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Side Load ATV
Trailers
What are the Top Features You Need?
There seems to be a lot of disagreement lately about which side load
ATV trailers are best. Or if maybe a rear loading trailer is better.
We'll take a look at several of the most popular models to find out
what makes them the best side load ATV trailers. And if they would be
the best for you.
Advantages of
Side Loading ATV Trailers.
- They offer the most efficient
use of the deck space.
- Narrowest towing package so
they're easier to see around.
- More secure tie down and towing
stability.
- Easy drive on and drive off loading without
having to use reverse.
Now that we know about the advantages of side load ATV
trailers, let's see what top features you need.
Top Features.
Removable
ramps - that store underneath the trailer or
along the sides. Gas mileage gains are reported to be as much as 6 mpg!
Fold-up ramps
- that stay in place to help secure the ATVs or whatever else you
happen to be carrying. If security is more important to you than mpg,
this can be a good solution.
Integrated
tie-down points - You can almost never have too many
tie-down points on a trailer. The D-ring type that hide in the deck are
favorites.
Multi-use
capability
- If you need your trailer to do more than carry ATVs,
accessories are available that will turn it into a multi-tasking demon.
Flat bed
- Nobody wants to deal with inner wheel wells. You want a
nice flat, unobstructed surface for all your stuff.
Light weight
-
Since gas prices have skyrocketed, lighter weight aluminum atv
trailers have been getting more popular. But you need to consider your
own needs. If you really beat a trailer up, aluminum may not tolerate
the abuse. If that's not a problem, the lighter weight is an advantage
everywhere else.
Wider radial
tires
- The more ATVs you carry the more desirable the added stability of
wider tires becomes. Radials tow better, are tougher, last longer, and
have less rolling resistance.
Enclosed
lights
- Lights recessed into the trailer will insure they continue
to
function. Side load ATV trailers seem to have more action going on
around them, so any lights sticking out are just asking to get knocked
off.
Protected
Wiring -
Same deal as the lights. When you're loading and unloading
ATVs
and gear from all sides, it's a lot more likely any exposed wiring will
get damaged.
Non rusting
finish
- Your trailer is gonna get muddy and wet. Aluminum has the advantage
here because it will never rust. Many manufacturers now offer rust
resistant finishes on both the trailer and the fasteners holding it
together.
Sealed wheel
bearings - Will last a lot longer in the wet, muddy
conditions they'll be exposed to.
Low deck
height - Makes loading and unloading much less exciting.
Plus the lower center of gravity will be more stable going down the
road.
If
you are considering side load ATV trailers, we hope we've been able to
point out some of the features you need to consider. Now for the fun
part, shopping.
Related
links:
ATV Trailers - Buyer's Guide.
World of ATVs Home page
from Side Load ATV Trailers.
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