What’s the best trailer for my Side by Side or UTV?

Are you looking for a trailer to haul your utility task vehicle (UTV) or side by side? Choosing the right one for the job involves finding a model that will best protect your vehicle, ensure safe transport, and perform reliably every time you hit the road. At Rugged Aluminum Trailers, we specialize in manufacturing high-quality, purpose-built trailers designed to accommodate UTVs.

Keep reading to learn more about how to choose the best UTV trailer, the different trailer types available, and what sets Rugged’s models apart.

Best UTV Trailer Types

When it comes to hauling your UTV or side by side, the right trailer style can make all the difference in convenience, safety, and performance. Here’s a breakdown of the most common trailer types and what makes each one a good choice for UTV transport.

• Enclosed Trailers: These offer maximum protection from weather, road debris, and theft. It’s a great option if you frequently travel long distances or store your vehicle inside the trailer. The trade-off is added weight, which can reduce fuel efficiency and require a larger tow vehicle. (Note: Rugged Aluminum Trailers focuses on open-style designs, but enclosed trailers still remain a popular choice for some UTV owners.)
• Flatbed Trailers: Flatbed trailers (or deckover trailers) feature an open deck design that makes them easy to load from both the rear and the sides. They’re versatile enough to carry not just UTVs, but also any ATVs, lawn equipment, and other gear you may need to haul, making them a solid choice if flexibility is a priority.
• Tilt Trailers: Tilt trailers make loading and unloading your UTV a breeze — no ramps required. The deck tilts down to the ground, allowing you to simply drive on or off. This style is ideal for frequent haulers who want to save time and reduce the hassle of setup.
• Utility Trailers: Utility trailers are some of the most versatile options for UTV owners. With low deck heights and customizable ramp access, they’re user-friendly and easy to tow.

What to Look for in a UTV Trailer

Choosing the right trailer is important to ensure the safety and stability of your UTV or side by side during transport. Here are a few tips to consider when selecting a trailer for your UTV or side by side:

Check the Load Rating

Compare the weight of your UTV or side by side, accessories, and gear with the load rating of the trailer. Make sure the trailer can handle the weight of your vehicle and all its contents.

How our trailers deliver: Our side by side trailers carry gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR) from 2,990 to 7,000 pounds. And with lightweight aluminum construction, that makes for a pretty significant payload.

Consider the Size

Make sure the trailer deck is large enough for your UTV or side by side. Keep in mind that you may want to transport other items on the trailer, such as spare tires or additional equipment, so consider choosing a longer trailer for added space. You should also take the width of the trailer into account, as most UTVs or side by sides are at minimum 60 inches wide.

How our trailers deliver: Our 6.5′ x 14′ and 6.5′ x 16′ trailers are the perfect size for most four-seater UTVs or side by sides, which are at least 146 inches long.

Decide on Trailer Type

Different trailer styles offer unique advantages for hauling your UTV or side by side. Utility trailers are versatile and great for everyday hauling needs. Deckover trailers provide a higher deck height for extra clearance over obstacles. Tilt trailers make loading and unloading fast and hassle-free.

How our trailers deliver: We offer a variety of UTV-ready options, including the ones we just mentioned. No matter which style you choose, you’ll get a trailer engineered for stability, durability, and ease of use.

Prioritize Durability

UTVs and side by sides are built for rugged terrain. Your trailer should be, too. Look for strong construction, quality materials, and corrosion resistance to ensure your trailer lasts for the long haul, even in harsh weather.

How our trailers deliver: We exclusively use all-aluminum frames and decking that resist rust and corrosion while staying lightweight. Our trailers are built to stand up to heavy-duty use, which means your trailer can handle tough loads and rough roads without compromising performance.

Think About Ease of Loading & Unloading

A trailer that’s difficult to load can turn every trip into a chore. Look for features such as low deck heights, ramps, and secure tie-down points to make the process faster and less stressful.

How our trailers deliver: Our utility UTV and side by side trailers can be customized to include bi-fold, non-bi-fold, or stowaway ramps. Or choose a tilt trailer and forego a ramp altogether.

Comparing Our Best Trailers for UTVs & Side by Sides

Not sure which Rugged Aluminum Trailer is right for your UTV or side by side? Here’s a quick comparison of our most popular models so you can easily see the differences in weight, capacity, and payload.

Model	Trailer Weight	GVWR	Payload
6.5′ x 14′ Tandem Axle Utility Trailer	1,184 lb	7,000 lb	5,816 lb
6′ x 13.5′ Single Axle Tilt Trailer	950 lb	2,990 lb	2,040 lb
6.5′ x 12′ Tandem Axle Utility Trailer	1,009 lb	7,000 lb	5,991 lb
6.5′ x 12′ Single Axle Tilt Trailer	975 lb	2,990 lb	2,015 lb
6.5′ x 18′ Tandem Axle Tilt Trailer	1,600 lb	7,000 lb	5,400 lb
6.5′ x 16′ Tandem Axle Utility Trailer	1,250 lb	7,000 lb	5,750 lb

Choosing the Right Model

• For maximum payload: The 6.5’ x 12’ Tandem Axle Utility Trailer offers nearly 6,000 pounds of payload capacity in a compact size.
• For larger UTVs and gear: The 6.5’ x 18’ Tandem Axle Tilt Trailer gives you the extra length and tilt convenience for smooth loading and unloading.
• For light-duty hauling and maneuverability: Single axle tilt models, such as the 6’ x 13.5’ model, are easy to tow and make loading simple without needing ramps.
• For balanced size and capacity: The 6.5’ x 14’ and 6.5’ x 16’ Tandem Axle Utility Trailers provide excellent stability and versatility for most UTV owners.

Safety Tips & Best Practices for Towing UTVs

Even the best trailer won’t perform safely if it’s not properly matched to your UTV or side by side or equipped with the right features. Keep these tips in mind before hitting the road.

• Match trailer size and capacity to your UTV. Always verify that the trailer’s GVWR and payload capacity exceed the combined weight of your UTV, passengers, gear, and accessories.
• Use the right loading setup. Choose a trailer with a deck length and width that comfortably fits your vehicle and consider tilt or ramp options for safe, easy loading.
• Secure your UTV correctly. Opt for integrated tie-down points in the trailer frame and use high-quality ratchet straps to prevent movement during transport.
• Properly equip your trailer. Add-ons such as spare tires, front and side rails, and stone guards can make a big difference when it comes to protecting your vehicle.
• Keep your trailer road-ready. Regularly check tire pressure, wheel bearings, lights, and coupler to ensure reliable performance.

The Last UTV Trailer You’ll Ever Buy

Choosing the right trailer for your UTV or side by side comes down to matching the size, capacity, and features to your needs. From compact single-axle tilt models to heavy-duty tandem utility and tilt trailers, Rugged Aluminum Trailers offers purpose-built solutions designed for strength, longevity, and ease of use. That’s why it very well could be the last trailer you’ll ever buy.

Ready to create the perfect trailer for your UTV? Use our Build & Price tool to design your own custom trailer today.