ATVs, also known as “all-terrain vehicles”, are known for being one of the most successful recreational vehicles for off-roading out there. However, being recreational doesn’t mean that you can put the ATV to good use, such as towing some items along the way.
In order to make the most out of your vehicle’s towing capabilities, you need to find the ATV towing capacity, and that’s where this guide comes in handy!
In today’s article, we’ll provide you with all the information you’re going to need before using an ATV for such a purpose. Let’s hop in!
How Much Weight Can an ATV Tow?
Since ATVs are not specifically designed for towing, not all ATVs out there will list the towing capacity in the specification section on their user manual.
However, a good rule of thumb while estimating the towing power of an off-roading machine would be about 30 to 50 percent of its body weight.
Ideally, an ATV will be able to tow a maximum weight of about 1,500 to 2,000 lbs. However, this is for the far-end of the towing capacity scale.
However, in most cases, a decently powered ATV will be able to tow anywhere between 1,000 to 1,200 lbs with smaller ATV on the market offering anywhere from 500 to 800 lbs of total towing capacity.
This means that the ATV has a generally lower towing capacity than its larger cousin, the UTV (Utility Task Vehicle), which has an average towing capacity of about 2,000 to 2,500 lbs.
Factors Affecting the ATV Towing Capacity
As you can see from the previous section, the towing capacity can vary among different models of ATV because it depends on several aspects.
Let’s have a quick look at the most prominent ones, so you can have a better estimate of your ATV’s towing capacity.
Performance and Power
The main aspect that determines the towing capacity of an ATV is how much power it has got under the hood.
A more powerful motor with higher braking horsepower and torque will allow you to pull on heavier items.
You should also keep in mind that an ATV with a high acceleration motor and low torque will not offer a similar towing capacity despite having a powerful motor in theory.
Although the size of a UTV or a tractor can help give you a close estimate on the towing power, this isn’t the case in ATVs.
Some smaller ATVs can have higher towing powers than smaller ones simply because they’re built with parts that support high traction and towing capacity.
The Conditions of Use
Although ATVs are designed to venture through all the different terrains, the functionality and usability of the all-terrain vehicle may be impacted by the conditions at which you’re using.
For example, ATVs will give you the maximum towing capacity when they’re used on solid, level ground, such as asphalt roads.
Meanwhile, using the ATV at a sloping ground that is higher than 15 degrees or over muddy/soil ground can decrease its ability to pull on objects significantly.
Additionally, you need to keep an eye on the weather because towing with an ATV increases the motor’s temperature since they’re not specifically designed for that purpose. For that reason, avoid using the ATV for towing on very hot and sunny days.
Are ATVs Better Than UTVs at Pulling and Towing?
The short answer here is no. Unlike ATVs, utility task vehicles, also known as “side by sides”, are designed to haul and pull heavier items.
In fact, some models are almost specifically designed to tow a trailer using a hitch. However, ATVs are significantly more affordable than UTVs, so they’re a better option if you want to tow small items.
What Can You Tow with an ATV?
A standard ATV with an average towing capacity can pull anywhere between 500 to 1,000 lbs. This means that you’ll be able to tow small boats, jet skis, tiny trailers with relative ease using one.
However, it’s always essential to know the weight of the object you’re towing as well as any towing accessories, such as a flatbed, towing hitch, and others because these items should also be counted within the maximum towing capacity.
Will Towing Damage the ATV?
Some ATVs on the market are known for their immense strength. However, they’re still prone to damage if you put them through a challenging task.
For example, pulling a very heavy trailer or a boat that exceeds its towing rating may inflict some damage on the drive belt and the brakes.
That’s why you need to always keep the towed object a few hundred lbs below the suggested towing capacity of the ATV, especially if you’re going against a sloping hill or moving through muddy or slippery ground.
Is Buying an ATV for Towing Worth It?
This depends on whether you’re only buying an ATV for towing or you’re using it for towing among other purposes.
This is because ATVs are tons of fun and highly versatile but they’re not the best when it comes to towing.
On the other hand, some UTVs that will offer more comfort and better towing ratings may be available at a relatively similar price tag.
How Much Does an ATV with High Towing Capacity Cost?
Since many brands offer various models of ATVs with different specifications and features, ATVs come at a wide range of prices.
For instance, a relatively cheap ATV may cost you as little as $2,500. Yet, these ATVs are usually suitable for recreational purposes and can’t handle the extra weight of a heavy trailer.
Most ATVs with a decent towing capacity will start from $7,000 and can go as high as $15,000 depending on the brand and specifications of the vehicle.
Wrap Up
With that said, you now have a better idea about the ATV towing capacity as well as the factors that can affect the vehicle’s ability to tow.
To avoid damaging your ATV’s core structure, make sure that you’re using a model that is capable of towing and always leave at least 100 lbs above the maximum weight to avoid overworking the ATV’s motor.