Which atv to pull a large wheelhouse?

My friend just bought an 18′ x 8′ wheelhouse and his atv with independent rear suspension squats too much from the weight. He is looking for advice for his next atv, which he will be purchasing soon! Does he go with a straight rear axle? A sit-in style atv? What are your experiences/recommendations?

We used to pull a smaller one (maybe 14′) with a polaris ranger and I’d say there was some room to spare. This is before the side by sides were a big deal and the ranger got that 800cc engine. Though they didn’t do much to stiffen the suspension. I have seen 17′ lund boats pulled easily with the sportsman 6×6 rig polaris makes too (traditional quad style steering with a small box on the back). I know neither of those are traditional quads but I have no experience with those so somebody else will have to help you there.

Build a trailer dolly and use his current wheeler.

First pic is an 18 wheeler pup dolly, second is a manual powered dolly but I think you will get the idea.

Basically it is a SMALL trailer that has a hitch ball mounted on the axle. The dolly takes the tongue weight off the wheeler but is hooked via the hitch to pull…

For all out work you will be hard pressed to find anything better than a Honda foreman. No belt drive a solid rear axle and a low first gear. I was actually looking at a new one with deals they have going on, it would be nice to have efi and power steering as well.

I’ll try to find a picture, however I have a Lodge tandem axle and it is heavy. I pull it out on early ice with my 99 Polaris and have never had a problem with the belt. I built a trailer like mentioned above but a LOT smaller. You should see the people who stop to look at me when I am pulling it out. I do need chains on the rear so the front end could be a little heavier. Works great!! I am actually thinking of building these trailers for people who needs one.

The Polaris 800 Ranger crew is an incredible work horse. Here on Green Bay with less than ideal traveling conditions on the ice we use them to pull heavier 8×12 ice houses and they do a great job even going over chunk ice.

Paul Delaney
http://www.lateeyessportfishing.com