The Winter-Ready UTV: Cab Enclosure, Heater & Remote Start (2026)

A plow clears the driveway. It doesn't keep you warm while you do it, and on an open side-by-side at 10°F that's the part you remember. The fix is three upgrades that work as a system: a cab enclosure that holds the heat in, a coolant cab heater that makes it, and a remote start so the cab is already warm when you walk out the door. Here's what each one does, what it costs at our current prices, and which machines can get all three.

Want us to spec it for your machine? Email info@utvpartsandaccessories.com with your year, make and model, or call 800-596-0785 — we'll confirm the fit before you order.

The short answer

Buy them in that order if you're spreading it out. A heater in an open cab is heating the county, and a remote start is only worth it once there's heat to wait for.

Step 1: Close the cab

Heat follows the wind out of an open cab, so the enclosure comes first. A full soft enclosure wraps your roll cage with a top, zip-open doors and a rear window, and either brings its own clear vinyl windshield or seals around the hard windshield you already have. Most attach with straps, clamps and hook-and-loop — no drilling on most models — and roll back or come off in spring.

• The one decision that matters: if you already own a hard windshield, buy the "for hard windshield" version. It's usually $150–$300 less than the version with a vinyl windshield.
• Order before the first big storm: 3 Star and Greene Mountain enclosures are sewn to order in the USA, and the current lead time is on each product page.
• Soft or hard? Soft cabs come off in about half an hour and cost a fraction of a hard cab, which is a bigger, permanent build. Our cab enclosure guide walks through the trade-offs.

Step 2: Add a coolant cab heater

An Ice Crusher heater works like the heater in your truck. It taps the engine's cooling lines, hot coolant runs through a small heater core, and a 12-volt blower pushes the heat out through adjustable vents — including defrost vents aimed at the windshield. The only electrical load is the fan, so it won't drain your battery.

• Built for your exact machine: each kit comes with the hardware, fittings, hoses and specialty tools, plus picture-rich instructions. With basic hand tools, most installs take an afternoon to a full day depending on the machine.
• Crew machines: the back seat gets the coldest air. Add a rear heater where one is made — Ranger XP 1000 Crew rear heater ($349.99) or Mule PRO-FXT rear heater ($399.99) — or step up to the dual-fan Ranger heater ($569.99).
• More detail: our cab heater guide covers how they work and the most popular kits.

What comes in the box

The complete Can-Am Maverick X3 kit, laid out. Every Ice Crusher kit ships complete: heater unit with fan, adjustable vents, coolant hose, fittings and mounting hardware, the specialty tools the install needs, and picture-rich instructions.

Heater unit, tucked under the dash

Center vents and fan control knob

Defrost vent for the windshield

Installed on a Can-Am Maverick X3.

Step 3: Remote start, so the heat is waiting

This is the piece most owners don't know exists. A Dirty Teeth Racing remote start lets you start the machine from the kitchen, so by the time your boots are on, the heater has the cab warm and the windshield clear.

The kits are plug-and-play: T-harnesses and ring terminals instead of cutting and splicing (a few machines, like the John Deere XUV kits, need a single T-tap), with the control module tucked under the dash. Dirty Teeth Racing rates most installs at under an hour, includes instructions with the kit, and makes them in the USA. Three kinds to choose from:

Some machines also have longer-range or full-security kits — the Can-Am Defender, for example, has 2-mile and 3-mile range kits.

Example build: John Deere Gator XUV 825i / 825M / 855D (2015–2021)

Here's the whole setup for one of the most popular work machines we see, with each part's fitment taken from its maker. Your machine will have its own versions; the idea and the order are the same.

Enclosure 3 Star full cab $967.95 →

Heater Ice Crusher ICH159 $499.99 →

Remote start Dirty Teeth Racing 2-way $493.99 →

Plowing with it too? The Denali snow plow kit for the Gator 625i / 825i / 855D ($869.99) lets you add this same Ice Crusher heater in the kit options for $399.99 — $100 off its regular price.

Which machines can get all three?

For every machine below, our catalog lists both an Ice Crusher heater and a Dirty Teeth Racing remote start, and most also have a cab enclosure. Model years differ from kit to kit, so check your year on each product page or use the finders on Cab Heaters and Remote Start.

Don't see yours? The heater finder covers far more machines than this list, including Kubota, Arctic Cat, Cub Cadet and Hisun. Email us your year, make and model and we'll tell you what's made for it.

Plowing too? Bundle the heater with your Denali kit

If a plow is on your list this winter, 32 of our Denali plow kits offer the matching Ice Crusher heater right in the kit options at $100 off the heater's regular price. The kit's "Pick your machine" step shows only the heaters that fit your machine, so you only see the right ones.

FAQ

Do I need a cab enclosure for a heater to work?
The heater works either way, but in an open cab most of the heat blows straight out. A full enclosure — or at least a windshield, roof and doors — is what makes the cab actually warm.

Will a coolant cab heater drain my battery?
No. The heat comes from your engine's coolant; the only electrical draw is the small blower fan.

Can I install the heater and remote start myself?
Most owners do. Ice Crusher kits include the hardware, hoses and picture-rich instructions, and most installs take an afternoon to a full day with basic hand tools, depending on the machine. Dirty Teeth Racing rates most remote start installs at under an hour. Stuck partway? Email info@utvpartsandaccessories.com or call 800-596-0785 — our team can walk you through the majority of product and installation questions, and if we can't answer something ourselves, we know how to get the answer and will make sure you're taken care of.

What's the difference between a 1-way, 2-way and app remote start?
A 1-way remote starts the machine but doesn't confirm it. A 2-way remote confirms the start with a light or screen and usually has more range. An app kit adds start and stop from your phone; it needs a monthly cellular plan that isn't included.

How long does an enclosure take to arrive?
Many enclosures are sewn to order, so the current lead time is listed on each product page. Order before the first big storm.

Is shipping free?
Yes — most of what we sell ships free to the lower 48 states. Orders under $150 have a flat $14.99 shipping fee. Alaska and Canada shipments incur additional freight charges, and international shipping is available — we quote it individually so you get the best rate. Questions? Email info@utvpartsandaccessories.com or call 800-596-0785 or text 763-284-5030.

Can I order over the phone?
Yes! Call 800-596-0785 (M-F 11AM-4PM CST) and a real person who lives in the USA will answer your questions, confirm fitment, and take your order directly. Prefer email? Write info@utvpartsandaccessories.com and we'll usually reply same business day.

Start here

Cab enclosures · Cab heaters & heater finder · Remote starts · Denali plow kits · Cab enclosure guide · Cab heater guide · UTV snow plow buying guide · Gator plow guide

Building a full winter setup? The website works great, but sometimes it's nice to talk to a real person who lives in the USA — call us at 800-596-0785 and we'll spec it with you.