Tips for Towing ATVs
Every ATV owner will eventually need to tow their vehicles. How else can you get to that great trail? Towing ATVs takes a few steps, but it is a simple process. We gathered up safe ATV towing tips below. For all your four wheeler needs, visit Road Track & Trail serving Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Towing Preparation
With a little preparation, you can make the entire process a breeze. A little legwork upfront will ensure your towing experience goes smoothly. Your first step will be to make sure your tow vehicle is capable of handling the weight of your ATVs. Check your vehicle’s Gross Combined Weight Rating. This lets you know how much it can tow. The number includes the weight of any cargo or passengers, so keep that in mind.
Your next step is to make sure you fully understand the towing process (which is where this guide comes into play). You will be using a large vehicle to tow another large vehicle. You don’t want to be “winging it”. Review the steps multiple times until you feel confident about the process. Of course, knowing the steps is one thing. Going through the process a few times in a no-pressure situation can really help give you the confidence you need when it’s time to travel.
Hook Up the Trailer
Try to find as flat as ground as possible to do this step. Loading quads on an uneven trailer will take longer and be more difficult. Flat ground is the way to go.
Position the trailer tongue so that it sits above the ball hitch. Slowly back up until the latch sits below the tongue. Put the tongue on the ball joint. Secure it tightly. Place the tow chains in the formation of an X under the tongue. Connect the chains to the tow vehicle. This will be a safeguard for if the trailer becomes unhitched.
Loading Four Wheelers
Read through the owner’s manual for the specific instructions on positioning your ramp for easy loading of the four wheelers. Line up your ATVs with the ramp and ride slowly up it. You are trying to get enough momentum to get up the slope, but too much and you can shoot far into the cargo bay. Aim for a nice middle ground.
You will want to be intentional about where you place the weight of your quads inside the trailer. Aim for 60% of the weight in the front, 40% in the rear, and 10% on the hitch. It’ll strain your tow vehicle to put too much weight in the front. Your hitch could snap if you put too much weight in the rear.
Driving While Towing Quads
The extra weight of the ATVs will affect how your tow vehicle handles. It will take more time and distance to bring your vehicle to a full stop. You’ll have to approach corners at different angles. You’ll need more space to change lanes. That’s why it’s so important to practice driving with the trailer and extra weight before hitting the road. You’ll want to get a feel for how your vehicle handles in a no-pressure controlled environment.
When you are ready to drive, double check all your lights and mirrors. It’s also a good idea to check your tire air pressure and tread. Make sure your four wheelers are secured well inside the trailer.
As you drive, drive defensively. Leave extra space between you and the other motorists. Take lane changes and turns slow. Don’t head out in adverse weather or road conditions. Be cautious and proactive as you drive. Before you know it, you’ll be at your destination safe, sound, and ready to ride!
For everything related to ATVs, visit Road Track & Trail. Get your ATV running like new through our parts replacement or service department. If you are looking to buy, we offer a wide range of new and used four wheelers. We proudly serve those in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Big Ben, and Kenosha, Wisconsin.