When looking for an ATV trailer (or UTV trailer or Side x Side trailer), it’s important to know exactly what you’ll be hauling (one ATV? Two or more?), where you’ll be hauling and, in many cases, how long the haul is. An ATV trailer is designed to keep your quad secure as you travel on-road to your next off-road destination.
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Types of ATV Trailers
The right type of ATV trailer for you will depend on your towing capacity (check your owner’s manual), the number of ATVs you’ll be hauling, the distance you’ll be traveling and what, if anything, you might want to use your ATV trailer for when not hauling your quads.
- Utility trailers are one of the most versatile types of trailer available and one reason is the ability to haul ATVs. Because utility trailers are often lighter than other options, they’re ideal when you’re towing with a small vehicle or hauling more than one ATV. Utility trailers are good for short-distance hauling and also give you the versatility to haul other materials if and as needed when you’re not hauling ATVs.
- Open trailers are often the least expensive option and are extremely user-friendly. Open on all sides, you secure your ATV to the built-in tie-down points and are on your way. Loading and unloading is simple, assuming the angle of the ramp doesn’t conflict with your ATV’s ground clearance.
- Open side-load trailers are specifically designed for hauling ATVs. The main difference between side-load trailers and standard open trailers is the side-loading ramps that allow for convenient loading and unloading. Especially if you’ll be hauling more than one ATV, the no-backing-up-required loading/unloading is particularly desirable.
- Car-hauling trailers are another option for hauling multiple ATVs. Designed, as the name implies, for hauling cars, car-hauling trailers can support the weight of your ATV or ATVs and could be a good solution if your towing capacity supports it.
- Enclosed trailers generally cost more than open trailers and car-hauling trailers but come with the added security of protecting your ATV from the weather during your trip or while parked. Enclosed trailers can act as traveling garages and can be customizable in every way from dimensions to the exterior look and design.
ATV Trailer Common Sizes and Capacities
Unsurprisingly, sizes and capacities for ATV trailers vary. Here are some of the most common specs:
- Length and width: ATV trailers are generally between 5-16 feet in length and 4-8 feet wide.
- Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): The maximum weight an ATV trailer can safely carry (including the weight of the trailer and the load) usually falls between 2,000-3,000 pounds, although larger utility trailers or enclosed trailers can carry 7,000 pounds or more.
- Payload capacity: Subtract the weight of the trailer from the GVWR and we get the payload capacity, which puts the payload capacity of most open or enclosed ATV trailers around 1,500-4,000 pounds.
- Tongue weight: The recommended tongue weight (downward force exerted on the hitch ball by the trailer’s tongue or coupler) for ATV trailers is 10-15% of the trailer’s total weight, including the load.
- Axle configuration: Most open trailers will use single axles, but if you need a larger capacity for heavier loads, you can find open or enclosed trailers with tandem axles.
Towing and Hitch Needs for ATV Trailers
When purchasing a trailer for your ATV(s), it’s essential to consider the following for safe, efficient transport:
- Hitch type: Open ATV trailers usually use ball hitches, but some large open trailers or enclosed trailers might need a gooseneck or fifth-wheel hitch to increase stability and handle larger weight capacities.
- Hitch class and rating: Hitch classes range from Class I to Class V, all of which have specific weight ratings based on towing capacity. You need to make sure your hitch’s weight rating matches or exceeds the trailer’s GVWR and gross trailer weight (GTW) when loaded.
- Towing vehicle capacity: Check your owner’s manual to find your towing vehicle's gross combined weight rating (GCWR) and make sure you can safely tow your loaded trailer.
- Braking systems: Large utility trailers, car-hauling trailers and enclosed trailers may have electric, hydraulic or surge brakes to assist with control and stopping while towing heavy loads. It’s important to confirm any braking systems in your trailer are compatible with your towing vehicle.
- Safety chains: Properly attached safety chains that meet local regulations for length and strength are essential. Safety chains secure the trailer to the towing vehicle in case the hitch disconnects during towing.
ATV Trailer Pricing
ATV trailer prices vary from as low as under $1,000 to $10,000 and above, depending on the type of trailer and features. In general, single-axle open utility trailers will be the least expensive, with side-load open trailers next, then car-hauling trailers and, the most expensive, enclosed trailers. It’s not uncommon for a quality enclosed trailer to cost around $5,000, but when the size increases or extra features are added, the price can increase significantly.
With ATV trailers, prices increase as the amount of materials, axles and features increase. Knowing what you need from your ATV trailer is essential to getting the right trailer for your quad(s) at the right price.
ATV Trailer Add-ons and Extras
Depending on your hauling needs, you can customize your ATV trailer with several features. Here are some of the most popular:
- Open utility trailers can be adorned with spare tire mounts, toolboxes and storage compartments, ramps, tie-downs and anchor points, adjustable hitches, ladder racks, removable or fold-down sides, mesh sides, solid metal sides, cargo nets, tarps and more.
- Enclosed trailers can be upgraded with many of the same features as open trailers, plus the ability to customize all three dimensions, add cabinets or racks, insulation and ventilation, and add custom paint or wraps to the exterior.
Popular ATV Trailer Brands
- Aluma Trailers
- Sure-Trac Trailers
- Legend Trailers
- Down 2 Earth Trailers
- Carry-On Trailers
- Featherlight Trailers
- Big Tex Trailers
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