How to Set Up Your ATV Trailer

Dec. 23 2019 Miscellaneous By ___

Before you can enjoy a day of adventures, you will need to get your ATV to the trailhead. ATV trailers are a secure and easy way to transport your four-wheeler, but you will need to follow a specific set of steps to ensure your quad is ready for the journey. We've created the following beginner's guide to setting up your ATV trailer. If you have questions or need to get your ATV serviced, visit the experts at Riva Motorsports Miami. We proudly serve those in Fort Lauderdale and Kendall, Florida.

1. Get Everything Ready

Start with a pre-trip inspection of your tow vehicle, your ATV trailer, and your four-wheeler to ensure everything is ready for the journey. Make sure tires are inflated to the right air pressure, no brake lights are burned out, and so on. You don't want to go through all the effort of towing only to get to the trail and realize you have an issue with one of your vehicles.

2. Connect the ATV Trailer

Next, you can hook up your ATV trailer. This will make hitching and loading much easier. Get the trailer tongue situated above the ball hitch. Back your tow vehicle up so that the latch is beneath the trailer tongue. Lower the tongue onto the ball joint, checking that it is securely set. Finish by crossing the tow chains under the tongue in an "X" shape. This will serve as a safety net in case your ATV gets unhitched.

3. Load Up Your ATV

Get your ramp situated for loading. Get on your quad and come at the ramp as straight as you can. Make sure you have enough distance and speed to get up the ramp, but without overshooting your target. After your quad is on your trailer, you will want to ensure it is secure. Ratchet straps are a great option. They compress the suspension, which helps reduce the amount of movement. Once your four-wheeler is secure, you will want to shake it from all sides. If you spot any give or wiggle, you will need to tighten your straps or add more of them.

4. Safe Driving with Your ATV Trailer

Remember that the extra weight of your ATV trailer and your quad will affect how your tow vehicle handles. You will need more space to bring everything to a stop. Your turning radius will be different. Make sure you adjust your driving to accommodate the extra weight and length of everything.

Be intentional about what routes you take to your destination. Try to avoid going faster than 60 miles per hour since ATV trailers are not designed for that speed. If you can, avoid taking a route that involves driving at high speeds that are not ideal for your tires.

As you drive, leave plenty of space between you and other vehicles. Use your mirrors to maximize your range of vision and counteract your blind spots. Try to avoid passing vehicles as much as possible. Leave yourself plenty of room when you take a corner. 

We hope you found this guide to setting up your ATV trailer helpful. If your four-wheeler needs any parts replaced or a visit to a service department, bring your quad to Riva Motorsports Miami. We can get your ATV ready for the open road in no time. We also offer a range of four-wheelers for sale if you are looking to buy. Whatever you need, you can find with us. We proudly serve those in Kendall and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Stop by and visit our dealership today!