Loading and Securing Your ATV

Loading and Unloading

Wear your protective ATV gear—helmet, goggles, gloves, and boots.
Use a winch to load the ATV whenever you can. Many accidents and even deaths have been caused by driving an ATV up a too-steep ramp.
Use a high-quality ramp with a rated load capacity that can withstand the combined weight of the ATV and its rider.
Attach the ramp securely to the trailer or pickup using straps or chains. If you have separate left and right ramps, space them properly for your ATV.
Approach the ramp in first gear so that you can climb it easily. Engage four-wheel drive in low gear, if applicable.
Ride straight up the ramp. It is easy to drop a wheel off the side of a narrow ramp.

Balance your trailer by centering the ATV slightly behind the axle.
Set the parking brake on the ATV.
Use tie-down straps. Ropes may stretch during transport.
Use four straps whenever possible, front and back on both sides. Never use fewer than three straps.
Cinch the straps as tightly as possible. Shake the ATV, and make sure it is secure. The tires should look like they are carrying weight.
Loop any excess strap length below the trailer or pickup.
When using a pickup, close the tailgate if possible.