How To Load an ATV on a Trailer

If you own an All Terrain Vehicle, or ATV, you will eventually find it necessary to transport it somewhere. Whether your transportation method is via trailer or the bed of a truck, the loading and unloading process is simple with the correct tools. Once loaded, tightly strap down the ATV to prevent moving during transport.

The correct item to load an ATV on a trailer is the simple machine known as an inclined plane. Before manufacturers designed all manner of loading ramps, which are simply fancy inclined planes, old timers used whatever wooden boards they had handy to make a ramp. Fortunately, we no longer have to worry with the safety issues involved in using make shift ramps.

1.  Purchase your chosen ramps. Retailers such as Harbor Freight, Cabela's and even Home Depot sell a variety of ramps to accommodate your vehicle, price range and individual preferences.

• Aluminum or steel loading ramps are usually textured to provide traction. They are available as two individual ramps for narrow or wide placement, or as a linked pair with a folding hinge in the middle.


• Ladder style ramps are usually made of aluminum and resemble a ladder with rungs. The rungs provide traction during loading. These ramps are also available hinged or in individual pieces.


• Auto ramps, which resemble a wedge or right triangle, are not the appropriate ramp for load an ATV on a trailer.
  
  

2.  Block your trailer or attach it to a vehicle to prevent shifting during loading.

3.  Securely place the ramps on the end of the trailer, at a width corresponding to the wheel placement of the ATV.  

4.  Slowly drive the ATV up the ramps and onto the trailer.

Please note: The ramps are at an incline and there is a small bump at the top. This may cause the driver to think it necessary to give the vehicle extra gas. Use caution in doing so. Too much force can send the ATV quickly up the ramps in an uncontrolled manner possible causing injury to the rider.

Some trailer tailgates work as make shift ramps or can be altered to include a ramp design. Use caution with anything not specifically designed to be used as a ramp. An ATV is a heavy vehicle that can cause serious injury.