Trailering your gator

[Thomas]

Has anyone had bad experiences trailering your gator for extended distances (100-200 miles)? The operator's manual has a warning about trailering on an open trailer and driving at highway speeds...........

[Deputy347k9]

One member recently posted stating he noticed a couple of cracks in teh poly roof. I really believe if your going to transport for a great distance I would utilize an enclosed trailer. Much easier on the machine as well as the machine is now out of view of anyone that may be thinking of borrowing her! Costly but again they are like the Gator, many uses.

[J Grace]

FYI

855D delx cab - towing with a 14' alum. open trailer, 7' wide, single 3,500 lb axle.
No issues @ 65/70 mph. with no sway.Tie down with four (4) straps. Backed on trailer.
Towing less than 100 miles per trip with a Chev. Silverado.

[CaptDan]

I have done 4 or 5 trailer trips of about 125 miles each way with the Gator, on an open 8.5 x 20 heavy duty equipment trailer. I back the Gator on to the trailer as the owner's manual says, use four tie downs, again just as the owner's manual states to do and have not had any problems. I have the Camo soft top which I remove while trailering.

The best guess as to why they want the Gator backed onto a trailer is that the front of the Gator is not designed for travel at 70 mph or more, and the effect of the vortex of the winds that sweep around the rear of a tow vehicle. Unless you have mounted a winch in the space on the front of the Gator, a stone thrown up from the road, at 70 mph, could go right into that opening and do some serious damage to the radiator. Other trying to protect the radiator I could not think of a reason as to why they recommend the Gator be transported backwards.


Dan

[RMOSSSO1]

Something I just learned in the last hour! I am loading a 250 HONDA RECON; 825i GATOR; and 420 HONDA RANCHER. On paper and when I measured, I would have to use a foot of the beaver tail, but ramps would go up.

I guess I will attribute this one to an engineering error. The engineer measured before adding the rear fender guards and bumper. If my son in law gets here soon, we might be able to muscle the RANCHER on sideways. NOT enough space even as I already had loaded RECON sideways.

Time to consult, so therefore, in the HOLIDAY spirit, I poured a cool glass of white zinfindel and await further progress.

[Zephyr74]

I asked my dealer why the manual says to load the gator on backwards, and they didn't know why. They said when they trailer the gators they have them facing forward. MY own thinking why they show the gator on rear facing forward is because the trailer has a single axle, probably a 12' long trailer. If you put the gator on facing forward, there would not be sufficient tongue weight. SO, they show it rear facing forward to get the majority of the weight forward of the axle to give it the tongue weight needed. Just a thought....

[purplewg]

I think the facing rear has more to do with the poly top than anything else. I have an aluminum top and trailer mine on an open trailer 125 miles one way several times a month facing forward. Not sure anything can really hit the front if you are pulling it behind a pickup. The only problem I have is the rear mud flaps want to flip up over the rear tires and the seat belts flap around a lot. I tied down the seat belts to the roll bars using Velcro straps.

Oh, I did also lose my antenna somewhere on I-95. I pull at mostly 75 MPH.

[John Deere Nick]

i use a 7x16 open trailer and hall it facing forward. The first trip it made was 200 miles to mine and my fathers land. I have had it on the trailer roughly 8 times here lately pulled on interstate each time and have had to trouble knock on wood. Like Purplewg my mudd flaps like to push up around tire. My seatbelts are still purdy new and stiff so they do not flop to to much, but they do some. I just tied a little hay string around it and went on down the road.

[CaptDan]

Ok, I have e-mailed John Deere Tech Services and asked them, if/when I get an answer I'll post it.


Dan

[Halsey]

I came across somewhere the backing it Gator on the trailer had more to do with the use of single axle trailers and keeping the tongue weight heavier to prevent sway. The engine is in the back half of the gator so pulling on would make the trailer tail heavy, inducing the possibily for sway. With any trailer, you do not want it tail heavy.

[CaptDan]

Hopefully John Deere will respond to my e-mail and we'll know why they say to trailer it backwards.

I am still thinking it has something to with the Gator rather than tongue weight because they first say that the Gator should be transported in an enclosed trailer, then go on to say that if you must transport the Gator on open trailer it should be a heavy duty trailer or full size truck and to back the Gator onto the trailer or truck. They show it being transported back end facing forward on a trailer and on a flat bed truck.

Dan

[trainman]

Don't know about putting the Gator on backwards on the trailer, but before I purchased the Gator I read somewhere that some had problems with putting their UTV's on facing forward and when pulling them down the road it forced air down through the air intake and caused starting problems when they went to restart it. Now I can't remember it this was the Gator, or other vehicles like the Yamaha or the Polaris UTV's that did this. I would think that balancing the weight and putting the front of the roof down so the air would flow over it would be the biggest concerns.

John

[duling]

Just hauled mine back to the dealer, (about 50mi), to get the front bearing issue fixed. Backed on the trailer and used the four straps to hold her in place. Most of the trip was interstate and I didn't go over 60mph because I have the poly cab and I could see the doors shaking a bit from the turbulance over that. I also used a bungee strap to hold the doors shut. That was how it was delivered to me and the driver said that a puff of wind from a semi could cause one to unlatch. HOWEVER!!!! If you have only a windshield and nothing covering the back do not trailer her backwards... my father in law did with his and the windsheld blew off on the interstate...

[CaptDan]

OK, here is the Official response from John Deere as to why they say in the owner's manual to back the Gator onto the trailer. I have copied and pasted both my question that I sent to them and their response.

Dan


John Deere Customer Contact Center

Recently you submitted a question to our online support center. Below is a summary of your question and our response.

To update this question by email, please reply to this message or click here to access your question from our support site.

Thank you for allowing us to be of service to you.


Subject: Gator - trailer

Response Via Email (Heather F.) 12/19/2011 12:51 PM

Dear Mr. Mc Kee

Thank you for contacting our Web site about transporting your John Deere Gator XUV 825i Gator on an open trailer. The reason to Operator's Manual states to back the unit onto the open trailer is for the ease of unloading the unit for safety reasons.

If we can be of further assistance, please call the Customer Contact Center at 1-800-537-8233. Our center is open 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM EST, Monday - Friday and 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. EST, Saturday.

Thank you,

Heather F.
John Deere Customer Contact Center
Turf & Utility Products
USA/Canada

Auto-Response 12/18/2011 08:43 AM
Your question has been received.

Customer By Web Form (Dan McKee) 12/18/2011 08:43 AM

The Gator Owners Manual states that when transporting a Gator 825i on an open trailer it should be backed onto the trailer and transported with the rear facing forward. I, along with friends who own Gators, have asked several dealers and no one seems to have an answer why?

This information is on page 29 or the Operator's Manual.

Thank You for your assistance in this matter.

[jody]

I trailered my 625i from Virginia to Ohio during a pretty nasty time of winter last year. She was forward facing with the plex windshield and poly top. Thankfully no problems. However, I did notice that the seatbelt buckle tongues were hanging high and all the wind made then put little chips in the ROPS. I just repainted over it. Next time I will buckle them.
Something interesting though- I used nylon tiedowns and the frame of my trailer cut 3/4 of them. I asked my very wise mechanic at Carlysle and Anderson and he said that they just run theirs over the floor of the gator and tighten her down- works like a charm. No roll. no play, no bounce.

[RMOSSSO1]

Over the HOLIDAYS I have more wisdom!

As such, let me say if you are pulling with a FORD, as a lot of us do, by backing on the GATOR you put less weight on the tongue. I went 100 miles this weekend. Also, on my 18 foot trailer I had less trouble loading two other HONDA quads (420 Rancher & 250 Ranger). Had to twist perpendicular. BUTTTT!!!!

By loading backwards, with the bumper over my spare tire on the trailer, I gained almost 18" of floor space, and that saved me at least one pain pill for my back!!!!

SUMMARY. If you see me on my 7 TON low boy. My Gator will be backed on--FOREVER. I do hope this helps someone.

[CaptDan]

Ok, I think there are two different "issues" here. One is why John Deere specifically says in the Operator's Manual to back the unit onto an open trailer or truck for transporting. That has been answered by John Deere.

The second issue is people's individual equipment, personal preferences, tow vehicle etc and there are as many variations as there are people on here.

Bottom line according to John Deere there is no equipment related reason to back the Gator onto an open trailer other than JD thinks it's safer and easier to unload if it's backed on. So I will make my decision on how to load the Gator onto a trailer or truck based upon what works best in a particular situation.

Dan

[fire gator]

with a poly windsheild i dont think i would ever put it on backwards as stated by duling posted earlier

[missouri gator]

[QUOTE=CaptDan;19385]Ok, I think there are two different "issues" here. One is why John Deere specifically says in the Operator's Manual to back the unit onto an open trailer or truck for transporting. That has been answered by John Deere.

The second issue is people's individual equipment, personal preferences, tow vehicle etc and there are as many variations as there are people on here.

Bottom line according to John Deere there is no equipment related reason to back the Gator onto an open trailer other than JD thinks it's safer and easier to unload if it's backed on. So I will make my decision on how to load the Gator onto a trailer or truck based upon what works best in a particular situation.

Dan[/QUOTE
Well said!! :Chers:

[John Deere Nick]

That makes sense on how JD says it should be loaded. If you back onto the trailer chances are something bad will happen before its on the trailer and you stop and not go any further. If you are backing off the trailer it would be easier to miss the ramp for the ones that do not have a full gate. Missing a ramp would cause the gator to topel over causeing injury or death. CAPTDAN, thanks for verifying this with John Deere. I will continure to load mine as I see fit and whatever works best for me at the time. If backwards i will take my windshield off chances are it will befacing forward.

[Landscaper]

Hows everyones windshield holding up while being towed??

[asp]

Hows everyones windshield holding up while being towed??

Mine is holding up very well, I always load it foward

[RMOSSSO1]

I have the half windshield. I use two soft bungy straps with the bottom window flap open. I think that solves the air problem as their is no air dam.
My GATOR has way more miles on the trailer than on the odometer.:Thmup::Thmup:

[purplewg]

Over the HOLIDAYS I have more wisdom!

As such, let me say if you are pulling with a FORD, as a lot of us do, by backing on the GATOR you put less weight on the tongue. I went 100 miles this weekend. Also, on my 18 foot trailer I had less trouble loading two other HONDA quads (420 Rancher & 250 Ranger). Had to twist perpendicular. BUTTTT!!!!

By loading backwards, with the bumper over my spare tire on the trailer, I gained almost 18" of floor space, and that saved me at least one pain pill for my back!!!!

SUMMARY. If you see me on my 7 TON low boy. My Gator will be backed on--FOREVER. I do hope this helps someone.

Did I miss something here? Towing with a Ford, Chevy, Dodge, what difference does it make. I agree backing on would put less weight on the tongue but why does that matter to the make of truck or did I just read it wrong? If you are pulling a 7 ton low boy I would think the tow truck would careless if a Gator was forward or backward loaded. :lol:

[Tilth]

Anyone ever get the Gator in the 8ft bed of a Ford F250?

[CaptDan]

Did I miss something here? Towing with a Ford, Chevy, Dodge, what difference does it make. I agree backing on would put less weight on the tongue but why does that matter to the make of truck or did I just read it wrong? If you are pulling a 7 ton low boy I would think the tow truck would careless if a Gator was forward or backward loaded. :lol:

Purplewg ..... I thought the same thing, but then figured.....whatever !

As I posted previously, I was only concerned if there was some reason that JD said to put the Gator on the trailer backwards. Absent that, I load it the best way possible on each trip depending upon what trailer or other equipment is on the trailer. Tongue weight is tongue weight, no matter what the tow vehicle is. I tow with a DODGE and it doesn't care what it's pulling, who loaded the trailer, frontwards, backwards, sideways as long as its loaded properly.

For some silly reason it always seems easier to drive the Gator on the trailer forward rather than backwards, I consider all the factors when loading a trailer and stage the load for the best possible towing scenario. Depending on the trailer and the load sometimes it's better to load the Gator forward, sometimes rearward. Bottom line there in no operational or structural reason why John Deere recommends that the Gator be transported backwards.

[fire gator]

:hdscrh: not enough tongue weight also dangerous sway issues etc.

[markherndon]

Has anyone ever put straps over the poly top to prevent over stressing the washers and bolts. Looks like it would be easy to do with a couple of atv ratchet straps to better secure the top during high speed transport. :hdscrh:

[purplewg]

Has anyone ever put straps over the poly top to prevent over stressing the washers and bolts. Looks like it would be easy to do with a couple of atv ratchet straps to better secure the top during high speed transport. :hdscrh:

Naw that is why I bought a Linex covered aluminum top. lol

[RMOSSSO1]

Ford or whatever tow vehicle, I was just describing my experience. Similarly,I have a T-180 BOB cat and I back it on the same trailer. With that set up I balanced it on scales so as to not go over tongue weight. I am pulling with a ball, not a fifth wheel.
Seems like you busted my cujones before. :BS::BS::BS:

[duling]

I trailered mine over 100miles to the dealer and back to get the front bearing issue resolved and loaded it on my 6.5' by 10' trailer backwards. I was pulling it with my wife's Honda Pilot and had it loaded both ways before deciding on trailering it backwards because of the tounge weight. I have a poly cab and left the doors ON to get them readjusted by the dealer. If you have a poly cab and trailer it forward with the doors on the pressure differential and/or jarring could cause the doors to unlatch and then the wind would rip them off. The guy who delivered my Gator told me never to trailer it forward with the doors on. He said he knew from experience, I guess he lost a paycheck to that mistake. Just and FYI

[Deputy347k9]

duling, your post is exactly why I secure the doors on my John Deere tractor anytime I transport it. The tractor is to large for my 7X14' enclosed trialer so I haul that on an open 20' trailer. The heated cab means the world to me so for safety resons I compine a couple of rathet straps both high and low securing both doors, windshield and rear glass. Pain the butt but easy on the wallet.

[MADDOG]

just attach your seat belts to the female attachment, this will stop the metal part from blowing in the wind.

[CSM Jim]

Question:

Why do I have to back my Gator Utility Vehicle up on to the trailer/truck when transporting on a Flatbed truck or trailer?


Affected Equipment:

Gator Utility Vehicles


Answer:

FROM THE JD ANSWER FORUM:

"The heaviest part of the Gator is in the rear, since the engine and transmission are located there.

The Gator needs to be backed on to the trailer or flatbed truck to keep majority of its weight on the tongue of the trailer. This helps prevent the possibility of the trailer ball hitch from becoming uncoupled."

I always lock my hitch and tow on a dual axle 18', 12K trailer, so adjusting tongue weight is easy. Four tie downs are required in Virginia. For anyone purchasing a new trailer, dual axles are the only way to go as far as I'm concerned. Safer and tows better!

[Bunky]

Four tie downs are required in Virginia.

That is good to know.

[RMOSSSO1]

only problem I have ever had is dumbness on my part! No doors on mine. But I did not protect the floor mats. Lost one expensive one, once. Now I just secure them in bed. Four tie downs required in Georgia also. Learned that in hauling my BOBCAT.
:Thmup::cool::cool::shh: