Hauling a side-by-side out to the trails or a golf cart to a lake house is a light load — the weight is rarely the problem. What trips people up is deck size and tie-down. Get those two right and the drive is uneventful.
Measure Your Machine First
Before you book anything, get a tape measure on the machine:
- Trail side-by-sides — about 50 inches wide, 105 to 120 inches long
- Full-size two-seat UTVs — 60 to 64 inches wide, 115 to 130 inches long
- Full-size four-seat UTVs — 62 to 66 inches wide, 150 to 165 inches long
- Golf carts — about 48 inches wide, 8 to 10 feet long depending on seats
- ATVs — roughly 48 inches wide, 7 to 8 feet long
Add a foot of working room front and rear for tie-down angles and ramp clearance.
Why the 24-Foot Utility Trailer
Our 24 ft utility trailer is the one built for this: an 82-inch-wide open deck, 24 feet long, dual 3,500 lb axles, about 4,500 lbs of payload, a 2" ball coupler, and a fold-down rear ramp gate. A full-size four-seat side-by-side fits with gear to spare. Two shorter machines — say a trail UTV and an ATV, or a golf cart and a dirt bike — usually fit end to end. It rents for $130/day or $773/week.
The 16-Foot Utility Trailer for Smaller Loads
If you are moving a single ATV, one golf cart, or a dirt bike, the 16 ft utility trailer at $80/day is the economical pick. It has a removable rear gate and an optional motorcycle chock. Bring loading ramps if your machine sits low, since it does not have the fold-down ramp gate.
Loading and Tie-Down
- Lower the ramp gate fully and drive on slowly in low range — a passenger spotting from the ground helps
- Set the parking brake and put it in gear before you get off
- Strap to the frame or dedicated tie-down points, never the A-arms, axle, or suspension
- Use soft loops around the frame, then ratchet straps — four points, pulling forward and back
- Compress the suspension slightly as you tighten so the straps stay tight when it settles
- Chock at least one wheel and re-check every strap after the first few miles
Tow Vehicle
Even loaded, these trailers stay light — a loaded 24 ft utility trailer with a side-by-side is usually well under 6,000 lbs. Most half-ton trucks and mid-size SUVs handle it easily with a 2" ball and a working trailer-brake connection. Check that your hitch and vehicle are rated for the trailer's loaded weight and that all the trailer lights work before you leave the lot.
Strap to the frame, never the A-arms or the axle. Suspension travel on rough road will work those straps loose within a mile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a full-size side-by-side fit on a rental trailer?
Yes. Our 24 ft utility trailer has an 82-inch-wide deck and about 4,500 lbs of payload, which fits a full-size four-seat side-by-side with room for gear. Most full-size UTVs are 60 to 66 inches wide and 120 to 160 inches long, well within the deck.
Can I haul two UTVs on one trailer?
Often yes, on the 24 ft utility trailer, depending on machine length. Two trail-width machines or a shorter side-by-side plus an ATV usually fit end to end. Two full-size four-seat units generally do not. Measure both machines and add a foot of working space.
Do I need a ramp to load a UTV or golf cart?
The 24 ft utility trailer has a rear ramp gate that folds down for a gentle drive-on angle, so most side-by-sides, ATVs, and golf carts load without any lift. The 16 ft utility trailer uses a removable rear gate; bring loading ramps for that one if your machine is low.
Which trailer should I rent for a golf cart?
A single golf cart fits either utility trailer. The 16 ft utility trailer at $80/day is the economical choice for one cart or one ATV. Step up to the 24 ft utility trailer if you are also carrying a second machine or a lot of gear.