Polaris Rzr Bed Delete - The Ultimate Guide To Shedding Weight And

You’re staring at the back of your Polaris RZR, and something just feels… off. You love the machine, but that bulky plastic bed is a constant reminder of its limitations. It’s too high, it limits your tire size, and it just doesn’t have the aggressive, purpose-built look you crave for the trail.

You’ve seen the race-ready rigs and the hardcore crawlers with their sleek, open rear ends, and you’ve felt that spark of desire. They look meaner, sit lower, and have everything they need right at their fingertips—spare tire, cooler, tools, all strapped down and ready for action.

That transformation is more than just a cosmetic upgrade; it’s a strategic performance modification. By ditching the factory setup, you can unlock a new level of capability, handling, and convenience for your RZR.

In this complete guide from FatBoysOffroad, we’re tearing it all down. We’ll show you exactly how a polaris rzr bed delete can revolutionize your ride, walk you through the process step-by-step, and cover the pro tips to get it done right the first time.

What Exactly is a Polaris RZR Bed Delete (And Why Bother)?

At its core, a bed delete is the process of removing the stock plastic cargo box from the rear of your Polaris RZR. In its place, you typically install an aftermarket metal frame or a custom-fabricated structure.

This isn’t just about looks. This modification is one of the most functional changes you can make, directly impacting how your machine performs and how you use it on the trail. It’s a gateway to a more specialized, capable off-road weapon.

The Core Benefits of a Polaris RZR Bed Delete

If you’re on the fence, understanding the real-world advantages can make the decision easy. This is far more than an aesthetic choice; it’s a performance enhancer.

Lower Center of Gravity: Moving heavy items like a spare tire, cooler, or toolbox from high up in the bed to lower on the frame drastically improves stability. You’ll feel more planted in corners and on off-camber sections.
Serious Weight Reduction: That factory bed assembly can weigh a surprising amount. Shedding that plastic and hardware can save you anywhere from 20-40 pounds, improving your power-to-weight ratio.
Unmatched Storage Versatility: The stock bed limits you to what fits inside. A bed delete opens up a blank canvas for tire carriers, jack mounts, cooler racks, and RotopaX containers, letting you build the exact setup you need.
Improved Rear Visibility: Without a high-sided bed (especially one loaded with gear), your view out the back is significantly better. This is a huge plus for backing up in tight spots or keeping an eye on the rider behind you.
Easier Maintenance Access: Need to get to your exhaust, rear differential, or engine components? With the bed gone, access for cleaning and wrenching becomes incredibly easy.

Is This Mod Right for Your Rig? A Reality Check

Before you grab the wrenches, it’s crucial to be honest about how you use your RZR. While the benefits are huge for some, a bed delete isn’t the perfect solution for every rider.

Who Should Absolutely Consider a Bed Delete?

This modification is a game-changer for aggressive riders and specialists. You’ll get the most value if you’re a:

Dune Ripper or Desert Racer: Lowering your center of gravity and securely mounting a spare are non-negotiable for high-speed stability and safety.
Hardcore Rock Crawler: Better rear visibility and departure angles are key. Plus, you gain easy access to tools and recovery gear when you’re in a tough spot.
Performance-Focused Trail Rider: If you prioritize handling, custom gear layouts, and a “less is more” approach, a bed delete will align perfectly with your riding style.

Who Might Want to Keep the Stock Bed?

On the flip side, the factory bed excels at one thing: containing loose items. You might be better off with the stock setup if you’re a:

Hunter or Farmer: If you’re hauling bags of feed, decoys, or tools that need to be protected from the elements and kept from bouncing out, the enclosed bed is more practical.
Overland Camper: For those who pack lots of small, loose camping items, the tub-style bed can be easier to manage than strapping down dozens of individual pieces.
Casual User: If you just use your RZR for light work around the property or relaxed trail rides, the benefits might not outweigh the cost and effort of the conversion.

The Complete Polaris RZR Bed Delete Guide: Tools and Steps

Ready to transform your machine? Let’s get to it. This section is your complete polaris rzr bed delete guide. We’ll cover the tools you need and the exact steps to follow for a clean, professional-level job in your own garage.

Essential Tools and Parts

Having the right gear on hand makes the job smoother and safer. You don’t need a full professional shop, but you will need a few key items.

Tools:

A good quality socket and ratchet set (primarily metric sizes)
Torx bit set (Polaris loves these)
Plastic trim removal tools (to avoid scratching plastics)
A utility knife
Safety glasses and gloves – non-negotiable

Parts:

A Bed Delete Kit: This is the easiest route. Companies like LSK, Cognito Motorsports, and others make model-specific kits that include all the brackets and hardware.
DIY Materials (for fabricators): If you’re a skilled welder, you can create your own using steel tubing, plate, and a welder. This is more advanced but offers total customization.

Step-by-Step: How to Polaris RZR Bed Delete

While specifics can vary slightly between models (like a Pro XP vs. a Turbo S), this process covers the general workflow. Always remember: safety first.

Prep the Machine: Park your RZR on a level surface and engage the parking brake. For extra safety, disconnect the negative terminal on your battery to prevent any electrical shorts.
Remove Accessories: Take off any whips, rack extenders, or other accessories mounted to the bed.
Disconnect Taillight Wiring: Locate the main wiring harness for your taillights. It’s usually found under the bed near the frame. Carefully unplug the connector. Be gentle to avoid breaking the plastic clips.
Remove Mounting Hardware: This is the most involved step. You’ll need to remove a series of bolts and plastic push-pins. Look for them in these common locations:
- Inside the bed floor.
- Along the sides, often hidden behind the fender flares.
- At the front of the bed, near the cabin firewall.
Lift the Bed: With all hardware and wiring removed, the bed is ready to come off. Get a helper for this step! The bed is awkward and bulky. Lift it straight up and away from the RZR frame.
Install Your New Kit: Now, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific bed delete kit. The general process involves cleaning the frame rails, positioning the new brackets, and installing the provided hardware. Pro Tip: Start all bolts by hand, leave them loose until everything is aligned, and then tighten them to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specs.

Common Problems with Polaris RZR Bed Delete (And How to Avoid Them)

Like any mod, there are a few potential pitfalls. Knowing about these common problems with polaris rzr bed delete ahead of time will save you headaches down the road.

Wiring Woes and Solutions

The most common issue is damaging the taillight harness. The factory clips can be brittle. Use a small flathead screwdriver to gently release the locking tab on the connector instead of just pulling on the wires.

After installation, make sure your wiring is neatly zip-tied to the new frame, away from the hot exhaust and any moving suspension parts. This is one of the most important polaris rzr bed delete best practices.

Frame Exposure and Protection

With the plastic bed gone, your rear frame is now exposed to mud, water, and rocks. Before you bolt on your new kit, take the time to thoroughly clean the frame.

Inspect it for any surface rust. If you find any, sand it down and apply a coat of rust-inhibiting chassis paint for long-term protection.

Improper Installation and Rattles

A poorly installed kit will rattle, squeak, and could even fail under stress. The solution is simple: follow the instructions. Use a torque wrench to tighten all critical bolts to the specified values. For extra security on bolts holding major components, consider using a drop of blue Loctite.

A Note on Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Polaris RZR Bed Delete Practices

At FatBoysOffroad, we believe in responsible wrenching. A sustainable polaris rzr bed delete is about minimizing waste and making smart choices.

Don’t just toss your old bed in a landfill. It’s a perfectly good part! You can easily sell it on Facebook Marketplace or RZR forums to another owner who may have damaged theirs. This is the most eco-friendly polaris rzr bed delete approach.

Alternatively, get creative and repurpose it. It can make a great utility sled for yard work or a durable storage bin in your garage.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Polaris RZR Bed Delete

How much weight do you actually save with a bed delete?

This varies by RZR model and the specific kit you install, but you can generally expect a weight saving of 20 to 40 pounds. While it doesn’t sound like a massive number, reducing weight from the highest point of the vehicle makes a noticeable difference in handling.

Can I perform a bed delete without buying an expensive kit?

Absolutely, if you have the right skills and tools. Many DIYers fabricate their own setups using steel tubing, a welder, and a grinder. This allows for ultimate customization but requires a high level of skill to ensure it’s strong and safe. For most weekend mechanics, a bolt-on kit is the safer and faster option.

Will a bed delete void my RZR’s warranty?

It can. Modifying your vehicle from its factory state gives a manufacturer grounds to deny a warranty claim if they can prove the modification caused the failure. For example, if a rear suspension component fails and they determine it was due to a poorly installed custom bed delete, they will likely deny the claim. It’s always a risk you take when modifying.

Do I need to change my exhaust system for a bed delete?

Usually, no. Most aftermarket bed delete kits are designed to work with both the stock exhaust and popular aftermarket systems. However, it’s always a smart idea to check for clearance after installation, especially with large, bulky aftermarket mufflers.

A polaris rzr bed delete is more than just an upgrade—it’s a statement. It says you’re serious about performance, capability, and building a machine that is uniquely yours. By shedding unnecessary weight and optimizing your gear layout, you unlock a level of performance the factory simply can’t offer.

Take your time, use the right tools, and double-check your work. The result will be a safer, more stable, and more capable RZR that’s ready to conquer any challenge you throw at it.

Now get out in the garage, shed that weight, and build the rig you’ve always wanted. Stay safe and we’ll see you on the trail!

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Thomas Corle

Founder & Automobile expert at FatBoysOffroad

Automobile expert and off-road enthusiast, sharing in-depth knowledge of vehicles, gear, and adventures. Helping readers make smart decisions and enjoy the thrill of off-roading safely and confidently.