towbar for ATV

Rgillard · Jul 28, 2004

Hello,

I am currently building a small trailer that will be used for rolling out sheep wire. It is for the fencing contractor that I work for. I have to weld a towbar onto the back of his quad(ATV) in order to pull this trailer. Where is the best place to weld to. I was going to weld to the frame but it moves with the suspension. Would I be better off taking it from the back axle. The trailer is fairly light and shouldnt put too much strain on the ATV. If anyone has any advice on putting a towbar onto an ATV I would really appreciate it. Dont really want to make a bullocks bag of the back of the ATV.

Cheers
Gilly

gspig · Jul 28, 2004

ATV tow points are mostly off the rear axle housing. Most manufacturers offer a bolt on bracket for towing. Lots of aftermarket tow hitches available. I wouldn't want to weld to the axle housing, too much risk of weakening the tube or overheating the aluminum differential, or melting a rubber seal.

Lazy · Jul 28, 2004

Hi
here is a pic of my hitch on my ATV.

Charlie.

Rgillard · Jul 30, 2004

Thanks for the photo. Is it just a steel plate welded onto a crossbar on the frame. What sort of attachments do you pull with this. I think i was going to overcomplicate the hitch when maybe a simple plate would be strong enough. Appreciate the help. Thanks.

Lazy · Jul 30, 2004

Hi
we have used it to pull a trac vac model 860 and a yard cart and it works great. Also use it to move or relocate a 16 foot trailer.

charlie

Rgillard · Jul 30, 2004

Am i right in thinking that you welded the steel plate directly to a cross member. is that the only connection there is. is there any need for a 45 degree verticle strut to conteract any turning moment that the towbar will be subject to???

Bowhunter · Jul 30, 2004

I'm pretty certain that Lazy's atv came with that hitch setup from the factory.

What type (brand and model) atv do you have? This could help us in giving information.

Rgillard · Jul 30, 2004

Im just at work at the minute.i cant remember the manufacturer. The ATV is not mine. Ill try post a picture of the back end of it when I get home in about an hour. That might be more helpful to you guys suggesting idea's. Thanks

Lazy · Jul 30, 2004

Hi
You are correct it came with the hitch. It is a 2 inch receiver tube welded to the frame.

Charlie

Bowhunter · Jul 30, 2004

Arctic Cat had a heck of a good idea including the 2" receiver tube as part of the package. I like their MRP system too. Other manufacturers need to do something similar.