Properly Equip your ATV for ATV Camping

So you want to try ATV Camping, but don't know where to start? Well you have come to the right place, this is what I do and love. I will walk you through with some tips and advice on properly equipping your ATV for a problem-free ATV Camping Adventure.

First off you will need an ATV, I recommend a 4x4 utility ATV because they have the suspensions to handle the extra weight and with four wheel drive, you can get to your ATV camping site with confidence. There are several 2x4 utility ATVs available that are very capable, I just prefer the added capability of four wheel drive. Most utility 4x4 ATVs have both front and rear racks for carrying gear, make sure you get an ATV with both racks, you will be glad you did.

Because you will be loading your ATV with camping gear and supplies you may want to adjust the suspension for the extra weight. Some ATVs have suspension pre-load adjustments for both the front and the rear, but most only have adjustments for the rear. You may want to increase the pre-load (follow the instructions in your owners manual) to compensate for the anticipated extra weight.

Now that you have an ATV you need to check the ATV laws and regulations in your state to make sure you are in compliance. Most states require ATVs be registered in order to ride on public lands. If you are planning a trip to a different state check the ATV regulations in that state. Being in compliance helps preserve this sport for years to come.

Next you will need to add some ATV accessories. One of the most important ATV accessories to have is ATV Insurance, this is a rough sport and accidents do happen. You will have a lot invested in your ATV and having ATV insurance helps protect you and your ATV in the event of an accident and/or theft. And speaking about protection make sure you have and use a good helmet and riding gear.

An ATV Winch is highly recommended for ATV camping in the backcountry. Having a winch and the proper winch accessories are invaluable when stuck out in the middle of nowhere. Also, with the extra weight of the camping gear and the difference in handling of the loaded ATV over technical terrain makes a winch a very convenient accessory to have. Make sure you select a winch capable pulling at least twice the weight of your ATV loaded with you and your camping gear and accessories. At least one ATV in your ATV camping party should be equipped with a winch and the necessary winch accessories, the more ATVs equipped with a winch the better.

Having a good set of basic tools helps dramatically when those unavoidable breakdowns happen. Some of the basic tools to carry are a combination screwdriver, adjustable wrench, a multi-tool, safety wire & pliers, wrench set specific to the ATV, allen wrench set specific to the ATV, electrical tape, miscellaneous hardware specific to the ATV, and jumper cables. You will be surprised what can be accomplished with these basic tools. One of the most valuable tools to have is a 12V portable air compressor and tire plug kit. ATV tires are subjected to some major abuse, from sharp rocks to branches. Sooner or later you will encounter a flat tire and when you are on a backcountry trail there is no AAA to come out and fix it. Learning how to fix a flat tire is just part of the territory and having a good 12V portable air compressor and plug kit makes re-inflating a flat tire a snap.

Because ATV camping takes you to some deep, remote backcountry areas you may require extra fuel and water to get you there and back. A set of ATV flat packs for gas or water are just the trick. At just three inches thick, they are designed specifically for ATVs and are available in one, two, and four gallon packs and multiple configurations. The flat packs fit on either the front or rear racks and are strong enough to load your camping gear on top. There are several mounting options available for almost any application.There are additional starage packs, first aid packs and tool packs available also.

Having your camping gear and supplies organized makes loading and unloading your ATV much easier. Nothing helps keep your ATV camping gear secure and organized better than a good set of ATV Bags or ATV Luggage. Lets face it, there is a lot of gear you will be loading and unloading for your ATV camping adventure and having a dry, dust free place to store and keep things secure and organized really helps. There are ATV bags designed for the front rack, rear rack, fenders, gas tank, and handlebars. There are even ATV bags with integrated coolers or you can have separate soft coolers.

When selecting your camping gear for ATV camping remember to keep things as lightweight and compact as possible. If camping with a group, a good idea is to load one ATV with the camping stoves and utensils, load another ATV with the food, and another with the ATV camping tents and camping furniture. Everyone carries their own personal items and sleeping gear.

Now you are ready to load your ATV. Always load an ATV effectively within the manufacturers rated load capacity using the front and rear racks. Typically loading 75% of the total weight (ATV camping gear and supplies) on the rear rack and the remaining 25% on the front rack will keep the load balanced. If the ATV has a winch, this extra weight (12 - 20 lbs depending on brand & size plus the weight of the winch accessories) needs to be included when loading an ATV with camping gear and supplies.

Example: If the ATV camping gear and supplies have a combined weight of 100 lbs and the winch weighs 20 lbs, so the total weight of the load is 120 lbs. Load the rear rack with 75% of the total load, which is 90 lbs of ATV camping gear and supplies and the remaining ATV camping gear and supplies (10 lbs) is loaded on the front rack. The front of the ATV will have 25% of the total load (winch + camping gear & supplies) or 30 lbs and the rear rack has 75% of the total load or 90 lbs for a total load of 30 lbs + 90 lbs = 120 lbs.

If extra fuel and water is required, this extra weight (6.2 lbs/gal for gasoline & 8.3 lbs/gal for water) must be taken into account when calculating the total weight of the load. If the ATV has a storage compartment (most do) this is where as much of the ATV tools and gear should go. Make sure your load is secure and tied down well. Using a cargo net and/or bungee cords helps hold things in place. Wrapping items with the ground tarp helps keep items dry and easier to tie down. The use of ATV luggage is highly recommended because your items are kept dry, dust free, secure and organized.

If you do not want to load your camping gear and supplies on your ATV, you could load everything on a trailer and pull this behind one of the ATVs. This trailer must be lightweight, strong, and capable of hauling your whole groups camping gear and supplies. This frees everyone else in the group up to ride safely without the extra weight.

Now that you have effectively loaded your ATV, where are you going to go on your ATV camping adventure? Visit ATV Camping Accessories (http://www.campingatv.com/) and check out our database of ATV Camping Areas sorted by state. Once you have planned your trip checkout our ATV Camping Survival tips and advice. Remember to Tread Lightly®, stay on the trail and protect our environment. Have a safe and enjoyable ATV Camping Adventure.