Hauling Your Toys: A Guide to the Right Setup

This guide helps families choose the right hauling setup for outdoor toys like ATVs, bikes, and kayaks. It emphasizes careful planning and proper equipment to ensure safe transport and a focus on making memories. The guide will cover everything needed to select the perfect setup for family outdoor adventures.

Assess Your Hauling Needs

Before you invest in any equipment, it’s important to take stock of your specific requirements. A setup that works for a family hauling a couple of bikes won’t be suitable for one transporting multiple ATVs. Answering a few key questions will help you narrow down your options and make a more informed decision.

What Are You Hauling?

Start by making a list of all the outdoor toys you plan to transport. Consider their size, weight, and shape. Are you hauling a single dirt bike or a four-person side-by-side? The total weight and dimensions of your load are the most critical factors in determining the type of trailer and tow vehicle you’ll need. Don’t forget to account for any additional gear like coolers, camping equipment, or fuel cans that will travel with your toys.

How Often and How Far?

Think about the frequency and distance of your trips. If you’re only making short, occasional trips to a local trail, a simple, open utility trailer might be all you need. However, for those who embark on long-distance adventures across state lines several times a year, a more robust and secure setup, like an enclosed trailer, might be a better investment. Frequent, heavy use will demand more durable equipment that can withstand the wear and tear of the road.

What’s Your Budget?

Hauling setups can range from a few hundred dollars for a basic trailer to tens of thousands for a heavy-duty truck and enclosed trailer combination. Establish a realistic budget that covers the cost of the trailer, a suitable tow vehicle (if you don’t already have one), and necessary accessories like straps, hitches, and locks. Remember that investing in quality, safe equipment upfront can prevent costly accidents and damage down the line.

Choose the Right Trailer

Once you have a clear picture of your needs, the next step is to select a trailer. Trailers come in various shapes and sizes, each designed for specific purposes. Understanding the differences will help you pick the one that best suits your toys and travel style.

Open Utility Trailers

Open utility trailers are a popular and affordable choice for hauling a wide range of outdoor toys. They are lightweight, easy to tow, and provide quick access to your gear. These trailers are perfect for items that can withstand exposure to the elements, such as ATVs, dirt bikes, and lawnmowers. They typically feature a rear ramp for easy loading and multiple tie-down points to secure your cargo. Their simple design also makes them easier to maintain and store.

Enclosed Trailers

If you need to protect your gear from weather, theft, or road debris, an enclosed trailer is the way to go. Enclosed trailers like those in Utah offer a secure, protected space for your valuable toys, making them ideal for long-distance travel or storing equipment when not in use. They can also double as a workshop or a place to shelter during a sudden downpour at the campsite. While they are heavier and more expensive than open trailers, the peace of mind and protection they provide can be well worth the investment.

Dump Trailers

While often associated with construction and landscaping, dump trailers can be surprisingly versatile for hauling certain types of outdoor gear. Their hydraulic lift mechanism makes unloading heavy or loose materials effortless. For outdoor enthusiasts, this could mean easily dumping firewood at a campsite or hauling away debris from a trail maintenance project. Though less common for hauling recreational vehicles, their rugged build and utility can make them a valuable tool for those with broader hauling needs.

Select a Capable Tow Vehicle

Your trailer is only half of the equation; you also need a vehicle that can tow it safely and efficiently. Not all cars, trucks, and SUVs are created equal when it comes to towing.

Understanding Towing Capacity

The most critical factor in choosing a tow vehicle is its towing capacity. This is the maximum weight a vehicle can safely pull, as determined by the manufacturer. You can find this information in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or on the manufacturer’s website. Always ensure that the combined weight of your trailer and its cargo is well within your vehicle’s towing limit. Exceeding this limit can lead to dangerous situations, including brake failure, transmission damage, and loss of control.

Hitch Types and Classes

The hitch is the connection point between your vehicle and the trailer. Hitches are categorized into classes (I through V) based on the weight they can handle. A Class I or II hitch might be sufficient for a small trailer carrying a couple of bikes, but you’ll need a Class III or higher for heavier loads like multiple ATVs. Ensure your vehicle is equipped with the correct hitch class for your trailer, and consider professional installation for safety.

Essential Vehicle Features

Modern vehicles offer a range of features that can make towing safer and easier. A tow/haul mode, often found on trucks and large SUVs, adjusts transmission shift points to optimize performance while pulling a heavy load. Integrated trailer brake controllers provide smoother, more controlled braking by synchronizing the trailer’s brakes with the vehicle’s. A rearview camera is also incredibly helpful for hitching up the trailer by yourself.

Secure Your Load for Safe Travels

Properly securing your outdoor toys is a non-negotiable part of the hauling process. A load that shifts or comes loose during transport is a danger to you and everyone else on the road.

• Step 1: Position the Load Correctly: Distribute the weight of your cargo evenly on the trailer. As a general rule, aim to place about 60% of the weight in front of the trailer’s axle. This helps prevent trailer sway and ensures stable handling.
• Step 2: Use Quality Tie-Downs: Invest in high-quality ratchet straps or chains. Avoid cheap, flimsy straps that can stretch or break under pressure. The total working load limit of your straps should be at least 50% of the weight of your cargo.
• Step 3: Create Multiple Anchor Points: Use at least four tie-down points for each large item, like an ATV or side-by-side. Attach straps in an “X” pattern from the corners of the trailer to the frame of the vehicle to prevent both forward/backward and side-to-side movement.
• Step 4: Check and Re-Check: Before you hit the road, give everything a final check. Pull on the straps to ensure they are tight and shake the cargo to see if it moves. It’s also a good practice to pull over and inspect your load after the first few miles of driving to make sure nothing has loosened.

Conclusion

Now that you have learned the basics of how to properly secure cargo on a trailer, you can ensure safe and stress-free transportation of your goods. Remember to always use high-quality straps, secure all sides of the cargo, and regularly check and re-check your load while on the road.