Vault Enclosures Explained: Is a Full Cab Right for Your Riding Style?

Choosing Between Partial vs Full Protection for Your UTV

UNDERSTANDING YOUR OPTIONS

DWA offers two main categories of protection for your SXS. First, we have industry best front and rear windshields made from full 1/4 inch DOT laminated safety glass with 1/8 inch aluminum frames. These come with two independent working vents and a powder-coated textured black finish or custom colors. Then there is full cab enclosure system, which combines upper side doors, panels and glass with your front and rear windshields to create a near-complete barrier against the elements. AKA, "The Vault".

Pricing reflects this difference. Front and rear windshields range $500-$1,100 depending on your machine, while Vault enclosures start around $1,600 for a 2-seat configuration and go up to $3,500 for larger 4-seat models like the Can-Am Defender.

Some even mix and match with their current protection setups. There are many different materials available including polycarbonate and clear vinyl and as use needs change or the inferior materials age and degrade slowly replace with higher quality and longer lasting DWA windshields and cab enclosures. (See the article Glass vs Polycarbonate for more info on the differences.)

Understanding what each option delivers helps you spend wisely on the protection you actually need.

Front & Rear DWA Windshields on the all new CFMOTO ZFORCE Z10-4

WHEN A WINDSHIELD ALONE WORKS GREAT

If you primarily ride in mild to moderate conditions, a full glass vented front windshield can handle most of your off-road (or street legal) needs. Trail riding on sunny days with occasional wind or dust becomes manageable with proper ventilation.

Many riders who hunt during fall seasons or cruise desert and mountain trails year-round find a front & rear windshield keeps them comfortable without spending thousands on a full enclosure.

Ventilated designs allows for copious air flow while still blocking head on precipitation, cold winds, debris and dust recirculating back into the cab.

Budget conscious buyers can ala cart to see what works best for them. Start with a front windshield and add the rear windshield piece later on down the road or vice versa.

This can help spread costs across seasons. DWA customers report excellent results with standalone windshields when paired with proper outerwear.

• Don't forget a manual windshield wiper!

WHY CHOOSE A FULL VAULT ENCLOSURE

Full Vault cab enclosures become essential when Mother Nature brings out her wrath. Cold winter hunts, snow-covered trails, or extended winter recreation demand more than the front and rear windshields can provide.

The Vault panels seal around your roll cage, blocking wind, snow, and dust while retaining heat from cabin heaters.

Riders in northern states who chase four wheeling opportunities year-round often upgrade after their first bitter cold day with just a windshield.

NOTE: Don't forget, all Vault panels are designed to be easily removed for those times you don't require or need full enclosure protection!

Made the cold rides able to happens!

"I recently installed the Off-Road Vault Cab from Dirt Warriors, and I can honestly say it exceeded my expectations. The materials feel incredibly durable, and everything about it is clearly built for serious off-road use." - Wes R

Farms, outdoor trades, professional operators and search and rescue teams rely on full cabs for dependability. When you spend eight hour shifts behind the wheel in unpredictable conditions, exposure becomes a liability issue. 

The added investment protects both rider health and equipment longevity. Customer feedback shows those upgrading from windshields to full enclosures report noticeable improvements in comfort and reduced fatigue during long outdoor work conditions.

Full enclosures work seamlessly with cabin heating systems

MATCH YOUR SETUP TO RIDING CONDITIONS

Consider your typical riding environment before investing. Hot desert climates favor ventilated windshields that reject heat rather than trap it. Mountain regions with sudden storms benefit from full enclosures plus rear glass to prevent dangerous temperature drops. 

Your annual mileage and ride duration matter too. Weekend warriors might prioritize budget and settle on windshields with room for future upgrades. Full time operators logging hundreds of monthly miles justify premium protection that reduces physical strain.

Think about whether you modify vehicles with heaters, stereo systems, or cargo racks. Full cabs integrate better with these accessories while maintaining weather proof integrity.

Environment dictates whether you need partial or full protection

MAKING THE FINAL DECISION

The right choice depends on honest self-assessment. If you ride year-round in variable weather, full Vault enclosure pays dividends in comfort and machine versatility. For seasonal riders or those in moderate climates, high quality vented windshields deliver 80 percent of protection at half the cost.

Either path benefits from DOT certified glass, aluminum framing, and USA manufacturing standards that Dirt Warrior Accessories maintains across all products.

Many customers start with windshields, test their needs, then upgrade to full enclosures as priorities shift. Our team helps buyers at both levels, matching enclosures to specific UTV manufacturers including Polaris, Can-Am, Yamaha, Kawasaki, CFMOTO, Textron, Arctic Cat, Mahindra and Honda.

Whether you want partial coverage or total isolation, proper planning ensures your setup matches how you actually use your rig.

Custom colors and tint available for both windshields and Vault enclosures too!

One last thing to remember, the nature of how these UTVs & SXSs are manufactured and assembled at the factory, no two machines are ever exactly alike. That is why we leave a minimum tolerance to accommodate for each machine's slight differences. This does not convert your machine into a submarine, expect minimal to no water entering through your windshield where it links to the roof, hood or a similar point.

DWA Front Windshield with Customer's Clear Vinyl Side Panels

KEY POINTS & BENEFITS

• DOT laminated safety glass
• 1/4 inch thick glass with aluminum frames
• Two independent working vents per front windshield
• Front and rear windshield pricing starts at $500
  
• Vault pricing starts at $2,145 for 2-seat models
• 4-seat enclosures up to $3,445
• Vault provides easy off panels for summer time versatility and storage
• Compatible with cabin heater installations
• Most front windshields are compatible with a manual or electric windshield wiper
• Available in custom powder coat colors
• 5%, 20% & 35% tint options for rear windshields and Vaults windows
• USA manufacturing with DWA 1-year limited warranty coverage