How to Haul ATVs and Side-by-Sides Up North Safely

Summer in Michigan means trail riding. Whether you're headed to the trails up north or across the Mackinac Bridge into the U.P., getting your ATVs or side-by-sides there safely starts with the trailer. Here's how to do it right.

Pick a trailer that fits your machines

Start by measuring. Side-by-sides are longer and wider than most people expect. Write down the length and width of each machine, plus the weight from the owner's manual. Most side-by-sides weigh well over 1,000 pounds before you add gear and fuel.

• One or two ATVs: a utility or landscape trailer usually works well.
• One side-by-side, or a mix of ATVs and a side-by-side: you need a longer deck, wide enough for the machine's track width.
• Two side-by-sides: you'll likely want a longer, heavier-duty flatbed so both machines fit nose to tail with room to strap them down.

Our In Action photos show our 18 ft landscape trailer carrying two ATVs and a side-by-side, and our 24 ft flatbed carrying two side-by-sides. If you're not sure which fits, our Which Trailer Do I Need? guide compares them.

Don't forget the weight. Add up the machines, a full tank of fuel, coolers, and gear, plus the trailer itself. That total needs to fit under both the trailer's GVWR and your tow vehicle's towing capacity. Our towing capacity guide shows how.

Loading: slow and straight

Loading is where most mishaps happen. A few tips:

• Hitch the trailer to the truck first. A loose trailer can tip up when weight hits the back.
• Park on level ground, with the truck in park and the parking brake on.
• Line up straight with the ramps before you start. Don't try to correct your angle halfway up.
• Use low gear and steady throttle. Don't stop partway up a ramp, and don't gun it.
• Use a spotter standing off to the side, never directly behind or in front of the machine.

Some riders prefer to winch machines on, which is fine too. Just take your time.

Position for good balance

With two machines, the heavier one usually goes in front. Aim to get about 60 percent of the weight ahead of the trailer axles. Put machines in gear or park and set their parking brakes. Our guide to tongue weight explains why this matters so much.

Strap at the wheels or the frame

This is the big one. Side-by-sides have soft suspensions, so if you strap them down through the body or the roll cage, the machine can bounce, and straps can loosen or break.

The better way is to secure the machine at the tires or the frame, so the suspension isn't fighting your straps:

• Wheel nets (tire bonnets) go over each tire and pull tight with a ratchet strap to the trailer.
• Axle straps loop around a solid frame or axle point, avoiding brake lines and CV boots.
• Use at least four tie-downs per machine, one at each corner, pulling in opposite directions.
• Never strap to plastic body panels, racks, or bumpers.

The two side-by-sides in our Mackinac Bridge photo were held down at the wheels with wheel nets and ratchet straps. For more on strap ratings, see our tie-downs guide.

Loose gear and fuel

Remove or secure anything that can blow off: helmets, coolers, bags, and windshields that aren't rated for highway speed. Many manufacturers recommend taking off soft roofs or folding windshields for towing. Keep fuel caps tight and carry extra fuel in approved containers, secured upright.

On the road

• Recheck your straps after the first few miles, and again at every fuel stop. Straps settle as the load bounces.
• Leave extra room for stopping. A loaded trailer takes longer to stop.
• Watch the wind. Long bridges and open highways can bring strong crosswinds. Slow down and keep both hands on the wheel. On the Mackinac Bridge, follow the posted bridge speed limit and any instructions from bridge staff.
• Keep your speed reasonable. Trailer tires and side-by-sides both do better at steady, moderate speeds.

Unloading at the trailhead

Reverse the process: level ground, trailer hitched, spotter to the side. Remove the straps last, after you've checked that the machine is in gear with the parking brake set. Back down the ramps slowly in low gear.

Have a great ride

A few extra minutes at loading time means you spend your weekend on the trail instead of the shoulder. Follow us on Facebook for more towing tips, and check out the Rental Fleet page if you need a trailer for your next trip up north. Call or message for rates.