Quad Trailer | Quad Bike Trailer | What To Know Before You Buy

The first question to ask your self is “Do you really need to buy a quad bike trailer?” Think carefully about how many times you’ll need to use the trailer to transport your quad bike or ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) in a typical year. If its just 2 or 3 times, then hiring a quad trailer may be a cheaper alternative.

If you feel that purchasing is the right option then consider the following 5 points, designed as a guide to help you purchase a quad bike trailer that will meet your needs. Many of these tips will apply for the purchase of other trailer types from basic utility trailers, car trailers, even specialized catering trailers designed especially for the mobile food industry.

1. Remember that it’s easy to underestimate the size of trailer that you will need. Before you start shopping around for options, make sure you know the exact weight and size of your quad bike or ATV.
2. Don’t assume that a standard utility trailer will do the job. Most of these will not be wide enough to fit a quad bike sideways. If you find a trailer wide enough to accommodate a quad bike, check for side railings, as these will interfere with easy loading and offloading. You’ll have to load from the rear and then shift, lift and slide the ATV into position manually. Remember that some ATVs are close to 900 pounds in weight.
3. Sideways loading quad bike trailers are normally the best option. These have sides that double as ramps. As the ATV is placed sideways on the trailer, they are considerably shorter and safer to drive.
4. Insist on a drive on and drive off trailer. If the ramps are too narrow, the angle to steep or the surface too slippery (we like non slip mesh) and you don’t feel you could drive the quad bike on and off comfortably, then choose a different design.
5. If you want to take things up a notch, consider purchasing an enclosed trailer. These are more expensive but provide extra protection and ease of transport.

We’re ending this article with a series of safety points. Some of these may seem obvious but if you’re inexperienced with hauling a trailer, these are well worth a read.

• Make sure that the towing vehicle is capable of towing the quad trailer and the trailer hitch has the correct size and rating. Double check to ensure that the hitch is solidly attached to the vehicle's frame and is in good condition. The trailer ball should be smooth and not rusty or damaged in any way.
• Never load or unload a trailer that is not properly connected to the tow vehicle. Once loaded, secure the quad bike property. The best trailers have numerous tie down points or lashing rings allowing you to work with all shapes and sizes of quad bike.
• Ensure that the ATV is loaded as far forward as possible in the trailer. This ensures that you have the correct tongue weight. IF you are carrying multiple quad bikes, load the heaviest at the front of the trailer. As a general rule, you want at least 15% of the total load weight on the tongue.
• Before you drive off, make sure that your safety chains are attached correctly, that your lights are working property, tires are property inflated and your ramps are properly secured.
• Never exceed the maximum capacity of your trailer. In the US this is specified as Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and is measured as weight of the unloaded trailer plus the maximum payload the trailer can carry. (But you’ve got that covered off in point 1 above, right?)
• Never ride a passenger in your trailer or overweigh it by adding other gear and equipment.