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ATV Towing Tips

Aug. 24 2023 Safety By Nielsen Enterprises

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For a fast-paced, rugged, thrilling way to explore the great outdoors, look no further than your ATV! Before you can start your adventure, you’ll have to get it to the off-roading park or trail. We at Nielsen Enterprises know that towing an ATV can feel intimidating, so we’ve put together some tips to make it a simple task. For more information or to see the ATVs we have for sale, visit our dealership in Lake Villa, IL, today!

Preparation

You’ll want to start by checking your tow vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR is the total weight a vehicle can handle, including passengers, trailer, and cargo. Your trailer also has a GVWR, so make sure both are high enough to stay safe.

The next step is to practice the hitching process and driving around with a loaded trailer, preferably in an empty parking lot. You want to make sure that you’ve got a handle on maneuvering changes with that heavy load, so practice reversing, turning, and braking.

Hitching

Start the hitching process on an even ground to make your life easier. Position the trailer tongue so it rests above the ball hitch. Back up slowly until the latch is below the tongue. Put the tongue on the ball joint and secure it. Set up tow chains in an “X” shape under the tongue and use them to connect the trailer to your tow vehicle to keep the tongue from scraping on the ground.

Loading the ATV

Line up your ATV with the ramp as directed in the owner’s manual. Slowly drive it up, building just enough momentum to get it up the slope. Make sure that the whole cargo weight is distributed evenly in the trailer. Ideally, use the 60/40 rule — put 60% of the weight ahead of the axle near the front of the trailer and 40% in the back. Keep the weight distribution even from side to side.

Drive Safely

The extra weight will impact how your tow vehicle handles, which is why you should practice hauling the fully loaded rig. Increase your following distance considerably to account for longer brake times, and try to stay at or just below the speed limit. Take a bit more time and space for turns, and always signal well before turning or changing lanes.

We hope these tips help get you and your ATV to your destination safe and sound! To learn more, or to see the ATVs we have in stock, contact us at Nielsen Enterprises in Lake Villa, IL. We proudly serve all those in Chicago, IL, and Milwaukee, WI.