Rear bumpers. 2" receiver hitches. Push tubes. These are the “small upgrades” that somehow turn into big upgrades the first time you back into a stump, drag a cooler rack down a washboard road, or decide your driveway needs to meet a plow blade.
Today we’re focusing on KFI side-by-side gear that’s not a winch (we still love winches—this is just the “beyond the winch” episode). If you want more protection, more utility, and fewer “well that was expensive” noises, you’re in the right place.
Table of Contents
Safety disclaimer: Work on a cool machine on flat ground. Use proper PPE (eye protection, gloves), chock wheels, and support the vehicle safely if it’s lifted. Follow KFI instructions and your SxS owner’s manual. If you’re unsure about hardware torque, mounting points, or towing/recovery limits, get help from a qualified shop. Also: be responsible—off-road fun and public roads have rules for a reason.
Quick shopping links (so you can browse first, read later)
- Shop all KFI gear
- Exterior Accessories (bumpers, protection, utility add-ons)
- Hitch Receivers (2" receivers for lots of SxS/UTV fitments)
- Plows (push tubes live in the plow world)
Rear bumpers: protection + practicality
A rear bumper on a side-by-side does two important jobs:
- Stops trail surprises from becoming bodywork surprises. Trees, rocks, ditch edges, loading ramps… you know the cast of characters.
- Gives you a sturdier “work zone” for strapping gear, loading a bed, or generally existing in the real world.
Tube bumper vs. formed bumper
This is the classic fork in the trail:
- Tube bumper: Typically lighter looking, classic off-road style, and often designed to play nicely with bed functions (like dump beds).
- Formed bumper: More “built-in” coverage and a cleaner, more integrated look. Some designs add extra utility (like light mounting provisions).
Example KFI rear bumpers we stock
-
KFI 24+ Kawasaki Ridge/XR Rear Tube Bumper (SKU: KFI102230)
Nice bonus: this style is designed so the bumper tilts with the bed—handy if your Ridge sees real work. -
KFI 24+ Kawasaki Ridge/XR Formed Rear Bumper (SKU: KFI102235)
If you like “OEM+ but tougher,” formed is the vibe. Some formed bumpers include provisions for flush-mount cube lights depending on the application.
Finish nerd note: KFI bumper designs commonly use bead blasting prior to powder coating for better prep. Translation: the coating is more likely to stay put when your SxS lives the life it was built for.
2" receivers: the utility socket
A 2" receiver on a side-by-side is basically a universal mount point. Think:
- Cargo racks and carriers
- Receiver-mounted recovery points (used properly, within ratings)
- Moveable accessories (depending on your machine and mount location)
Front receivers are especially handy because they let you push, pull, maneuver, and mount accessories where you can see what you’re doing. (Your spotter will still have opinions. Always.)
Examples of KFI 2" receivers we stock
-
KFI 16+ Polaris Ranger 570/Crew (800 body) Front Upper 2" Receiver (SKU: KFI100875)
Fitment tip: Some “upper” receiver locations share space with a permanently-mounted winch setup on certain machines. Plan your layout before you buy twice. -
KFI 21+ Yamaha Wolverine RMAX/RMAX4 Front Lower 2" Receiver (SKU: KFI101870)
Install heads-up: Some lower receivers require trimming a lower plastic panel (templates/instructions are typically included).
Important: Receivers don’t magically increase your SxS towing/recovery limits. Always follow your machine’s rated capacities and KFI’s product notes for the specific receiver you’re installing.
Push tubes: plow-ready muscle
Push tubes are where your side-by-side stops being “just a toy” and starts acting like the world’s most fun piece of small equipment. If you plow snow, maintain property, or have a driveway that laughs at shovels, a push tube system is the backbone of a UTV plow setup.
What to look for
- Compatibility: Make sure the push tube system matches the plow/mount system you’re running (or plan to run).
- Strength + adjustability: You want robust tubing, solid pivot points, and easy blade angle adjustments.
- Lift/geometry: Enough lift height and smart front-mount design can make plowing smoother and less “diggy.”
Example push tube we stock
-
KFI PRO 2.0 UTV Push Tube (SKU: KFI106300)
KFI’s PRO 2.0 square push tube design is built around easier installs and plow accessory compatibility, with a front-mount design and quick angle-adjust style hardware.
Tools & safety gear
Most bumper/receiver installs are a “basic hand tools + don’t rush” job. Push tubes/plow setups are still DIY-friendly, just larger and more alignment-sensitive.
Safety gear
- Safety glasses (non-negotiable)
- Mechanic gloves
- Wheel chocks
- Jack + jack stands (if you need lift access—use correctly)
- Hearing protection (if trimming/drilling)
Tools
- Socket set + ratchet (metric is common on SxS hardware)
- Combination wrenches
- Torque wrench (tight is good; correct is better)
- Hex keys/bit set (if required by the kit)
- Trim tools (for plastics)
- Drill + bits (only if your specific kit requires drilling)
- Threadlocker (medium strength, as instructed)
Install basics (no drama edition)
Rear bumper (general workflow)
- Park on level ground, key off, and let hot components cool.
- Remove any factory bumper/brace components per your service manual.
- Test-fit the new bumper and brackets before fully tightening anything.
- Install hardware finger-tight, then align the bumper visually (and with bed function if applicable).
- Torque fasteners to the spec provided by KFI (or the vehicle manual where appropriate).
- Re-check clearance (bed tilt, tailgate, accessories), then do a quick post-drive re-torque.
2" receiver hitch (general workflow)
- Identify the mount location (upper vs lower; front vs rear) and confirm it won’t interfere with other accessories.
- Remove plastics/grilles as needed (keep track of clips—future you will thank you).
- Loosely install receiver hardware, then align it square before torqueing.
- If trimming is required, measure twice, cut once, and use the provided template if included.
- Torque everything to spec and verify the receiver is straight and fully seated.
Push tube (general workflow)
- Confirm you have the correct mount for your machine and that all plow components are compatible.
- Assemble the push tube per KFI instructions (dry-fit first).
- Install the mount hardware, then attach the push tube assembly and check pivot/angle movement.
- Verify lift operation, blade angle adjustment, and that nothing binds at full travel.
- Re-check hardware torque after the first plow session (things settle in).
Care & maintenance
- Rinse after mud/salt: Powder coat lasts longer when you don’t marinate it in winter brine.
- Inspect mounting bolts regularly: Especially after the first few rides and after any “impact moments.”
- Touch up chips: A quick touch-up can slow corrosion in harsh climates.
- Plow setup: Grease/inspect pivot points as recommended and keep angle pins moving freely.
FAQ
Do I need a rear bumper if I mostly trail ride?
If you’ve ever backed into a tree in a tight turn, yes. If you haven’t yet… congratulations on your perfect life. (Kidding. It’s coming.)
Is a 2" receiver “universal”?
The receiver size is common, but the mounting kit is vehicle-specific. Shop by your exact make/model/year and confirm fitment notes before ordering.
Can I still run a winch with a front receiver?
Sometimes yes, sometimes you’ll need to choose a different receiver position or a different winch mounting approach. Check the notes for your exact receiver kit before you commit.
Bring it home
KFI makes it easy to turn your side-by-side into a more capable, more durable, more useful machine—without turning it into a full-time fabrication project. Start with the protection (rear bumper), add utility (2" receiver), then go full “responsible adult with property” (push tubes + plow).
Got questions? Drop them in the comments. Bonus points if you share your best (or worst) “I thought the rear end was clear…” story.
