Okay, you've bought the ATV, now it's time to get it home. Unfortunately, you can't ride your ATV down the street, so you're going to have to purchase an ATV trailer to get it there, and to your fun destinations.
Buying an ATV trailer takes some homework, and there are some things that will need to be done before you decide on and purchase any particular trailer. One of the first things to do is make sure your vehicle is able to pull the extra weight of a trailer with one, two or three ATV's loaded onto it. Then, you'll need to attach a trailer hitch to your vehicle. Learning how to pull, turn and drive your trailer in various terrains and surfaces is a good idea as well.
Most people can purchase an ATV trailer at the lot where ATV's and campers and other outdoor vehicles are sold, or you may opt to find a trailer yard in your community. Make sure that any trailer you purchase, whether new or used, works correctly and has good tires. Make sure also that wheel bearings are in good working order and check them at least once a year to make sure they stay that way.
Next comes the ATV trailer lights. You may need someone to help you determine that they're working, as one person needs to be in the vehicle while the other watches the lights to make sure brake and turn signals and sidelights are working. Don't rely on hand signals when pulling anything behind your vehicle.
When pulling anything, especially ATV's, make sure your load is tied down. Many people use lashings that stretch or loosen during transportation, which makes for a dangerous situation waiting to happen. Purchase adequate tie-downs for the weight of your ATV and lash to the ATV trailer using a ratchet-style tie-down if possible. These types of tie-downs come with different weight bearing capacities. Better to get something stronger than you need than something that won't hold your load down.
Don't assume that tightening your straps is all you need to do between Point A and Point B. Many loads shift during transportation, and factors such as speed and wind may loosen your straps while driving. When you stop to fill up for gas, check your straps and tighten if necessary.
Did you remember to check everything? No, there's one more item to consider and that's your ATV trailer brakes. Check to make sure the hydraulic fluid reservoir is full and make sure the trailer brakes are working before you ever take your load out onto the open highways.
Enjoying your machines is easy when owners make sure that accessories and tools used for ATV's are well maintained and in good working order, and your ATV trailer is an important extension of your machines. Make sure you think, 'Safety First' before you take your ATV trailer out onto the road, and you'll ensure yourself a safe trip to your destination.
