How to Check if Your ATV or UTV on Tracks Fits in a Trailer
ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles) and UTVs (Utility Task Vehicles) are popular for their versatility, whether for work or fun. Many owners customize their vehicles by adding track systems to improve off-road capabilities, especially in snowy, muddy, or rugged terrain. But with these modifications, comes an important consideration: does your ATV or UTV still fit in your trailer?
This blog will guide you through the process of measuring your ATV or UTV on track systems to ensure it fits in your trailer.
Measuring Your ATV or UTV on Track Systems
When measuring your ATV or UTV on track systems, it's important to consider three key dimensions: width, length, and height. These measurements will help determine whether your vehicle will fit in your trailer.
1. Width Measurement
The width of your ATV or UTV with track systems is crucial when determining trailer fit. Vehicles often have different widths for the front and rear tracks, so you’ll need to measure both.
- Front Width: Measure the distance between the outermost parts of the front tracks. Measure from one side of the track system to the other, including any extensions or modifications that might increase the width.
- Rear Width: Do the same for the rear track system. Rear tracks might differ in size, so it's essential to take separate measurements.
Once you have the front and rear measurements, compare them to your trailer's width. Make sure the width of your vehicle is smaller than the width of the trailer. If you’re dealing with a tight fit, remember to allow extra room for safe loading and unloading.
2. Length Measurement
The length of your ATV or UTV is the next important measurement. The addition of track systems can make the vehicle longer, and if you're planning on adding accessories, that can increase the length even further.
To measure the length:
- Wheelbase: Start by measuring from the center of the front axle to the center of the rear axle. This gives you the base length of your vehicle.
- Track System Offset: Add the offset created by the track systems. Track systems typically extend past the wheelbase, so you’ll need to account for this extra length when calculating the total length of your vehicle.
- Front and Rear Offsets: Measure any additional length added by the front and rear track systems separately. Then add these measurements to the base length of the vehicle (wheelbase) for a complete understanding of the overall length.
Ensure that the overall length fits comfortably within the trailer. If it’s close, consider how tight the loading space will be and whether you have any leeway for easier maneuverability.
3. Height Measurement
Height is often overlooked, but it's equally important when determining if your ATV or UTV fits in your trailer. If your trailer has a roof or enclosed cover, failing to account for the vehicle’s height could result in scratches, dents, or damage.
To measure the height:
- Vehicle Height: Measure from the ground up to the tallest point of the vehicle, including any accessories such as roof racks or light bars.
- Accessories: Roof-mounted accessories like light bars or racks can increase the height of your vehicle, so be sure to include these in your overall height measurement.
After measuring, compare the height of your vehicle to the height of the trailer, making sure you leave room for safe clearance.
Calculating Overall Dimensions
Now that you’ve taken the basic width, length, and height measurements, it's time to calculate the overall dimensions of your ATV or UTV on track systems.
Overall Width
To calculate the overall width:
- Add the width of the hub faces to the track system offset width on both sides of the vehicle. This will give you the total width of your ATV or UTV with track systems installed.
For example, if your Honda ATV has a hub face width of 50 inches and the track system adds an extra 5 inches on each side, the overall width becomes 60 inches.
Overall Length
To calculate the overall length:
- Add the front track system offset to the wheelbase, and then add the rear track system offset to get the complete length of the vehicle.
For instance, if your Honda UTV has a wheelbase of 100 inches, and the front and rear track systems each add 10 inches, the total length would be 120 inches.
Overall Height
The overall height remains as you measured it from the ground to the highest point of your vehicle, including any accessories.
Adjusting for Track Systems and Accessories
Track systems can significantly increase the size of your ATV or UTV, as they extend the width and length beyond the original dimensions of the vehicle. When measuring, it's critical to consider these extensions, as well as any modifications or accessories that may add to the height, width, or length of your vehicle.
If you’re purchasing a track system for your Honda ATV or UTV, be sure to check the manufacturer’s website for the exact dimensions of the model. Different track systems may vary in size, so knowing the specifications will help ensure that you accurately measure your vehicle and select a compatible trailer.
Accessories such as roof racks, light bars, or storage boxes also affect the overall dimensions of your vehicle. For example, if you’ve added a roof rack to your Honda ATV, this can increase the height by several inches. Be sure to account for these additions when measuring your vehicle.
Selecting the Right Trailer
Once you've measured your ATV or UTV on track systems, it's time to compare those measurements to your trailer’s dimensions. Here are some key things to consider:
- Trailer Width: The interior width of the trailer should be wide enough to accommodate the overall width of your vehicle, with room to spare for safe loading and unloading.
- Trailer Length: The interior length of the trailer must be long enough to fit your ATV or UTV, accounting for any additional length from the track systems.
- Trailer Height: If you have an enclosed trailer, ensure that the overall height of your vehicle fits comfortably inside without scraping the roof.
If you're unsure about whether your vehicle will fit, consult the manufacturer of your trailer or vehicle for more precise guidance.
Let’s Recap
Measuring your ATV or UTV on track systems is essential for ensuring that your vehicle fits properly in your trailer. By carefully measuring the width, length, and height, and considering the track system’s impact on overall size, you can confidently transport your Honda ATV or UTV without worry. Always compare your measurements with the trailer dimensions and account for accessories or modifications that may increase the size of your vehicle.
