Wisconsin has some of the best ATV and UTV riding in the Midwest — from the Nicolet National Forest to the Chequamegon, from Vilas County's vast trail networks to the DNR trails in the Kettle Moraine. Getting your machine to any of those destinations from Fond du Lac or Plymouth requires a trailer, and making the right choice between enclosed and open — and loading it correctly — determines whether you arrive with your machine scratched up and loose or clean and ready to ride.
Enclosed vs. Open Trailer for ATVs and UTVs
The Case for an Open / Utility Trailer
Open trailers are the traditional ATV hauling platform, and they work well in favorable conditions. Loading is straightforward with ramps, tie-down points are readily accessible from all sides, and the open design makes loading multiple machines easier. If you're riding locally, hauling in dry weather, and keeping the trip short, an open utility trailer is fine for most ATVs.
The Case for the Enclosed Trailer
For most Wisconsin riders making longer trips, the enclosed trailer wins on several fronts:
- Weather protection — Wisconsin highway driving at 65 mph in rain flings road grime and water onto any open trailer load. Your ATV's finish, electrical components, and seat material take the hit. An enclosed trailer keeps the machine clean and dry regardless of conditions.
- Security at the destination — Parking your trailer overnight at a trailhead cabin or campground? Enclosed trailer with a locked rear door is significantly more secure than an open flatbed with a bike tied down visibly.
- Multi-day trips — If you're heading north for a weekend, the enclosed trailer protects against morning dew, rain overnight, and highway grit on the return trip.
- Gear storage — The enclosed trailer's interior doubles as secure gear storage while you're on the trails. Helmets, tools, spare parts, coolers, and camping gear stay locked and dry.
For a 2-3 hour haul to northern Wisconsin trails, the enclosed trailer is worth the modest extra cost over the utility trailer.
ATV and UTV Sizing — Will It Fit?
Our 20-ft enclosed trailer has an interior usable length of approximately 18 feet with the ramp deployed. Interior width is typically 98 inches (8 feet 2 inches) — enough for a single wide UTV or two side-by-side ATVs depending on their width.
Standard ATVs (Sport and Utility)
Most ATVs are 46-54 inches wide and 6-7 feet long. Two standard ATVs loaded nose-to-tail fit comfortably in the 20-ft enclosed trailer with room for gear. Load the heaviest machine first (closest to the front of the trailer) for optimal weight distribution.
Side-by-Side UTVs
Full-size side-by-sides like the Polaris RZR XP 4, Can-Am Defender, or John Deere Gator can run 60-64 inches wide. A single full-size UTV fits in our enclosed trailer. Two full-size UTVs will not fit side by side — one is the maximum. If you need to haul two large UTVs, consider the open utility trailer for the second machine or call Nick about trailer stacking options.
Height Check for UTVs with Roll Cages
Some UTVs with tall sport cages or full roofs can exceed 6 feet in height. Our enclosed trailer has a standard interior height — confirm your machine's height with Nick before booking if you're running a sport UTV with an extended cage.
Know your machine's width and height before you book. Standard ATVs fit easily. Oversized UTVs need a quick confirmation. Text Nick at (920) 381-9770 with your machine's make and model and he can confirm fitment.
Loading Procedure — ATVs and UTVs
- Position the trailer level. A level trailer makes for a safer ramp angle. Avoid loading on steep slopes.
- Deploy the ramp fully. The ramp should be flat on the ground or as close as possible. Check that both ramp sides are seated and that there's no lateral lean.
- Check the ATV's ground clearance vs. the ramp break angle. Sport UTVs with low clearance can bottom out at the transition from ramp to trailer floor. If clearance is tight, add a ramp extension board or adjust approach angle.
- Drive up slowly and straight. Throttle control matters on ramps — a sudden throttle burst on a steep ramp can launch the machine. Steady, controlled speed up the ramp, then ease off at the top.
- Place the machine in park and turn it off immediately. Set the parking brake if equipped. Don't leave the engine running inside the enclosed trailer.
- Apply tie-downs before raising the ramp. Strap the machine down before you lift and store the loading ramp to prevent accidental rollback while you're working.
Tie-Down Procedures
This is where most people make mistakes. Improper tie-downs are the leading cause of ATVs shifting or tipping during transport.
Ratchet Straps — Four-Point Minimum
Use four ratchet straps at minimum — two on the front and two on the rear. Attach straps to the ATV's frame or designated tie-down points (loops or D-rings built into the frame), not to plastic body panels, handlebars, or accessories that can break or flex under load.
Angle and Direction
Front straps should angle forward and outward from the ATV, anchoring to D-rings on the trailer walls. Rear straps angle backward and outward. This cross-strap arrangement prevents the machine from moving in any direction — forward, backward, or sideways.
Compression vs. Tension
Ratchet straps should compress the ATV's suspension slightly when properly tensioned. If the suspension bottoms out when you tighten the straps, you're over-tensioning — this can damage forks and shocks. A slight compression (1-2 inches) is correct. The ATV should not rock when you push on it.
Popular Wisconsin ATV/UTV Destinations from FDL
With no mileage limits on our trailer rentals, the whole state is accessible. Some popular destinations for Fond du Lac area riders:
- Kettle Moraine State Forest (30-45 min) — Southern and Northern units both have ATV trails. Closest quality riding to FDL.
- Northern Wisconsin CATA Trails (2-3 hrs) — The Chequamegon Area Trail Association maintains hundreds of miles of connected trails in Price, Taylor, and Rusk counties. Prime destination for a weekend trip.
- Nicolet National Forest (3 hrs) — Over 900 miles of ATV trails in Oconto, Forest, Florence, and Langlade counties. Multi-day trip territory.
- Vilas County Trail System (3.5-4 hrs) — Known as one of the most extensive county trail networks in Wisconsin. Worth the drive for serious riders.
Wisconsin ATV/UTV Trail Permits
Wisconsin requires an ATV or UTV registration for any machine ridden on public trails. Out-of-state machines must comply with their home state's registration and may need a Wisconsin non-resident trail pass. Check current DNR requirements at dnr.wi.gov before your trip — permit requirements and fees change periodically.