Hauling & Towing with Your UTV
A UTV is a powerful vehicle capable of hauling and towing a number of materials. It can increase your productivity by making your chores around your property easier. But before you attempt to haul or tow, you'll want to make sure you know what you're doing. We gathered up our top tips for safe and easy hauling below. For all your UTV needs, visit Loewer Powersports & Equipment. You'll find us in Alexandria, Louisiana.
Check Your UTV
Before you use your side by side for a task, you'll want to make sure it's up for the challenge. Taking on more than your UTV can handle is a recipe for damaging your vehicle, hurting yourself, or some other unfortunate situation. While most vehicles can handle most projects, you'll want to be confident yours can handle the task at hand.
The first requirement in the towing and hauling process is asking, "does my side by side have a towing hitch or bracket on the chassis?" If your answer is "yes", the next step is to see how much weight it can handle. Read through the owner's manual or do a quick google search. Always stay within these limits - they're there for a reason. Overload your UTV and you could end up damaging it (or worse, rolling it).
Use Accessories
Sure, you can tow and haul without accessories. But the process will take much more time and effort. Accessories help you unlock the full potential of your side by side. If you buy a hitch, check for compatibility. It needs to match your UTV's make and model. Otherwise, it may not fit (or could cause damage).
If you want to boost your towing ability, use a tow strap. It can conquer a number of projects. Help out a fellow rider who is stuck in a ditch. Clear away a tree that's blocking your path. You can tow a number of things with the right tow strap.
These are just a few of the many accessories available to you. From soft hooks to ratchet straps, there are plenty of ways to boost your ride. Don't forget about accessories for you! You'll want a pair of sturdy work gloves to help protect your hands from rope burn, blisters, cuts, and so on.
Test Drive Your Route
You'll be driving over tough terrain with a tough load. Make the process easier on yourself by doing a test run with an empty side by side. You'll be able to make sure your UTV fits through narrow areas without the stress of towing a large load. You can even test out multiple routes and find the smoothest or fastest path. If you will be using a trailer, attach it for the test run.
Safe Driving Your Side by Side
Safe driving starts with securing your load. Make sure everything is snug and won't fall off. Try to distribute the weight as evenly as possible (from left to right and front to back).
Keep in mind that changing the weight of your side by side will change how it handles. It'll take longer to slow down or stop. Turn angles will be different. Drive defensively to stay safe and avoid rolling over. With the proper precautions to ensure a safe, successful ride.
For all your UTV needs, visit Loewer Powersports & Equipment. If you're looking to buy, check out our wide range of new and used side by side models. If you already own a UTV, use our service department when you experience issues. Whatever you need, you'll find it with us! We proudly serve those in Alexandria, Rapides Parish, Lafayette, Shreveport, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
