Rhino USA's Expert Guide on How to Properly Load and Tow a Trailer
Learn to Haul Your ATV or UTV (Without Becoming a Viral Fail Video)
Photo Credit: Rhino USA
Loading your ATV or UTV onto a trailer seems simple—until you’re picking up speed to enter the freeway and suddenly the trailer starts to fishtail. The truth is, that properly loading and hauling your rig is an art form. It’s about more than just driving up a ramp and strapping down a few tie-downs—it’s about safety, control, and protecting your investment.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to get your ride from driveway to trailhead without drama. From proper loading techniques to securing your cargo, handling the drive, mastering the reverse, and keeping your trailer in tip-top shape, we have you covered.
And because not all trailers are created equal, we’ll also tackle the key differences between open and enclosed trailers—because what works for one can spell disaster for the other. So, buckle up (and tie down), because by the end of this, you'll be hauling your rigs with confidence—and staying far, far away from the blooper reels.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock
I. How to Properly Load a Trailer and Secure the Cargo
A. Understanding Trailer Types
Choosing the right trailer is step one. Your decision will impact everything from loading ease to fuel efficiency and cargo protection.
Open Trailers:
- Lightweight and easy to tow.
- More fuel-efficient.
- Simpler to load and unload.
- Expose cargo to weather and road debris.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Enclosed Trailers:
- Protect cargo from weather and theft.
- Provide additional storage options.
- Heavier, reducing fuel efficiency.
- Higher initial and maintenance costs.
Photo Credit: Justin W. Coffey, WESTx1000
Pro Tip:
Flatbed trailers can also accommodate larger vehicles, making them a popular choice for off-roaders with oversized tires.
Knowing the pros and cons of each helps you choose the best fit for your adventures. If you frequently haul in rough weather or need extra storage, an enclosed trailer might be worth the extra cost. On the flip side, if you’re just hauling to nearby trails on sunny weekends, an open trailer could be all you need.
Photo Credit: Rhino USA
B. Choosing the Right Supplies and Equipment
Having the right tools makes all the difference. The essentials include:
- Ratchet straps: Reliable and sturdy for securing heavy loads. Choose straps with a high weight rating and inspect them for wear before each use.
- D-rings, O-rings, and anchor points: Essential for stability. Install them at multiple points on the trailer for flexible tie-down options.
- Wheel chocks: Prevent rolling during transport. Use heavy-duty rubber chocks for durability and grip.
- Bungee cords: Handy for smaller, lighter gear. Use them to secure loose items, but don’t rely on them for heavy equipment.
- E-track systems: Add flexibility with multiple anchor points. Perfect for customizing your trailer setup.
- Portable tire inflator: Good for emergency air-ups and is an inexpensive insurance policy.
Photo Credit: Rhino USA
Pro Tip:
For users that require more air output, or are looking for a more permanent solution, a 12V air compressor is a good option. This can also be used to service truck tires, inflate tire tubes, and generally provide compressed air anywhere it's needed. Rhino USA has a wide range of compressors, inflators/deflators, and other tire maintenance tools.
Store your gear properly—dry, organized, and easily accessible—to avoid last-minute scrambling. A dedicated gearbox or wall-mounted hooks in an enclosed trailer can keep everything tidy.
Photo Credit: Rhino USA
C. Loading the Trailer
Loading a trailer isn’t just about driving your ATV or UTV up a ramp. Balance and weight distribution are critical for a smooth, safe haul.
For Open Trailers:
- Use wheel chocks for added stability.
- Ensure your hitch height is level. An adjustable drop/rise hitch is a popular upgrade over a fixed hitch to remedy this issue, especially for lifted trucks. The Rhino USA 6" Adjustable Drop Hitch is a great option for ensuring your trailer is level and reducing sway.
- Place heavier weight slightly forward of the trailer axle to prevent fishtailing. A general rule is to have 60% of the weight toward the trailer tongue and 40% toward the rear.
- Clean the trailer after rides to avoid debris buildup.
Photo Credit: Rhino USA
For Enclosed Trailers:
- Secure vehicles and gear to floor or wall anchor points.
- Double-check door locks and latches.
- Reinforce factory anchors if needed.
- Consider installing a backup camera, like the Furrion Vision S, to make reversing easier and less stressful.
Photo Credit: Rhino USA
Universal Tips:
- Evenly distribute weight to avoid instability. When loading a vehicle, it is generally best practice to have the engine and transmission of any vehicle slightly forward of the trailer axle.
- Perform a thorough pre-trip check: inspect tires, brakes, lights, and hitch connections.
- Apply dielectric grease to wiring connection points during maintenance to reduce the risk of corrosion and electrical failure.
- Pack an emergency kit with tools, a tire repair kit, work gloves, and extra straps. Don’t forget a jack capable of lifting both the trailer and its cargo, along with the correct size socket, a tire iron, or a 4-way for removing lug nuts.
Photo Credit: Rhino USA
II. How to Drive (and Reverse) with a Trailer
A. Preparing the Vehicle and Trailer
Before you even think about driving, double-check your setup. Hitch alignment and secure connections are crucial. Do a full inspection:
- Are the tires properly inflated?
- Are the lights and brakes working?
- Is the trailer’s weight within your vehicle’s towing capacity?
- Is your load balanced and properly secured?
- Are your brake controller and gain settings properly adjusted? Properly adjusted brake gain will prevent locking up the brakes and reduce the risk of jackknifing.
Pro Tip:
A few extra minutes here can save hours of trouble on the road. If anything feels off, don’t risk it—fix the issue before you go.
B. Developing Driving Skills
Driving with a trailer feels different. Acceleration is slower, braking distances are longer, and turns require more room. Practice makes perfect:
- Start light, then practice with loads.
- Use empty parking lots or back roads to get comfortable.
- Focus on wide turns to avoid clipping curbs or other vehicles.
- Use your side mirrors constantly to monitor your trailer.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock
C. On the Road: Expert Tips
Once on the road, take it slow and steady:
- Increase stopping distance.
- Handle corners gently.
- If fishtailing starts, ease off the accelerator and steer gently—don’t slam the brakes.
- Avoid sudden lane changes or sharp turns.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock
D. Driving in Reverse
Reversing with a trailer can feel like a cruel test of patience. The trick is to go slow and use small steering inputs:
- Use your mirrors or have a spotter.
- Practice backing up in an empty space.
- Remember: the trailer moves opposite to your steering input.
- Make minor corrections early to avoid jackknifing.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock
III. Maintenance and Emergency Preparedness
A. Regular Maintenance Checks
Your trailer needs love, too. Regular maintenance keeps it road-ready and extends its lifespan:
- Rotate and elevate tires during storage to prevent flat spots.
- Grease wheel bearings and check brake pads.
- Inspect lights, reflectors, and wiring.
- Check your hitch and coupler for wear or rust.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Pro Tip:
One of the most common issues is not matching trailer coupler sizes with the correct ball size. It is critical to match these components to avoid accidents and damage.
Photo Credit: Rhino USA
Hauling your ATV or UTV doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right setup, a little practice, and some regular maintenance, you’ll be rolling to the trailhead like a pro. Load smart, drive steady, and keep your gear in check—because the only drama you want on your adventure is the kind that comes with epic views, sandy dunes, and challenging trails.
