When loading a utility ATV, with for example camping gear and supplies, one must be aware of how much weight the unit can handle. Manufacturers call this the load capacities and typically there is a load capacity for the front rack and a load capacity for the rear rack. It is the riders responsibility to keep his/her load within the manufacturers rated capacities. The recommended method of loading a utility ATV is to know what the total weight of the load is first and then load 25% of the load on the front rack and 75% of the load on the rear rack while keeping the load as low as possible on the racks. This will help keep the ATV properly balanced. The rider needs to be cautious when first riding a loaded ATV as it will handle quite differently with a load compared to no load. Another factor to keep in mind is if the ATV has a winch. A winch adds 15 - 20 pounds to the front of the ATV and this extra weight need to be taken in consideration when loading a ATV.

There is is 20 pound winch mounted to the front of an ATV to be loaded with 100 pounds of camping gear and supplies. The weight of the winch must be taken into account for the total weight of the load, therefore the weight of the load is 100 lbs (camping gear and supplies) plus 20 lbs (winch) for a total weight of 120 pounds. Load the rear rack with 75% of the load or 90 lbs of camping gear and supplies, the remaining 10 lbs of camping gear and supplies is loaded on the front rack. The ATV is now effectively loaded, 25% of the total load or 30 lbs is on the front of the ATV (20 lb winch + 10 lb camping gear & supplies) and 75% of the load or 90 lbs is on the rear rack for a total load of 30 lbs + 90 lbs = 120 lbs.

When an ATV is loaded to capacity the suspension should be adjusted to compensate for the extra weight. this is called adjusting the preload of the suspension. Basically adjusting the preload is the same as adjusting the spring tension of the shocks. A spanner wrench is required for this adjustment. Follow the manufacturers recommended procedure for adjusting the preload. In applications where the ATV has a winch or has a plow attachment, then over time the preload adjustment will be at the maximum position and the suspension is still too soft and the handling of the ATV is effected. In this case a set of aftermarket springs should be considered. These springs have more tension than the original springs and you will be able to get the preload adjustment required for the extra weight while improving the handling of the ATV. For more information Click Here.