Text by Cody Hooper, Photos by Jon Crowley and Cody Hooper.
When we first saw Rugged Radios RRV RZR rolling through the dunes, we thought it was a medical team searching for an injured rider. Thankfully, it was just Greg Cottrell out having fun in his corporate cruiser. RRV, or Rapid Response Vehicle, is a play on Ruggeds communications background, eluding to the idea of instant communication.
Rugged has grown into a staple in the UTV aftermarket in the last few years, allowing drivers and passengers of multiple cars to communicate clearly and effectively with radio equipment previously reserved for high-scale sand and desert cars. Rugged has a host of products to outfit your UTV for communication, from a two-person intercom kit all the way up to four-way intercom and car to car bundles.
What has set Rugged apart from the competition (in our eyes) is their dedication to complete customer satisfaction. Every single member of Ruggeds staff, including the owner, will routinely pick up the phones and call on customers after an order to ensure everything arrived on time and undamaged, as well as to answer any questions the consumer may have. Small touches like this bring on repeat business, which Rugged works very hard to maintain.
ACE 570
Ruggeds RRV RZR XP4 1000 and Sportsman Ace 570 are both equipped with 50 watt car to car radios, in-helmet speaker and microphone kits, and Ruggeds new fresh-air blower system. Similar to the infamous Parker Pumper, the blower motor pumps fresh, filtered air into a full-face helmet through a special adapter port. When coupled with a helmet skirt, it keeps you cool, dry, and dust-free without the need for goggles. Its an absolute must for desert racing, and we are seeing them on more and more UTV builds lately.
Ruggeds RRV RZR
Ruggeds RRV RZR is also fitted with a four-place intercom kit. The intercom kit allows up to four passengers in the RZR to communicate seamlessly. Helmets are outfitted with a set of speakers and a microphone (the kit fits nearly any helmet), and the lead coming out of the helmet plugs into a harness that is wired into the UTV. Communication at full throttle becomes as easy as chatting over dinner, and you dont have to hold down a button to talk.
RRP686 4 Place Intercom System with Helmet Kits
The car to car radio kit is a 50 watt VHF radio that comes pre-programmed with 75 of the most popular offroad frequencies. It uses the same helmet speakers and microphone as the intercom, allowing you to broadcast and receive communication from any VHF radio in range. Its an effective way to communicate with other cars, base camps, on-road vehicles, and more.
Vertex VX2200 VHF 50 Watt Mobile Radio
Being able to communicate with your own passengers, as well as other vehicles, is a blessing no matter where you ride. It makes the ride more entertaining, safer, and almost eliminates wrong turns on the trail. Lastly, the intercom kit comes with a line in adapter (or Bluetooth if you option it) that allows you to play music through the helmet headsets. The music automatically fades when someone talks, so you can enjoy your favorite tunes with your passengers while you ride!
Dash Mount RZR XP 1000 Radio and Intercom
For more information on Rugged Radios and their other Race Products, check out www.RuggedRadios.com or call (888) 541-7223.
How to submit your UTV
Send and email tojon@utvguide.net with specifications and images. Images should be about 800×600 and less than 100k each. Make sure you include a list of modifications along with manufacturer info.
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