Safely Towing Your ATV

Some ATV trips begin by cruising out of your driveway. Other times, you’ll need to tow your rig to your destination before you can start driving. Towing is a multi-step process, but it’s not a difficult one if you know what to do. Here at Crossroad Powersports, we want to make things as simple as possible for you. We put together this easy guide for safely towing ATVs so you can feel confident getting out there. If you are looking to buy, check out our selection of ATVs for sale. We are located near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and offer a large selection of ATVs for sale.

Making a Towing Plan

Towing is a complex process. You definitely don’t want to “wing it” and hope it turns out okay. You are transporting heavy equipment on a road with other people. For the safety of your equipment, yourself, and those around you, you need to be cautious and careful.

Start off by ensuring your tow vehicle can handle the weight of your ATVs. Most ATVs won’t fit on the back of a pickup, so odds are you’ll need a trailer. Make sure you review the steps a few times before trying out the process. Try to hitch your trailer when you are on flat and even ground to make things easier.

Hooking Up Your Trailer

The easiest approach is to hook up your trailer, then load up your ATV. Set up your trailer tongue so that it sits above the height of the ball hitch. Slowly back up your tow vehicle until the latch rests underneath the trailer tongue. Get the tongue onto the ball joint and make sure it is on there tight. Align the tow chains in an “X” shape under the tongue. Hook the chains to the tow vehicle. This serves as a safeguard in case the trailer gets unhitched at some point so you don’t lose it.

Loading Your ATV

Now your trailer is connected and ready for its cargo. Get your ramp situated and ready. Make sure you have enough space for the process. You don’t want to overshoot your target and run into the back of your tow vehicle. Come at the ramp perfectly straight. Go slow and steady so you can make minor tweaks as necessary.

Once your ATV is onto the trailer, you’re almost done! Now all you need is to secure it in place. Use straps or some other device to keep it immobilized. The number of straps you’ll need depends on the size of your vehicle. After you put on the straps, double check it by shaking your ATV from all sides. If it moves at all, you’ll need to add more straps or adjust your straps.

Driving Safely While Towing

Loading up your ATV is only half the battle. Now you have to transport them. Drive cautiously. Minimize the number of lane changes or turns you’ll need to do. When you do have to turn, make sure to take the turns wide. Leave plenty of space between you and other vehicles. Remember that because of the extra weight, it’ll take longer for your vehicle to come to a full stop. Try to keep the speed low since your trailer tires are not designed to handle high speeds under so much weight. Soon you’ll be at your destination ready to ride!

For a large selection of ATVs for sale, visit Crossroad Powersports. We reach a wide range of customers near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania including the areas of Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, Wilmington, Delaware, and Deptford Township, New Jersey. Stop by today!