ATV- pulling

[RussDaBuss]

This might be a dumb question BUT--- I have a Honda Rubicon 2003. I have pulled various things with it, but nothing real heavy on the tongue end. I want to pull my boat around at certain times.. It is not real heavy, 16-1/2', 40 HP motor, 20 gallon gas tank. Not sure on tongue weight but I would say around 175 lbs..??

Thanks

[Dave]

Not a dumb question at all. Read the towing capacity in your owners manual. Although, plenty, and I mean PLENTY, me included, tow more than that capacity. I move my Trophy 170 with 90HP around every year when storing and unstoring it. For the Rubicon, I would use the ESP shift mode and use 1st gear, however. For the record, I'm stating you're on your own but, a small boat like that shouldn't be much problem to tow around.

[hill7410]

Go for it i say. I pulled a 18ft lund pro v with 75hp with my honda rincon no problem. you would be better off than me because you dont have independent rear suspension.

[RussDaBuss]

Thanks for the info guys.... Thought I would be Ok, and i guess I have seen people do this but wanted to see what others do.

Thanks again- I will look at my manual too for suggested weights.

[Dave]

I'm sure some hitches may have broke due to high tongue load but, I really think you'll be okay. Also, check your brakes and be careful if you're towing your boat downhill

[IndyEFI500]

Last Saturday I took my 500 Sportsman to the Little League fields for cleanup day thinking that I would go around and pickup the leaves and debris. The first person I see asks if I would haul dirt for the infields. I used my trailer and hauled one bobcat bucket no problem. Then two buckets, a little tougher and the trailer tires rubbed on the fenders. They then asked if I would pull the dump trailer. I figured what the heck. 6 hours later and about 10 ton of dirt, my ride is back home and taking the week off. I don't want to know what the tongue weight was but there was little suspension left. I had a hell of a time turning because the front was barely touching. Kept it in low range, and played it cool and no problems. I'll probably take her in for a fluid change after this weekend.

[CrappiesNeyes]

jUST AN FYI-- THEY DO MAKE A BRACKET TO PUT BETWEEN THE 2 A ARMS ON THE REAR OF INDEPENDANT MACHINES TO KEEP THE REAR FROM "SAGGING" WHEN HAULING HEAVY LOADS. i HAVE 1 FOR MY SPORTSMAN AND IT WORKS GREAT. THE DOWNSIDE IS YOU DO NOT HAVE ANY SUSPENSION WHEN THIS IS ON.

[SomethingFishy*]

where do you get a bracket? approximate cost?

[CrappiesNeyes]

I copied one that my buddy bought when he got a 3-point hitch setup for his quad. I think his original one was about $30.00. I fabricated mine out of 1/4 x 1 flat steel and a welder. Basically it has a short bracket that bolts to the bottom of each rear lower a-frame and a long bracket that runs between them under the rear gearcase with removable pins so you can remove it or install it very quickly. I think several of the ATV accessory companies make these or they are simple to make if you have a welder and a drill. I use mine whenever I pull my wheeled fishhouse or anything with much weight to it.

[Dave]

Google "Kolpin Dirtworks Suspension Lock"

Cabelas has them...

[SomethingFishy*]

Quote:

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Google "Kolpin Dirtworks Suspension Lock"

Cabelas has them...

---

Awesome, thanks. I was a little concerned with pulling with my sportsman, this should ease the worries.

[firemedic5586]

I made a "bracket" 4 my SP700.

1 link of chain,

2 grade 8 bolts

2 lock nuts

some large washers

slide the bolt up through the holes in the bottom of the lower a-fraim anb bolted them in place. Has worked great for me so far.

[dogs]

Got a Glock on the bedside table.

a machine gun leaning by the bedroom door.

Kevlar vest in the closet

Well, I wear it when I go to the store

Firemedic is that warren

[firemedic5586]

Quote:

---

Got a Glock on the bedside table.

a machine gun leaning by the bedroom door.

Kevlar vest in the closet

Well, I wear it when I go to the store

? you lost me

Firemedic is that warren

---

[dogs]

Sorry folks to get side tracked here. Firemedic; it strikes me as that is the lyrics to a song but can't figure out who's.

[firemedic5586]

Quote:

---

Sorry folks to get side tracked here. Firemedic; it strikes me as that is the lyrics to a song but can't figure out who's.

---

Could very well be... Saw it on line once upon a time... And well I liked it.

[dogs]

Rottweiler Blues

written by Warren Zevon and Carl Hiaasen

1995 Zevon Music BMI

Got a Glock in the bedside table

Machine gun leaning by the bedroom door

Kevlar vest in the closet

Well, I wear it when I go to the store

Shadows on the window

Rustling in the hedge

Faces at the peephole

Footsteps on the ledge

If you come calling

He'll be mauling with intent to maim

Don't knock on my door

If you don't know my Rottweiler's name

Halogen lights in the driveway

Guardian Angels living next door

One hundred pounds of unfriendly persuasion

Sleeping on the Florida porch

Slackers in the market

Bangers in the mall

Skinheads on the golf course

Hunting for their balls

If you come calling

He'll be mauling with intent to maim

Don't knock on my door

If you don't know my Rottweiler's name

Well, he's dreaming about an intruder or two

And the promise of burglar blood

He's yearning to chew on a gangster tattoo

And to hear the proverbial sickening thud

Shadows on the window

Rustling in the hedge

Faces at the peephole

Footsteps on the ledge

If you come calling

He'll be mauling with intent to maim

Don't knock on my door

If you don't know my Rottweiler's name