How to Install Thumb Warmer on ATV, Riding an ATV might be fun until the cold weather kicks in. Unlike the conventional months, colder winter months can numb your fingers if you ride your ATV for longer distances. Thankfully, you can install a thumb warmer on your ATV and keep your thumb warm for longer.
You may have numerous thumb warmers for your ATV to consider. All you need to do is purchase your preferred model and then know how to install a thumb warmer on ATV. You can install your thumb warmer on your ATV handle with the right tools and competencies.
Don’t worry. Adding a thumb warmer is an easy way to enhance both comfort and safety during your ATV rides in the winter.
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Why Should You Install Thumb Warmer on ATV
Installing a thumb warmer on your ATV can greatly enhance your riding experience, especially during colder seasons or in chilly climates. Installing a thumb warmer on your ATV will bring you several benefits:
Comfort & Warmth: Riding with cold hands can be extremely uncomfortable and dangerous, affecting your grip on the handlebars. A thumb warmer ensures that your thumbs stay warm and nimble, allowing you to maintain full control of your ATV at all times.
Prevents Frostbite: A thumb warmer can also help prevent frostbite or other cold-related injuries. Our fingers are more susceptible to numbness and reduced dexterity when exposed to low temperatures for extended periods.
By keeping your thumbs warm with a dedicated warmer, you minimize the risk of frostbite and maintain better control over throttle operation.
Longer Riding: Installing a thumb warmer on your ATV allows you to extend your riding season into colder months without sacrificing enjoyment or safety.
It enables you to ride in lower temperatures for longer durations comfortably without having to endure freezing hands or limited mobility caused by the cold weather.
What is the best thumb warmer for your ATV?
Finding a thumb warmer for your ATV need not be that tough, but with a little knowledge, you can avail the best one. There are just a few factors to consider.
Heated Grips vs. Thumb Warmer
Firstly, you’ll should consider the type of thumb warmer that suits your needs. There are two main types: heated grips and heated thumb warmers.
Heated ATV grips cover the entire handlebar-thumb throttle and provide warmth for your thumbs and your hands, while heated thumb warmers specifically target warming just your thumbs. Heat Demon offers quality products to rely on.
Power Source
Next, you should consider the power source of the thumb warmer. Some models require a connection to the ATV’s electrical system, while others operate on batteries.
An electrical-powered thumb warmer may be ideal if you prefer a more permanent solution and don’t mind connecting it directly to your ATV’s power supply. Conversely, a battery-powered option would be more suitable if you value portability and flexibility.
Advanced Features
Lastly, take into account additional features that might enhance your experience with the thumb warmer. Some models offer adjustable temperature settings, allowing you to customize the level of warmth according to personal preference or weather conditions.
Others come with a quick heat-up function for instant warmth as soon as you start your ATV. Consider these aspects when deciding which thumb warmer is best suited for your comfort and riding style on your ATV.
Steps on How to Install Thumb Warmer on ATV
Installing thumb warmer on your ATV is a lengthy process but not a complicated one. Here you follow the entire process broken into easy and simple the steps:
- Disconnect Battery: To start with, disconnect your ATV’s battery. When disconnecting the battery, remove the negative terminal first, followed by the positive terminal.
- Clean Throttle Section: Once you disconnect the battery, eliminate any dirt that might be on your ATV’s throttle section.
- Peel Release Paper: Thereafter, peel the release paper that came with the thumb warmer and then stick the heater to your ATV’s throttle.
- Place Heat Shrink Tube: Take the heat shrink tube that came with the thumb warmer and slide it over the throttle section and then place it so it covers the heater.
- Apply Heat to Attach the Tube Grip Tightly: Heat the shrink tube using a heat gun to shrink readily around the ATV’s throttle. As you do this, ensure that the throttle does not get overheated.
- Crimp the Connectors: Take the connectors that came with the thumb warmer and then crimp them. Remember that one connector will be utilized on both blue wires. The other one will be used for the red wired. Finally, the ring terminal will be used on the white wires.
- Mount the Switch: Once you install the heater, the next step is to mount a switch. To get started, choose your preferred section and drill a hole for the round rocker and toggle switch. The hole for the round rocker switch should be 13 to 16 inches, while the metal toggle switch should be 0.5 inches.
- Do Grip Wiring: Direct the wires from the thumb heater past the handlebar alongside their zip tires.
- Clip Rocker Switch: Ensure that the round rocker switch has clipped into the hole that you had drilled earlier on.
- Secure Metal Toggle Switch: When it comes to the metal toggle switch, ensure that you first unscrew the nut and the low/high tab from the switch before mounting it in the 0.5-inch hole. To ensure that the metal toggle switch remains in place, ensure that you secure it using a nut.
- Power Up the Unit: Once you are done, the next step is to power up everything. Here, you must locate the ATV’s ignition switch-controlled power wire.
- Run Red Wire up to Adjacent Channel: After that, use the red tap connector to run the accessory wire via the continuous channel. Make sure you insert the red wire, typically 18 inches long, into the adjacent channel.
- Ply Attach Metal Flus to Top of the Connector: Take a pair of pliers and press the metal contact flus with the connector’s top section.
- Reconnect the Battery: Connect the ring terminal to the ground and reconnect your ATV battery. Most importantly, ensure the battery hasn’t drained or died when you haven’t ignited the ATV.
After 5 to 10 minutes, you should start feeling some warmth on your thumb.
Wrap Up
Thumb warmer can greatly enhance your riding experience during colder months. Installing a thumb warmer on your ATV is a simple but a bit lengthy process.
Following the step-by-step instructions in this article, you can easily and safely complete the installation. Remember to gather all the necessary tools and materials beforehand, and take your time to ensure each step is done correctly.
Once installed, you can ride comfortably and confidently, knowing your thumbs will stay warm and functional. So why wait?
It’s a matter of purchasing a high-quality model and installing it.
Relevant Reads include:
Twist Throttle vs. Thumb Throttle: Which One Your ATV Suits?
Guide to Start Your ATV without Any Hiccup
ATV Not Starting: Common Issues & Smart Fixes