Motorcycle And ATV Tips

Archive for the ‘ATV’ Category

Loading, Hauling, and Securing Your ATV the Right Way

Are you looking forward to doing some exploring in the great outdoors? Before you can do that you have to get your quad to the trail. And unless the trail is close by, your only option will be to load it up and haul it there.

It’s important to load your ATV the right way and that requires some know-how. If you don’t load properly, you may be putting yourself at risk of an accident. And you also risk damaging your equipment. Keep reading to find out exactly how to load and secure your ATV onto a pick-up or trailer.

If you are loading onto a trailer, be sure to hitch the trailer to the tow vehicle before you load your ATV. That way the trailer won’t rock or tip during loading.

Use only those ramps that have a loading capacity that can handle the combined weight of the four wheeler, along with any equipment that is attached to it. Remember that if you ride your ATV up the ramp, your weight counts in the total as well.

Riding a quad up a ramp is dangerous. Improper loading results in more accidents than you might expect. If you do have to ride your quad in order to load, at least wear protective gear like helmet, goggles, gloves, and boots.

When loading, use first gear if possible or the lowest gear that will work to get up the ramps. Try to avoid erratic starts and stops while you are on the ramps. Do not approach the ramps at high speeds. Doing so could cause the ramps to buckle or slam into the back of the truck or trailer.

The safest way to load up your quad is by using a winch. Doing this allows you to stand well clear of the quad. It also provides you with control of the speed and more precision in the loading.

Once you have your ATV safely loaded, the next step is to balance the weight directly over the trailer or truck axle to distribute the load evenly. Put the ATV into park and then secure it to the truck or trailer bed using tie down straps.

Plan on putting two straps on the front part of the ATV, and two straps on the back. Ratchet the straps down tightly. They should be tight enough to immobilize your ATV, even if you try to rock it. Additionally, the tires should look as if they are under load.

Finally, loop the excess lengths of strap so it doesn’t flap around or drag. Then you are ready to hit the road and head for the trail of your choice with your ATV.

To get your ATV to the trail, you’ll probably need to load it up in the back of your pickup. It makes good sense to use a good solid aluminum loading ramp. Why trust your four wheeler to just any old ramp? Check out the huge variety of specialty ATV loading ramps by clicking on the link.

By Chris Station Platinum Quality Author

ATV Options

All terrain vehicles, also known as ATVs, are helpful tools for adventuring, off-roading, and connecting with nature. Depending on your need, it is important to know that there are many options when it comes to utilizing an ATV. In addition to choosing which type of ATV to make use of, it is also important to take steps to protect yourself when operating the all terrain vehicle.

Types of ATVs

An all terrain vehicle can be any form of four wheeler meant for driving and operating off normal, paved roads. Beyond this they can vary in their specific qualities. Some common types of ATVs include:

  • Utility ATVs: The most popular type of ATVs, ridden recreationally and for agriculture purposes.
  • Sport ATVs: Lightweight, high suspension ATVs made to handle bumps, fast turns and jumps.
  • Side by side ATVs: Like golf carts, but capable of higher speeds and better suspensions, these vehicles are becoming popular in more rural communities.
  • Children’s ATVs: A smaller ATV made to be handled by a child. They have less suspension, no gears and little power in order to offer the transportation without the risks.
  • Varying sizes of ATVs: Varying sizes of ATVs come with varying levels of power and ability.

It is important to find a vehicle that fits your needs. Once you have done this, you will have the ability to make use of your ATV in a variety of ways. If you currently own or are considering owning an all terrain vehicle, it is important you take measures to protect yourself, such as protective gear and auto insurance coverage.

For More Information

Whenever making the choice to venture out on a vehicle it is important to protect yourself. This can be done in a number of ways. If you would like to learn more about ATV options and ATV protection, visit indianacarinsurancequoteonline.com today.

David Caldwell

By David S Caldwell Platinum Quality Author

Quick and Easy Steps to Maintaining Your Four Wheeler

Generally a four wheeler gets very dirty after they are ridden through very muddy grounds, like in fields or woods. Debris and dirt can easily find its way in very inconvenient spots of the vehicle. While it may be true this can be quite annoying, there are easy steps to follow when trying to clean these types of vehicles.

Your very first step to the process for cleaning this all terrain vehicle, otherwise called ATV, is giving it a sufficient amount of time to cool down after it has been ridden. While you always want to clean your vehicle after its use, you do not want the engine to be hot. This heated engine needs to cool before you clean, and to do this just leave your ATV in the shade.

Once the ATV is thoroughly cooled down, utilize intense water pressure so that you can rinse the vehicle. It is generally a good recommendation for you to start the rinsing process on the top part of the frame, and work your way down. Be sure that all areas are sprayed, including all sides as well as the front and back.

It is possible that other debris will become lodged in the vehicle. To take care of this, just remember to clean the undercarriage of the ATV. After the motorized device is completely rinsed, utilize a softly bristled brush for buffing away hard water spots and dirt that the original rinsing did not get rid of.

Another great method to use, when a simple rinse and scrub does not remove all the debris, is soap and water. Fill a container with water, such as a bucket, and add some soap. Car wash soap will work fine, but if that is not available to you, dish washing liquid is a very good substitute.

In this method you can use a rag to apply the solution if you wish. Make sure that you clean the vehicle completely on all sides. If the dirt seems caked on or will not remove easily, use a scrub brush on the more stubborn areas.

For seemingly impossibly stained spots, more powerful cleaners will be required. A great suggestion is a tire cleaner that is mixed with bleach. Still one more tough cleaning is known as an etching cleaner that has acid in its composition. Remember to only use these on areas that a simple rinse or soap and water cleaning will not remove.

Next you will need to apply a protective coat to the body. This can be done using what is called a shine spray, or other such product. Doing this will provide a protective barrier which works well in keeping the frame from absorbing mud and dirt. If you follow this step your next cleaning session will be much more simple to do. Lastly, wipe the frame down utilizing a synthetic polish with a piece of cloth or rag.

Remembering the necessary steps for cleaning and maintaining your four wheeler can be extremely beneficial. You will be able to have a better looking ATV. Along with this fact, your ATV will probably be able to look as nice as the day you purchased it.

Looking for quick, easy and effective means to scrub down your four wheelers? Get the best inside scoop now in our super four wheeler guide.

By Kyle Framsburger