What is a good way to secure a 300 pound ATV to a flat trailer with a wooden floor? The trailer doesn't have sides. The metal frame of the trailer does have places every 2 feet for a hook to be attached. A pic of the trailer is below.

 

How thick is the wood? bare bones, you could get a 1/2" bolt with the looped end (forgot what its called, and use a large fender washer top and bottom to spread the load, or use a steel plate drilled for the bolt. I have used this on my homemade trailer for years, with no problems, but I do have metal tabs welded to the frame the bolts attach to, for even more strength. There are also the folding loop plates that bolt to the deck, with a D ring on it that folds flat when not in use, make sure to get the biggest, strongest that will fit. You can also use the rail mount, that way you can attach the anchor point anywhere along it you need, depending on what you are hauling. Check stores like Northern Tool, Dennis Kirk, or Parts Unlimited, they have dedicated trailer sections with all the goodies for strapping down a load.
Also, I would move those lights to the side or underneath the bed, they are in a bad spot where they are, just waiting to get snapped off loading a quad, or getting stepped on.

 

X2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

The wood is one inch thick. Here is what the previous owner said about how he used the trailer.

 

Really? You can't figure this out on your own?
And you plan on riding a quad?

 

^x2

But yea dude its not that complicated... Just get yourself some decent ratchet straps and your good to go! Check them from time to time on long hauls.


I normally use 25 foot 4 inch ratchets and tie up the slack, but thats just because I have so many from trucking over the years and with those bad boys evan if you flipped the trailer the load would still be secured! lol

Just do your thing man, your thinking to hard!

 

Here's one way.

 

I bought a Honda 300EX over the weekend. I had it strapped to my trailer using the racks as tie down points. I sent a picture to my buddy who immediately called me back to tell me not to use a compressible point to tie down to because if the suspension comrpesses the hooks can come loose. He said to use the A-arms and the rear axle. I did this but was somewhat concerned about possibly bending the axle by doing this. The owners manual for the Honda says to the the foot pegs and front rack as tie down points.

How do you guys feel about using a part that can be compressed by the suspension vs using the a-arms and rear axle?

 

to me, the safest way is get a tandem axle trailer with sides. i don't care if it's angle iron or a piperail. that'll add some security to hauling the quads. then tie them down with the ratchet straps. either install D rings in the floor, or use the sides of the trailer. tie them down so they ain't gonna move. after all, you spent money on them. take care of it. ,don't put the strap in too much of a bind or it'll wear prematurely and lead to failure. i've seen trailers like yours have a few links of chain welded to the bottom that way they can flip up and a straps hook goes into a link on each side thus giving the tie down points. up to you. your stuff........

 

After watching a TV ATV show where they did a test of straps as well as tie down points, i have little confidence in "D" ring ties downs.
They just dont hold well attached to just plywood no matter how thick
the wood is even if support plates are used.
I like the welded chain to the frame sugestion "Jaster94" said.
My small trailer is made from 1/4" thick 2"x2" angle iron and i drilled holes for the ratchet strap hooks in the side rails.
This is about as solid of a anchor point you can get.
Good quality "D" rings are good if they can be bolted to the frame.
Laws vary from State to State as well as the Provinces up here.
In Ont 4wheelers must be anchored at each corner.
So 4 straps per bike is required.
Straps must have a minimum certification as well.
You might never be stopped at a road side check, but if you are ever involved
in an accident, thats when they investigate.
Insurance company's also look for excuses not to pay out claims.