Polaris ATVs are the best ATV’s on the market. Transporting them before exciting off-roading adventures or getting the chores done can be a challenge. There is lots of advice out there about transporting ATVs. Some websites may even provide you with long lists of do’s and don’ts if you want to know how to transport ATVs. Unfortunately, not all of it is sound advice or practical suggestions.
Knowing how to transport a Polaris ATV or UTV is crucial for any Polaris fan to avoid ending a fun trail ride with juggling ropes and straps. Whether you have a Ranger or General or an RZR or Sportsman, there are many parts to the process, including choosing the right trailer, ATV accessories, and even precautions to avoid accidents. If you have similar questions in mind regarding how to transport a Polaris ATV/ UTV or even how to haul an ATV without a trailer, this article will be your best guide.
We will cover the following:
- Top Polaris ATV transporting tips
- Transporting an ATV using a Polaris ATV trailer
- How to haul an ATV with a Truck
- Must-have accessories for Polaris ATVs
- Safety tips for transporting ATVs
Top Polaris ATV Transporting Tips
ATVs are not street-legal, so transporting them can be a mammoth task if you are an inexperienced rider eager to explore the trails. We will discuss different options for transporting ATVs but let’s check out some proven tips to make your Polaris Ranger, Polaris RZR, Polaris Sportsman, or Polaris General the most transport-friendly ATV.
1. Towing is not recommended
Polaris doesn’t recommend towing any of its ATVs behind another vehicle. This is not only unsafe for the ATV but can cause serious damage to the ATV. However, if towing is the only option left in case your vehicle has broken down, then put the transmission into neutral. Tow the ATV for the shortest distance possible at a speed of no more than 10 miles per hour.
2. Using a trailer or flatbed truck is a good idea
Polaris has proprietary trailers designed for each Polaris ATV model, whether it is a recreational model or a cargo ATV. Trailers are always the safest option for transporting ATVs. The other option to be considered is a flatbed truck. However, in the case of flatbed trucks, you need to be extra careful with the straps needed to secure your Polaris ATV firmly to avoid slide-offs.
3. Ensure the right weight distribution
Even weight distribution is important to prevent any accidents while transporting your Polaris ATV. Try to put at least 60% of the weight of your load in front of the axles towards the trailer tongue to avoid overbalancing to the rear.
4. Follow these rules
Before securing the ATV to the trailer for transport:
- Position the vehicle safely on the trailer.
- Set the transmission of the ATV into the Park position.
- Stop the engine. Now turn the key back to the “on” position without starting the engine.
- Check if the vehicle transmission is in “park” mode on the display area on the dashboard.
- Then turn the key off and lock the parking brake if your ATV is equipped with one.
- To avoid losing the key during transportation, remove it and keep it with you.
- Check if the oil cap, fuel cap, seats, cargo, or any other accessories are lying loose on the ATV. Loose parts or even cargo can fly off during transportation, so remove them or secure them firmly.
Ensure that you tie down the frame of the Polaris ATV with durable straps at multiple points, front and rear, and leave the handlebars, racks, bumpers, and A-arm bolt pockets untied.
Transporting an ATV using a Polaris ATV trailer
To select the right trailer for your Polaris ATV, check whether it can accommodate the full body of your vehicle. In this case, consider the entire weight of your Polaris ATV and the gear, any tools, and its accessories. You can check the vehicle identification number label on your Polaris ATV to find out the vehicle’s gross weight. Here is a checklist to help you with this:
- The combined weight of the trailer and the ATV should not exceed the trailer’s gross weight capacity.
- Proper weight distribution is important while transporting your Polaris ATV on a trailer. A trusted method is to load 60 percent of the cargo weight in front of the axles, and 40 percent behind the axles. Too much weight loaded too far forward causes a heavy trailer tongue and excessive load on the tow vehicle. This makes it handle poorly at driving speeds.
- The ATV should be centered from left to right.
Your Polaris dealer can help you find the right trailer for your off-roading vehicle. However, if you want to avoid all the hassle of searching for a suitable trailer, then Polaris comes to the rescue with its extensive collection of model-specific trailers. The brand has introduced a range of trailers, specific to the Polaris Ranger, Polaris RZR, Polaris Sportsman, and Polaris General. You can find a nice collection of Polaris ATV trailers, from enclosed cargo trailers to open utility trailers and even ATV racks to make transporting ATVs a breeze.
How to Haul an ATV with a Truck
Hauling an ATV without a trailer might be a concern for riders when finding a suitable trailer is a challenge. Needless to say, the next option is to transport your ATV on a truck, either a flatbed or a pickup.
The truck bed will work if you are transporting only one ATV. However, you need to be extra careful with tying down the vehicle. The checklist below might be helpful:
- Invest in high-quality ATV ramps.
- Replace pull straps or any normal rope with ratchet straps for more strength and security.
- If your truck bed is too small for your ATV, find a ramp that can double up as a truck bed extension.
Safety Tips for Transporting ATVs
Responsible ATV riders will always want to secure their loads to avoid accidents while transporting their Polaris ATVs. The list below will take your safety standards to another level while transporting an ATV.
Proper weight distribution: Yes, we want to mention this point repeatedly to make you realize how important it is. When using a trailer, the right weight distribution can help you avoid accidents.
Use good quality tie down straps: We have already suggested using a ratchet strap instead of a rope or any other fragile strap. Make sure your strap is in good condition. Balance the total weight of the cargo with the straps’ safe working load limit (WLL). The WLL indicates the maximum weight the strap can safely handle. This means the combined WLL of all the straps you use to tie the ATV should not exceed the gross weight of your ATV. Yes, you can consider dividing the weight equally among all the straps.
Place the straps evenly: Don’t just focus on the heaviest part of the ATV while tying it down on a trailer or truck. If you are tying all the straps to the rear or front, the ATV has a high chance of moving and bumping into that part of the vehicle with the slightest jerk. Use straps with captive closed hooks for better grip and distribute them evenly on all sides of the vehicle.
Polaris ATVs- Essentials for Safe Riding & Hauling
This comes as a bonus to help you not just transport your ATV like a pro but also become a responsible rider. New ATV owners sometimes ignore the need for the right accessories which are an indispensable part of your Polaris ATV and your riding experience. Besides keeping you unharmed during the most thrilling experience on the trails and rough terrains, these accessories play a crucial role in transporting ATVs. So, never settle for low quality accessories. Always go with the best because they are worth every penny in saving time and hassle.
GripPRO ATV Anchors are top-quality accessories that help you fasten loads to your machine. We only manufacture anchors to fit Polaris ATVs. Our patented design offers 3 times more grip strength. In addition to these ATV tie-down anchors, we also offer knob tie-down anchors, and even flag mounts to fit any model of Polaris Ranger, Polaris RZR, Polaris Sportsman, and Polaris General.
The Ranger line fits all models and years of Polaris Ranger and Polaris General ATVs and UTVs. The RZR line fits the RZR’s and Sportsman’s as well as Polaris snowmobiles where 1” Lock and Ride holes are provided.
Available in stainless steel and zinc-plated finishes, GripPRO ATV Anchors come with a 100% lifetime satisfaction guarantee. We provide no-charge replacement with no-fine print if the customer is unsatisfied or the anchor ever fails. All our products are designed, tested, and assembled in the USA.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking to explore new trails or have a big job that needs doing, use these Polaris ATV transporting tips to make getting there a snap! GripPRO has become a trusted brand helping both beginners and pro-Polaris riders cruise safely with their ATVs on any terrain in any season. If you’re thinking of bringing your ATV to your next adventure, check out our Ranger line and RZR line of anchors, knobs, and flag mounts. And as always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.