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