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a 2021 Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 ATV towing and hauling in a wooded area
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These 2021 ATV Models Have the Strongest Payload and Towing Capacities

While ATV and quad models are fun to use recreationally, there are actually times when they are an integral part of a successful operation. Farm work and ranch work are often much improved by the support of an ATV or quad. We’ve done a little digging. According to our research, these 2021 ATV models have …

While ATV and quad models are fun to use recreationally, there are actually times when they are an integral part of a successful operation. Farm work and ranch work are often much improved by the support of an ATV or quad. We’ve done a little digging. According to our research, these 2021 ATV models have the strongest payload and towing capacities.

a 2021 Polaris Sporstman XP 1000 ATV in the forest
2021 Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 | Polaris

There are plenty of ATV options that have great hauling and towing capacities. According to ATV Man there are variables to consider when it comes to the advertised hauling capacities of an ATV. Let’s dig in and take a look at the 2021 ATV models with the best payload and towing capability.

Towing with an ATV

ATV Man writes that manufacturers test ATV towing capacity based on the “rolling capacity under idealized conditions.” There’s a pretty good chance that if you are considering using your new ATV for towing you aren’t likely to be performing tasks in “idealized conditions.” You probably need an ATV to do hard work in the rougher, more difficult-to-reach places. In addition, if you are towing with an ATV you need to consider the surface you are riding on as well as the grade (up or down) that you are traversing with the load.

The 2021 Can-Am Outlander towing on a farm
2021 Can-Am Outlander | Can-Am

Often, towing with an ATV means dragging items along the ground. The added friction here means that the lack of a wheeled towing device will lower the maximum load you can haul. Still, there are 2021 ATV models that can handle some hard work––whether you are towing a trailer of hay to the barn or dragging a log to clear trails.

The 2021 Polaris Sportsman

If you want an ATV that offers plenty of fun on the weekends and can also put in hours of hard work, the 2021 Polaris Sportsman should be on your shortlist. The Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 is the model for the buyer who wants it all. According to Polaris, this ATV can tow up to 1,500 pounds with a trailer. In addition, the 2021 Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 has a payload of 575 pounds.

a 2021 Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 ATV towing and hauling in a wooded area
2021 Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 | Polaris

However, the 2021 Polaris Sportsman XP 1000 has a retail price of $12,099. If you want a powerful, well-rounded ATV for towing, hauling, and fun there are other less expensive models with the same hauling and towing specs as the XP 1000. For example, the 2021 Polaris Sportsman 850 boasts the same towing and hauling specs but starts at $8,999 for this particular Polaris ATV.

The 2021 Can-Am Outlander

The 2021 Can-Am Outlander boasts the highest towing and payload capacity. If you want an ATV that’s going to spend a lot of time hauling and towing, this is one of the best 2021 ATV models with the strongest payload and towing capacities. The 2021 Can-Am Outlander offers models with varying power output.

The Can-Am Outlander doing work on a rustic ranch
2021 Can-Am Outlander 6×6| Can-Am

Still, according to the Can-Am website, each one is still capable of towing up to 1,650 pounds. The 2021 Can-Am Outlander 1000R ($14,199) is a powerful beast with a range of drive modes. That can help out a lot when it comes to pulling a load over treacherous terrain.

While the other models such as the 2021 Can-Am Outlander DPS ($9,499) or the Outlander XT ($10,499) are rated to tow the same weight, you still have to consider the fact that they will each handle heavy loads a little different. There’s also a 6×6 version––the Outlander Max 6×6 XT 1000, This is a designated hauling and towing ATV with an extra set of weight-bearing wheels and additional built-in storage.