Towing Your ATV
Your ATV journey begins when you leave your driveway. Unless your destination is really close to your house you will need to tow your four wheeler. We have put together a guide to towing your quad below. Follow our simple steps and soon you will be tearing it up and chasing that adrenaline. If you need any parts or servicing before your ride, bring your ATV to Langston Motorsports in Temecula, California.
Prepare to Tow
A little bit of planning goes a long way. After all, you are taking a massive vehicle towing behind another massive vehicle on the road. This is not the time to “wing it”.
Start by making sure your vehicle can handle the extra weight. Each vehicle has a Gross Combined Weight Rating. This tells you how much weight it can pull (and this number includes any cargo or passengers).
The next step is to make sure you understand the process of towing (that is what this guide is for). Finally, make sure you practice driving with the trailer a few times before heading to your destination. You want to get used to how everything handles in the safety of a low-traffic neighborhood, not on a high-speed highway.
Hook Up the Trailer
Work smarter, not harder, by hitching when on flat and even ground. Position the trailer tongue so it rests above the ball hitch. Back up slowly until the latch rests below the tongue. Put the tongue on the ball joint and secure it tightly. Arrange the tow chains in an “X” shape under the tongue. Connect the chains to the tow vehicle (this acts as a safeguard in case the trailer gets unhitched).
Load Your Quad
Check your owner’s manual for instructions on positioning your ramp for loading. Line up your ATV with the ramp and slowly ride up it. Here you are reaching for the sweet spot. You need enough momentum to get up the slope but not enough that you will shoot far into the cargo bay.
As you load up the trailer, you will want to be intentional about where you place the weight. The ideal placement is 60% in the front, 40% in the rear, and 10% on the hitch. Too much weight in front puts excess strain on your tow vehicle. Too much weight in the rear could snap the hitch.
Driving While Towing
When you add a large amount of weight to your tow vehicle, it will affect how it drives. Now you will need more time and distance to come to a full stop. You’ll need to take corners at different angles, and you’ll need more space when changing lanes. That’s why it can be so beneficial to spend time practicing driving in a controlled environment first. It will give you the confidence and experience you need to travel to your destination stress-free.
Once you are ready to head out, make sure you double check the mirrors and lights before leaving the driveway. You need to be able to see and be seen on the road.
Use defensive driving. Drive moderately during good road conditions and more slowly during poor road conditions (like rain or snow). Take turns and lane changes slower. Leave plenty of space between you and other vehicles. Before you know it, you will be at your destination safe and sound. Then the ATV fun begins!
If you need any four wheeler supplies or maintenance, visit Langston Motorsports. We serve those in Temecula, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange County, California. We also serve those in the greater Inland Empire area.