with no drilling |
| Ratcheting Rhino Grip | A firm, rattle-free clamp |
| SuperATV floor holder | A low, protected carry on Can-Am Defender models |
| Great Day CL1500 | Overhead carry in wide cabs |
Budget Tiers
Budget racks are usually strap-based or simple clamp cradles that work well for occasional use. Mid-range options include the Kolpin overhead racks and Rhino Grip models, which reviewers praise for solid build. Premium tier covers model-specific mounts such as the SuperATV Defender holder, where fit and finish are tailored to a machine. Stepping up mainly buys better fit, rubber protection and a more secure hold.
Alternatives
- Gun or bow cases and sleeves: Add weather protection to any rack.
- Cargo box on a true roof rack: Good for decoys and bulky gear, but check the roof load rating from the UTV maker.
- Bed-mounted gun boots: An option when cab space is limited.
Setting Up a Rack for the Season
Before opening day, install the rack and load it the way you will actually hunt. Sit in the cab with your usual jacket and helmet to see whether anything touches your head or blocks your view. Check that you can lift a gun or bow out and put it back with one hand while wearing gloves. A rack that is hard to use in a driveway will be worse in the field.
Think about the gear you carry. A rifle with a large scope, a compound bow with a bulky quiver and a crossbow all have different widths, and some cradles are shaped for one type. Reviewers often point out that tight cradles protect optics but slow access, while loose ones allow movement. Foam or rubber padding, a case or a sleeve can fine-tune the fit.
Plan for weather and mud as well. An in-cab overhead rack keeps equipment dry, whereas a roll-bar mount exposes it. After each ride, wipe down the rack, check bolts and straps, and look for wear on rubber cradles. In cold weather, rubber can stiffen, so confirm that retaining straps still close properly.
Finally, consider what else must ride on the roof or in the bed. If you need space for decoys, tree stands or a spare, a separate cargo solution may suit you better than loading more weight onto an overhead rack. Always stay inside the load limits stated by the UTV and rack makers, and secure the load so nothing shifts on rough ground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I carry a loaded gun on a UTV rack?
Laws vary by state and region, and in many places loaded firearms are not allowed in vehicles. Check local regulations before you ride. As a general safety rule, unload the firearm before loading it into any rack.
Do overhead racks fit every UTV?
No. Makers list cab-width ranges, such as the roughly 20.5 to 28.5 inches reported for the Kolpin overhead rack, and some wider racks need a 48 inch span or more. Measure your cab and compare it with the maker listing.
Is a roll-bar mount safe for a scoped rifle?
It can be convenient, but the rifle is exposed to weather and vibration. Use a case or sleeve, tighten the clamp, and check the rack stays put on rough ground.
Will drilling void my UTV warranty?
It might. Many clamp-style racks are marketed as no-drill for that reason. Read your warranty and ask the dealer before drilling into cage tubes or roof panels.
Can the rack carry a bow or crossbow?
Some can. A related Kolpin overhead rack is listed for one bow, and the SuperATV Defender holder for one crossbow. Check the stated capacity and cradle spacing.
How do I stop rattling?
Choose racks with rubber-lined cradles, tighten all straps, and add a sleeve or case. If a rack still rattles, add foam padding at the contact points.
