Planning An ATV Trip

Camping is great, but want to really kick your next trip up a notch? Bring along an ATV! All-terrain vehicles are a great way to add fun and excitement to a weekend excursion. The fine folks at Polaris of Gainesville in sunny Gainesville, Florida, have prepared this convenient guide to help you plan how to take an ATV or other four-wheeler with you out of town.

Where You’re Headed

You don’t want to just head into the great wide open without any idea where you’re going. Look up locations online and browse trail maps to pinpoint your destination. Figure out if there are any laws governing the use of ATVs wherever you’re going, as these laws can vary state by state. You don’t want to take the time to carefully transit your four-wheeler only to learn you can’t use it once you get there!

Get Your Quad Ready

A pre-ride inspection is always a great idea, especially if it’s been awhile since you last used your ATV or checked fluid levels. You’ll want to top off oil, coolant, and brake fluids, and don’t forget to fill up with gas! Inspect the suspension and tighten all your nuts and bolts as needed. Check your tires for wear and tear and make sure the air pressure is good. Look at your chain slack and add lube if necessary. Your suspension needs to be in good working order, so examine the tie rods and ball joints for damage. If anything on your ATV doesn’t check out after you look it over, make sure to get it professionally repaired before you take it off road.

Transporting Your ATV

Obviously, an ATV isn’t something you can toss in the back of a van and go. It takes some preparation and special equipment to haul one with you. Fortunately, there are some great options available for ATV transport.

The most common way to transport powersports vehicles is probably a toy hauler, which is a unique style of towed RV that offers a garage space with a ramp in the back to securely hold an ATV or other four-wheeler. The front of the toy hauler is like any other RV with a cozy living space full of amenities, so if you’re taking a trip over the weekend or even longer, you can bring your home with you.

Another option is simply loading your ATV onto an enclosed or flatbed trailer, which can support many types of vehicles. This will be less expensive than a toy hauler, but does not offer the spacious living quarters, so it’s best suited to day trips.

Safety Off The Road

While it’s tempting to hop on your quad and rev the engine, you still want to abide by basic safety rules to keep yourself and others safe. Plus, you don’t want to damage your expensive ATV. Wear a helmet approved by the Department of Transportation. Goggles are a good idea, especially for wet terrain. Sturdy boots, gloves, and outerwear are also important protective gear. If you’re heading out in cold conditions, layer up and make sure you’ve got extra dry clothes to change into if you get wet, because hypothermia sets in quickly.

Abide by the laws governing the area you’re in. Don’t drive recklessly and try not to disturb natural habitats. Watch out for other vehicles or foot traffic and use headlights in dark forests or if riding near dusk. Don’t use an ATV at night. If you encounter animals, you’ll want to turn off your engine and remove your helmet so as not to scare them. Be courteous of other users on trails.

Pack plenty of water and stay hydrated on your ride. You also should pack some snacks, because riding can wear you down and you’ll want to keep your energy levels up. Carry along a first aid kit for injuries. Bring a small tool kit to help with minor repairs.

Even if you don’t plan to be riding for very long, it’s wise to pack a cell phone in a sturdy case with a charger so you can call or text if you’re in trouble, or even look up saved directions if you’re lost. It’s also best not to ATV alone; take someone along so you can look out for each other. Plus, don’t you want to share the fun?

If you’re in the market for a new or used ATV to take on your next adventure, come see us at Polaris of Gainesville in Gainesville, Florida. We have a great selection of new and used ATVs, quads, and four-wheelers in our showroom. We’ve also got answers for all your ATV questions! We proudly serve the greater Gainesville metro area.