Buying a UTV With the Right Hauling Capacity

A UTV can be just about anything you need it to be, from a fun toy that allows you to roam the great outdoors to a compact workhorse that gets jobs done fast and right. But whatever you’ll be using yours for, chances are you’ll need a certain hauling capacity to do what you plan to. We here at Langston Motorsports want to help you get exactly what you need, so we’ve put together a brief guide to buying a UTV by hauling capacity, below. To learn more, or to see the UTVs we have for sale, contact our store in Perris, California, today!

What Does “Hauling Capacity” Mean?

A UTV’s hauling capacity refers to the total amount of weight your UTV can carry in its cargo bed, towed behind it, or both without being overburdened, which begins to tax the engine and wheels more. It includes people in the vehicle, attachments, and other aftermarket add-ons, as well. Different UTVs and UTV lines have different hauling capacities, so it’s important to know your vehicle’s limits before you start loading it up. An overburdened UTV will have lower fuel efficiency and control, and likely a shorter lifespan.

Your Hauling Capacity Needs

When thinking about how much weight your prospective UTV will need to handle, it’s best to think about the heaviest possible load you’ll ever want it to carry. That way you’ll understand the absolute maximum hauling capacity you need, so even if it seems unlikely at the time of purchase, you’re prepared for increased weight. 

Considerations

There’s more that goes into this decision than just the manufacturer’s specs, of course, since they’re written about what the UTV can handle in ideal conditions.

Terrain

The specs written by the manufacturer were designed for even, hard surfaces like grassy areas, packed dirt, and pavement. The more difficult the terrain you’re navigating, the harder your UTV’s engine and wheels are going to be worked, including shifting surfaces like mud, sand, or gravel and bumpy surfaces. That will impact how well it carries heavy cargo, so you’ll need something with a bit more power than you’d otherwise expect.

Inclines

The manufacturer’s specs don’t take into account constant slopes, either, so if you expect to be driving up and down inclines constantly, you’ll need to factor that in as well. Hills, ditches, dunes, and other sharp slopes will similarly strain your UTV, lowering the amount of extra weight it can handle well.

We hope this guide helps you find a UTV with the perfect hauling capacity! For more information, or to see the UTVs we have available, contact us at Langston Motorsports. We proudly serve the people of Temecula and Orange County, California—let us serve you today!