Obviously, it is highly important to have proper equipment when tying down an ATV. The necessities include a trailer that can easily support the weight of your ATV, a vehicle capable of hauling the trailer, and four ratchet straps. Ratchet straps can be found in virtually any hardware or motoring supply store. If possible, purchase automatic ratchet straps as they are much easier to use than the straps that require manual adjustment. After obtaining all of the necessary supplies, you can begin securing your ATV.
Generally speaking, it is a good idea to have the trailer placed in your yard or somewhere else out of public roads when securing your ATV. Start by backing your vehicle towards the front of the trailer. Lining them up perfectly isn’t entirely necessary as you can pull the trailer to the hitch of the towing vehicle manually. Once you have the vehicle and the trailer in position, lower the coupler of the trailer onto the hitch of the vehicle. With the coupler and hitch in place, lock the lever on top of the coupler in the downward position. Be sure to pull up on the trailer to ensure that is securely attached to the hitch. After this attachment is complete, link the support chains to the hitch as well (providing your trailer has them) and plug in the trailer lights. Forgetting to plug in the trailer lights can result in a fine if a police officer happens to spot you.
Now that you have successfully attached the trailer to your vehicle and prevented any fines, you can begin tying down your ATV. First, start your ATV and let it warm up for a minute or two. While it is warming up, lower the ramp(s) of your trailer and position it according to the width of your ATV. Then, carefully navigate the ATV up the ramp and position it in the center of the trailer. Turn off the engine and, most importantly, engage the parking brake to avoid any rolling that might occur during transportation. Remember to fold the ramp back up when you are done using it. You can then begin attaching the ratchet straps at each corner. Attach one end of the strap to the rack of the ATV (or the undercarriage if you have a model that doesn’t have a rack) and the other end of the strap to the trailer, confirming that both ends are securely connected. Next, crank the ratchet until the strap is perfectly taut. You should notice the suspension of the ATV tighten and sink. Repeat this on the three remaining corners, checking that every strap is firmly fastened. When finished, do a quick survey of your work to make sure every step is completed and the trailer is ready for the haul.
Be it a short haul or a long haul, it is immensely important to be cautious every time you attach and transport a trailer. Taking a few preventive measures and using proper equipment will not only prevent thousands of dollars in damages, they will make this task much safer for yourself and other drivers. With patience and practice, securing an ATV will never be the subject of your nightmares again.
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