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How to Load an ATV into Your Truck

If you can find a way to transport your ATV, you can open up a whole world of awesome trails and landscape for riding. But figuring out how to get an 600 pound machine three or more feet off the ground into the bed of a truck is a tall order. Luckily, if you know a few tricks, loading an ATV into your truck can be quick and easy. Whether you ride a sport ATV or a sport utility ATV, this short guide will teach you everything you need to know. If you're in need of parts or services for your ATV, don't hesitate to stop by Harold Implement Co. We proudly serve Paragould, Jonesboro, and Pocahontas, Arkansas, as well as Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Thanks to our full-service maintenance department, we are the home for ATV and powersport repairs and sales for Northeastern Arkansas.

Choosing Ramps

There are a few criteria to keep in mind when choosing ramps. First, you'll need to measure the height to the tailgate on your truck. It's not enough that a ramp simply reaches the ground. Your ramps need to sit at an angle that's shallow enough to allow you to actually get your ATV up the ramp. If you've made modifications to your truck, such as a lift kit or bigger tires and suspension, you will need even longer ramps. The steeper your ramps are, the more aggressive the texture needs to be to make sure your ATV can actually get up. You'll also want to make sure your ramps are sufficiently wide to give your tires plenty of room to climb up without the risk of sliding off one side. Of course, the best way to address all of these problems is to get a full sized single ramp that extends from the back of your truck. These are, however, much more expensive.

Set it All Up

When the time comes to load up your ATV, start by finding a good spot to load. You'll want to find a location that's flat, level, and has enough space for a run up to the ramp. Make sure the ground around the truck is firm, too, to prevent the ramps or the truck from sliding as you load it. Make sure your ramps are firmly secured to tailgate or bumper of your truck and then position your ATV so you can drive it up. If you are concerned that your ramps might slide out of place, you can strap them to your bumper to make them even more secure.

Loading

Once you're ready to load your ATV, line yourself up a few feet away and get ready. Make sure you wear a helmet and solid footwear. If you are loading up an ATV that's been ridden heavily, make sure to wear pants, too, as the heat from the engine could singe your legs. You'll want to use four-wheel low so that you'll have plenty of grip without touchy acceleration. As is the case with removing band-aids, you want to get up the ramp in one fluid motion. Apply the throttle and don't let yourself get too much speed, but get enough to make sure you get up without stalling. If you stall, you might roll backwards slightly. This is harder to control and could result in you sliding off the side of the ramp. Once you reach the top of the ramp, back off the throttle to make sure your wheels aren't going to fast when you get in the flat of the bed. Then, gently pull forward until you are in the desired location.

Strap it Down

When the ATV is in place, make sure to strap it down. Ratchet straps work well for this since they are tough and easy to use. If you're a master with knots, rope can work just fine. Whatever you use, try to apply enough pressure to the ATV to slightly compress the suspension. The reason for this is that an ATV with uncompressed suspension will tend to rock back and forth as you drive. By compressing the suspension, you will make your rider more firm which will greatly reduce highway wobble.

Ready to try it for yourself? Make sure you buy the right equipment, prepare correctly, and get everything in order. If you do that, loading your ATV will be safe and easy. For equipment, parts, or services, stop by Harold Implement Co. We're located near Paragould, and Jonesboro, Arkansas. Our customers come back time after time for our excellent service and friendly team. If you live near Pocahontas, Arkansas and Poplar Bluff, Missouri, stop by today!