Transporting Your ATV Safely

Always transport your ATV to the riding area. Ideally, use an ATV trailer to transport your ATV. Consult your owner’s manual for the proper transport method.

Preparing To Tow

• Select a trailer with the proper load capacity to carry the vehicles you want to transport.
• Be sure the trailer has an adequate number of tie-down points.
• Check the owner’s manual of your towing vehicle to be sure it’s rated to tow the combined weight of the trailer and ATV.
• Inspect the trailering equipment to make sure it is performing properly.

Hitching the Trailer to the Towing Vehicle

• Use a towing hitch appropriate for the loaded trailer.
• Make sure the size stamped on the ball hitch on the towing vehicle is the same size that is stamped on the trailer’s coupler. If the ball hitch is too small, a bump in the road could cause the coupler to lift off the hitch.
• Crisscross two strong safety chains to support the trailer’s coupler if it becomes disconnected.
• Connect the trailer to the towing vehicle’s lighting system. Make sure all the lights work, including the brake lights and both turn signal indicators.

Loading an ATV

• Wear your protective ATV gear—helmet, goggles, gloves, and boots.
• Use a winch to load the ATV whenever you can. Many accidents and even deaths have been caused by driving an ATV up a too-steep ramp.
• Use a high-quality ramp with a rated load capacity that can withstand the combined weight of the ATV and its rider.
• Attach the ramp securely to the trailer or pickup using straps or chains. If you have separate left and right ramps, space them properly for your ATV.
• Approach the ramp in first gear so that you can climb it easily. Engage four-wheel drive in low gear, if applicable.
• Ride straight up the ramp. It’s easy to drop a wheel off the side of a narrow ramp.

Securing an ATV

• Balance your trailer by centering the ATV slightly behind the axle.
• Set the parking brake on the ATV.
• Use tie-down straps. Ropes may stretch during transport.
• Use four straps whenever possible, front and back on both sides. Never use fewer than three straps.
• Cinch the straps as tightly as possible in order to ensure that the shocks are somewhat compressed. Shake the ATV, and make sure it’s securely anchored. The tires should look like they’re carrying weight.
• When using a pickup, close the tailgate if possible.

Driving on the Road With a Trailer

• Drive at moderate speeds, and avoid sudden maneuvers.
• Allow for the added length and weight of the trailer.
  • Make wider turns at corners and curves.
  • Allow extra time and distance for stopping and for passing other vehicles.
• On long trips, pull over every hour to check the towing equipment.