Best UTV's For Towing

UTVs are becoming more popular for work-related tasks, making it essential to find the best UTVs to do the heavy lifting for towing needs.

The six best UTVs for towing include the following models. They all provide excellent towing and durability.

• Can-Am Defender 6X6 DPS
• Polaris Ranger XP 1000
• Honda Pioneer 1000
• Can-Am Defender PRO XT
• John Deere Gator XUV835R
• Arctic Cat Prowler Pro

According to many experts, all UTVs in this guide are top-rated in the industry. We have tested them and graded each based on performance and towing ability so all readers can find the best UTV for their towing needs.

‍6 Best UTVs For Towing

The best UTVs for towing offer a high power-to-weight ratio. This is because the heavier the vehicle, the more powerful it needs to be to tow an object of equal weight.

We should also look at overall horsepower, torque, and weight capacity. The higher these figures are, the more capable your UTV will be of towing objects of varying weights and sizes.

The continued and increased use of UTVs in work environments like farming is why it’s essential to find a vehicle with a solid towing capacity too. This makes the vehicle more efficient and helpful in work situations.

Below we have included the six best UTVs for towing, durability, and performance capabilities.

1. Can-Am Defender 6X6 DPS

The Can-Am Defender 6X6 DPS is one of the best options for people looking for a UTV that can tow heavy loads. This model has an excellent weight capacity, which means it can pull more than other models in its class.

It has a towing capacity of up to 3,000 lbs and a payload capacity of 1,700 lbs. This is perfect for those who need a UTV capable of hauling heavy loads.

The UTV also has many valuable features that make towing easier, such as the integrated winch and quick-release ball mount system. This UTV is also designed with 13 inches of ground clearance which is enough to drive off-road comfortably.

It also comes with a large cargo box and integrated pass-through storage. The Rotax V-twin engine provides 82 horsepower with a 976cc displacement for excellent performance too.

This makes it more than capable of towing anything you want to take with you on your adventures. It has a powerful engine that provides more than enough power for any job you might have in mind.

2. Polaris Ranger XP 1000

The Polaris Ranger XP 1000 is one of the best UTVs for towing because of its excellent weight capacity. The vehicle has a payload capacity of 2,500 pounds with a standard 2-inch receiver for a hitch hookup to maximize towing.

This UTV is a great option for those looking for an all-terrain vehicle that will work well in any environment. Its size and weight make it easy to transport and store, and it's also able to tackle tough trails easily.

The Ranger XP 1000 has three seats for a driver and passengers, an 81-inch wheelbase, and a payload capacity of 1,500 pounds. It also has a good ground clearance of 13 inches, making it perfect for off-road adventures.

The front and rear axles are also designed for increased safety. The front axle has a sway bar design that helps maintain stability over bumps or rough terrain.

3. Honda Pioneer 1000

The Honda Pioneer 1000 is one of the top-rated UTVs for towing, boasting a towing capacity of 2,500 pounds despite the leaner frame and slightly smaller body. It also comes with a cargo box that holds up to 1,000 pounds.

This UTV has an automatic transmission with a CVT that helps with both performance and fuel efficiency. It has a powerful 999cc engine that gives it an excellent power-to-weight ratio. The engine can also be tuned to get more horsepower out of it.

There has been an upgrade with new gear ratios added as well. This includes a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, so it's easy to change between automatic and manual. There’s also a Sport Mode for more intense riding with higher RPMs.

This is also one of the most versatile UTVs because it handles like a high-performance off-road vehicle and provides excellent stability, durability, and towing capacity. There are three bench seats with an interior LCD display too.

4. Can-Am Defender PRO XT

The Can-Am Defender PRO XT is one of the most reliable UTVs on the market. This UTV has a powerful engine and a range of features that make it one of the best in its class. It has a towing capacity of up to 2,000 lb and a payload capacity of up to 1,700 lb.

This UTV has an excellent towing capacity, which makes it one of the most reliable ones on the market. Besides that, its versatility allows it to be used for various purposes - from recreational driving to heavy-duty work.

It also has decent ground clearance, making it suitable for off-road driving. The vehicle is powered by a 976cc liquid-cooled engine which offers enough power to get through tough terrains.

The Rotax HD10 V-twin engine provides 82 horsepower, so you can expect enough burst on all terrain types too.

5. John Deere Gator XUV835R

The John Deere Gator XUV835R UTV has an impressive engine that delivers power, torque, and fuel efficiency. It also boasts of its excellent performance, reliability, and durability.

It has a powerful engine that can take on any terrain and be used for many purposes - from farming to construction.

The machine also has a 4-point safety harness system, making driving easier on all terrains. Drivers of this UTV can expect up to 4,000 pounds in towing capacity with a heavy-duty cargo bed.

The Gator is powered by a 54 horsepower, liquid-cooled, and turbocharged engine. This allows for decent handling in off-road conditions, but it’s best used for towing and hauling with the 1,000-pound capacity cargo box.

The LED headlights are also reliable and provide excellent visibility for night driving. Overall, it has a durable frame that will make it perfect for towing.

6. Arctic Cat Prowler Pro

The Arctic Cat Prowler Pro is one of the best UTVs on the market. It has a reliable engine, excellent towing capacity, and is relatively easy to drive.

This UTV has a 3-cylinder 812cc engine with a liquid-cooled engine that offers 50 horsepower and 48ft-lbs of torque. The Prowler Pro has a towing capacity of 2,500 lbs, making it one of the most reliable UTVs for towing purposes.

This is a great option for those looking for an affordable utility vehicle that can handle heavy-duty tasks. Its strong frame makes it perfect for tough terrains, while its long wheelbase provides excellent stability.

It has three seats for a driver and passengers, along with a 1,000-pound capacity cargo box to carry extra gear. There are plenty of customizations available for this UTV to increase driving performance too.

What To Look For In A UTV For Towing

To tow with a UTV, there are a few features worth considering. These features make the vehicle more comfortable and efficient while trying to pull heavier loads or carry a trailer over rugged terrain.

Some of the features we value most include seating capacity, towing capacity, ground clearance, horsepower, and cargo box size.

Seating Capacity

First, always consider how many seats come with a UTV before purchasing. This determines whether any passengers can ride along, but it impacts the total curb weight of a machine too.

Many of the UTVs we have mentioned are 3-seaters, which we consider to be the ideal size for towing. Otherwise, the UTV can get overloaded and put added stress on the frame.

Towing Capacity

Next, the towing capacity is also critical. Each UTV comes with a recommended towing weight limit and a payload weight limit. It’s possible to increase this depending on the winch used too.

Always look at these numbers before buying a new UTV or using an existing one to tow anything.

Ground Clearance

We like to consider ground clearance because this determines how comfortably a UTV can handle off-road conditions. Lower ground clearance means a UTV will struggle with rocks, dirt, debris, and steeper slopes.

The ideal ground clearance is about 13 inches, but slightly more won’t hurt either. This allows for optimal handling and vehicle balance too.

Horsepower

Horsepower also matters because this predicts the power of the UTV. The engine should be able to produce enough power to carry heavy loads and have a long-lasting battery.

We aim for at least 50 horsepower for towing needs, and around 80 horsepower is ideal for more advanced driving needs.

Cargo Box

Lastly, the cargo box should be considered. This may not directly impact towing, but it determines the added cargo space and cargo weight capacity in the UTV.

Most cargo boxes should provide around 1,000 pounds of weight support. Any higher is even better for more advanced tasks like farming.

What Is The Maximum Towing Capacity For A UTV?

The maximum towing capacity of a UTV is based on the size and weight of the vehicle. On average, most UTVs can tow at least 1,500 pounds along with a cargo box for additional items and a payload slightly lower.

However, heavy-duty UTVs, as mentioned in this guide, are more impressive. If you can extend the budget, these UTVs can provide over 3,000 and even close to 4,000 pounds in towing.

The other thing to consider is the type of rear hitch. Some hitches can increase the towing capacity slightly on UTVs, which can be a cheap way to add more power to your vehicle.

Towing Your UTV: Everything You Need To Know

How To Use A UTV For Towing

To use a UTV for towing, it needs to be equipped with a rear UTV hitch capable of pulling a decent amount of weight. It must also be compatible with your vehicle type to ensure a proper fit.

The next step is to connect the tow bar to your vehicle's receiver hitch. You can do this by lining up the tow bar's pins with the receiver hitch's holes. Then, push them together until they are locked in place.

After that, you must attach your trailer's safety chain or cables to your UTV. You must attach it securely because it could save you a lot of trouble if it breaks loose during travel.

This should provide enough support to tow most trailers within the recommended weight and towing capacity.

Key Takeaways

• The best UTVs for towing include the Can-Am Defender 6X6 DPS, Polaris Ranger XP 1000, Honda Pioneer 1000, Can-Am Defender PRO XT, John Deere Gator XUV835R, and Arctic Cat Prowler Pro.
• We recommend finding UTVs based on their maximum towing capacity, seating capacity, cargo box capacity, and ground clearance to ensure the best performance.
• Typically, UTVs can tow between 1,000 and 2,000 pounds. However, heavy-duty options are more impressive, with a towing capacity of up to 4,000 pounds.