HOW TO PROPERLY LOAD YOUR UTV

If you love motorsports, UTVs are the next generation of off-road fun. Side-by-sides are getting bigger and more elaborate year after year, and the bigger models can be the size of small car. Loading and unloading is extremely important to get right, for your safety and for that of the machine. This brief guide will give you the information you need to load and unload your UTV. Remember, if you need parts or service to help with the process, Campers RV Center in Shreveport, Louisiana has the best selection. We proudly serve Bossier City, Ruston, and Monroe, Louisiana, as well as Longview, and Tyler Texas.

Consider the Trailer

Considering most UTVs have become large enough not to fit in the back of the standard pickup truck, you are probably hauling yours on a trailer. The design of your trailer will affect how to unload and load your trailer. Single axle designs may rock back and forth and are generally less stable on the road. Double axle trailers are more stable, but usually cost more money.

Stabilize the Trailer

Once you’ve planned out your attack, begin to level out your trailer and hook it up to the tow vehicle. Make sure your trailer is on flat, even ground and then use the drawbar to lift the tongue high enough to allow the tow vehicle hitch to fit under it. Lower the trailer until it locks into place on the hitch and make sure the connection is tight. You can put chocks in front of the wheels for added stability when loading. If your trailer has a ramp-style gait, simply lower it to the ground. If you have separate ramps, attach them to your trailer as per manufacturer instructions.

Making Connections

Hook up the rest of the chains, wires, and connections that need to be made between the trailer and tow vehicle. Remember to cross the safety chains in an “X” formation under the tongue. Connect the brake and turn signal lights, if applicable, and connect the harness for controlling the trailer’s brakes. Test all electrical connections to make sure everything is working properly.

Drive it Up

Next, you’ll want to drive your UTV up the ramps. Put on your helmet, as falling off a trailer or hitting your handlebars can still cause serious injury. Come at it with enough speed to get over the ramp, but not so much as to overshoot the trailer or catch air from the ramps. Attempt to load symmetrically for stability while driving. You should put only about 10-15% of the trailer’s total weight on the hitch, which means you don’t necessarily want to drive the UTV all the way to the front. Instead, weight should be centered over the axle. Strap your UTV down with straps and clamps and make sure they are all locked in place and tight. Don’t forget to put your UTV in park!

On the Road

Driving with a trailer presents its own set of challenges, but that’s a topic that deserves an entire article. Remember to consistently check on your trailer through the various rest stops you make throughout your trip. Do a visual inspection as you walk around the trailer and grab each of the straps to make sure they haven’t come loose. Make sure the lights and brakes are still functioning, and check your tire pressure, too. Listen for grinding or squeaking sounds coming from the wheels. Don’t continue with the trip if a safety feature of the trailer or your tow vehicle isn’t working.

While this sounds like an elaborate process, the point is to take your time, think ahead, and follow through to make sure everything stays in good shape. When you want to have fun on an UTV, the last thing you want to see is a problem on your trailer or tow vehicle. If you have any problems with your UTV, don’t hesitate to call Campers RV Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. We proudly serve the areas of Bossier City, Ruston, and Monroe, Louisiana, as well as Longview, and Tyler Texas. Our team of dedicated technicians work tirelessly to get our customers back out on the trail.