How To Tie Down an ATV Using Ratchet Straps
To tie down an ATV on a trailer, run a ratchet strap through the frame, attach it to the trailer, pull out the slack, and ratchet it tight. Use four tie-down points: two in the front and two in the back to prevent forward, backward, and side-to-side movement.
Ratchet straps are a quick and easy way to secure an ATV or UTV on a trailer for transport. They generally range in size from 1" to 4" wide. For best results, choose a strap with an adequate working load limit (WLL) for the weight of your vehicle.
How To Tie Down Your ATV on a Trailer with Ratchet Straps
1. Park the ATV on the trailer.
2. Feed the strap through the frame. Take the long end of a ratchet strap and feed it up and through the frame of the ATV. The frame is the most stable part to tie down. Do not wrap the strap around the axles or any other moving part that could bend or break.
3. Attach the strap and remove the slack. Secure the straps to the trailer and pull the slack out of the strap before you begin ratcheting. Spooling too much webbing around the shaft will not allow you to tie it down securely.
4. While holding the strap end tightly, ratchet to tighten. Wrap any excess strapping around the taut strap to keep it from blowing during transit.
Not sure how a ratchet works? Watch our video on how to use a ratchet strap
How Many Tie Down Points Do I Need for an ATV?
Secure your ATV with four tie-down points, two in the front and two in the back, to prevent forward, backward, and side-to-side movement.
It's also a good idea to check your state DOT regulations for any additional rules for transporting an ATV.
Straps and Hardware for ATVs and UTVs
The right gear makes the job faster and the tie-down more secure. Shop all ATV & UTV tie-downs.
Ratchet Straps with S-Hooks: S-hooks are the typical choice for ATVs because they attach easily to holes on trailers, vehicles, or D-rings on trailers or L-track/E-track rails. They're also generally vinyl-coated to prevent scratches to your vehicle and your trailer. Avoid snap hooks, as they don't fit well with typical tie-down points on ATVs and UTVs. Shop all ratchet straps with S-hooks.
Retractable Ratchet Straps: These straps have an automatic winding mechanism, so the extra webbing quickly and easily winds up after tensioning with the click of a button. They are convenient and easy to store. Shop all retractable ratchet straps.
L-Track with Round Rings: If you're hauling your ATV often and are willing to add railing to your trailer floor to secure your vehicle, consider an L-track system, coupled with round ring fittings. L-track allows you to move your tie-down points along the rail based on your needs. Round ring fittings work well with S-hook or wire hook ratchet straps. Shop all L-track.
What About Wheel Nets?
Wheel nets are built for cars, and they fit ATVs and UTVs poorly. These vehicles are narrow compared to a standard trailer, so side-mount wheel nets often aren't the right size to hold ATVs securely. Use ratchet straps instead. Hauling a car? See Which Car Tie Down Strap is Right For Me?
Frequently Asked Questions
How many straps do I need to tie down an ATV?
Four tie-down points - two in the front and two in the back. This prevents forward, backward, and side-to-side movement.
Where do I strap an ATV down?
Through the frame. It's the most stable part of the vehicle. Don't wrap straps around parts that can potentially bend or break.
Can I use wheel nets for an ATV or UTV?
We don't recommend it. ATVs and UTVs are narrow relative to a standard trailer, making side-mount wheel nets fit poorly. Use ratchet straps instead.
What kind of hooks should ATV straps have?
The exact hooks will depend on your trailer and tie-down points, but for most users, S-hooks are preferable.
Do UTVs tie down the same way as ATVs?
Yes, you'll generally tie down a UTV the same way as an ATV.
