Whether you need a trailer to tow your ATV out to the trails or you’re looking to get a trailer to tow behind your ATV, it’s good to know approximately how much they weigh. In this post, I have gathered the weight of some of the most common types so that it’s easier to compare.
So how much does an ATV trailer weigh? An average ATV trailer (ATV hauler) weighs from 600 to 1500 lb empty and about 3000 lb, including the maximum allowable cargo weight. An average ATV tow-behind trailer weighs 400 – 800 lb empty and has a 2000 to 3000 lb payload capacity.
In this table, you find the most important weight ratings of ten typical trailers used for towing ATVs.
| Trailer Name and Model | Bed Size (W x L) | Capacity (ATVs) | Empty Weight | Payload Capacity | Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) |
| Echo Ultimate 10′ | 76″ x 122″ | 1 | 900 lb | 2775 lb | 3300 lb |
| Echo Elite 11′ | 63″ x 132″ | 2 | 575 lb | 2145 lb | 2710 lb |
| Echo Elite 24′ | 73″ x 288″ | 4 | 1600 lb | 4400 lb | 6000 lb |
| Sure-Trac Tube Top ATV 14′ | 81,5″ x 168″ | 2 | 1450 lb | 1540 lb | 2990 lb |
| Aluma A8816 | 90. | 4 | 775 lb | 3625 lb | 4400 lb |
| Aluma 7810 | 101.5″ x 175″ | 1 | 750 lb | 2240 lb | 2990 lb |
| Big Tex 30SA-10 | 60″ x 120″ | 1 | 723 lb | 2272 lb | 2995 lb |
| Big Tex 35SA-RSX | 83″ x 168″ | 2 | 1220 lb | 1775 lb | 2995 lb |
| Mission MU80x14WR-2.0 | 80″ x 168″ | 2 | 982 lb | 2008 lb | 2990 lb |
| Carry-On Trailer 6X12GWATV | 76″ x 144″ | 2 | 980 lb | 2010 lb | 2990 lb |
In this table, you find the weight rating of ten typical ATV tow-behind trailers.
| Trailer Name and Model | Bed Size (W x L) | Empty Weight | Payload Capacity |
| Bosski 800 UT | 45″ x 49″ | 323 lb | 800 lb |
| Bosski 1600 UT | 45″ x 73″ | 539 lb | 1100 lb |
| The Super Explorer XL4 | 46″ x 85″ | 250 lb | 2000 lb |
| Woodland Mills T-Rex ATV Trailer | 42″ x 79″ | 934 lb | 2000 lb |
| King Kutter Dump Trailer | 50″ x 70″ | 864 lb | 3300 lb |
| Cabela XT1500 | 50″ x 85″ | 150 lb | 1500 lb |
| Workman XL | 45″ x 73″ | 550 lb | 1050 lb |
| Bannon Utility Trailer | 30″ x 60″ | 379 lb | 1600 lb |
| Iron Baltic IB 165 | 63″ x 47″ | 330 lb | 1100 lb |
| Iron Baltic Offroad Pro 1000 | 78″ X 43″ | 375 lb | 2200 lb |
ATV trailers are listed with various weight ratings that each tell a different story. Understanding the difference between them is crucial for safe towing.
If you know the empty weight of your trailer, you can find the payload capacity by subtracting the trailer weight from the GVWR:
Payload capacity = GVWR – Trailer weight
For ATV trailers, the GVWR indicates the trailer’s maximum combined weight, and all cargo can be. You will find the GVWR on your trailer’s VIN-plate.GVWR = Payload Capacity + Trailer Weight
GCWR (Gross Combined Weight Rating) refers to the total mass of a vehicle, including all trailers.
As you can see from the comparison tables, the weight of ATV trailers varies quite a bit. There are a few main factors that determine the weight of different models of trailers.
Trailers designed to be pulled by an ATV are generally about half the weight of trailers designed to pull behind a car.
Even the smallest ATV haulers/ utility trailers exceed the rated towing capacity of some of the smaller ATVs.
As a general rule, you should not use an ATV to pull a trailer designed to be pulled by a car or truck.
The same general rule applies the other way round as well. ATV tow behind trailers is un general, not designed to be pulled by a car.
Besides the frame, the axle is the heaviest component on a trailer. Adding one more axle does increase the capacity of a trailer, but it does also add weight.
In many cases, you will find that you can tow a smaller amount of cargo in a single axle trailer than a dual axle due to the weight limit of your tow hitch.
The most common configuration for hauling one ATV is a 10′ to 12′ deck with a single axle. A full-size ATV is around 80 to 85 inches long. You need to make sure you have a large enough deck if you plan on hauling more than one ATV at the time.
Longer and wider trailers are heavier than a smaller trailer with similar construction. But the difference in weight may not as high as you think. The weight of the axle, drawbar, nosewheel, and lighting assembly can be the same even if you go up one size in bed size.
ATV haulers are typically made out of steel or aluminum.
In the early days of ATVs, there were no haulers specifically designed to carry ATVs. Most people just used a basic wood decked, heavy-duty utility trailer made out of solid steel.
Many still prefer using steel utility trailers to haul ATVs due to their robustness. The downside is that they are relatively heavy when empty.
ATVs are relatively lightweight vehicles that do not require the same robustness as a small excavator or other small but heavy machinery. Hardwood floors are needed to protect the trailer from steel excavator tracks, but not necessary for a rubber ATV wheel.
That’s why aluminum trailers have been and still are increasing in popularity for ATV hauling.
Aluminum is much lighter than steel and wood but is still a relatively strong material. A lighter weight trailer will give you better mileage and won’t require such a large car or truck for safe pulling.
With an aluminum trailer like the Aluma A8816, you may be able to tow one extra ATV when compared to a similar size steel trailer while maintaining the same combined weight.
ATV tow–behind trailers are often made out of steel tubing and steel sheets or mesh. The goal is to make a lightweight trailer that is still robust enough. In later years, we’ve seen a new type of trailer entering the market.
The frame and axles are still made out of steel, but the box can be made out of plastic or other composite materials. Plastic box trailers are great for camping and other situations where having a lightweight trailer is important.
Related: How Much Weight Can an ATV Carry? (Cargo and Rider)
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A large number of manufacturers and brands of trailers sometimes make it difficult to choose even experienced drivers, not to mention beginners. One of the most important tasks that every trailer buyer must solve for himself is to determine its weight.
The fact is that this parameter directly affects many operating factors, and we will talk about how much a light trailer weighs and how to understand whether it is worth buying.
First, let's figure out which figure among all the characteristics of the trailer we need. Most often, manufacturers indicate 3 main parameters that relate to weight:
Thus, to determine the weight of the trailer itself, the parameter “curb weight” is needed. However, if you choose only by it, you can easily make a common mistake among trailer buyers.
The fact is that trailers weighing more than 750 kg need an additional category "E" in the driver's license.
And these 750 kg are considered according to the "gross weight" parameter. Therefore, if you do not have an "E" category and you are not eager to register it, please note that the weight of the trailer together with the load should not exceed 750 kg.
So, when choosing a trailer, first of all, decide what cargo you plan to carry, find out their weight and, based on this figure, select a trailer. For example, you plan to transport potatoes in batches of 400 kg. We consider: 750 - 400 \u003d 350 kg. Thus, the curb weight of the trailer must be 350 kg or less with a load capacity of 400 kg.
Fortunately, modern trailers are very technologically advanced, therefore they have a low curb weight (on average from 200 kg) with a large payload, which will allow you to take the "with a margin" option. Now you know how to determine how much a light trailer weighs and what this parameter affects, which means you are ready to choose it yourself or help a friend with advice.
We always have a wide range of Russian-made trailers for private and commercial purposes. There are universal models, as well as options for specialized equipment (ATVs, PVC boats, snowmobiles). Some trailers are equipped with useful features such as a stall mechanism, and our products also use modern patented solutions developed by our design office.
You can clarify all questions regarding the parameters of models from our catalog, delivery and payment issues by calling 8 (800) 100 55 90.
Eduard Solodin
drives a car with a trailer
Author profile
When I moved to another city, I needed to take furniture, household appliances and other bulky items with me. It was possible to order a small truck, but I decided to do everything myself and transport things on a trailer.
Before that, I had no experience of driving with a trailer, and the car did not even have a tow bar. I studied the theory and drove more than 3,000 km with a trailer. It turned out that everything is not as simple as it seems.
I will tell you how to equip a passenger car with a towbar, what documents you need to carry with you, how to properly distribute the load and what are the features in driving a car with a trailer. In addition, let me remind you of the rules for transporting a trailer and penalties for those who violate them.
A trailer is a vehicle without an engine that can carry goods. Trailers are popular with summer residents during the harvest, they are used when moving, building and repairing. You can load bulky items into the trailer that do not fit in the interior and trunk of the car, and not worry that they will damage the plastic trim or seat upholstery.
In addition, a trailer can be a whole house on wheels, which you can bring anywhere and live in it.
ATVs and motor boats are also carried on trailers. This is an opportunity to transport almost everything you need in a personal car at any time without outside help.
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You don’t have to buy a trailer, you can rent itto the rear frame of the car. Officially, it is called a towing device, hitch. A towbar, unlike a trailer, is not a universal device: it must be selected for a specific car model.
Tow bar may be standard from the factory. If not, you can buy the original one as an accessory. For some cars, you have to look for a non-original towbar - before buying, make sure that it has a certificate of conformity. Sometimes, when installing a non-original hitch, you have to file the bumper.
It is convenient if the towbar immediately comes with an electrical kit: socket and wiring. They are needed so that the brake lights and turn signals light up on the trailer - this is a prerequisite.
But if there is no standard kit, then the electrical part can be purchased separately. It is universal and is not tied to a car or towbar model. If you have an expensive car, it makes no sense to overpay for a kit that, according to legend, was made just for it. Look at the original for some common and low-maintenance model.
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Sometimes an additional matching unit is needed - a set of relays, without which the on-board network of a car with a new towbar may not work correctly. Here are examples of troubles:
I have a Hyundai Creta, and the first thing I did was go to Drive-2 to look for records of people who had already installed a hitch.
So I found out that I don’t need a matching unit, because I have a complete set with ordinary halogen lights - everything will work correctly anyway. If they were LED, I would have to buy. The matching block costs about 2000 R.
How to install a towbar. In my case, it is enough to fasten it with connecting bolts to the standard holes on the rear spars. The bumper does not need to be removed or cut.
The most difficult part is the electrics. To connect the device, you need to remove the trunk trim and gain access to the car's wiring. I don’t understand this at all, so I decided to trust a specialist. He measured the voltage and confirmed that in my case, the matching block was not needed.
I drove around and called about ten car services before I found the right one. For some reason, the first service refuted information from the Internet about the matching unit: allegedly, for LED lamps, the matching unit is not needed, but for ordinary lamps it is mandatory.
In the second, they agreed to the installation only if the towbar was bought from them. In the third, they said that on my Crete it is necessary to cut the bumper, even if the towbar is certified. Another service responded that a trailer was needed and nothing could be done without it.
The price of work was varied in the range of 4000-8000 R. My butt was set for 1,500 r, and the electric part was connected for 2500 r.
4000 r
I paid for the installation of the rutume and its connection to the car was wiring
make sure that the car service is certified for the installation of towbars and can put a mark in the service book. This will avoid problems with the guarantee for the car and with the traffic police, when the car will have to be sold and registered with another person. The installation of a towbar does not need to be registered with the traffic police, but the inspector may ask to show a certificate of conformity for a non-original towbar and a mark in the service book.
At the front of the trailer there is a drawbar - a triangular welded structure that is attached to the tow bar. Some trailer models have a support wheel on the drawbar. It lowers and rises with the help of a handle and makes it easier to dock the trailer with the hitch. At the end of the drawbar there is a hitch. Usually this is a “cup”, which is put on the towbar ball and fixed with a lever.
Flat trailer frame with folding drawbar. Source: trailer-boat.
ru Flatbed trailers are needed for the transportation of goods and small equipment. They have a square or rectangular floor with low sides. This is the most common option.
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Trailers are also divided into light and heavy trailers. Trailers are considered light if their maximum permitted weight is not more than 750 kilograms. It includes the weight of the trailer itself - the curb weight - and the weight of the load. Such a trailer does not have separate brakes: the tractor to which it is attached slows down and stops.
Heavy trailers over 750 kg must be equipped with brakes. Their device is based on inertia: when braking, the drawbar presses on the towbar and clamps the brake pads of the trailer.
Heavy trailers may have not one, but two axles.
Vehicle passport is a document containing information about the trailer and its owner. From the PTS, you can find out, for example, the VIN of the trailer, the maximum permitted weight, year of manufacture and color. A title is issued upon purchase of a new trailer; when the owner changes, changes are made to it.
Registration certificate is the main document for the trailer, which confirms its registration with the traffic police. It contains the owner's data and license plate number. The state duty for issuing a certificate of registration is 500 R, when applying through the public services portal - 350 R.
A license plate for a trailer is issued together with a certificate of registration with the traffic police. If the trailer does not belong to the driver and traffic cameras record a violation according to the trailer's license plate number, then the fine will go to its owner, not the driver. State duty for the issuance of registration plates - 1500 RUR, when issued through public services - 1050 RUR.
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Driving license for trailer transportation. For trailers with a maximum authorized weight of up to 750 kilograms, special rights are not needed, category B will do. If the trailer's carrying capacity is more than 750 kilograms, category BE rights are required for transportation. Such trailers when loaded may exceed the mass of the vehicle itself: for example, a dacha trailer.
OSAGO insurance. A separate trailer insurance policy is not required.
A mark in the current one is required that the car is used with a trailer. If you took out a policy before buying a trailer, you need to inform the insurance company about making changes to the policy, it's free. If the policy is electronic, then after making changes, a policy with a new number and mark will be sent to the email.
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Inspection. If the trailer belongs to an individual and its mass does not exceed 3.5 tons, then it is not necessary to undergo a technical inspection and receive a diagnostic card.
If the trailer has been idle for a long time or there have been temperature fluctuations, it is important to check the tire pressure before docking it. The recommended pressure is written in the trailer operating manual. Usually it is 2-2.2 atmospheres. The maximum pressure is indicated directly on the tire.
Before the first coupling of the towbar and the trailer, the ball must be lubricated with grease, lithol or similar grease. So that later the ball does not stain clothes and dust and dirt do not settle on the lubricant, it is covered with a special cap.
To dock a car and a trailer, you need to bring the cup of the trailer hitch so that it is located above the tow ball. If the trailer is equipped with a support wheel, then by turning the handle, you can lower the cup onto the ball and fix the connection. The undocking must be done on level ground so that the trailer does not move forward and damage the rear bumper of the car.
If somehow the cup comes off the ball, the trailer will hold the safety chain, which is additionally attached to the hitch. For this, there are holes for the bolt and nut, on which the chain is fixed. If it is not there, it is forbidden to drive with a trailer.
An electric plug is located on the hitch, which is connected to the towbar socket.
Thanks to this, the turn signals, brake lights and parking lights of the car are duplicated on the signal lights of the trailer. Without these duplicate signals, driving with a trailer is also prohibited. Over time, electrical contacts oxidize, so it is useful to check if all the signals on the trailer are working.
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Trailer hitch: cup, retainer, electric plug and support wheel for easy docking Bumper damaged when uncoupling a loaded trailer, which was standing at an angle Load distribution. In order for the trailer to be stable in corners, not to jump on the road and not provoke a skid, it is important to properly load it. The center of gravity of the trailer must be above the axle of the wheels. This means that you cannot move the load to the beginning or end of the trailer. It must be evenly distributed over the entire surface, and if the load is single, placed above the axle.
The optimal weight distribution is 60% for the front and 40% for the rear.
The trailer's operating manual or information plate indicates the permissible load. The tow ball usually accounts for 10% of the trailer's load capacity, that is, 30-90 kg. There are scales on the support wheels of some trailers, but in practice you have to check the load yourself. To do this, you need to try to raise the drawbar of the uncoupled loaded trailer with your hands and roughly estimate the load.
If a grown man is unable to raise the drawbar, the front of the trailer is overloaded. In this case, the load on the towbar ball and the rear axle of the car increases. A trailer overloaded at the front will tend to lift the front axle of the car, which can cause it to lose traction in an emergency.
If the center of gravity is shifted to the rear, the trailer raises the rear of the vehicle, which can lead to a skid. At the same time, the trailer rocks the car up and down and can even fall off the towbar ball.
Handling. A car with a trailer becomes less manoeuvrable. The hardest thing to get used to is how the trailer behaves when driving backwards. Usually, the rear of the car, when the steering wheel is turned to the right, goes to the left, but with a trailer, the opposite is true. You need to turn the steering wheel in the direction where you want to direct the trailer. If you turn the steering wheel too far and continue driving, the trailer may fold and damage the rear bumper.
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When overtaking and changing lanes, a car with a trailer needs more space. You must always remember this so as not to "cut off" other vehicles. When turning with a trailer, you should not cut corners, but vice versa - take a turning radius larger than usual by about a meter. The trailer turns in a radius smaller than the wheels of the car. This is especially true at gas stations, when the driver drives close to the column.
When accelerating, a trailer with a high tarpaulin or tailgate of an open trailer creates windage, so the vehicle accelerates more slowly. This is important to take into account when overtaking. A loaded trailer, when braking by inertia, pushes the car forward, so you have to brake more intensively and keep a distance twice as long as usual.
With a trailer, do not accelerate and brake abruptly. Movements should be as smooth as possible - as when towing another car. When turning, you do not need to brake, as this can fold the trailer or tip it over. You should slow down before turning, and after passing the middle, add a little gas. If the trailer sways, the driver will most likely want to slow down, but this is not worth doing: things can get worse and the trailer will collapse. Therefore, you need to accelerate to level the trailer. Of course, if traffic conditions permit.
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Parking with a trailer is also inconvenient.
Ordinary parking pockets are not intended for trailers - you need to look for special places for long vehicles or leave a car with a trailer on the side of the road.
Spending. Fuel consumption when driving with a trailer depends on many factors: the shape of the trailer, the presence of a tarpaulin, wind speed and direction, driving style and terrain. Even the dimensions of the tractor matter. For example, if an SUV pulls a trailer that does not exceed its height, then the aerodynamic drag will be less.
Fuel consumption when driving with a trailer increases from 10 to 50%. For example, if the consumption on the highway without a trailer is 8 liters per 100 kilometers, then with it it will be 10 liters per 100 kilometers - 25% more.
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If a car with a trailer over 2 meters drives on toll roads, then the fare for it increases to the second class - “medium-sized transport”.
The fare increases by about 40%.
The speed of a vehicle with a trailer outside built-up areas must be reduced by 20 km/h. On highways, the maximum speed is 90 km/h, on country roads — 70 km/h. In populated areas, the speed may be the same as without a trailer.
Marker lights on the trailer must be lit at night, in poor visibility and in the tunnel. If the trailer is hard to see on the road, it can lead to an accident. Penalty for non-working marker lights - 500 R.
Part 1 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation
It is forbidden to carry people in the trailer. Even if it is not an ordinary trailer, but a dacha trailer. Passengers must wear seat belts while driving. For violation of this rule, a fine is provided - 1000 R.
Part 2 Art. 12.23 Administrative Code of the Russian Federation
Penalties for driving with a trailer without documents. If the trailer is not registered with the traffic police and 10 days have passed since its purchase, a fine from 500 to 800 RUR is provided. For a repeated violation, the fine increases to 5000 RUR or you can lose your rights for 1-3 months. If the trailer is registered, but the driver did not have any documents with him, then he will receive a warning or a fine of 500 R. The trailer can also be evacuated to a parking lot.
Art. 12.1, part 1 of Art. 12.3, part 1 of Art. 27.13 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation
Sign "traveling with a trailer is prohibited." Those who have little experience in driving a car with a trailer are confused by the sign 3.7 SDA. In fact, it only applies to trucks and tractors - a car with a trailer passing under this sign does not violate anything.
