How to Move a Riding Mower or ATV with a Trailer in Salem, OR
Whether you're taking your ATV to a trail system in the Cascades, moving a riding mower to a new property, or hauling a side-by-side to the coast, a flatbed trailer rental is the most practical and affordable way to get it done. Here's how to do it safely.
Choosing the Right Trailer
For most ATVs, UTVs, side-by-sides, and riding mowers, our 7×18 flatbed is the right choice. At 7 feet wide and 18 feet long, it comfortably fits:
- Most single ATVs or UTVs with room to spare
- Two ATVs side by side (depending on width)
- A full-size riding mower with the deck lowered
- A zero-turn mower
- A golf cart
If you're hauling a wider side-by-side (some UTVs are 64–72 inches wide), measure your machine first. Our flatbed deck is 84 inches (7 feet) wide, so you'll have a few inches of clearance on each side for a 64-inch machine.
Loading Your ATV or Mower
For ATVs and UTVs: Use a loading ramp (we recommend aluminum ramps rated for your vehicle's weight). Drive or ride the machine up the ramp slowly, keeping it centered. Once on the deck, shut off the engine and put it in gear or engage the parking brake.
For riding mowers: Lower the cutting deck to its lowest position to reduce height and shift the center of gravity. Drive up the ramp in reverse (rear wheels first) for better stability. Once on the deck, disengage the blade, turn off the engine, and set the parking brake.
Securing the Load
Every Cascade Valley Rentals trailer comes with ratchet straps included at no charge. Here's how to use them correctly on powersports equipment:
- Find solid tie-down points on the frame — not plastic body panels, handlebars, or the seat
- Run one strap from the front-left frame point to the trailer's front-left D-ring
- Repeat for the front-right, rear-left, and rear-right
- Ratchet each strap until the suspension compresses slightly — you want the machine held firmly, not bouncing
- Check that no straps are rubbing against sharp edges or hot exhaust components
Oregon Trail Access Near Salem
If you're heading out to ride, some popular destinations within an hour of Salem include the Tillamook State Forest, the Santiam State Forest near Detroit Lake, and the Weyerhaeuser lands near Molalla. A flatbed rental makes the trip practical — load up in the morning, ride all day, and return the trailer the same evening on a 4-hour rental.
Ready to book? Reserve online at cascadevalleyrentals.com or call (503) 586-3098. We're at 5749 Basil St NE, Salem, OR 97317.