How to Trailer Your UTV (Do's and Don'ts)
Your UTV is built for adventure, but before you hit the trails, you need to make sure it arrives in one piece. Properly trailering your off-road vehicle is essential to avoid any mishaps on the road. From loading it onto the trailer to securing it tightly, knowing the right techniques can prevent damage and ensure a smooth journey. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the do’s and don’ts of trailering your UTV, so you can focus on what matters most–tackling the trails.
Options for towing a UTV
There are a few different ways you can tow your UTV, and each method has its own advantages. When deciding which option is best for you, consider factors like your budget, how many off-roading vehicles you need to transport, and the size of your UTV or ATV.
Truck
If you’re transporting a single ATV, you may be able to load it into a pickup truck bed. In this case, you’ll need to invest in a set of ATV loading ramps that connect to the truck’s tailgate and secure them in the truck when they’re not in use. Before loading, place a tire or other buffer at the front of the truck bed to prevent the ATV from smashing the back window during the loading process or sudden braking.
In most cases, UTVs are too wide or long to fit completely in a standard pickup truck bed. While you could consider adding a UTV rack to extend your truck’s capacity, many people find that using a trailer is the best option for safe transport. If you still think a truck bed will work best for your use, come check out our selection of used pickup trucks, and we’ll help you find one that accommodates your UTV.
Open trailer
If you’re hauling a side-by-side or multiple off-road vehicles, you’ll need to use a trailer. UTV trailers are available in both open and enclosed configurations, and the best choice depends on your specific needs.
Open UTV trailers are typically lighter, making them suitable for tow vehicles with a lower Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). They’re often more budget-friendly, offer tie-down anchors to secure your vehicle, and work great for short-distance trips. Since they don’t have walls, open trailers can easily accommodate wider loads. If you need to tow multiple UTVs or other off-road vehicles at once, consider a double axle trailer, which offers extra stability and a higher payload capacity.
Learn more: Flatbed Trailer Dimensions & Sizes Guide
Enclosed trailer
Enclosed UTV trailers offer the most protection and security for your off-road vehicle. Ideal for longer trips, enclosed trailers protect your UTV from the sun, wind, and rain as you travel and secure it from theft if you park overnight. When you’re not on the trails, enclosed trailers can also serve as storage for your off-road vehicles. Some models offer customizable sizing as well, but keep in mind whether your trailer will fit on the more narrow roads you take. When choosing which enclosed trailer size is right for you, be sure to account for the space you need to get out of the UTV after pulling into the trailer. Adding an escape door to the side of the trailer is a great option to ensure an easy exit.
Enclosed trailers are either made with aluminum or steel. While aluminum trailers are lighter and more resistant to harsh weather conditions, steel performs better on rough terrain. If you’re unsure which material is right for your needs, check out this article on aluminum vs. steel trailers.
Learn more: Best Trailers for ATVs, UTVs, and Side-by-Sides
How to trailer your UTV
Before you load your UTV onto the trailer, make sure your trailer is securely hitched to your tow vehicle and perform a thorough safety check. Once your trailer is properly connected, you can begin loading your UTV. Follow these four simple steps to ensure a safe and efficient loading process:
- Engage your tow vehicle’s parking brake and lower the ramp.
- Slowly drive your UTV onto the trailer.
- Ensure proper weight distribution using the 60/40 rule.
- Secure the UTV with ratchet straps.
Even if you have experience trailering UTVs, it’s always helpful to have someone guide you while you drive onto the trailer. If you notice that the tongue weight is too light, try backing the UTV onto the trailer to shift the load weight forward. Once you’ve positioned the vehicle correctly, follow the steps in the next section for securing your UTV.
Do’s
Keep these best practices in mind to ensure a safe and smooth trailering experience.
- Maneuver carefully. Be mindful of the additional width and length your trailer adds to your vehicle, and adjust your turning radius. Always tow at a slower, consistent speed to maintain control.
- Check your lights. Before hitting the road, make sure all trailer lights are working properly. For extra safety, consider adding deck lights so other drivers can see your UTV more easily.
- Prepare for emergencies. Equip your vehicle with a winch, spare trailer tire, and jack. These tools will help you handle unexpected situations and ensure you can get your UTV home safely.
- Monitor your load. Adjust your mirrors so you can see both the trailer and UTV. Regularly check your load as you drive and the tie-downs when you stop to ensure everything remains secure.
Don’ts
Avoid these common mistakes to prevent accidents or damage to your UTV.
- Don’t overload the trailer. Make sure not to exceed the maximum load weight of any component in your setup, including your tow vehicle, trailer, and trailer tires. Overloading can lead to dangerous handling issues and potential damage.
- Don’t ignore tongue weight. Distribute the weight of your load so that approximately 60 percent is positioned in front of the trailer’s axle. Too much or too little tongue weight can cause handling problems and trailer sway.
- Don’t cut corners on securing your UTV. Use the correct type and number of trailer tie-downs to secure your UTV. Properly securing your vehicle is crucial to prevent shifting or damage during transport.
Learn more: Guide to Trailer Weights by Trailer Type
How to tie down a UTV on a trailer
When you take the time to properly secure your UTV on your trailer, you set yourself up for a safe and smooth trip. UTVs can weigh up to 2,000 pounds, so if not securely fastened, they can shift or come completely detached, affecting handling and endangering others on the road. By using the right equipment and following our guide, you can avoid these risks, ensuring you and your UTV arrive safely at your destination.
What you’ll need
To effectively secure your UTV, gather the following essential items:
- Ratchet straps: You’ll need four ratchet straps to secure your UTV, which are widely available at hardware stores or online. Look for strong, durable straps that are three or four inches wide.
- Wheel nets or wheel chocks: To keep your wheels in place, you’ll need wheel nets, also called tire bonnets, or wheel chocks. Both options are effective, but wheel nets offer a more secure hold for longer trips.
- Safety chain: While not mandatory, a safety chain provides an extra layer of security in case the straps fail, keeping your vehicle on the trailer until you’re able to pull over.
Make sure all straps and chains are in good condition before using them to tie down your UTV–even the slightest bit of fraying or rust can affect the integrity of your equipment and pose safety risks.
Step-by-step guide to securing your UTV
1. Strap in the UTV
Locate a tie-down anchor near each corner of the trailer and attach the ratchet straps from these points to the UTV’s frame. Avoid attaching straps to parts that might bend under tension. Strapping from each corner helps distribute tension evenly, keeping the UTV stable.
2. Ratchet the straps
After placing the straps, tighten them using the ratchet mechanism. Unlock the ratchet and crank it until the straps are straight. Then, add more tension to each strap to ensure they’re secure and evenly tightened.
3. Block the wheels
Use wheel nets or wheel chocks to block the UTV’s wheels. This prevents them from rotating in case the straps come loose, providing extra security.
4. Attach the safety chain
Secure the front of your UTV to the trailer floor with a safety chain. This is a precautionary measure to keep the UTV attached to the trailer if the primary straps fail.
Once your UTV is tied down, inspect the trailer one more time to ensure everything is in place and there are no safety issues. With everything properly secured, you’re ready to hit the road!
Unloading your UTV from a trailer
When it’s time to hit the trails, unload your UTV with caution. After you’ve removed the straps, lower the ramp on an even surface, if possible. Slowly back out of the trailer and down the ramp, applying the brakes once you hit the incline. Secure your trailer, gear up for your adventure, and enjoy the ride!
If you’re shopping for a trailer to tow your ATV, UTV, or side-by-side in Hendersonville or Asheville, NC or Greenville, SC, we’re right down the road in Campobello, SC. Come visit us, or give us a call–we’re always happy to help.
You might also like:
