Towing Your UTV

While there are a few select places in which you can legally drive an appropriately modified UTV on the street, under most circumstances, getting to the trail will require that you do some towing. We here at Virgil Naff’s don’t want anything to get between you and enjoying your side-by-side. That is why we have created this guide to help UTV owners new and old learn how to better tow their four-wheelers.

Prepare to Tow

Planning is the name of the game. First, look up your intended tow vehicle’s Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). This will tell you the maximum weight that it can safely tow, including any cargo and passengers. If the weight of your UTV and trailer will make your tow vehicle exceed the GCWR, you’ll have to reconsider your options.

Before you attempt to tow your UTV, make sure you understand every step of the process. Learning to safely tow is a bit like relearning to drive. You’ll want to do some practice in a safe environment before you go all out on the highway.

Hook Up the Trailer

If possible, hook up your trailer on flat and even ground. Start by positioning the trailer tongue so that it rests above the ball hitch, then back up slowly until the latch rests below the tongue. Next, put the tongue on the ball joint and secure it tightly. Arrange the tow chains in an “X” shape under the tongue to prevent it from scraping on the road if it comes unhitched, and connect the chains to the tow vehicle.

Load Your Quad

Now it is finally time to load your quad. Your owner’s manual should have instructions on how to position your ramp for loading. Line up your ATV with the ramp and slowly ride onto it. You will need just enough momentum to get up the slope but not so much that you overshoot.

Be very careful about your weight placement. 60% should be in the front, 40% should be in the rear, and 10% of the weight should be at the front resting over the hitch. It is important to follow these specifications because too much weight in front puts excess strain on your tow vehicle and too much weight in the rear can cause your hitch to snap.

Driving While Towing

Once again, we recommend that you take some time practicing with your tow vehicle and trailer in a safe area before your first trip. The added weight will obviously change how your tow vehicle handles. Stopping will require more time and more distance. With the trailer attached, you will need to take corners at a different angle and give yourself more space when changing lanes. Double-check your mirrors and lights before you leave to ensure that you will be able to see and make yourself seen.

Under good road conditions, you should limit yourself to 60 mph or less. Take turns and lane changes more slowly and cautiously than you would normally. Leave plenty of space between yourself and other vehicles, and increase the following distance between yourself and the car in front of you as well. Naturally, under poor road conditions like rain or snow you should exercise even more caution with your speed and braking. Soon you’ll be at your destination and ready to enjoy some fun on your UTV.

To view our excellent selection of UTV models, or to access parts and maintenance services, visit Virgil Naff’s in Lynchburg, Virginia. Our friendly staff is always on hand to answer any questions or concerns that you might have, so stop by anytime. We are proud to serve the central Virginia area, including local communities like Roanoke and Charlottesville, Virginia.