There’s a long list of reasons why you might need to carry a side by side (or ATV for that matter) in a truck bed. Whether the four-wheeler is broken or you just don’t want to ride it on public roads, putting in a pickup is the easiest to carry it. The question that remains is if your UTV model fits in the pickup or not.
Any Polaris Ranger ATV model will fit in a pickup truck as long as the width doesn’t exceed 65 inches. Here are the Polaris Ranger models that can easily fit in a pickup:
- Ranger 500 – 58 inches
- Ranger EV – 58 inches
- Ranger SP 570 – 56 inches
- Ranger SP 570 Premium – 56 inches
- Ranger 1000 – 62.5 inches;
- Ranger 1000 EPS – 62.5 inches;
- Ranger 1000 Premium – 62.5 inches;
- Ranger 570 Full-Size – 60 inches;
- Ranger XP 1000 Premium – 62.5 inches;
- Ranger XP Kinetic Ultimate – 62.5 inches;
- Ranger Crew 1000 – 62.5 inches;
- Ranger Crew 1000 Premium – 62.5 inches.
Sidenote: The average truck bed length is 6 feet 5 inches long, and you should also take it into consideration when trying to fit a UTV into a pickup.
Fitting a side by side in a pickup truck is no easy task. You need to know what you are doing in order to avoid possible damage to your truck or UTV. Here is where my guide to learning how to strap a four-wheeler to a pickup truck will come in useful.
Table of Contents
Will a Polaris Ranger Fit in a Pickup?
Yes, a Polaris Ranger UTV will fit most pickup trucks. The key here is to make sure that the pickup truck’s bed is wide enough to fit the Polaris Ranger model. Considering that a standard truck bed’s width is 60 to 65 inches, you can fit all Polaris Ranger UTVs. In my opinion, the best thing you can do is to take a tape measurer and check the length and width of your truck bed before trying to fit the UTV on it.
Join our Facebook Group of ATV fans today to connect with a community of like-minded people. All questions you might have about ATVs will be answered in the group. Don’t miss out on the fun – CLICK HERE to join now!
Even though a Polaris Ranger side by side will fit in a truck bed, it will be tight. This YouTube video from “The Emporium Outdoors” shows how a Polaris Ranger 800 Midsize fits in a standard-size truck. As you can see in the video, it’s essential to use the right type of ramps in order to avoid accidents. Are you handy with wood and tools? If that is the case, you can try and build your own UTV ramps.
Is It Safe to Haul an ATV in a Pick-Up Truck?
Yes, hauling an ATV in a pick-up truck can be a safe and effective way to transport your four-wheeler to various riding locations, as long as proper precautions are taken. To ensure safety, it is crucial to have the right equipment, including high-quality tie-down straps or ratchet straps and a suitable loading ramp. The ramp should be sturdy and have a weight capacity that exceeds the weight of your ATV. When securing the ATV, make sure to attach the straps to solid points on both the ATV and the truck, pulling them tight to eliminate as much movement as possible during transit.
Additionally, it’s critical to check the weight capacity of your pick-up truck’s bed. The combined weight of the ATV and any additional gear should not exceed this limit. Once loaded, double-check all tie-downs and restraints, ensuring they are tight and secure. Be mindful of the added height and length when driving, especially when navigating through low clearance areas or making tight turns. By following these precautions and regularly inspecting your setup, you can safely and confidently transport your ATV using your pick-up truck.
In Summary
Before signing off, I want to advise everyone to measure the width and length of their pickup truck bed before buying a side by side. This is the best way to avoid dealing with the unpleasant surprise of not being able to carry your side by side in a pickup. I should also mention that if you plan to fit the UTV in an enclosed trailer, it’s not going to work very well. You can check out this article that explains the reason why side by sides don’t work with enclosed trailers.
