How do you haul your side by side?

farmer2009 · Jun 23, 2016

Recently bought a Polaris Ranger Crew 570 EFI. Hauled it home on a 12' tilt. Let's just say it was adventurous and nothing I'm willing to repeat. It's a 12' 4" machine with most of the weight around the rear axle.
I'm looking for a trailer to move it on. Salesman is trying to sale me a 14' with dove tail and gate. My gut says go 16' tandem with gate. If possible I'd like to be able to put a fuel tank in front of the Ranger on the nose of the trailer. They are 24 inches. Weights not a limitation as my lightest vehicle is rated to tow 7k. But I'd also like to be able to move lawn mower and other items. Thought about an 18' but now I'm getting quite large and the desire to drag it to the home center instead of just driving truck is lost.

Let's here recommendations.

Sysop · Jun 23, 2016

If the Polaris is tail-heavy, I'd load it backwards and see how that works for you. You should never load a trailer tail-heavy, I'm sure that was no fun, nor safe. Getting the right weight distribution is key to a safe tow. Keep in mind that you really should use a weight distributing hitch anytime the combined weight of the trailer and cargo exceeds 5000lbs. A weight distributing hitch equalizes the load across all the axles of the vehicle and trailer, making everything ride level and increase safety.

That being said, there's no one trailer that's good for everything. I recommend a selection of trailers for various things. I just can't see myself without owning or having access to a small 5x10 sized dump trailer, 6x10 sized flatbed or enclosed utility trailer, and a larger 16 or 18' car hauler. Toys need haulers.

yelbike · Jun 23, 2016

I tow my rzr on a 16' tandem car hauler. I used to put it in my 7x16' cargo trailer but i have not tried it since i put bigger tires and the lift kit.

yelbike · Jun 23, 2016

Btw towing it backwards isnt the best set up either if you have a windshield or doors.

joefromga · Jun 23, 2016

I just drive it up inside my van and shut the doors and don't worry about it.

farmer2009 · Jun 23, 2016

yelbike said:
Btw towing it backwards isnt the best set up either if you have a windshield or doors.

You are correct. Looked at backing it on but dealer said windshield was only wind rated if facing forward. Don't want to have to remove windshield each time I haul. Currently a couple times a month, but could increase to daily.

farmer2009 · Jun 23, 2016

yelbike said:
I tow my rzr on a 16' tandem car hauler. I used to put it in my 7x16' cargo trailer but i have not tried it since i put bigger tires and the lift kit.

Is your rzr a standard or crew?

farmer2009 · Jun 23, 2016

Sysop said:
If the Polaris is tail-heavy, I'd load it backwards and see how that works for you. You should never load a trailer tail-heavy, I'm sure that was no fun, nor safe. Getting the right weight distribution is key to a safe tow. Keep in mind that you really should use a weight distributing hitch anytime the combined weight of the trailer and cargo exceeds 5000lbs. A weight distributing hitch equalizes the load across all the axles of the vehicle and trailer, making everything ride level and increase safety.

That being said, there's no one trailer that's good for everything. I recommend a selection of trailers for various things. I just can't see myself without owning or having access to a small 5x10 sized dump trailer, 6x10 sized flatbed or enclosed utility trailer, and a larger 16 or 18' car hauler. Toys need haulers.

Thanks. But I'll pass on wdh. Anything that heavy can go on a gooseneck. Have access to multiple trailers. Have a 16' 14k GN deck over here. Access to a 6x10, 6x12, 16' homemade car hauler but no ramps and axles are too far forward, and a 30' 20k GN deck over.

See I kind of have a hole in my trailer types. Something easy loading but big enough for the Ranger.

Zerk · Jun 23, 2016

I bought a Teryx, so I could haul it in the back of my truck.

MF283 · Jun 23, 2016

Personally, i'd go with a 16' being you have the vehicle to handle it, i like the tandem axle over singles, even though you can get 14' trailers with tandems.
My Gator fit's fine on my 5x10 as well as my 54" ZTR(tight) & i use it to haul hay as well, i've toyed with a 12' trailer & can't really justify it being i don't haul all the time & my old 6 cylinder isn't to happy when i do .

Ronnie