UTV Trailer Size Guide: What Fits a Polaris Ranger, Kawasaki Mule, and Can‑Am Defender on a 6.5‑Foot Aluminum Trailer
Quick answer: Most 2‑seat side‑by‑sides fit cleanly on a 6.5 × 12 or 6.5 × 14 open aluminum trailer. Crew models and machines with a lot of gear are better on 6.5 × 16 or 6.5 × 18. A 6.5‑foot Rugged deck gives you a 78 in deck width with a 74 in rear ramp opening, which comfortably clears the common 60 to 65 in SxS widths.
Why 6.5 ft works for SxS owners
- More clearance where it counts. The 74 in ramp opening swallows 62 to 65 in machines without mirror‑fold gymnastics.
- Tie‑down room. Extra side space for axle straps and safer strap angles.
- Right lengths for real machines. Standard decks at 12’‑1″, 14’‑4″, 15’‑10″, and 18’‑11″ cover short 2‑seaters to full Crew.
- Ramp choices. 27 in bi‑fold ramp for compact storage or 54 in air‑flow ramp for a shallower approach.
Common UTV widths at a glance
Use this as a quick filter before you pick a length. Always confirm your exact trim and tire package.
- Polaris Ranger 1000 / XP 1000 (2‑seat): about 62.5 in wide
- Ranger Crew 1000 / XP 1000: about 62.5 to 65 in wide, 152 in long
- Kawasaki Mule SX: about 52.6 in wide, 106.7 in long
- Kawasaki Mule Pro‑FX / FXT: about 64 in wide, 133 to 136 in long
- Can‑Am Defender (HD9 / HD10): about 62 to 64 in wide, 126 in long
- Honda Pioneer 1000 / 1000‑5: about 63 in wide, 117 to 152 in long
Fit check: Anything up to roughly 65 in wide rolls through a 74 in opening with breathing room. If you run wheel spacers or 32s on wide offset rims, measure outside‑to‑outside first.
Pick your 6.5‑foot trailer length
Single UTV – 2‑seat machines
- Best fit: 6.5 × 12 open. Room for straps and a small box up front.
- More gear or heavier builds: 6.5 × 14 open. Extra deck for coolers, fuel, and a winch post.
Single UTV – Crew models
- Sweet spot: 6.5 × 16 tandem. Crew Rangers are about 152 in long, so a 15’‑10″ deck leaves margin for tie‑downs and a front box.
- Max flexibility: 6.5 × 18 tandem for Crew plus gear or a second small machine.
When to go tandem on shorter decks
- If your machine and cargo push you near the single‑axle rating or you want a calmer tow at highway speed, choose a tandem version even at 12 or 14 ft.
Fitment table for 6.5‑foot Rugged decks
| UTV model | Typical L × W | Recommended 6.5‑ft trailer |
|---|---|---|
| Polaris Ranger 1000 / XP (2‑seat) | ~120 in × 62.5 in | 6.5 × 12 or 6.5 × 14 |
| Ranger Crew 1000 / XP | ~152 in × 62.5–65 in | 6.5 × 16 tandem or 6.5 × 18 tandem |
| Kawasaki Mule SX | ~106.7 in × 52.6 in | 6.5 × 12 |
| Mule Pro‑FX / Pro‑FXT | ~133–136 in × ~64 in | 6.5 × 14, 6.5 × 16 tandem if loaded |
| Can‑Am Defender HD9/HD10 (2‑seat) | ~126 in × 62–64 in | 6.5 × 12 or 6.5 × 14 |
| Defender Crew | ~160 in × 62–64 in | 6.5 × 16 tandem or 6.5 × 18 tandem |
| Honda Pioneer 1000 (2‑seat) | ~117 in × ~63 in | 6.5 × 12 |
| Pioneer 1000‑5 / Crew | ~152 in × ~63 in | 6.5 × 16 tandem |
Tip: The 74 in ramp opening is the gating dimension. If your UTV is wider than 70 in at the tires due to spacers, check before you buy.
Ramp angle, loading, and deck height
- Keep the loading angle near 15 to 18 degrees to avoid bumper or skid‑plate contact.
- If your deck is about 20 in off the ground, you want roughly a 6.2 ft ramp for a 15 degree approach or about 5.1 ft at 18 degrees.
- The 54 in air‑flow ramp reduces approach angle compared to the 27 in bi‑fold gate. Choose it for lifted machines.
Tie‑down setup that protects the machine
- Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and chock one tire.
- Use four or six 2 in ratchet straps rated above your machine weight.
- Hook low on the chassis or A‑arms with axle straps.
- Cross the front pair, pull straight back on the rear pair, then recheck after 10 miles.
- Keep tongue weight at 10 to 15 percent of total trailer weight for stable towing.
Axles and ride quality
For mixed pavement and dirt, a torsion setup rides smoother than leaf springs and reduces shock into the cargo. Our builds commonly use Dexter Torflex #10 and #11 axles for that reason. If your towing includes long highway runs or steep grades, prefer tandem axles for stability and braking headroom.
FAQs
Will a 6.5 × 12 fit my 2‑seat SxS?
Yes for most Ranger, Defender, Mule Pro, and Pioneer two‑seat models. Pick 6.5 × 14 if you carry a front box, cooler, fuel, or a winch post.
What do I need for a Ranger Crew or Defender Crew?
Start at 6.5 × 16 tandem. Go 6.5 × 18 tandem if you haul extra gear or want a flatter ramp angle.
Is 6.5 ft wide enough for a 65 in machine?
Yes. The 74 in ramp opening gives you several inches per side. Always measure your actual tire‑to‑tire width if you run spacers.
When should I choose tandem axles on a 12 or 14?
If you are near the single‑axle rating, tow long distances, or want a calmer highway ride.
Open vs enclosed for SxS hauling?
Open saves weight and money and is easier to load. Enclosed adds weather protection and security but raises weight and ramp angle. If you go enclosed later, keep interior width and door height in mind.