Safe ATV Hauling Practices

Before you can get out and enjoy tearing up the trails in your ATV, you'll need to transport your vehicle to the trailhead. Most models are too large for your average truck, which means you'll need to rely on a trailer. The transportation process isn't hard once you know all the steps, which we discuss below. If you have any questions or want to look at ATVs for sale, visit Holzhauer Pro Motorsports. We proudly serve those in Nashville, Carbondale, Mount Vernon, and Salem, Illinois as well as St. Louis, Missouri; Paducah, Kentucky; and Evansville, Indiana.

Check Restrictions

Not every tow vehicle can handle the excess weight of an ATV and a trailer, along with all the gear and passengers for your excursion. Check that your tow vehicle can handle the weight of everything you hope to transport. You'll also want to check your trailer weight restrictions to ensure it can handle your ATV.

Hook Up Your ATV

Try to find flat, even ground for this whole process. It'll make everything much easier on you!

Start by positioning the trailer tongue above the height of the ball hitch. Back your tow vehicle up until the latch sits underneath the trailer tongue. Lower the tongue onto the ball joint. Check that it is secure. Then use tow chains under the tongue in an "X" shape. Secure the chains between your trailer and your tow vehicle. The tow chains serve as a safeguard in case your trailer somehow gets unhitched.

You'll also want to be sure your brakes and lights are connected and working. Some trailers have independent lights and others need to be connected to your tow vehicle’s electrical system.

Load Your ATV

Your next step is to set up your ramp. Once that's situated, you can load up your ATV. Try to come at the ramp as straight as possible.

Once your ATVs are onto your trailer, you'll want to get them secure and stable. Ratchet straps work well for this. They compress your suspension and limit the amount your ATV can move around. Once everything is strapped down, you'll want to give it a shake from all sides. If you see any wiggling or give, it's time to tighten the straps or add more.

Safe Driving Practices

You'll want to practice a few key aspects of safe driving while towing a powersports vehicle. First, monitor your speed. Most trailer tires aren't built for traveling at speeds higher than 60 miles an hour. Second, leave plenty of space between you and other vehicles. The extra weight of your trailer and your powersports vehicle will make it harder to stop quickly and require more space to do so. Third, try to avoid passing other vehicles. It may be frustrating when the person in front of you is driving slow, but you'll be safer if you limit the amount of lane changes. Finally, remember that your turning radius will be different. It helps to practice taking turns in a parking lot or low-traffic neighborhood first to get a feel for what angle you'll need to take for a successful turn.

We hope you found these tips helpful! If you have any questions, you can always visit Holzhauer Pro Motorsports. We are an ATV dealer who can answer your questions and provide more in-depth advice. We are happy to do what we can to make your towing process easier. You can also visit us for ATVs for sale near Nashville, Carbondale, Mount Vernon, and Salem, Illinois, as well as St. Louis, Missouri; Paducah, Kentucky; and Evansville, Indiana. We carry models in a wide range of prices that are made for all skill levels. Whatever you need, you can find it with us!