How To Properly Load and Tow Your ATV
As an ATV fanatic, there’s not many places better than for off-roaders than Tennessee. from Sugar Creek to Coal Creek, and everywhere in between, the area provides so many great opportunities for riders to explore and get muddy.
So with this on the brain, I wanted to take some time to explain the proper techniques, inside tips, and precautions we recommend taking when transporting an ATV or offroad vehicle via tow truck.
Lighter Weight = More Care
Although most of these have four wheels like the cars and trucks that we deal with on day-in, day-out basis, the similarities for transportation end there. The biggest difference between an ATV and their larger 4-wheeled cousins is the weight, and for us the ATV’s light weight design align them closer to the Motorcycles we service.
Why is this a big deal?
While most cars and trucks can be secured on a flatbed with minimal rigging due to their heavier weight, lighter ATVs requires multiple hold-downs and wheel blocks to keep the them from moving around on the tow-truck’s platform.
Minimize Rubbing
Since any tie-strap or hold-down requires a bit more tension to secure the lighter ATV frame, it’s important that the straps aren’t contacting any plastic and/or painted surface. Movement during shipment will almost certainly rub off the paint coat, especially when towing long distances.
If using a chrome or painted part on your ATV to secure is unavoidable, we use (and recommend using) Soft Loop Straps which are designed with a soft nylon fabric that reduces movement relative to the securing surface, while able to handle the higher tension necessary to transport the lighter frame.
Using A Flatbed Tow Truck
While it may seem obvious, it’s worth noting that a flatbed tow truck is an absolute necessity when shipping an ATV long distances for a couple of reasons:
- Flatbeds provide the versatility required to secure all the different designs of ATV and off-road vehicles. each with their own hold-down points to work with.
- When shipping multiple ATVs, most standard sized flatbed tow trucks provide enough width and length to get at least 3 or more comfortable on the bed of the truck
NOTE: Some of our customers have expressed concerns about shipping their ATV or motorcycles uncovered, thereby exposing them to scratches from road debris. While we feel the risk is minimal as our Tow Truck cabs take the brunt of the wind force, as riders ourselves, we do understand the concern and recommend purchasing a vehicle cover to eliminate the possibility of scratching during transit.
Up Next…
Call Trustworthy Towing Service For Your ATV Transport Needs
Need a motorcycle shipping quote to transport your bike or ATV? Look no further than Trustworthy Towing Service in Memphis TN. As motorcyclists ourselves, we understand the care required in order to ship a motorcycle over distances and will go that extra mile to ensure that our customers are happy and their vehicle arrive at their destinations without a scratch.
In addition to motorcycle transport, Trustworthy Towing Service offers a full range of towing vehicles and equipment available on a 24/7 basis. We’ll tow you home or 0to the nearest auto repair shop. All at prices that are extremely competitive.
Give us a call today at 901-401-4025 and one of our knowledgeable Memphis towing service reps will gladly help to get you the answers you need.
