Safe Towing With Your UTV

Your UTV is a powerful force to be reckoned with, whether you’re hauling heavy payloads on the construction site or transporting materials across the farm. These workhorse side by sides are capable of handling weighty cargo and all the workers needed to distribute it, plus they can be absolute beasts when it comes to their towing capability. If your particular utility vehicle is able to tow, then you’ll want to make use of that asset as often as possible when you have cumbersome equipment and cargo to transport. They can also be easier to maneuver than a pickup truck or tractor on certain sites, too, especially over rough terrain.

However, you should be aware of some basic safety practices when it comes to using your UTV for towing.

We at Cross Country Powersports of Metuchen can help you to determine how much your UTV can handle and how to navigate that difficult terrain when you’ve got a trailer or other equipment in tow.

Plot Your Path In Advance

Before you set out, you should plot out the route you’ll take with your cargo. You should see how rough the terrain is between where you pick up your payload and where you’re depositing it so you can avoid certain pitfalls. Even though your UTV is capable of handling difficult grades, this ability is lessened when you’re towing and need to remain more stable. Look out for poor traction regions such as creeks, muddy puddles and potholes, as well as very steep inclines or rocky patches that will be hard to scale when towing hundreds of pounds of weight.

You should also make certain that both your UTV and trailer can fit through tight spaces before they’re burdened with weight by doing a reconnaissance trip first. This way, you can unhitch your trailer quickly if you get stuck and figure out a better route.

Utilize The Proper Towing Accessories

There are a variety of towing accessories available for utility vehicles that can make your job much easier. You’ll want to wear a sturdy pair of gloves to protect your hands from rope burns, splinters and dirt. A good quality and compatible hitch is vital for towing anything in the first place. You’ll need to have tie-down straps to keep your cargo secured. A tow strap is another good piece of equipment to carry because of its versatility — you can use it when pulling other vehicles out of ditches or moving obstacles in your path.

Safe Driving Tips

Before setting out, make sure that your cargo is secured in the trailer and that the hitch is locked in place. Your UTV’s handling will change while towing, so be more cautious than you would be while driving with no cargo. The inertia caused by your trailer will make braking more difficult, so you should brake sooner than you anticipate and give yourself more space to slow down. Don’t go as fast to begin with and you’ll find stopping to be much easier, too. Turns will require you to use a wider radius to account for the hitch. Reversing may be tricky because your trailer will want to jackknife in the opposite direction, which may require some turning and adjusting. You might want to practice all of these skills in an open area once you’ve got everything loaded up before you tackle your planned route, so give yourself extra time to do this correctly. You could save yourself from getting stuck or having an accident with some warming up.

If you’re in the market for a new utility vehicle to help you out with your tough jobs, we’ve got a great selection of the latest UTV models for sale at our Metuchen dealership. We can also help with any parts or service your current UTV may need, so call us or drop by to set up an appointment for maintenance. Cross Country Powersports is near Newark, serving the cities of New Brunswick, Paterson and Trenton, New Jersey.