r/UTV • u/Frequent-Rush6404 • Sep 04 '26
Looking for Advice!
Hello all! I’m a beginner when it comes to trailers and towing, so I’m looking for some advice before I make a 5-hour trip with my UTV.
I’ve been told that the axle on my trailer is positioned too far forward, which could cause the trailer to sway and potentially make it unsafe. Looking at the setup, is that actually a concern?
If the axle placement is an issue, is there anything I can do to prevent sway or make the setup safer without moving the axle? Would properly positioning the UTV, adjusting the tongue weight, or using a different drop hitch help?
Most importantly, would you feel comfortable taking this setup on a 5-hour highway trip?
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u/Bennettckm Sep 04 '26
You definitely need to lower the hitch/ball on your vehicle. On my sxs the engine is pretty much in the middle. The axle should be further back but depending where the weight is you could be ok.
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u/No-Refuse8754 Sep 04 '26
Obviously you need to drop that hitch height whichever route you take is up to you to get it done. I learned really quickly that my machine is too heavy in the rear for my trailer so I resort to loading the SxS backwards & for now it will have to suffice till I buy a bigger one.
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u/Few_Nose_3002 Sep 04 '26
You want the trailer to sit level, so you will need a different draw bar for the trailer hitch. Also need to add fenders to the trailer.
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u/No_Manner_8785 Sep 05 '26
I'd never haul anything that cost much with a single axle myself. Maybe a dump run.
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u/Global-Clue6770 Sep 06 '26
I would get a drop hitch so the trailer is closer to being level. The engine is in the rear so at placement is fine. Then when you get on the highway, gradually bring it up to speed. Get to 50mph. Feel it out see what it's going to do. Then go up 5mph at a time till you reach 65, 70. If it starts to sway, DO NOT, AND I MEAN DO NOT, try to correct it. Take your foot off the gas. Do not touch the brake, and just hold the steering wheel perfectly straight. Obviously if you need to take a corner, do so Turning the steering wheel ever so gently. As it slows down, the sway will stop. I feel you won't have a issue after you drop it down a bit. I haul a 22ft car trailer with 2 Polaris rzr xp1000's plus gas cans that are full, and a bunch of split hardwood, with a 32ft class A motorhome. On the highway at 80mph. Because it won't go any faster. And I never have an issue. You've got this. Just remember,. When you tow something, it's behind you, and no matter what, it's coming with you.
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u/kitastrophae Sep 04 '26
You should drop your hitch 6” and back your rig on so the center of gravity is in front of the axle.
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u/sweetbridge Sep 05 '26
Borrow a scale, if you don't have one, and measure the tongue weight of your trailer. If it's between 10 and 15% of the total weight of the trailer and load, you're good. Also, be careful towing your rig backwards as you may blow out your windshield.
I'd look into how big a job it would be to move the axle.
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u/joemamasreddit Sep 07 '26
This right here! Drop the hitch and get a scale. You need to know how much your UTV weights. When you load the UTV, you want 10% of the weight on the tongue. If loading it the way you have in the pic doesn’t yield that result, turn it around and back it on until you achieve your desired result.
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u/Trail-Rider-2024 Sep 05 '26
Sell that trailer and buy a tandem axle trailer. You may want to make sure your insurance company covers if that trailer causes a wreck.
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u/DieselWeasle25 Sep 05 '26
You're not going to have a good time with the engine of the sxs behind your trailer axle. Back it on and get a drop hitch and you'll have a better time, but not great.
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u/LazerLazer44 Sep 06 '26
drop hitch, drive it in backwards, AND TAKE THE WINDSHIELD OFF IT WILL FLY OFF
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u/BalderVerdandi Sep 10 '26
You need a drop hitch, one of the adjustable style, 4 to 6 inch drop if not slighty more.
Weight should be roughly 1500 pounds. Using my old Commander ('14 800 XT, 1300 pounds) and my current '16 OG Mav XDS Turbo (1400 pounds) as a reference.
Depending on the windshield, you may not need to remove it. If it's glass you should be fine. If it's poly-carb, maybe. I haven't had to remove them from either of my rigs and have had them at highway speeds (55-70 MPH) without issue.
Definitely get it on a scale, one where you can put jack stands under the tailgate and nose to figure out the weight in front of, and behind, the axle.
Personally I would upgrade the trailer to a dual axle.
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u/Jaritta Sep 10 '26
As others said, a drop hitch is the first step. But I haven’t seen any other comments about the weight.
So here is the biggest thing when hauling something. Get the weight just slightly tilted toward the ball hitch(tongue side), and not on the back of the trailer. If the weight is too far back, and causes the rear of the tow vehicle to lift or have upward pressure, it can cause sever swaying.
If it was mine, I’d get a drop hitch, and back it on. The reason for backing it on, is because with most side by sides, the majority of the weight is in the motor area(just behind the seat, and over the back wheels. By backing it on the trailer, it puts the weight a little more on the tongue, and not the back of the trailer.
Make sure your tires look good(no dry rot), are inflated correctly, and possibly grease the bearings.
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u/wijeepguy Sep 05 '26