Before you can haul safely, you need a trailer rated for the job. ATVs and side-by-sides vary significantly in weight and dimensions, and the trailer has to match both.

A typical ATV runs between 270 and 550 kg. A full-size SXS, particularly a four-seat model, can weigh 900 kg or more. Add a second machine, fuel, and gear, and the numbers climb quickly. Your trailer's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating needs to comfortably cover the total loaded weight, not just barely clear it.

On dimensions, SXS machines have gotten wider over the years. Many current models run 60 inches wide or more, and some performance units push past 64 inches. Confirm your trailer's interior or deck width before assuming your machine fits the way you expect it to.

The two main trailer types for ATV and SXS hauling are:

• Open trailers: Lower cost, easier to load and unload, good airflow, and simple to inspect the load at a glance. The trade-off is that machines are exposed to road debris, weather, and are more visible to theft.
• Enclosed trailers: Weather protection, security, and the ability to store gear alongside the machines. Enclosed trailers also work as a base camp for longer trips. They cost more and require more attention to ventilation when carrying machines with fuel in the tank.

Both work well. The choice comes down to how often you haul, how far you travel, and how much weather and security matter to your situation.

Loading Your ATV Or SXS: Do It Right Every Time

Loading is where most trailer incidents happen. Rushing the process, using an undersized ramp, or misjudging the approach angle are common causes of machines tipping or sliding during loading.

A few things to get right before you start:

• Make sure the trailer is hitched and the coupler is locked before loading
• Use a ramp rated for the weight of your machine
• Keep the approach angle as shallow as possible
• Load one machine at a time and secure it before bringing the next one on
• Drive slowly and straight up the ramp

For side-by-sides with a wider stance, make sure the ramp width matches the machine's track width. A machine that drops off the edge of a narrow ramp mid-load is not a recoverable situation.

Tie-Down Technique: How To Secure Your Machines Properly

Proper tie-down is the most important part of hauling. A machine that looks secure but is not properly anchored will move on the highway, and a shifted load at speed creates real danger.

The standard approach for ATVs and SXS machines:

• Use a minimum of four tie-down straps per machine: two at the front, two at the rear
• Attach straps to solid structural points on the frame
• Use ratchet straps rated for at least the weight of the machine per strap
• Pull the suspension down slightly when tightening the front straps
• Cross your straps front and rear to prevent movement

Soft loop tie-down straps are useful when attaching to coated frame components where a bare hook could cause damage.

After tightening, push and pull on the machine in all directions. There should be no meaningful movement. If it rocks, the straps are not tight enough or the anchor points are wrong.

Weight Distribution And Trailer Balance

How you position your machines on the trailer affects how the whole rig handles on the road. An improperly balanced trailer can cause sway at highway speeds, particularly when passing or being passed by large trucks.

The general rule is to position 60 percent of the load weight ahead of the trailer axle. For a single machine, this usually means loading toward the front of the deck. For two machines, make sure the heavier unit is positioned forward.

Check tongue weight after loading. Most trucks have a tongue weight limit of around 10 to 15 percent of their towing capacity. Too little tongue weight causes trailer sway. Too much reduces front wheel traction.

Pre-Trip Checklist: Before Every Haul

A five-minute check before you leave prevents problems on the road. Build it into your routine and it becomes automatic.

Before every trip:

• Confirm the coupler is latched and the hitch pin is in place
• Check that safety chains are crossed and connected
• Verify all trailer lights are working
• Check tire pressure on the trailer, including the spare
• Confirm all tie-down straps are tight
• Make sure the ramp is secured and not dragging
• Walk around the trailer and look for anything unusual

If you are hauling an enclosed trailer, also check that the doors are fully latched and that nothing inside can shift during transit.

On The Road: Hauling With A Loaded Trailer

Hauling a loaded ATV or SXS trailer changes how your vehicle handles. Stopping distances increase, and cornering requires more care.

Practical habits for the road:

• Increase your following distance, especially at highway speeds
• Brake earlier and more gradually
• Avoid sudden lane changes or swerving
• Check your mirrors regularly for signs of trailer sway
• If sway develops, ease off the accelerator and let the rig slow naturally

If you are travelling long distances, stop every couple of hours to check that straps are still tight. Vibration over rough roads can loosen them over time.

Areas We Serve

We work with customers across Western Canada, with locations and regional pickup options available to support both individuals and businesses.

Our service areas include High River (Showroom / Sales Yard), Calgary, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, and Red Deer, with additional regional pickup available by appointment in Langley, Kamloops, Kelowna, Fort St. John, Prince George, Regina, Saskatoon, and Winnipeg.

Whether you are operating locally or across multiple provinces, we help you find trailer solutions that fit your setup.
 

Find The Right Trailer For Your ATV Or SXS

Hauling your machine safely starts with having a trailer that fits the job. The right deck width, weight rating, and ramp setup make the process easier and more reliable every time you head out.

At Factory Outlet Trailers, we carry a wide selection of ATV and SXS trailers across our 14 locations in Western Canada. Our team understands recreational hauling and can help you find a trailer that fits your machines, your tow vehicle, and how you like to travel.

Browse our ATV and SXS trailer inventory or contact our team to find the right setup for your next trip.