TMW Off-Road’s Punisher transformed a then-new 2016 Polaris RZR XP Turbo into a wide, long-travel dune machine. The build combined Lone Star Racing suspension, Shock Therapy-tuned FOX shocks, custom TMW body protection, Fullerton Sand Sports paddle tires and a long list of carefully coordinated details.
Text by Cody Hooper. Photos by Jon Crowley and Cody Hooper.
Building the TMW Punisher
TMW Off-Road worked against a tight deadline to complete several large-scale builds for the opening events of the 2015 dune season: the 2015 Idaho UTV Invasion and California’s 2015 Sand Sports Super Show.
Doug Tyler and the TMW crew received their 2016 RZR XP Turbo less than a month before its scheduled debut at the Idaho event. They immediately tore the new machine down and began turning it into the shop’s latest project, appropriately named Punisher.
Starting with a brand-new Polaris RZR XP Turbo, TMW stripped the machine to its floorboards so the crew could route wiring for the Rigid Industries LED lighting and Rockford Fosgate audio system.
The suspension components from Lone Star Racing and the fabricated parts from TMW were sent to Precision Powdercoating. They received a glossy “Crazy Cool Blue” finish that established the color theme for the entire build.
Long-Travel Suspension and Shock Tuning
Lone Star Racing’s MTS long-travel suspension retained the factory FOX shocks while adding approximately 3.5 inches of width per side. The system increased wheel travel to roughly 20 inches and stretched the wheelbase approximately three inches for additional stability in the dunes and through rough whoop sections.
Shock Therapy installed its Stage 3 shock package in the original FOX internal-bypass dampers. The work included revised springs, internal valving and modifications that expanded the useful range of the compression adjusters.
The combination delivered a controlled, compliant ride across the chopped-up sand at St. Anthony, while the wider stance and longer wheelbase helped settle the RZR at speed.
Wolf Designs Wrap and Custom Bodywork
We met Doug Tyler and the TMW crew in Idaho for our first look at the completed machine. In typical TMW fashion, Punisher was exceptionally clean and carefully coordinated.
Wolf Designs created a wrap that used layered colors and contrasting textures instead of a conventional graphic pattern. Its flowing design complemented the bright-blue suspension and cage components without overwhelming the RZR’s original body lines.
Turbocharged Power and Muzzys Exhaust
Many of the parts used on Punisher had already been proven on earlier TMW projects, but the new RZR XP Turbo platform brought a different level of performance. Its 925cc turbocharged twin-cylinder engine was rated at 144 horsepower for 2016, making it a major step forward from the naturally aspirated RZR XP 1000.
A Muzzys dual slip-on exhaust gave the turbocharged engine a sharper, more aggressive sound that carried across the Idaho dunes.
Fullerton Sand Sports Paddle-Tire Setup
TMW wanted a distinctive sand-tire package, so Fullerton Sand Sports prepared a custom-cut Desert Trac paddle combination. The setup looked unconventional at first glance, but Doug Tyler was impressed by its performance after several days in the dunes.
The sand tires were mounted on Method 406 beadlock wheels, adding another functional detail that fit the overall appearance of the build.
Custom Interior
Billet Equipped supplied a coordinated collection of interior trim, including the shift knob, instrument bezel, switch panels, passenger grab handle and steering-wheel adapter. The billet components were finished to match the rest of the build.
Triple X Black Widow suspension seats added support and a more finished appearance to the cockpit. Simpson four-point harnesses secured the occupants while TMW demonstrated the acceleration of the 144-horsepower XP Turbo.
A Complete TMW Off-Road Show Build
Punisher demonstrated the breadth of TMW Off-Road’s fabrication and installation capabilities. The company handled projects ranging from cages, doors and accessory installations to complete custom machines such as the V8-powered TMW Werewolf.
More information about the company’s current cages, doors, bumpers and UTV accessories is available from TMW Off-Road.
TMW Punisher Photo Gallery
TMW Punisher Build Sheet
- Base vehicle: 2016 Polaris RZR XP Turbo
- Roll cage: TMW Dune Edition roll cage
- Doors: TMW Sidewinder doors
- Suspension: Lone Star Racing MTS long-travel system
- Shock tuning: Shock Therapy Stage 3 shock package
- Primary lighting: Rigid Industries LED lighting
- Headlights: Heretic Studio LED headlights
- Graphics: Wolf Designs vehicle wrap
- Wheels: Method 406 beadlock wheels
- Tires: Fullerton Sand Sports Desert Trac sand tires
- Audio: Rockford Fosgate stereo system
- Seats: Triple X Black Widow suspension seats
- Harnesses: Simpson four-point harnesses
- Powder coating: Precision Powdercoating “Crazy Cool Blue” finish
- Billet components: Billet Equipped shift knob, passenger handle, switch plates, instrument bezel, gas cap and steering-wheel adapter
- Exhaust: Muzzys dual slip-on turbo exhaust
See more historically significant machines in the UTV of the Month Archive, or explore additional projects in our Build Spotlight archive.
