Lightweight Single ATV trailer?
Oct 30, 2014 | 06:23 PM
#41
Pro Rider
Is old enough to know better, but too young to stop.
Is old enough to know better, but too young to stop.
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,681
Likes: 0
From: Northern Virginia, near DC
Also something to consider for those of us that do a lot of long hauling to get to a riding area. Consider purchase of a spare spindle with bearings on them. Many smaller trailers have bolt on spindles and having a spare could keep a minor setback on a road trip from becoming a major catastrophe.
Oct 30, 2014 | 09:52 PM
#42
Elite Pro Rider
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 20,641
Likes: 1
Mine has rails and ramp, but I tie mine down anyway as it stops your ride from bouncing when you hit a pothole or something at 55 (or more). I learned one day when I got home not clamping it down the rear end was shoved over into the rail (not where I parked it). I just tie down the back end as the front is up against the front rail anyway. Just takes a minute.
The rails on the trailer I use are as high as the handle bars. If will never bounce that high from a pot hole.
Oct 31, 2014 | 07:49 AM
#43
Pro Rider
Is old enough to know better, but too young to stop.
Is old enough to know better, but too young to stop.
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,681
Likes: 0
From: Northern Virginia, near DC
Yeah, well I figure a $20 strap makes a lot more sense than a lawyer's fee trying to defend a lawsuit just in case the worst case scenario happens. Woulda, coulda, shoulda applies... That trailer flips and out comes 400 lbs of steam roller hell bent on putting a hurt on something. Using straps means you at least did your due dilligence.
Oct 31, 2014 | 07:57 AM
#44
Pro Rider
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 390
Likes: 0
From: Solomon, Kansas
Not worried about bouncing off so much as I don't like it bouncing around at all. When it does that (shoved against the rail) then I have to drag the rear end to the middle instead of just hopping on and backing off. Yes it just takes a moment, but still...
I don't carry a spare hub but I do carry a spare tire and a hi/lo jack.
I don't carry a spare hub but I do carry a spare tire and a hi/lo jack.
Oct 31, 2014 | 08:56 AM
#45
Pro Rider
Is old enough to know better, but too young to stop.
Is old enough to know better, but too young to stop.
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,681
Likes: 0
From: Northern Virginia, near DC
I think we are confused with bouncing/moving around versus flying out of the trailer in general if you have an accident. They will fly like being launched from a slingshot if the trailer or truck flips. Not sure what local laws say is legal, but I just feel better knowing mine are strapped down front and rear. Then if it breaks, I can point to trying to do the right thing. The lawyers love it when you don't do anything. Their pupils turn into dollar signs and glaze over as a smile grows on their face while they start humming the tune "I'm in the money"...
Oct 31, 2014 | 10:08 AM
#47
Pro Rider
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 390
Likes: 0
From: Solomon, Kansas
I knew what you were talking about. You're right as even if you don't do anything wrong, the other person might t-bone you or something. I was watching some ATV accident videos the other day and they can flip a long way with enough of a start.
Oct 31, 2014 | 03:40 PM
#48
Moto Psycho
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 8,747
Likes: 3
From: Michigan
The rail on my trailer is only a foot high so I have to tie down to keep the quad from bouncing out. One time someone pulled out in front of me and I slammed on the brakes. It made the trailer whip around but the quad never moved. I'm glad none of the straps broke with all the extra force being put on them. That's why I always use 4 straps instead of just 2 or 3. BTW I've rolled 2 vehicles but wasn't pulling a trailer with either one. I can imagine the quad launching off the trailer if I had been pulling one.
