How to Transport Your ATV Safely: A Complete Guide

By: Matthew Polito

Transporting an ATV may seem straightforward, but doing it wrong can cause real problems fast. Poor loading or loose tie-downs can lead to shifting, tipping, or even losing the ATV while driving. Something as small as a slack strap or uneven weight can result in serious damage.

Improper towing doesn’t just put your ATV at risk—it can also create safety and legal issues. Many states have rules around trailer lights, brakes, weight limits, and how loads must be secured. Ignoring those requirements or overloading a trailer can lead to fines or liability if something goes wrong.

This guide walks you through the basics of transporting an ATV safely. You’ll learn how to choose the right trailer, load and secure your ATV correctly, and follow best practices to make every trip smooth and stress-free. While this article focuses on ATVs, the same guidance applies to UTVs and side-by-sides.

Choosing the Right Trailer for ATV Transport

Selecting the right trailer is one of the most important steps in safe ATV transport. A good trailer makes loading easier, keeps your machine secure, and helps everything tow smoothly. Before hitting the road, it helps to understand the main trailer options and what to look for.

There’s no single “best” trailer for everyone. The right choice depends on your ATV, how often you haul, and how much protection you want.

Open Utility Trailers >

Open utility trailers are the most common and budget-friendly option. They’re lightweight, easy to handle, and work well for short trips or weekend rides. Loading and cleanup are simple, but your ATV is exposed to weather and road debris. For longer trips or rough conditions, using a cover or extra protection is a smart move.

< Enclosed Trailers

Enclosed trailers offer the most protection. They keep your ATV shielded from rain, dust, and road grime, and they often provide extra space for gear and tools. These are a great choice if you travel often or want to protect a higher-end machine. The downside is cost and weight—you’ll need a tow vehicle with enough capacity.

Deck Over Trailers >

Deck over trailers have the deck positioned above the wheels, giving you more width and flexibility. They’re useful for hauling multiple ATVs or larger machines that won’t fit well on a standard utility trailer. The extra space also makes tie-downs easier.

That said, deck overs sit higher off the ground, so loading takes more care. Longer ramps help reduce the angle and improve safety. They’re also built for heavy-duty work, which means they’ll cost you. If you’ve already got one, or you’re using one for work purposes, you’re good to haul, just make sure it’s ok with the boss. If you’re the boss, still remember to hose off the mud when you’re done. But if it’s only for moving ATVs/UTVS/Side by sides for recreational purposes, the expense is probably too great.

Key Features to Look For

Once you’ve chosen a trailer type, a few features make a big difference in safety and ease of use.

Weight Capacity and Size

Your trailer should be rated to handle the weight of your ATV plus any gear. Look for the trailer’s capacity—the weight of the vehicles you load on should be 80% of the capacity or less. Overloading can cause poor handling, tire failures, and sway. Make sure the deck is long and wide enough to fit your ATV comfortably with room for straps.

Ramps for Safe Loading

A solid ramp is essential. Look for fold-down or removable ramps with a non-slip surface—especially important in wet or muddy conditions. A gentle incline makes loading easier and reduces strain on both you and the ATV.

Tie-Down Points

Strong, well-placed tie-down points are crucial for secure ATV transport. Choose a trailer that has multiple anchor points along the sides and floor so you can attach ratchet straps at solid angles. Proper tie-down placement keeps your ATV stable even on bumpy roads or during sudden stops.

Brakes and Lighting

Trailer brakes and lights aren’t optional. Working brake lights, turn signals, and reflectors are required in most states and are vital for safety. Trailer brakes are especially important when hauling heavier loads or driving at highway speeds.

Loading Your ATV Onto the Trailer

Safe transport starts before you even pull out of the driveway. A little preparation goes a long way.

Preparing Your ATV

Before loading, do a quick inspection. Check the ATV for loose parts, make sure the tires are properly inflated, and confirm the brakes work as they should. Catching small issues now can prevent bigger problems later.

Remove loose items like helmets, bags, or tools and transport them separately. Make sure the gas and oil caps are tight to prevent leaks. Check your ratchet straps for wear and set your trailer’s anchor points ahead of time so you’re ready once the ATV is loaded.

Loading the ATV

Park the trailer on flat, stable ground and keep it securely hitched to the truck. Use ramps rated for the ATV’s weight and make sure they’re securely attached.

Most riders load the ATV facing forward for better weight balance and easier tie-downs. If your ATV has accessories that catch wind, loading it backward can help.

Remember the 60-40 Rule When Parking

When parking the ATV on the trailer, keep your ATV centered left to right. Do your best to park or place your load 60% in front of the axle and 40% behind the axle. (See here for why this is important.) If your trailer has one axle, try to get the center of the ATV slightly in front of the axle.

When driving your ATV onto Your Trailer:

1. Ensure that the trailer is immobilized, the ramp is in place at as shallow an angle as possible, and the ramp is not going to move when you start driving on it. Don't attempt to load if the ramp is slippery or unstable.
2. Drive up the ramp slowly and steadily. Avoid sudden throttle. If you gun the engine partway through coming up the ramp you'll likely be going too fast once you're on the trailer's deck, won't have enough time to brake and you'll slam the ATV into a rail--or go over it! It's better to let the ATV roll down partly and try again at a slow and steady speed than to gun it halfway up.
3. Once you're on the deck, begin braking well before you hit your target point. Your target should be to put the center of the ATV at or slightly in front of the axle.
4. Once centered, put the ATV in park, set the brake if equipped, and shut off the engine.
5. Make sure it’s stable before moving on.

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For Side-loading Trailers

What if you have a side-loading utility trailer, and the ramp is near the trailer’s tongue and it loads completely forward of the axle? Side-loading aluminum trailers are generally designed to accept forward loading of a single ATV. Even if it’s a lightweight trailer like aluminum, if it’s designed with side ramps for ATVs and other vehicles of similar weight, it will likely be fine. It’s safer if you can load from the back and center the weight, but if that’s not an option, look for signs that the back of your truck is squatting. (If you have the option to check tongue weight it might be a good idea.)

Load the ATV fully forward as designed, then balance the rest of your gear toward or slightly behind the axle.

Watch for any of these signs the tongue weight is too high.

• The rear of the vehicle squats (if it just settles lightly, that’s fine.)
• Headlights point upward
• Steering should feel normal, not skip all over.
• Trailer should track straight
• Trailer should not be hopping over bumps.

If any of those things are happen, abort! It’s unsafe, and if you get up to highway speed you’ll have a serious problem. Reposition or unload and reassess the weight distribution.

If you have an unusually heavy ATV, or you know the tow vehicle is near its hitch limit, don’t attempt it. Take off weight, try to load from the back instead of the side. Exercise common sense and remember you won’t be the only person on the road.

Securing Your ATV for Transport

Strap that sucker down! Use heavy-duty ratchet straps rated for at least the weight of your ATV. A four-point tie-down setup—one strap at each corner—is the standard.

Attach straps to solid points on the frame or lower suspension. Avoid handlebars or bumpers, which can turn, bend or break. Crisscross the straps so they pull the ATV down and inward. Tighten evenly until the suspension compresses slightly, but don’t overdo it.

Before leaving, give each strap a firm tug. Make sure the ATV doesn’t move and double-check your lights, tires, and hitch. A final check can save you from trouble down the road.

On-the-Road Safety and Unloading Tips

Driving Safely While Towing

Pulling a trailer changes how your towing vehicle handles. Braking takes longer, turns are wider, and acceleration is slower. Keep extra distance between you and other vehicles and avoid sudden stops or sharp turns.

1. Signal early and take your time. Take that increased braking distance seriously.
2. After the first few miles, pull over and check your straps—vibration can loosen them. 
3. If you notice sway or wobble, slow down and adjust your load in a safe spot.

Unloading Your ATV

Park on flat, solid ground and chock the trailer wheels. Loosen the tie-downs one at a time so the ATV doesn’t shift suddenly.

Set up your ramps securely and test them before unloading. Ease the ATV down slowly and under control. Once it’s on the ground, do a quick walk-around to check for leaks or loose parts.

Common ATV Transport Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping a Proper Trailer
Towing an ATV without a purpose-built trailer is unsafe and can damage your equipment. Always use a trailer rated for the job.

Using Worn or Cheap Straps
Old or low-quality straps fail more often than people realize. Inspect them before every trip and replace anything worn or frayed.

Neglecting Trailer Maintenance
Check tire pressure, lights, brakes, and bearings regularly. A well-maintained trailer tows safer and smoother.

Overloading the Trailer
Exceeding weight limits stresses your tires, suspension, and hitch. Stick to the manufacturer’s ratings to stay safe and in control.

Follow these guidelines and you won't have any problems on the road, and won't end up with an ATV on your back! If you're interested in buying a trailer (or selling your old one) you can call or text us at 440-232-4311.