Ask The Editors: IRS or Straight Axle For Towing

Is one design the tow champion?

This is a great question and, after years of testing in the field, do you know what the conclusion has generally been? It doesn’t make much of a difference.

The reason for this is that even with an independent rear suspension design, the hitch mounts directly to a reinforced section of frame itself at the lower rear. Think of really as no different from how a trailer works on a pickup truck, SUV or even a SxS – the load bearing portion of the frame is rear of and not directly connected to the rear suspension. As such, the up and down motion of the shocks is fairly independent of additional load.

That being said, there are some advantages to straight-axle towing. Not the least of these coming in the form of fewer moving parts and a lower center of gravity in general. Another possible advantage comes from the fact that additional weight tugging directly on the rear axle could, in the right conditions, result in additional rear tire traction.

Over the years, the general rule of thumb is that a live axle/ swingarm style rear shock is a slightly better utility design while IRS is the better setup for comfort and anti-lean properties while in motion. There may be a little truth to this but the differences in ATV towing in action are small enough as to be considered a wash.

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