Atv cart trailer

Types of ATV cart trailers

An ATV cart trailer is a utility trailer pulled behind an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). It helps transport bulk items that exceed the carrying capacity of the ATV. An ATV cart trailer is designed to tow the vehicle effectively over various terrains. There are many different types of ATV cart trailers, each designed with a unique function in mind.

• An ATV dump cart trailer is designed to be unloaded using an internal hydraulic system. The internal hydraulic system is usually powered by the ATV, but it can also be powered by other external sources. This type of dump cart is useful for transporting loose materials like gravel, soil, or sand.
• The ATV utility cart trailer is the most popular type among hunting enthusiasts. It is designed with just one axle and is built low to the ground. The utility cart trailer can either be towed in an upright position or laid flat for easier storage.
• ATV sprayer carts come with built-in sprayers mounted on the back or the side. It is usually used for applying pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers in farming or landscaping applications. Some ATV sprayer carts have removable tanks, which can be replaced with other types of cargo containers.
• An ATV hopper cart trailer has storage containers shaped like hoppers. It is used for transporting bulk materials like grains, fertilizers, or feed. The hoppers are usually designed with a wide opening for easy loading and unloading.
• An ATV log trailer is designed for transporting logs or lumber. It features end supports, called cantilever, which hold the logs in place. ATV log trailers also come with built-in saws for cutting the logs into smaller pieces, depending on customers' needs.
• For trips where one doesn't require an enclosed space, an open ATV cart trailer is a suitable choice. Open trailers often comprise a flatbed or bedlinked to a tow hitch or coupler and feature only a few side rails for easy loading and unloading, even from the sides. Besides picking the right ATV trailer, it is essential to check the maximum towing capacity of the ATV. Ensure that the weight of the trailer, plus the cargo, does not exceed the towing capacity.
• When it comes to protection from weather elements like rain or snow, an enclosed ATV trailer is a better option. Like an open ATV trailer, an enclosed ATV trailer features a bed linked to a tow hitch or coupler, but it has walls and a roof. Some enclosed ATV trailers have a rear ramp for easy access to the cargo.

Specifications and maintenance of ATV cart trailers

Specifications

• Size and weight capacity

  The most common ATV trailer sizes include 48 x 40 inches, 60 x 48 inches, 72 x 48 inches, and 72 x 60 inches. An ATV trailer's weight capacity will differ depending on the make, but most have a weight capacity of around 300-600 pounds.

• Tows hitch

  The towing hitch on an ATV trailer allows it to connect to an ATV. There are various types of towing hitches, such as pin-style hitches, ball hitches, and clevish hitches. ATV trailers mostly come with a pin-style or clevish hitch. The pin-style hitch will connect to a mounting bracket with one or two pins. To disconnect it, the pins have to be pulled out. A clevish hitch has a loop-shaped clevis that connects to a pin linked to the ATV's hitch.

• Wheels and tires

  An ATV trailer wheel's diameter varies depending on the trailer's size and the wheel's design. The most common sizes are 8, 12, and 14 inches. ATV trailer tires are designed to provide grip and stability off-road. An ATV trailer may have knobby tires with deep tread patterns for better traction, or it may have all-terrain tires that work well on different surfaces.

• Brake system

  Most ATV trailers come with wheel brakes, while others have no brakes at all. Some have brakes that activate whenever the towing vehicle accelerates, and others only activate when the towing vehicle hits a certain speed. The size of the brake disc and the design of the braking system will differ, depending on the ATV trailer type.

• Frame material

  Most ATV trailers have steel frames made from lightweight aluminum, plastic, or wood. Aluminum frames are lighter, which makes them easy to maneuver off-road. Aluminum ATV trailers are also resistant to rust, which makes them loved by people who live in areas with high precipitation. However, ATV trailers with aluminum frames cost more than those made from steel.

Maintenance tips

• Regular lubrication

  Key moving components, such as the axle bearings and hitch mechanism, should be regularly greased or oiled. Lubricating ATV cart trailer components helps reduce friction, enhance smooth movement, and prevent wear and tear. Hitches and locking mechanisms should be lubricated regularly to make connecting and disconnecting the trailer easy.

• Inspect the brakes

  Regularly inspecting and maintaining the braking system can prevent accidents. The brakes should be checked regularly for wear, damage, or proper function. The brake pads and discs should be looked at and changed when there is a sign of wear. If the braking system has any issues, it should be repaired to ensure optimal performance.

• Check the tire pressure

  The ATV trailer's tires should be checked frequently for cuts, bulges, and proper inflation. All-terrain tire pressure typically ranges between 30 and 50 PSI. Under-inflated tires affect handling and increase wear, while over-inflated tires lead to a harsh ride and increased risk of blowouts.

• Storage

  When the ATV is not in use, it should be kept in a dry place away from the sun to prevent the rubber components from cracking. Storing the trailer in a rack protects it from pests and rust damage. Covering the ATV trailer when storing it prevents dust accumulation and the growth of mold.

Usage Scenarios of ATV Cart Trailers

ATV utility trailers are versatile and serve many applications. One of the most common uses of an ATV cart trailer is on a farm. Farmers with large acres of land use the trailers for various farming tasks, such as transporting produce, carrying feed, moving crops from one part of the farm to another, and transporting livestock. The trailers especially come in handy in deep rural areas, where power-driven vehicles cannot access.

Landscapers and outdoor construction teams can also make use of an ATV trailer cart. Landscape professionals or home remodelers can attach the trailer to an ATV to haul materials, tools, and equipment around a property, construction site or landscape. The good thing about this is that they can navigate tight spaces and off-road territory with ease.

Another common use of an ATV cart trailer is in the outdoor sports and recreation industry. An ATV cargo trailer can carry gear and equipment during camping, hunting, boating, fishing, or off-road adventures.

ATV cart trailers also come in handy during large-scale construction projects. They are ideal for transporting construction materials from one part of the construction site to another. Plus, with the right ATV cart trailer hitch, multiple trailers can be towed at once.

In the outdoor adventure activity industry, the trailers can be used to pull a raised platform or seating area for outdoor music festivals, sporting events, or tailgating parties. They can be decorated or customized to fit the theme of a particular event.

Last but not least, the trailers can be used to haul firewood, mulch, or soil in a landscaping company. Because of their open design, they are suitable for loading materials like gravel. Many ATV cart trailer manufacturers offer different types of open trailers.

How to choose atv cart trailers

Several factors need to be considered when selecting any ATV trailer. Apart from the cart's compatibility with the ATV, the following aspects are crucial in making a purchase that will not require frequent replacements or repairs:

• Payload capacity: Each ATV trailer has a payload capacity, which is the maximum weight it can haul. Buyers should ensure that the total weight (including the trailer's weight) of the cargo is within the ATV trailer's limits. Exceeding the weight can be risky, as it can strain the trailer's components, lead to faster deterioration, and affect braking and handling.
• Build quality: The build quality of an ATV trailer refers to the materials and craftsmanship that have gone into making the trailer. A trailer made from high-quality materials, such as marine-grade aluminum or heavy-duty steel, will be able to withstand years of off-road adventures without constantly needing repairs. Poorly-built trailers are prone to frame bending, axle failure, and wheel bearing issues.
• Tire size: Larger tires provide better traction and obstacle clearance, while smaller ones are more fuel-efficient and easier to maneuver. Weighing all the pros and cons before making a decision is crucial, as the chosen tire size will have a significant impact on how the ATV trailer handles different terrains.
• Cost: The purchase cost of the trailer is a crucial factor in the decision-making process. However, it is not the only one that needs to be considered. Trailer owners will have to invest more in maintenance and repair costs if the build quality is not up to par. Choosing a trailer with a slightly higher upfront cost but proven durability can be more economical in the long run.

FAQ

Q1: What is an ATV cart trailer good for?

A1: An ATV cart trailer is great for hauling extra loads, from grocery bags to big game and camp gear. It gives ATVs a pick-up truck's hauling power.

Q2: Can an ATV pull a trailer?

A2: Yes, ATVs can pull trailers as long as the trailer is properly hitched and within the ATV's hauling capacity.

Q3: What size ATV trailer cart should one get?

A3: The cart size will depend on the intended use. For larger items and frequent camping trips, a big cart would be better, while a smaller cart will suffice for grocery runs.

Q4: Is it hard to haul a trailer with an ATV?

A4: No. ATVs are designed to have extra torque. Hauling a light or medium trailer is typically easy.

Q5: Will hauling a trailer damage the ATV?

A5: Hauling a properly sized and weighted trailer will not damage an ATV. However, with some trailers, the ATV suspension may wear out faster.