Towing Your UTV: Everything You Need To Know

If you’re a UTV owner without much riding experience, a time will come when towing your vehicle is necessary, and you’ll need to know what to do.

Whether you take your UTV to a new site for off-road riding or it breaks down away from home, towing it with your car or truck is required. It is problematic to have the wrong equipment or not know how to load it on a trailer.

Towing your UTV can be done with an enclosed trailer, a truck bed rack trailer, an open utility trailer, or a toy trailer. Each method is effective, and we advise against flat towing a UTV unless you have made vehicle modifications. When towing your UTV, drive below 60 MPH for optimal safety too.

It can be difficult when you are in the middle of nowhere, and your UTV is broken down. You’ll want to know how to handle the situation and your options. This article will give you all you need to know about towing your UTV safely, what to use to tow your UTV, and other critical information.

This guide is for those with a UTV that they plan on taking off-road, but it also includes information about what to do when you're stuck in the mud or have a flat tire.

‍Towing Your UTV: Everything You Need To Know

It’s no secret that most UTVs are built for off-roading and other rough terrains. However, there may be times when you need to tow your UTV from one location to another or from home to the first destination of your trip.

Before towing, there are a few things to consider. This includes the style of towing, the UTV weight, your vehicle type, and more.

You just need to ensure your UTV is in good working order and your towing vehicle can support the weight of your UTV. You also want to make sure you’re towing your UTV in a safe and legal area. With these helpful tips and tricks, you’ll have no problem towing your UTV.

Towing a UTV can be tricky because of its compact size. Luckily, it isn’t as difficult as you think. Follow these helpful tips and tricks to learn more about safely towing your UTV.

4 Ways To Tow Your UTV

The UTV is a type of recreational vehicle that can be towed by a car or truck. They have become increasingly popular in the United States and are often used for camping, hunting, and fishing trips.

To take these vehicles with you, towing them is necessary, but there are a few ways to do it properly. We recommend using a trailer, and below are four effective ways to tow your UTV without any problems.

Tow With An Enclosed Trailer

Using an enclosed trailer would be the most advanced and expensive method to tow your UTV, but it’s effective. The design allows it to be towed easily with any vehicle that has a hitch.

It is easy to tow and can be towed by any tow truck. The enclosed trailer helps prevent damage from weather and also helps protect your UTV from theft by storing it securely in the trailer.

The enclosed trailer has a hitch that is compatible with most UTVs. It also includes lights, a winch, and an axle system with the added weight capacity.

Towing a UTV with an enclosed trailer does not require any special skills or equipment, but it does take some practice to learn how to use the enclosed trailer properly for the proper safety of both the UTV and the driver of the vehicle being towed.

It’s much larger than any other trailer, including increased height. You’ll need a heavy-duty truck to haul this trailer with a UTV inside. This isn't a favorable option if you also have minimal storage space at home.

Use A Truck Bed Rack

When it comes to UTVs, many people find that the best way to tow them is with a pickup truck bed rack. A pickup truck bed rack doesn't have to be expensive, either. You can use one from a local shop or even make your own.

You can use a truck bed rack with a pickup truck to tow your UTV. This allows your UTV to sit on top of your pickup bed and gives you more space in your vehicle for other items like camping gear, luggage, and cargo underneath.

However, this won’t work effectively for larger UTVs that are too long for your pickup truck bed. Any UTV larger than 48-50 inches will be too long or wide, meaning this type of rack won’t work.

For this method to work, you also need some sort of ramp to connect with the truck bed rack to drive the UTV up onto the truck bed. This isn't a common choice because most UTVs are simply too big.

There is also an option to get a bigger rack hanging over the back to fit slightly larger vehicles, but it’s not as secure as some other trailer choices.

Try A Utility Trailer

You can use a utility trailer to tow your UTV too. This is the most common option because of its weight capacity and cost. They only cost between $1,000 to $3,000, and there are even options that fit multiple vehicles at once.

They tend to have a simple aluminum or steel frame design with low sidewalls and an adjustable ramp. The ramp closes at the rear while driving and opens up when parked to take the vehicle on and off.

There are plenty of different designs available to choose from too. They are easy to install with a durable hitch and a three or five-wheel design for steady driving.

The best thing a utility trailer can offer is a lightweight frame with a solid maximum weight capacity. This gives you the best of both worlds, so your truck or car won’t get weighed down too much while towing.

Tow Using A Toy Trailer

A toy trailer is a more advanced and expensive way to tow your UTV, and we don’t recommend it unless you are taking a long journey. This is a massive trailer on the back of your vehicle with bedrooms, bathrooms, and a garage for the UTV.

This is a multi-purpose trailer and provides tons of benefits, but it shouldn't be the first option to come to mind if your only goal is to tow your UTV.

5 Best Trailers For Towing Your UTV

Trailers are a vital component of any towing setup. They protect the vehicle from the elements and allow easy access to all the parts of your UTV.

The first step in finding a good trailer is researching what types of trailers are available on the market. It should be strong enough to hold your ATV, and it should also be able to accommodate the weight of the vehicle.

It's important to consider how much space you have when looking for a trailer. You'll want a trailer with as many features as possible, but if you're limited on space, you'll need to ensure that your new trailer will not take up too much room in your garage or storage area.

You’ll need to find one that gives you enough towing capacity too. Below are the five best trailers for towing your UTV.

1. Triton Trailer VC-610 Vault Series Enclosed Trailer

The Triton Trailer VC-610 is an enclosed trailer that is best suited for towing your UTV. It features a full-length axle mount beam, a heavy-duty frame, and an adjustable suspension system.

It can tow up to 3,500 pounds with 2,190 pounds in carrying capacity. It also has a pair of dual air vents, a rear low and front high location, and a treated plywood decking finish with a lifetime warranty.

This is a great option if you are looking for a trailer that can handle the weight of your UTV and still be easy to tow. It’s designed with interior LED dome lights and plywood-fitted walls, so it’s extremely durable.

There is a custom molded wiring harness and an angled ramp approach, so loading the UTV into the enclosed trailer is simple for anybody. Inside, you will find a side access door for easy access, so you don’t need to unload the UTV to get inside.

This trailer is also US DOT approved with a set of sealed LED marker lights, stop lights, turn lights, and taillight bars. This heavy-duty aluminum frame trailer is the perfect choice for towing your UTV.

2. Carry-On Open Wood Floor Utility Trailer

The Carry-On Open Wood Floor Utility Trailer is the best utility trailer for towing your UTV. It has a wide open floor that is easy to get into and out of. This makes it perfect for carrying heavier UTVs longer distances.

This trailer also has safety features like a four-wheel anti-tip system, an anti-sway hitch, and a 2,000-pound rated axle. Whether it is a golf cart or UTV, this trailer can support the vehicle due to its durable construction.

This trailer weighs 550 pounds and offers a payload capacity of 1,450 pounds, so it’s only recommended for smaller UTVs or two-seaters. It’s likely not heavy-duty enough to handle any utility UTV.

It also has two-inch straight coupler safety chains and 13-inch white mod wheels. These two features help with better security for your vehicle and improved driving performance under challenging conditions.

This wood floor is treated and finished for a sleek finish too. The open wood floor design makes it easy to load and unload cargo from your UTV. It also has a large cargo area with a removable side wall, allowing you to store more gear in one place.

3. Tow Smart Trailer UTV SXS Truck Rack

The Tow Smart Trailer UTV SXS Truck Rack is a reliable truck bed rack that is designed to be compatible with compact UTVs. Its ramp allows you to get your UTV in and out of the truck easily.

This rack is made from sturdy steel and aluminum. Three different sizes available can fit all types of UTVs on the back of your pickup truck. This makes it perfect for carrying your UTV on the back of a pickup truck or SUV.

This rack also includes tie-down points for securing your vehicle when driving on rough roads. This will ensure that your vehicle is securely fastened while you are off-roading with friends or family members.

It also has a free winch mount bracket for each deck, and the ramp makes it easy to load your UTV on the rack. Your purchase includes four turnbuckles and two folding 10-inch wide ramps.

This is the most advanced option we’ve seen for this racks category because it also extends over the truck's top. This is why it’s so easy to fit larger, four-seater UTVs without hanging off the back of the truck.  

4. Grand Design Momentum G-Class

The Grand Design Momentum G-Class is designed to attach to your vehicle with room to fit your UTV in the rear. The G-Class has an adjustable hitch that allows it to fit different vehicles and can be installed easily.

This trailer model has seven different floor plans, with sizes ranging between 11 feet and 20 feet long. The best option depends on your budget and vehicle size because prices can get high quickly.

This is the most expensive and advanced trailer type used by families going camping. The trailer includes a garage, bedroom, bathroom, and much more.  

The garage area includes 2,500-pound weight capacity tie downs with no wheel walls and a full-sized rear ramp door. There is also a 30-gallon fuel station with both interior and exterior gauges.

This type of trailer is not recommended for all people because it’s much larger, and towing requires a bigger vehicle. However, it's the best choice for longer journeys, camping, etc. because it offers the full experience.    

The three-season garage wall provides the best coverage to protect your UTV. It also has a solar prep system, a folding roof ladder, and insulated storage doors.  

5. PJ Trailers Single Axle HD Tilt Trailer

The PJ Trailers Single Axle HD Tilt Trailer is the best tilt trailer for towing your UTV. It has a hard shell frame and an aluminum body, making it lightweight and durable.

The Single Axle HD Tilt Trailer has many features that make it easy to use and tow with your UTV. It has a hydraulic brake, an adjustable hitch, a two-wheel drive, and an upgraded suspension system.

This type works like a traditional utility trailer but offers solid flexibility and compact sizing for a different towing style. It has a wide deck of 81 inches and is roughly 15 feet long, so you have plenty of space for any size UTV.

PJ Trailers is a new brand that specializes in making single-axle tilt trailers. They offer a variety of models and features for different needs. It also comes with an exclusive PJ Trailers warranty, so you can be sure that it will last you for years to come.

There are no walls on this trailer, so tying your UTV down securely is critical. It also includes a load capacity of 4,800 pounds, so you’ll never need to worry about overloading it with one vehicle.

What Size Trailer Do I Need For Towing A UTV?

The trailer size you need will depend on how much weight you are towing and the exact size of your UTV. You’ll also need to consider your vehicle's size and the towing capacity.

For reference, we have provided the size, weight, and recommended trailer size for a standard UTV and some of the most popular UTV model types below.

Polaris RZR XP 1000

The Polaris RZR XP 1000 is a high-performance UTV with a size of 6 feet by 10 feet and a weight of 1,448 pounds. The recommended trailer size to tow a UTV of this size is 6.5 feet by 12 feet.

You’ll need something strong enough to carry about 1,500 pounds too. It’s likely too big to use any truck bed rack, but a utility or enclosed trailer is perfectly suitable.

Polaris Ranger SP 570

The Polaris Ranger SP 570 is a smaller and more compact UTV with fewer utility functions than some of the larger alternatives. It’s 2.5 feet by 4 feet and weighs 1,158 pounds, so you’ll only need a trailer of 5 feet by 5 feet to tow it.

We recommend using the truck bed rack because it's the most cost-effective option. This isn’t an off-roading UTV either, so most towing journeys likely won’t be too far.

Honda Pioneer 1000

The Honda Pioneer 1000 is a heavy-duty UTV with lots of functionality for farming and work-related tasks. The exact size is 9.75 feet by 5.25 feet, with a solid weight of 1,598 pounds.

To tow this vehicle, you’ll need a trailer of 6 feet by 12 feet to provide enough width and length. Going slightly larger will work fine, too, on a utility trailer.

Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000

The Kawasaki Teryx KRX 1000 is the largest of all the mentioned UTVs, meaning you’ll need a heavy-duty trailer for towing. It measures about 10.8 feet by 5.6 feet, and the curb weight is just under 1,9000 pounds.

The recommended trailer size is 6.5 feet by 12 feet, and because of the heavyweight, you need to double-check the capacity of the trailers you consider for this UTV model.

How To Load And Tie Down A UTV On A Trailer For Towing?

When you are towing a UTV, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. Start by loading the UTV onto the trailer by lowering the ramp slowly and guiding your UTV up the ramp and onto the trailer deck.

This is much more difficult when using a truck bed rack, but you’ll have no issues with a utility trailer or enclosed trailer. After loading the UTV, you need to make sure that the UTV is properly secured.

To do this, tie down the UTV with ropes around the frame and secure them with ratchet straps. You can also put the UTV in park with the emergency brake.

When using your ratchet straps, angle them at 45 degrees so they won’t lock up on the suspension or axles. The straps should not tie around any sharp areas on the vehicle either because they could snap during transit.

After tying down the UTV, you can add some wheel chocks below the tires, so the vehicle doesn't move. This is an added safety precaution that works extremely well.

Can A UTV Be Flat Towed?

Flat towing is a less effective way of towing your UTV. It's not typically street legal and can cause damage to your UTV.

Many people prefer flat towing because it allows them to tow their UTV with a smaller, lighter hitch. It's also easier on the vehicle and less expensive than having a winch installed on the UTV.

However, flat towing is also prone to breaking or coming loose while driving over bumpy terrain or on uneven roads, which can result in serious accidents.

The flat tow is a less effective way to tow a UTV because it doesn't allow the vehicle to safely drive safely. In many cases, trying to tow your UTV to a certain location can be a problem.

How Much Does A UTV Weigh?

UTVs are not overly large or heavy vehicles, and the weight will vary based on the exact model and size. There are three primary types of UTVs worth mentioning that you could have that may need towing.

Two-Seater Standard UTVs

The average two-seater standard UTV weighs between 1,200 and 1,700 pounds. This depends on the tires used and if any other modifications are made.

Two-Seater Utility UTVs

Two-seater utility UTVs are bigger and used for more advanced tasks. They are preferred for use on farmland because they can handle more oversized loads and weigh around 2,000 pounds on average.

Four Seater UTVs

Four-seater UTVs are slightly bigger than the standard two-seater, and the weight ranges between 1,500 and 2,100 pounds.

What Vehicles Can Tow A UTV?

You can tow a UTV as long as your UTV’s weight is less than the towing capacity of your towing vehicle. Most towing vehicles have a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds or less.

If you’re towing with a trailer, ensure it has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds or more. You also want to check your vehicle’s manual to ensure it allows towing a UTV.

If you’re towing with a bumper hitch, ensure your vehicle’s bumper is sturdy enough to support the weight of your UTV. If you’re towing with an umbilical tow hook, make sure you’re within the recommended distance you can tow your UTV.

However, towing with a hitch isn’t recommended for most UTVs. Instead, use a trailer to avoid any problems, and because UTVs typically weigh around 2,000 pounds, it’s not difficult to tow with most vehicles.

But because you need a trailer, it’s challenging to use a smaller sedan for towing. When you factor in the trailer weight, it becomes too heavy, and you should only use pick-up trucks or larger SUVs for this.

Can You Tow Your UTV On The Highway?

Typically, you won’t have an issue towing a UTV on the highway, and roads won’t restrict your towing. However, your speed is a critical factor.

If you’re unsure if you can tow your UTV on a particular highway, check with the local authorities before towing your UTV. You also want to be careful about where you park your towing vehicle with a UTV attached.

You never want to park your towing vehicle on a slanted driveway or a steep hill. You also want to make sure you park your towing vehicle in a safe area.

If you need to park your towing vehicle in a busy parking lot, you want to ensure it’s not blocking walkways and not in a spot it shouldn’t be in.

Safety Tips To Remember When Towing Your UTV

Towing a UTV is a lot of work and can be dangerous if not done right. Here are some safety tips you should never forget before towing your UTV.

Always Double Check The Weight Capacities

You should always double-check the weight capacities of your vehicle and trailer when trying to tow your UTV. Overloading the trailer or vehicle can lead to damage or poor driving performance.

If you have a heavy load, you will need to ensure that the weight capacity of your UTV is high enough. If it is not, you could cause damage to the vehicle or trailer.

Always check the weight before attempting any hitch or tow operation. This ensures you can transport your UTV safely.

Keep Your Speed At 60 MPH Or Lower

When towing your UTV with your truck or car, you should keep your speed below 60 MPH to avoid added risks. When driving a vehicle, it is vital that you know the proper speed limits for the road you are on and what risks are associated with going over these speed limits.

The most common risk is the possibility of an accident occurring. This risk increases when driving at higher speeds on roads with more cars and less space for them to move around.

Don’t forget To Use Extra Tie Downs

Extra ratchet tie-downs are important for securing your UTV in the trailer for towing. They ensure that the UTV stays secure and safe during towing. It is important to know how many ratchet tie-downs you need and how they should be secured.

It’s common practice for many people only to use two, but we always recommend using four. This extra precaution will not break the bank and helps keep your UTV protected during transit on the road.

Put Your UTV In Park With The Emergency Brake

You should make sure that you have the emergency brake in place when towing your UTV on the trailer. This will help prevent the UTV from rolling down the hill and causing damage.

You should also use wheel chocks to prevent any damage to your tires. They are made from wood, rubber, or metal and are placed under the vehicle's wheels.

Both of these tips are extra safety steps that typically work well to avoid any movement in the trailer while driving.

What’s The Best Way To Tow Your UTV?

The best way to tow your UTV to keep the vehicle safe and secure while still driving at highway speeds is with an enclosed trailer or utility trailer. Many variations of the utility trailer, like a tilt trailer, also work well.

You can follow the steps we mentioned about properly using the trailer ramp to load the UTV, strap it in and tie it down with ratchet straps and put wheel chocks under the tires, so it never moves around.

The best way will ultimately depend on your budget, and a lightweight utility trailer is the cheapest option compared to an enclosed trailer. Before deciding, see what you can afford and consider all of your options.

This guide should help you every step along the way to determine exactly what the best way to tow your UTV is based on the model, size, weight, and vehicle type.