Haul-it-all for ATV?
 

Looking to add some much needed rack space to the old Yamaha 400 Big Bear. I was looking at two such "haul-it-alls", one from Cabelas - 79.99, and one from Bass pro- same price. They both fit into a standard 2" reciever hitch, and are both angled upward at around 8" or so. The one from bass pro lists weight capacity at 200 lbs and has tie-down hinges, where the Cabelas model doesn't have either. How do these things work? Do they have sufficient ground clearance for rough trail riding? Do they wobble all over the place and make noise? The hitch reciever on my Big Bear is kind of low, so I was wondering if it's worth my trouble.

RE: Haul-it-all for ATV?
 

I don't have any experience with the unit you are describing and never will. I know that it would never work on the trails we ride to get to our hunting camp in the adirondacks. Any time you hit a decent incline you would be done, especially if you go thru a dip then up. They look more useful on flatlander trails or well maintained trails on "easy" terrain.

If you go on rough trails I would consider the rack mounted baskets/extensions. I don't know how much more room you need, but my dad had extensions welded on his rear rack (6"). One note with the rack mounted extension - a friend had the extension type with metal mesh and it hung down about 8" below the original rack. This did hit his trailer tounge in a few instances on the trail. Another friend bolted " tubular steel to his rear rack with a piece of plywood attched that gave him about 2' of extra room and worked well.

RE: Haul-it-all for ATV?
 

I don't know about the product you're talking about. I'll tell you what I did and it's worked out well for me. I bought just a 2" receiver tube from a trailer supply. It was 15.00 for that.Then I got a flat plate of steel (3/4" thick) and welded the receiver tube on the plate. I bolted the plate and tube to the back of my Polaris Sportsman.I went to Harbor Freight and bought one of the baskets (rack)you see on back of PU trucks for hauling coolers etc. It was either 39.00 or 49.00. I think it was 39.00.The basket was wider then the 4 wheeler.Since I didn't have access to a welder I carefully cut the basket down and bolted it back together.It took me about an hour and a half to cut it down.I haul my climbers(two at a time) that are to big for my treestand carrier. I've carried deer out on it.I have one 3/4" grade 8 bolt going through the Polaris's trailer hitch.I only used one bolt purposely.If you back up and bump a tree it swings to the side instead of bending the basket and or the hitch.If I bump a tree backing I just get off and pull it back in place.Takes about two seconds.There are a couple small faults, it catches mud when going through muddy places.Secondly if going through a dip in the terrain the basket slightly drags. That could be eliminated by making a offset for the basket to raise it slightly..I have less money invested and it holds several hundred pounds. Not that the 4 wheeler could hold that much weight on the back of it but the basket is rated for 500 pounds if I remember correctly..It's allot easier lifting a deer a foot instead of 4 feet to the original rack on the 4 wheeler.Just a suggestion for you.
Ruger Redhawk

RE: Haul-it-all for ATV?
 

cs sales

I have bought from these folks before take a look.

RE: Haul-it-all for ATV?
 

Thanks guys - I know that I could make something similar, but when I can buy one for $80, it doesn't seem logical to try. I bought a universal reciever hitch for my atv thinking that my present hitch-haul (for my truck) would work, but there is ZERO ground clearance when installed. I would have to get one like the one pictured in Cabelas or Bass Pro. Check it out at www.cabelas, or www.bassproshops. Look under atv racks and extensions, there is a picture that shows how it looks when mounted. Looks like it would work - how good, I'd like to know.