After you properly load your UTV onto your trailer, it’s essential that you strap down your UTV correctly and securely.
Facing bumpy roads and sudden stops and goes is expected along the journey, and a securely fastened UTV that stays put is crucial. Your safety, the safety of those around you, and protecting your investment needs to be your number one priority. Thankfully, there are several methods you can use to ensure your UTV is securely strapped down.
Read more below about ways to strap down your UTV securely.
One of the most popular and best ways to secure your UTV to your trailer is to use ratchet tie-down straps — the way manufacturers ship UTVs! These straps effectively anchor your machine to your trailer’s deck. There are many options available for purchase in a wide range of price and quality in today’s market. However, this is not the place to think about price over quality. Having a high-quality strap is worth the cost to hold down your expensive toy.
Ideally, off-roaders should use four straps to tie down their ride — two for the passenger front and back, and two for the driver’s side front and back. Find the best attachment point on your machine by examining its frame. The frame is the ideal place to secure your UTV as it’s the sturdiest and strongest part of your vehicle. If your bumper is firmly attached (i.e., welded) to the frame, you can connect your straps here, too. Find the lowest possible point to attach your straps and set them at an angle smaller than 45 degrees. Do not strap your tie-downs around your vehicle’s suspension or axles because it can cause damage to your machine!
Now that your straps are attached to your UTV, you can anchor them to to the trailer deck. Next, tighten the straps using the ratchet. After you’ve tightened each of the four straps, inspect each of them to ensure they are correctly attached.
Another common way to secure your UTV to your trailer is to use wheel baskets or tire bonnets. These straps cover each wheel, creating a “basket” or a “bonnet” for the tires, and attach to the trailer deck. To use this method, your baskets need to have tie-down attachment points directly in front of and behind all four wheels. While effective, this method is time-consuming and a bit complicated because everything has to be precise.
The last method we’ll be covering today is wheel chocks. They are metal or plastic blocks that cradle each wheel to prevent them from moving. Wheel chocks work best when used in conjunction with another method, such as ratchet straps. To use wheel chocks, firmly place the blocks in front of and behind each tire and attach per the manufacturer’s instructions.
The road to adventure can often be bumpy. So, knowing how to strap down your UTV is essential to the safety of your off-roading excursion. Whatever your method for securing your UTV to your trailer, make sure to double or even triple check your work. For more insider tips and the best aftermarket windshield and UTV accessories, contact the experts at TerraRider UTV Windshields and have a look at our online shop today!
