ATVs are very versatile. In addition to riding them around for fun, they’re also work horses, particularly if they’re coupled with the right equipment. For example, the best ATV utility trailers can help you haul large loads. They can handle everything from piles of leaves to firewood, rocks, tools, and hunting gear.
Some of these trailers are even designed with special tires so they can easily maneuver off-road. If you’re looking for the best ATV pull behind trailer, check out our buying guide below.
The Best ATV Trailer
This tandem-axle utility trailer has a 1,500-pound weight capacity and 22-cubic foot hauling capacity. It includes a quick-release tipper latch and tilt and pivot frame. It has an extra-thick polyethylene body, walls, and gunnels, making it strong and solid for carrying rocks, firewood, etc. The all-steel frame has a powder-coat finish, and the wheels have sealed ball bearings.
The tandem axle is helpful when balancing large loads by providing stability and a smooth ride over rough terrain. It has a high ground clearance, is rugged and durable, and takes a lot of abuse. It holds a lot of wood and is very stable behind ATVs such as a Polaris 570.
- 1,500 pound load capacity
- 22 cubic foot load size
- High-impact polyethylene body
- All-steel frame with powder coat finish
- Brand Polar Trailer
- Model 8262
- Weight 203 pounds
Stable and smooth over rough terrain
High ground clearance
Rugged and durable
Not for highway use
Can be hard to navigate small spaces
Heavy due to its steel construction
This ATV trailer has a 1,200-pound weight capacity and 18 cubic-foot capacity with side rails. The removable tailgate and foot pedal dump mechanism makes it easy for loading and unloading. The steel frame and bed are rust-resistant and covered in a UV-protected, powder-coated finish.
The guardrail keeps big loads in the trailer, and the tires roll smoothly over most terrains, including gravel roads, fields, and small creeks. The hitch works with ATVs, lawn tractors, and garden tractors. Dumping is simple since the bed is mounted directly over the axle. Also, the locking tailgate swings out and can also act as a work surface.
- 1,200-pound weight capacity
- Removable tailgate
- Foot pedal dump mechanism
- 16-inch by 4.5–8 pneumatic tires
- Brand Strongway
- Model 2103Q091
- Weight 139 pounds
Frame and bed are rust-resistant and UV-protected
Dumping is simple
Tailgate can double as a work surface
May not have advertised weight capacity
Metal parts bend easily
Tires are narrow and can sink in soft, damp ground
This heavy-duty steel trailer has a 1,250-pound weight capacity and four large steel off-road wheels attached to a pivoting tracking beam. The trailer is strong and durable and features a powder coating to prevent corrosion. The side rails and tailgate are removable for lighter loads, and the bed pivots and tilts.
It rides smoothly over logs and large rocks. It has a high ground clearance for off-road use and easily tolerates heavy cargo and rough terrain. The pass-through axle prevents the trailer from getting caught up in brush, and its knobby tires are shock-absorbing and stable. Also, the sealed roller bearings are maintenance-free.
- 1,250-pound weight capacity
- Heavy-duty, all-steel construction
- Powder coated to prevent rust
- Removable side rails and tailgate
- Brand Yutrax
- Model TX159
- Weight 198 pounds
Provides a smooth ride over rocks and logs
Good ground clearance
Tires are stable and absorb impact
Difficult to assemble due to poor instructions
Fittings are prone to damage
Sleeve on trailer tongue may crack or fall apart
This lawn and garden utility cart/trailer has a 900-pound weight capacity and 10-cubic foot hauling capacity. It features a tubular frame, quick-release tipper latch, and tilt and swivel high ground clearance. The tub is constructed of heavy-duty polyethylene, and the frame is all steel with a powder-coat finish.
The rugged and durable trailer is easy to assemble, takes a lot of abuse, and keeps on going. It hooks up easily to your ATV and rolls smoothly along the yard. Due to its high ground clearance, it rolls right over taller rocks and tree stumps. It’s solid but light enough to pick up and load on a pickup truck.
- 900-pound load capacity
- 10 cubic-foot hauling capacity
- Heavy-duty polyethylene tub
- Steel frame with powder-coat finish
- Brand Polar Trailer
- Model 9542
- Weight 65 pounds
Easy to assemble
Excellent ground clearance
Solid but light enough to pick up
Screw/bolt on frame can be hard to install
Not as tough as some rival trailers
May have a strong odor
The XT1500 Cargo Trailer from MotoAlliance features a heavy-duty steel frame and bed. It has a weight capacity of 1,500 pounds and a 15 cubic-foot load capacity. The mesh side rails and tailgate are removable. It has a rigid hitch design and up/down pivot, allowing it to easily roll over logs, rocks, and snow banks. The hitch pin works with ATVs, UTVs, tractors, and snowmobiles.
The trailer features a pass-through axle for better ground clearance. It’s easy to load and unload due to the foot release dump latch and tilt trailer bed. The wide tires make it easier to ride over rugged terrain. Overall, it’s a very sturdy cart, and you don’t even know that you’re towing it behind your ATV.
- 1,500-pound load capacity
- 15 cubic-foot hauling capacity
- Removable side rails and tailgate
- Pass-through axle
- Brand MotoAlliance
- Model XT1500
- Weight 150 pounds
Good ground clearance
Easy to load and unload
Wide tires make traversing rugged terrain easy
Directions are poor
Holes may not line up properly for assembly
May be shipped with missing parts
This trailer has a 1,250-pound weight capacity and is ideal for hauling firewood, rocks, tools, and hunting gear. The bed swivels up to 90 degrees for easy loading and unloading. It comes with a removable tailgate and rails as well as large flotation tires with an aggressive tread, which provide stability and help with rough terrain.
It’s an excellent value compared to smaller ATV/garden-type trailers. The wheel bearings are needle bearings rather than ball bearings, which is much better for load distribution and bearing longevity. It’s lightweight and works great as long as you don’t push it too hard. Overall, it’s very strong and fairly easy to assemble.
- 1,250-pound load capacity
- Two large, 18-inch floatation tires
- Removable side rails and tailgate
- Heavy-duty steel construction
- Brand Yutrax
- Model TX158
- Weight 142 pounds
Great value
Lightweight yet strong
Tires work well on rough terrain
May be smaller than company advertises
Not rated for road use
May tilt if weight is unevenly distributed
Best ATV Trailer Buying Guide & FAQ
If you have a quad, you may not be using it to its full capacity. Four wheelers are more than just a fun way way to burn off some steam on the weekend. They’re also quite practical if you pair them up with an ATV dump trailer. There are a variety of different ATV trailers on the market, and with a little bit of research, shopping for one is simple.
Whether you want a small trailer with a plastic tub for basic yardwork or a more robust version that can handle extra heavy loads, there is an ATV trailer out there that will make your life easier.
Why Do You Need an ATV Trailer
ATV trailers are also known as dump trailers. They’re very useful to have on hand, especially if you have a large piece of property and need to haul firewood, mulch, compost, gravel, rocks, hay, feed, or other equipment and supplies from one area to another.
The best ATV dump trailers are strong and versatile. They are hauling and dumping machines and can be used for a variety of purposes. Instead of manually carrying tools or small loads of mulch from one spot in your yard to another, an ATV trailer can help you do the job in much less time (and much more efficiently).
Also, the best ATV trailer for hauling wood and other supplies doesn’t usually take up a lot of space compared to other types of trailers. Since they’re not usually road-worthy, they’re smaller and less bulky than trailers that attach to a vehicle. However, they can still have large weight capacities, allowing you to haul and dump heavy loads.
Benefits
- They’re strong, versatile, and practical.
- They make it easy to haul materials around your property.
- They’re great for dumping firewood, compost, and other items.
- Many have large weight capacities for carrying heavy loads.
Types of ATV Trailers
Most of the ATV trailers you will come across are open trailers. They feature low railings or solid sides to contain your cargo and are not enclosed. The load will be exposed to the elements, and you can’t lock it or secure it. There are two major types of ATV trailers: single axle and tandem axle. Read more about them below.
- Single Axle
ATV trailers with a single axle have just one set of wheels. They are perfect for hauling small loads, such as gardening supplies for the yard and common household items. They are lighter weight than other types of trailers, which makes them easier to maneuver. They are best for carrying out smaller projects.
This type of trailer will not have the extended weight capacity as other trailers. If you want to transport really heavy loads of concrete, rocks, or other materials, they will not be as durable. Single-axle ATV trailers are very useful but are not intended for heavy-duty jobs.
- Tandem Axle
ATV trailers with a tandem axle have two sets of wheels. They are designed so that the two axles are located as closely together as possible in the center of the trailer. This configuration more evenly distributes the weight of the cargo. It also provides better shock absorption, which is helpful on rough terrain.
Tandem or dual-axle trailers are recommended if you’re planning on hauling heavy materials. They often have larger box beds, and they provide a good amount of stability. If you’re unsure what type of trailer to get, consider what type of loads you will be hauling and dumping. If it’s even slightly possible that you need to move very heavy loads, opt for a tandem-axle trailer.
What to Look for When Buying an ATV Trailer
There are several features you should consider when purchasing a utility trailer for your ATV. You should check if it has removable side boards and a removable tailgate, which will enable you to haul longer loads, such as logs. Also, check the hitch type to see if it’s a receiver hitch, ball hitch, or farm-style hitch. Other factors you need to consider are the materials used in its construction, the type of tires and wheels it has, and the mechanism it includes to dump a load.
- Construction Materials
The best ATV trailers are constructed out of one of three materials: aluminum, steel, or plastic. Most are made of aluminum. The best aluminum ATV trailers are lightweight and rust-resistant. These qualities also make them more expensive. Steel ATV trailers are attractive because they are strong and durable, particularly if you plan on hauling heavy loads. Many have also been treated to resist rust. The downside is that the trailer itself can be heavy.
Another option is a plastic utility trailer. They are lightweight, relatively cheap, and have a plastic bed. They’re meant for hauling lighter gear, and the material won’t hold up to a lot of abuse. While great for yard work, they’re not recommended for moving logs or rocks.
- Tires and Wheels
Not all trailer wheels and tires are the same. When you buy a new vehicle, you have a lot of options when it comes to tires, and the same is true with trailer tires. You have to take the size and tire type into consideration. If you don’t, your trailer may not perform as expected.
One option is to use the same wheels that you use on your ATV (if the tires are compatible with the trailer). That way, you will have some spare wheels should you need them. All-terrain tires are also useful because they have a tread pattern that will cause less damage to your yard. The width of a tire is also important: If it’s too narrow, the trailer may be difficult to move in wet, soggy areas.
- Dump Bed Lift Assist
Trailers come with a variety of different dump bed lift assist options. Cheaper ATV dump trailers are usually manual and require your arm strength, which is fine for light loads. Spring-loaded assists are fine for light to medium-sized loads, while a winch features cables and pulleys that you maneuver either by hand crank or with an electric winch. They can be used on heavier loads and are more common on larger trailers.
Hydraulic assists are the easiest to use and are ideal for dumping heavy loads, but you probably won’t find them on ATV dump trailers. Most ATV trailers feature a hand-operated jack or foot pedal dump mechanism to raise the dump bed.
Tips for Buying and Using an ATV Trailer
Make sure your machine can properly tow a particular trailer. Check the towing capacity and whether the trailer is designed to handle higher speeds or long distances. Also, read the specifications to make sure it can haul the type of cargo you plan on putting in it.
Keep in mind that riding around with a trailer will change the way it feels. Off-road trailers can be heavy, bulky, and difficult to maneuver. Ride slower than you do without a trailer attached, avoid steep slopes, and do not overload the trailer.
It’s possible that a loaded trailer will cause the front wheels of your ATV to lift off the ground when you’re riding up a hill, and the steering ability can also decrease. When you’re going downhill, an overloaded trailer can cause the back wheels of your ATV to lift off the ground, which can result in a skid or rollover.
- Make sure the ATV’s towing capacity is compatible with the trailer.
- Do not overload the trailer.
- Ride slowly and avoid steep slopes.
Best ATV Trailer FAQ:
By now, you know that ATV trailers are really beneficial, particularly if you do a lot of work around your property. Still, you may have some questions about their use. If you’re not sure how an ATV pulls a trailer, how to dump loads off the trailer, or whether they’re suitable for off-roading, read our FAQs below.
While some ATV trailers feature a ball hitch mount, most have a simple pin mount that connects to your ATV or UTV.
Some ATV trailers feature a dump mechanism, but many are fixed in a horizontal position. Some feature removable sides and tailgates that allow you to slide materials such as mulch or firewood off the trailer.
Yes, if you have the right tires. They should be heavy duty so they don’t slip and slide. The trailer itself should also be strong and rugged.
Our Top Pick
Our pick for the best ATV trailer is the Polar Trailer Tandem Axle Utility Cart. The trailer has a large, 1,500-pound weight capacity, which makes it ideal for hauling firewood and assisting with other activities on the farm. The trailer is made of heavy-duty steel and has a powder-coat finish to resist corrosion. It features a tandem axle for stability and is rugged and durable. Overall, it’s a solid investment and will get the job done.