Towing Your Four Wheeler
Odds are, you want to ride your ATV somewhere other than your backyard. But this means transporting your quad somewhere else where there are trails to conquer, which requires towing your vehicle. The process is easy once you know all the steps, it's just a matter of remembering them and practicing them. Here at Sky Powersports Lakeland, we enjoy making things as easy as possible for you. That's why we created this beginner's guide to towing your quad below. If you have any questions or need a service done before your next ride, visit our dealership! We proudly serve those in Brandon, Florida.
Build Your Game Plan
The process requires a bit of planning and preparation to ensure it goes smoothly. Your first step is making sure that your tow vehicle can handle the weight of your ATV, which means looking up the Gross Combined Weight Rating. This number tells you how much weight your tow vehicle can handle. Keep in mind this number includes the weight of cargo and passengers.
Once your vehicle is cleared for the task, your next step is to make sure that you are ready for the towing process. This means ensuring you fully understand how every step works. Review this guide a few times. Do a practice round in a no-pressure situation. Go through the motions and go for a quick drive around your neighborhood. It'll get the bumps out of the system out now and also help build up your confidence so you can handle the process without stress when the time comes.
Hook Up Your Trailer
Work smarter, not harder, by starting off on flat ground. If you try to get your four-wheeler on an uneven trailer, it will take much more time and be much more challenging. Position the trailer tongue so it sits above the ball hitch. Slowly back up until the latch rests below the tongue. Put the tongue onto the ball joint and secure it. Place the tow chains in an "X" under the tongue and connect it to your vehicle. This is a safeguard in case your trailer gets disconnected on the road.
Load Your ATV
Ride your quad slowly up the ramp. You want enough momentum to get up the slope, but not so much that you'll overshoot it and end up in the cargo bay. After your ATV is inside, you'll want to position the weight strategically. Aim for 60% in front and 40% in back. If you put too much in front, it strains your tow vehicle. If you put too much in the back, it could snap the hitch.
Driving While Towing a Quad
Remember that added weight will change how your tow vehicle handles. You now need more time and space to come to a stop, need to take corners at a different angle, need more room to lane change, and so on. It helps to drive around low-traffic areas to get a feel for driving it first before hitting the highway. Build up your skills with practice and before you know it you will be a towing pro!
For all your ATV needs, visit Sky Powersports Lakeland. If you are looking to buy a new or used quad, check out our wide selection. We also operate parts and service departments. If your four-wheeler isn't running like it used to, bring it on in! Our expert staff can get it running like new in no time. Whatever you need, you can find with us. We proudly serve those in Brandon, Tampa, and Orlando, Florida.