Before you’re ready to hit the road and take your side by side out to your next riding destination, you want to be sure you are doing so legally. Getting pulled over on your way to hit the trails with your friends will surely put a damper on your fun. Here are some side by side hauling laws and regulations to keep in mind.
Rules for Side by Side Hauling With a Trailer
Some people choose to haul their side by side with a trailer. When using a trailer to transport anything, there are additional laws and regulations you need to be aware of and follow. The laws can vary slightly from state to state, so know your local regulations and the ones in states you may be traveling through on your way to your riding destination. But, no matter where you are in the US, these basic rules generally apply.
Your Trailer Must Be Licensed
One of the main laws when towing a trailer is keeping it licensed. You will need to have up-to-date license plates clearly displayed on your trailer. You will also need to have a working license plate light so that your plates are always visible, even at night.
Have Working Brake Lights, Tail Lights, and Turn Signal Lights
An important thing to check before you take off with your trailer is that your trailer’s tail lights and turn signals are working properly. To provide your trailer lights with power, you will have to plug them into your tow vehicle with a wiring harness. Some wiring harnesses can differ by manufacturer, but in general, you will have a 4-way plug that controls the right turn and brake light, the left turn and brake light, the tail lights and running lights, and a ground wire. You should always test them before taking off to ensure they all work correctly with the corresponding action.
Connect Safety Chains
Safety chains keep the trailer from separating from your vehicle in the event that your hitch connection fails. The chains need to be attached to both the trailer and tow vehicle, forming an X.
Use Tie Downs
Anything loaded onto your trailer should be tied down and secured during transportation, including a side by side. Putting the side by side in park is not enough to keep the machine safely on your trailer. You will need to tie it down from multiple angles to ensure it won’t come loose when driving over bumpy roads, going up a steep hill, or taking a sharp turn.
Rules for Side by Side Hauling With MAD-RAMPS
When transporting your side by side using MAD-RAMPS, there aren’t all the additional laws and regulations to worry about like when you are using a trailer.
Strap Down Your Side by Side
With a side by side, hauling it in the bed of your truck still requires the use of straps to secure your machine for transport. You can use almost any straps you have on hand, but getting a set of the MAD-RAMPS Ratchet Straps is going to give you superior strength and convenience. Powered by Shock Strap, these are excellent for thicker Pro-Bars or when you have a tight area that hooks won’t work in.
Follow All Traffic Rules
When you are transporting your side by side with MAD-RAMPS, you won’t need to worry about the extra rules like you do with a trailer. Instead, you can put your focus on safe driving practices. Always be sure to stay at or slightly under the speed limit because when you have the additional weight of your side by side, it will take you longer to slow down or come to a complete stop. Leaving some extra space between you and the vehicles ahead of you will help give you additional time to react and apply your brakes to avoid an accident. You also will want to give yourself extra time if you plan on passing a vehicle, especially on a 2 lane road. It may take you more time to accelerate than usual since you have additional weight to compensate for. However, when using MAD-RAMPS, you don’t have to be concerned about the additional length of a trailer behind you, so you can drive more comfortably and confidently.
Use MAD-RAMPS, The Superior Alternative
MAD-RAMPS makes side by side hauling simpler, easier, and safer than ever. MAD-RAMPS provides an affordable, maintenance-free way to transport your side by side in the bed of your truck without the additional concerns when hauling a trailer. Visit the website to learn more or to order your MAD-RAMPS Pivoting Ramp System today.
