Hauling ATV in bed and pulling travel trailer

SouthpawHD · February 9, 2017

Looks like I might be getting an ATV, and likely to be a slightly larger one and I don't think the the tailgate will close all the way.

So if the tailgate won't close all the way, I can't tow my travel trailer with the tailgate down, what options exist?

I know I can take the tailgate off as one option, but that isn't always the nest option as I need a locking bed when I get to my destination. Is there a way to partially raise the tailgate and secure it part way up?

An expensive over the rail cargo system isn't an option at this point.

Any other thoughts would be appreciated.

Big Whiskey · February 9, 2017

Do some Google searching for ATV truck bed risers. They're basically ramps that you drive the front of your ATV on, when you load it in the bed. They seem to make just enough difference so allow the tailgate to close. It probably wouldn't be too difficult to make one. Our current camper is a pop-up/toy hauler, but I'll be looking into those risers if we get a traditional travel trailer.

Also, you might find an ATV that will fit in the bed and still allow you to close the tailgate. My 2005 Yamaha Kodiak 450 would fit. I had to close the gate pretty firm, but it fit well. My old Honda Rancher would fit with the gate closed as well. My current Kawasaki Brute Force 750 won't allow me to close the tailgate. It has a long nose, which forces me to put blocks in front of the tires to protect the back window. When I do that, it's too long. All of the ATV's weight is still sitting in the bed, but the tailgate will only close to about a 45 degree angle before it hits the back tires. What ATV are you looking at?

kstruckcountry · February 9, 2017

Have you considered an ATV rack for the rear of the trailer? I've seen a couple going down the road.

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O_J_Simpson · February 9, 2017

Deflate the ATV tires and it will fit.

SILVER SLED · February 9, 2017

Take the tailgat off and put it in the camper, then put the tailgate back on when you get to where your going??

SouthpawHD · February 9, 2017

I'm looking at all different makes and models of ATVs, so I'm planning ahead if I get a bigger one.

Good to know that deflating the tires might be just enough.

I've googled a lot of pics, and saw some with those ramps in the front, just haven't looked enough to see how those will work.

And a rack on the TT will not work as most trailers are not designed to hold that kind of weight.

Thanks for the ideas guys.

Big Whiskey · February 10, 2017

Have you considered an ATV rack for the rear of the trailer? I've seen a couple going down the road.

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Those must have been custom setups. Most factory rear hitches on campers are only rated for 300-400 lbs of tongue weight.

SouthpawHD · February 11, 2017

Going to look at 2009 Arctic Cat 550 - BRAND NEW. Called the dealers spoke to the owner and they got it from another dealer in the crate, never fired or oiled. Looks like a decent machine.

Big Whiskey · February 11, 2017

Going to look at 2009 Arctic Cat 550 - BRAND NEW. Called the dealers spoke to the owner and they got it from another dealer in the crate, never fired or oiled. Looks like a decent machine.

A 2009 that's still in the crate? How does that happen? Make sure they discount it like crazy, because that until will be 6 years old (as far as resale value goes) as soon as you get it home...

SouthpawHD · February 18, 2017

Passed on the 2009 Arctic Cat because I found a 2017 Polaris Sportsman for $500 more.

Brought it home this afternoon and I am going to get DGM Tailgate supports. They are metal brackets that hold the tailgate partially open.

topkin · February 19, 2017

What about an extended receiver so the trailer clears the tailgate? I've seen them but mostly on setups where the camper is in the bed (the big campers that hang down behind the bed) and ther are towing a boat or other toys.

This

http://www.discountramps.com/hitch-extender/p/HE-3-3-V2/?CID=PSC-PLA-Google-HE-3-3-V2-hitch-adapters&st-t=google-hitch-adapters&vt-pti=140141013622&vt-k=&vt-m=&CAWELAID=820562990000011357&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=29606220502&CATCI=pla-140141013622&gclid=CK-bzvywm9ICFcS6wAodzgcGkQ

Or this

http://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Accessories/Curt/C45048.html?feed=npn&gclid=CP7uhKGxm9ICFVq4wAod0Q0BLQ

Big Whiskey · February 19, 2017

Passed on the 2009 Arctic Cat because I found a 2017 Polaris Sportsman for $500 more.

Brought it home this afternoon and I am going to get DGM Tailgate supports. They are metal brackets that hold the tailgate partially open.

Good deal! What size/model Sportsman did you get? I just checked out those DGM brackets.....they should do the trick!!

What about an extended receiver so the trailer clears the tailgate? I've seen them but mostly on setups where the camper is in the bed (the big campers that hang down behind the bed) and ther are towing a boat or other toys.

This

http://www.discountramps.com/hitch-extender/p/HE-3-3-V2/?CID=PSC-PLA-Google-HE-3-3-V2-hitch-adapters&st-t=google-hitch-adapters&vt-pti=140141013622&vt-k=&vt-m=&CAWELAID=820562990000011357&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=29606220502&CATCI=pla-140141013622&gclid=CK-bzvywm9ICFcS6wAodzgcGkQ

Or this

http://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Accessories/Curt/C45048.html?feed=npn&gclid=CP7uhKGxm9ICFVq4wAod0Q0BLQ

Those are pretty handy for small trailers or cargo carriers, but most of them aren't able to support the weight of a full size travel trailer.

SouthpawHD · February 19, 2017

What about an extended receiver so the trailer clears the tailgate? I've seen them but mostly on setups where the camper is in the bed (the big campers that hang down behind the bed) and ther are towing a boat or other toys.

This

http://www.discountramps.com/hitch-extender/p/HE-3-3-V2/?CID=PSC-PLA-Google-HE-3-3-V2-hitch-adapters&st-t=google-hitch-adapters&vt-pti=140141013622&vt-k=&vt-m=&CAWELAID=820562990000011357&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=29606220502&CATCI=pla-140141013622&gclid=CK-bzvywm9ICFcS6wAodzgcGkQ

Or this

http://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Accessories/Curt/C45048.html?feed=npn&gclid=CP7uhKGxm9ICFVq4wAod0Q0BLQ

Thanks, but like Big Whiskey said above, they are only good for smaller trailers. I'm towing a 34' 7500 travel trailer.

SouthpawHD · February 19, 2017

Good deal! What size/model Sportsman did you get? I just checked out those DGM brackets.....they should do the trick!!

...

It was a pretty good deal. I got the 570 Sportsman. Started looking at the 450s, due to wanting a smaller one for the kids. But the 570 was only $500 more, so it was hard to say no. Took it out today, it's a good machine.

Big Whiskey · February 19, 2017

It was a pretty good deal. I got the 570 Sportsman. Started looking at the 450s, due to wanting a smaller one for the kids. But the 570 was only $500 more, so it was hard to say no. Took it out today, it's a good machine.

Sweet. Yeah, those are nice units! The Sportsmans ride really nice and have great ground clearance. And, the newer design really improved the approach angle. How far do the back tires stick out past the bed when it's loaded up?