Hi all
I'm new to the list. I have a '98 Dodge Dakota and am looking at purchasing a '98 Polaris Sportsman. Problem is that the width between the truck wheel wells is approx 45 inches, and the Sportsman is 46 inches wide.

I'm sure I could hop one of the wheels over the wheel well, but I'm concerned that there is not enough room in front of it to allow the atv to sit down with out it crashing into the back of the cab...or bending the front of the box. I haven't tried it yet, just curious what any of you have done in this situation.

Thanks for any advise.

 

Use high strength ratcheting tie downs. They can hold alot of weight.

 

Greetings,

I should climb over the wheel wells and sit down front and back -- operative word "should." I once borrowed a Tacoma to haul my 450ES and it did this OK. But when you try this the first time, put an old tire at the front of the truck bed. If the quad lurches down/forward you will hit the tire, not the truck bed or the window, avoiding damage to either vehicle. But

I've also found that, when faced with close tollerances, like an inch, it can be surprising the factors that come into play. Like the quads floor boards might hang up on the wheel wells or the natural resting spot will interfere with the tailgate, etc. Conversely, the width might be measured at the fenders and the tires could slip right through. So there's no substitute for a trial run.

But a small issue in loading may make for a miserable habit every time you go out, so I'd caution about shrugging it off. If you're not wedded to the Sportsman, maybe consider something else that fits. A quick check of the specs (available on this site and through the links) should turn up some other options that would fit easily and still give you a nice big machine.

Thanks,

Rod

 

I got a scrambler500 (bit smaller than sportsman) but It fits in the back of a chevy S10, just drives over the wheel wells carefully (use 4wd) or better yet drive it until the front tires hit the wheel wells then lift it over. Buddy has a ford ranger and we do the same in his truck.. JUST watch the back window (like the spare tire idea!!

Good luck

 

While we're on the subject of pickup beds, let me add a comment about something else to watch for when loading ATV's. The newer drop cables (those made from stranded steel cable) on tailgates have been known to pull loose from their crimped end pieces. I myself saw it happen to a friend while he was loading a 300cc model. It would even seem more likely with one of the heavier units.

I have noticed too that heavier strength cables are available for selected models in the J.C. Whitney catalog.

 

I have a scrambler 500 2x4 and the first time I put it in the back of my toyota I was scared that it was going to get stuck on the wheel wells so I gave it a little too much gas and hopped right over the wheel wells, and nailed the back of the cab. I wasn't use to the brakes either and needless to say my sliding window doesn't slide very well anymore. Also, be sure to have it in 4-wheel drive so you don't spin the ramps out from under neath of you if you ride up into it real slow. Been there and done that and luckily I had someone there to help me or I might not be writing this today. Actually it was the other guy that didn't fasten the ramps tight enough. They were one piece folding ramps and I don't recommend them.

 

you might want to look at a small utility trailer with a rear ramp. for the price of a damaged truck you can load in a trailer and go. also leaves the truck empty to put all the other junk you want to take. the cost will be small compared to the price of the atv, just figure it as an accessory. if you get one light enough you can pull it behind your atv.

 

I agree with SouthernUtah. If the quad will fit in the truck, sure it's nice, but a trailer in my opinion is the far better way to go. If you don't want anything real big, they have several forms of small 4x6 or 5x8 utility trailers in prices ranging up to $600 or around there. Some will tilt, others have ramp gates but the best part is, your quad will fit very nicely on the trailer, and you have all that room in the bed of your truck for all your camping gear! The trailer will also come in handy doing yard work, moving, other odd chores around the house-especially hauling yard trash that might scratch the hell out of your bed.

Anyway, trailers are a great investment in my opinion. Best of luck to you with whatever you choose.

Mike

 

Hey 2tall,

I agree with the last couple of posts. Actually, I just saw this exact dilema today, coming home from work. I didn't notice what kind of truck it was. All I saw was a Bright yellow sportsman that didn't quite fit the fender rails. My 5x10, wood racked, tilting utility trailor, fits my Xpedition great. With a little persuasion, fits both a sportsman sideways, and my ride. All for the low, low price of $750. Believe me, I've found alot more uses for that trailor than just hauling my quad around. Cowboy's right, it's just another accessory.

Cheers,
Brian

 

I used to drive the Sportsman into my Ranger but the front rims would gouge my wheel wells. Backing it in allowed the wider rear tires to ride over the wheel wells and cause less damage. I now trailer it because I'm older and lazy. Backing it into a narrow bed after a long days ride, banging it off my tailights, having a wheel fall off the ramps, wasn't quite my idea of "Miller Time".