Many people use the terms trailer, wagon and cart interchangeably, but these 3 terms describe 3 different units.

A trailer has a non-steerable front end and may describe a unit with one to several axles. These units are designed to trail behind of the tow vehicle. The advantage of the trailer is the tongue is fixed in position which makes backing much easier. The trailer depends on the tow vehicles brake system in most cases and the rigid front end keeps the unit straight during braking.

A cart has a single axle and is designed to be towed or pushed like a wheelbarrow when needed. The cart depends on the tow vehicles brake system in most cases and the rigid front end keeps the unit straight during braking.

A wagon has a steerable front end which makes allows the wagon to track directly behind of the tow vehicle. However, the steerable front end makes backing a wagon very difficult. Without a braking system of it’s own, a wagon can veer to the side when going downhill on steep grades.

Many people believe ATV trailers are nothing more than a lawn trailer with larger tires on it. There are some trailers on the market this description does fit and those folks who have purchased these types of trailers recognize that mistake quickly. A quality ATV trailer or cart should have several items that make it much different than a lawn trailer.

Lawn trailers and wagons are designed for slow speeds and fairly level terrain. Designed for use behind of a lawn tractor, they are not built to take the punishment behind of an ATV. Most lawn trailers have sintered or sleeve bearing that allow a film of grease to contact the axle, minimizing wear. Sleeve bearing can only handle speeds up to 9-10 mph for short periods of use. One the grease is depleted, the axle begins to wear through the sleeve very quickly. Lawn trailers normally have a solid axle rigidly mounted to the cargo box or frame. This rigid mount does not flex with the load and can result in axle failure on rough terrain.

A quality ATV trailer should have roller bearing which will allow higher speed use for an extended period of use. The axle should be mounted so the frame can flex with the axle mount to prevent axle failure in rough terrain. On some trailers, this flex is designed within the larger ATV tires at low pressure to absorb the shock.

Common use materials in the cargo beds of ATV trailers are wood, steel, and poly. Wood has the advantage of being easily replaced if lost or damaged. Steel can be painted or powder-coated and the lower the gauge number, the thicker the steel. Example, a 14 gauge steel trailer is thicker and heavier than a 16 gauge steel trailer. The poly cargo beds have come along way in the past few years. They are not as prone to cracking and breaking in cold weather as they used to be. Poly has the advantage of never rusting like steel or rotting like wood. Aluminum is used by some manufacturers, however be aware of white-corrosion issues with bare aluminum exposed to the weather and the issue of dissimilar metal corrosion. This condition exists when steel bolts are in contact with aluminum.

ATV have quickly become the workhorse vehicle for many people and have replaced the utility tractor for some of the lighter chores around the farm or ranch. Matching the trailer, wagon or cart to the size of the ATV is very important. Examine the load capacity and tongue weight specifications of your ATV before purchasing a trailer. Pick a trailer, cart or wagon design around the tasks you have in mind. Can the trailer be converted to a flat bed easily? What is the hitch height needed so the trailer sets level? How long of a trailer tongue do I need to clear a cargo rack on the ATV when making tight turns? Will you be traveling in narrow trails or areas with a lot or stumps or debris? These are all considerations you should make before purchasing.

By D Goossens

The difference between ATV mud tires and regular tires is that they will grip the road and stop your vehicle from slipping and sliding. In other words, they will protect when the going gets rough.

In fact, the entire tire industry has tires for muddy terrain, snowy terrain, and even narrow dry gravel mountain side roads or coastal roads where there is quite a bit of slippery sand. You can tell the difference from the tread and size of the tires. Mud tires have wide treads to allow for a firmer grip on slippery and unpredictable surfaces.

ATV tires also are designed specially for sandy dunes, however, unlike mud tires, these tires are balloon-like and smooth with horizontal treads similar to what you would find in bicycles. You cannot use these kinds of tires on any other surface because it is too risky since the grip is different.

For winter time, shift to snow tires which have wide treads and a smooth surface. The treads look like snow chains that will help you from slipping when the icy snow hits the ground and you have to go out. Other kinds of tyres are for racing and for going on trails where the terrain is sometimes not even familiar territory.

You can get all types of ATV tyres from excellent tyre companies like Cavalier, or find cheaper mud tires when the tire dealers go on sale, or if you are willing to get used mud tires. Since tires are a major expense, tire manufacturers have end-of-season sales regularly, not just to dispose of old stock, but also to keep loyal customers from straying to a competitor tire company.

Mud tires and other tyres are essential vehicle purchase and should not be compromised. What you can do to save a little is get a good second-hand, barely used ATV tires which you might find in the classified or online. Otherwise, wait for the factory sale which is sure to happen before the end of the year.

Greg J Thompson is an expert in this field. If you want great mud tires articles or some good, reliable off-road tyres information then visit his site now.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Greg_J_Thompson

When to Replace Tires

Snow and Ice Tires

Mud and Dirt Tire

Hard Surface and Water Tires

When to Replace Tires: There is a host of different riding conditions, including snow, ice, mud, dirt, and hard surfaces, so having tires that are in good condition, and making sure they are the right tires for the right conditions, is important. Keep in mind that all tires are not designed to excel under all conditions. If your ATV is equipped with the right tires for the environment in which you are riding it will enhance rider safety and performance.

Wear and tear or a change of riding environments should prompt ATV riders to consider replacing their tires with newer and more suitable tires.

Snow and Ice Tires: An ATV that is expected to perform in conditions that include snow and ice has a set of challenges unlike other environments. Not only is traction a major issue, but moving the snow out of the drive path in an efficient manner is crucial for top performance as well. Those tires you now use which are rated for mud or dirt may perform adequately under those conditions, but don’t assume they can do the same under cold, snow or ice conditions.

An ATV should have tires rated for snow and ice if you expect your vehicle to perform safely under those conditions.

Mud and Dirt Tires: The ATV rider who finds they are frequently navigating through mud and dirt should have tires that can perform properly in those conditions. The tires should be able to not only maintain traction but displace mud at a rapid rate. If the tires are not suited for mud and dirt then performance will suffer and bogging down of the vehicle will be experienced. Mud and dirt presents their own unique challenges for riders, but the right tires will eliminate problems.

Mud and dirt presents the ATV rider with a specific set of problems that the right tires can solve effortlessly.

Hard Surface and Water Tires: When riding on hard, slick surfaces that may be soaked with water can change riding conditions quickly. If you find you are riding on these kinds of surfaces frequently you may end up in quick trouble if your tires are not designed to handle them. But, if you have the right tires, that have been designed to handle these kinds of conditions, then you have nothing to worry about. Make certain you know under what conditions your tires are rated.

Hard, slick and wet riding surfaces can present unique challenges of the ATV rider, so having properly rated tires for these conditions is necessary for safety and performance.

A great way to get a good price on an ATV is to browse online auctions. Check out GIO Bikes for great prices on an ATV including 110cc ATVs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Billy_Whitmire