Trailering your AATV

[MIArgo]

How do you guys strap or secure you AATV,s to your trailers. I have always strapped mine down around the front and rear axle extensions and then to the strap rings on the trailer. I don't think that this would mess up my axles or bearings. What are some other ways and thoughts on this? Thanks..

[Jeff t-boss]

My Trail-Boss has a tow ring on the back, and I made a y-chain with "S" hooks that I just connect to the ring and the frame of the trailer. In front, I have a short loop of chain around the tongue of the trailer, and I hook my winch to it an pull up all slack. Takes me about 10 seconds to secure or free from the trailer. I'm sure this concept can be used for ANY atv provided it has the front winch.

[Mike]

I use a method similar to Jeff. I hook my tie down to the trailer and then around the hitch of my Max. Then I hook the winch to the front of the trailer to tighten everything up but if you don't have a winch and rear receiver/ball/etc. then securing them by the axles is fine and won't hurt anything. I believe that is the way that the manufacturer recommends anyway? Someone may be able to verify that.

Really the only way you don't want to secure it down is over the body as they will warp easily under the pressure of the tie-downs.

[Toys4Me]

I put a strap to each of the front and rear axles and pull forward then cross the rears. Doesn't take 10sec but maybe 2 min.

[MIArgo]

Thanks guys!! I don't have a winch yet , but it sounds like I haven't hurt anything yet. I like the way of securing it with a winch. It sure would save time and frost bit hands. Also from what I have read on this site, you could practically use any winch you want as long as you make an adapter plate for the winch mount support that is installed to the frame? Here in Michigan we had an Argo dealer at one time that really tried to discourage any modification of the Argo other than OEM parts. I understand he wanted to sell accessories but man they want an arm and a leg for that stuff. What is a all round good solid winch that you can count on when needed ? Thanks again!!

[Rock Doctor]

I have made front and rear Bumpers/Pushbars with tiedown points welded to them. Works very good.







Also, I would like to note that I am not a fan of using the winch to tie down a machine. It is fine with the right winch, but NOT all winches are suitable. Some winches, older Warns most notably, have plastic gears inside them and can strip their teeth under impact loads (Bouncing on a trailer for example). Also, some winches do not "Lock" in place when not under power. They will "creep" loose, and could in fact loosen up enough to loose your machine (A friend lost his Conquest last yr due to this type of tie down system). To check your winch to see if it "Locks", you can just winch the front of your machine up off the ground and let off the power. If If your winch is going to creep, your machine will slowly lower back to the ground.
Just something to think about


RD

[MIArgo]

Thanks Rock Doctor, good info, so its best then to make sure that the winch has steel gearing to prevent creep. So just like most stuff, or at least in this case " you get what you pay for ". Are there lower end winches that have steel or bronze gears and does it tell you in their specs? Thanks again.

[Cougar]

Thanks Rock Doctor, good info, so its best then to make sure that the winch has steel gearing to prevent creep. So just like most stuff, or at least in this case " you get what you pay for ". Are there lower end winches that have steel or bronze gears and does it tell you in their specs? Thanks again.

Steel gears will still creep, you have to have a brake in your winch. High end winchs will creep too if they don't have a brake. It is still best to use straps to tie down your aatv. Cougar

[Mike]

....Also, I would like to note that I am not a fan of using the winch to tie down a machine. It is fine with the right winch, but NOT all winches are suitable....
Just something to think about
RD

That is a good point.

[MIArgo]

Thanks again, gives me alot to think about ,and look for.

[Beeman]

I strap mine down with 2" straps down the centers of the tires front to back. I like this method as you don't put any force on the axles what-so-ever and the beast is completely locked down.

[birddog1148]

I was planing on making angle iron body bands on mine and putting tie down loops on each corner.

[Coop]

I know this isn't a 6 wheeler, but here is how I strap mine down. I learned a long time ago the importance of crossing the straps, keeps the machine in place forward and back and especially side to side.

Coop