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Can you really double the pulling power of your regular winch? Over the years I have discovered methods that might surprise you by how much they can increase the pulling power of your ATV winch. Following these simple tips might be the difference of getting out of a sticky situation and waiting for help. Battery The best solution is preparation. Get a good quality battery and maintain it. The largest your ATV can take with the most “Cold Cranking Amps” will give you the best initial pull. If your at maximum pull and your battery is struggling to provide power, keep the engine running and give the throttle a little gas to help the battery. I haven´t needed to in the past, but some guys install a second heavy duty battery dedicated for recovery. I prefer to go without the extra weight. Snatch block and Cable Use a snatch block to double the line. These things can single-handedly double your direct pulling power and assist in pulling from angles if need be. You will notice the pulling speed is slower, but don´t worry, the extra power you can squeeze out of your winch can be worth the wait in certain situations. The use of a snatch block also means for close pulls you can reach the ideal length of cable for the pull. One layer of cable (5 rolls) wrapped on the drum will pull securely and at maximum power. Winches are rated for their pull strength at this amount of cable on the drum. The angle of the cable leaving the drum should be perpendicular as well. If the cable is at an angle, the winch will not be working at capacity. Pulling methods Creating the path of least resistance will also dramatically increase the pulling power of your winch. Always angle the front tires of the stuck ATV in the direction of the pull. If possible, the stuck ATV should be driven towards the direction of the pull, but only at moderate throttle and start slow. Let the winch cool and power regenerate after 1.5 minutes of continuous use. Avoid damage and overheating to maintain the power and life of your winch. If stuck in snow or mud, dig out around the tires and use twigs, sticks and brush to provide traction. Doing this right the first time might take an extra few minutes, but can save you hours. Sam is an ATV enthusiast and updates his adventure website with outdoor tips and articles, including a review on the 4500lb Superwinch winch.

For some of us that live in the northern states with brutal winters, spring often means warmer weather and the ability to run a garden hose without the fear of water freezing up. For everyone in more warmer climates or those in the southern states that have never even seen snow, you may already be using your garden hose or power washer all year long 😁! So in the spirit of Spring and Spring Cleaning, we decided to take a look at what products exist out there specifically for ATV cleaning, washing off the mud, and general care. ATV bodies are plastic in most cases, and it's important not to use abrasive chemicals or hard brushes, so you don't scuff up the plastic...let the trail riding do that for you, you won't get a shortage of scratches from all the trees and branches if you're riding in the woods! For those of you that like to do some ATV mud'ing, you've probably already adopted a routine for cleaning your ATV after mud-bogging a bit and may have a favorite product you already use. Some even use basic soap and water or a basic car wash. Hey, if it works for you great! For the purpose of this article, we are going to look at some of the items available on the market and encourage our members to reply with what they use and what they like. Don't forget to let us know where you buy it. You can buy car wash products in stores like Advance Auto Parts, Autozone, and Walmart and also online auto parts sellers like Auto Anything, Auto Barn, and Amazon. Let's take a look at some OffRoad ATV Washes... Slick Off-Road Wash, 32oz Removes heavy dirt and mud Won't strip lubrication Safe on bearings, paint, plastics, and metal surfaces Biodegradable Non-corrosive Currently available on Amazon for $24.99 which is the same price on the manufacturer's website https://www.slickproductsusa.com but you'll get free shipping if you are a prime member. Slick products free shipping is over $75. X-Tream Clean XTC01-1 MX ATV Wash - 1 Gallon Spray and rinse No brushing and scrubbing required Removes mud, dirt, grease and general grime Safe on all surfaces Biodegradable, non-corrosive and phosphate free Currently available on Amazon for $22.48 but if you check out the manufacturer's page and buy from them, it' $15.95! Chemical Guys CWS20264 Tough Mudder Truck Wash Off Road and ATV Heavy Duty Soap Oz-1/2 Gal, 64. Fluid Ounces Surface-Release additives repel future mud, dirt, and filth for easier cleaning Perfect for dirt bikes, quad bikes, mudder trucks, ATVs, and dune buggies Safe for use on paintwork, glass, metal, plastic, engines, and undercarriage parts Versatile formula works in bucket wash, foam gun, and high pressure foam cannon pH-balanced formula does not strip wax or sealant coatings 1/2 Gallon is currently available on Amazon for $23.99, but the manufacturer has is for $21.99 on their website but you'll most likely have to pay shipping. Alco Dirt Bike and ATV Wash 1 Gallon ALL NATURAL cleaning product Safe on the machine, safe for the environment Will not tarnish aluminum parts or damage seals Currently available on Amazon for $34.90 with free shipping but check the website where it sells for $19.98 but you'll most likely pay shipping unless you order over $99. Hopefully for those that were not aware of specific ATV washes, this gives you some idea of what is out there. Keep your ATV clean by washing down the plastics, undercarriage/frame and tires. Some go as far as little tire protectant and shine as well as plastic protectant. However you do it, have fun and think of it as prepping your ATV for the next ride...don't leave a dirty ATV in the garage!

Since we were kids dreaming of owning our first ATV, some of us were also dreaming up how to get that ATV up on two wheels! Doing a "wheelie" is what it's called and traditionally, it refers to the art of getting the front end of your ATV up in the air and riding on only your back wheels. We've done them with our bicycles and graduated to dirt bikes and quads at some point. Some riders have even got their ATVs up on the side, leaning to one side on two wheels, now that's a challenge in itself! Check out some of the wheelies our members have done and posted into our ATV Wheelies & On Two Wheels section in our Gallery! Here's a photo shared by @blahhhh with front wheels in the air! @sanddevil has her wheels in the air out in the sand, great shot! We mentioned it earlier, how about this duo with their ATV on the side! This cool photo was shared by @Z400Pilot. It gets even crazier with this photo posted by @ojest808! And then one of our personal favorites posted by @NY_Vmax_Joe with legs to the side and wheel up on two at Pismo Beach! It's hard not to love looking at wheelie photos, they just look like so much fun. Just remember, always wear a helmet and protective gear when attempting to show off! Got some good ATV "Wheelie" photos? Post them in our gallery here. Check out our forum topic on "How do I pop a wheelie?" by @NinasATV

The most capable, ready-for-anything Outlander ever. With improved handling, increased stability, better performance, and a new look, the 2019 Outlander truly is built for whatever you throw at it. PERFORMANCE, HANDLING, DESIGN Can-Am Outlanders are re-imagining what it means to be capable. Corrective steering is a thing of the past. The Can-Am Outlanders are built for stability and precision, so they go where you tell them to, no questions asked. Form, function, and fun. That’s the DNA of the Outlander family, and that's what goes into the design of each and every vehicle. What does that mean for you? It means riding in comfort and looking good wherever you go. Check out the lineup of Can-Am Outlanders below! Outlander 450 / 570 Power, reliability and handling at the most accessible price ever. MSRP $5,999* Outlander DPS 450 / 570 Power, reliability and comfort of Tri-Mode Dynamic Power Steering (DPS) at the most accessible price ever. MSRP $6,899* Outlander XT 570 Power, reliability and handling at the most accessible price ever. MSRP $8,749* Outlander Mossy Oak Hunting Edition 450 / 570 The ultimate factory-ready hunting package. MSRP $8,999* Outlander X mr 570 The most accessible mud-ready ATV on the market. MSRP $8,699* Outlander Maximise every adventure in command of the best Outlander ATV ever, with arched A-Arm suspension and 1,650-lbs towing capacity standard MSRP $8,399* Outlander DPS Maximise every adventure in command of the best Outlander DPS ATV ever, with arched A-Arm suspension and 1,650-lbs towing capacity standard MSRP $9,299* Outlander XT Maximise every adventure in command of the factory-upgraded Outlander XT ATV ever, with arched A-Arm suspension and 1,650-lbs towing capacity standard MSRP $10,349* Outlander North Edition Maximise every adventure in command of the factory-upgraded Outlander North Edition ATV ever, with arched A-Arm suspension and 1,650-lbs towing capacity standard MSRP $10,299* Outlander Mossy Oak Hunting Edition 1000R Maximise every hunt in command of the factory-upgraded Outlander Mossy Oak ATV ever, 91-hp, arched A-Arm suspension and 1,650-lbs towing capacity standard MSRP $13,649* Outlander XT-P Maximise every adventure in command of the factory-upgraded Outlander XT-P ATV ever, with arched A-Arm suspension and 1,650-lbs towing capacity standard MSRP $12,649* Outlander X xc Maximize every adventure in command of the most powerful Outlander X xc ATV ever, with arched A-Arm suspension and factory performance upgrades MSRP $14,599* Outlander X mr Roar through your next muddy adventure in command of the factory-upgraded Outlander X mr 650, with arched A-Arm suspension and mud-ready upgrades MSRP $10,299* Outlander X mr 850 Roar through your next muddy adventure in command of the factory-upgraded Outlander X mr 850, with arched A-Arm suspension and mud-ready upgrades MSRP $11,799* Outlander X mr 1000R Roar through your next muddy adventure in command of the factory-upgraded Outlander X mr 1000R, with arched A-Arm suspension and mud-ready upgrades MSRP $14,299* Outlander MAX 450 / 570 Power, reliability and handling with comfort for two. MSRP $6,999* Outlander MAX DPS 450 / 570 Power, reliability and comfort of Tri-Mode Dynamic Power Steering (DPS) with room for two. MSRP $7,899* Outlander MAX XT 570 Power, reliability and handling with comfort for two. MSRP $9,749* Outlander MAX DPS Maximise every adventure in command of the best 2-up Outlander MAX DPS ATV ever, with arched A-Arm suspension and 1,650-lbs towing capacity standard MSRP $10,299* Outlander MAX XT Maximise every adventure in command of the best 2-up Outlander MAX XT ATV ever, with arched A-Arm suspension and 1,650-lbs towing capacity standard MSRP $11,349* Outlander MAX North Edition Maximise every adventure in command of the finest 2-up Outlander MAX North Edition ever, with new arched A-Arm suspension and 1,650-lbs towing capacity standard MSRP $11,449* Outlander MAX XT-P Maximise every adventure in command of the factory-upgraded Outlander MAX XT-P ATV ever, with arched A-Arm suspension and 1,650-lbs towing capacity standard MSRP $13,649* Outlander MAX LIMITED Maximise every hunt in command of the factory-upgraded Outlander MAX LIMITED ever: 91-hp, arched A-Arm suspension and 1,650-lbs towing capacity standard MSRP $15,349* Outlander MAX 6x6 DPS Made to work and play harder with 6-wheel traction and Rotax V-Twin power, Outlander MAX 6x6 650 gives best-in-class power, rugged design and versatility MSRP $13,299* Outlander MAX 6x6 XT Made to work and play harder with 6-wheel traction and 91 horsepower, Outlander MAX 6X6 XT 1000 gives best-in-class power, rugged design and versatility MSRP $16,349* Check out the full line up on Can-Am's website: https://can-am.brp.com/off-road/2019/outlander.html

The 2018 Can-Am off-road vehicle family includes new performance levels, specialized packages and exceptional value. © BRP 2017 172hp and 120hp turbocharged 2018 Maverick X3 side-by-side vehicles Can-Am SSV families receive refinements, new packages and more value Specialty ATV packages for performance, hunting and snow-belt enthusiasts Valcourt, Quebec, June 1, 2017 – BRP (TSX:DOO) continues to optimize its Can-Am off-road lineup with multiple changes for 2018. The brand is again setting the bar with the most powerful factory-built side-by-side vehicle on the market, the new 172hp 2018 Maverick X3 Turbo R model. The thrilling Rotax ACE engine was reconfigured to deliver a potent 172hp straight from the factory. Additional lineup changes include more options for utility and recreational use, with the introduction of additional specialty packages. “The 2018 Can-Am lineup reflects the passion and exhilaration we bring to people,” said Anne-Marie LaBerge, BRP's senior VP, Global Brands & Communications. “Along with expanding our Maverick X3 and Defender family of off-road vehicles, we have enriched our recreational-utility category Can-Am Commander and Outlander ATV segments with added performance, improved value and more specialty packages.” SSV The Can-Am Maverick X3 side-by-side vehicle family continues to make industry-altering headlines with the arrival of the new 172hp 2018 Maverick X3 Turbo R model, the most powerful factory-built side-by-side vehicle on the market. The turbocharged 172hp 2018 Maverick X3 Turbo R model delivers 12 percent more horsepower and 10 percent added torque. The new flagship super-sport side-by-side vehicle can go from 0-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. The Can-Am Maverick X3 side-by-side family also now includes a 120hp Maverick X3 Turbo side-by-side. The new vehicles, offered in two- and four-seat packages, start at less than $20,000 USD* and come standard with many of the performance features for which the Maverick X3 is known. To reinforce its influence in the utility-recreation category, the Can-Am Defender vehicle family now includes a market point-of-entry in the crew category with the Defender MAX HD8 package ($12,399 USD*). The new 2018 Defender MAX XT CAB HD10 super model features enhanced ground clearance, arched A-arms, with a greater footprint and an integrated heater system. The Commander 1000R side-by-side vehicle also received a significant update for 2018, with a performance bump to 92hp, a wider stance and larger brakes for enhanced appeal in the recreational-utility category. The Can-Am Commander 800 side-by-side vehicle has a $1,000* price drop (US) for the new model year. ATV Can-Am ATVs have long been recognized for their performance, precision-engineered handling and consumer-focused design, and those key pillars have been reinforced for 2018. Inspired by a Can-Am heritage model, the Outlander X xc 1000R ATV makes a triumphant return delivering the true crossover-type Sport-Rec performance. Powered by either a Rotax V-Twin 650 or Rotax V-Twin 850 engine, the all-new Outlander North Edition ATVs, available in one-up and MAX platforms, also includes an exclusive equipment package for cold weather and a super low L gear for hard work. The Can-Am Outlander Mossy Oak Hunting Edition ATVs now includes three available engine packages, as a new Outlander 450 package (starting at just $8,999 USD*) joins the existing 570 and 1000R Rotax V-Twin-powered offerings. *Based on Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price. Dealers may sell for less. About BRP BRP (TSX:DOO) is a global leader in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and marketing of powersports vehicles and propulsion systems. Its portfolio includes Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft, Can-Am off-road and Spyder vehicles, Evinrude and Rotax marine propulsion systems as well as Rotax engines for karts, motorcycles and recreational aircraft. BRP supports its line of products with a dedicated parts, accessories and clothing business. With annual sales of CA$4.2 billion from over 100 countries, the Company employs approximately 8,700 people worldwide. www.brp.com @BRPNews Press Release: http://www.brp.com/en/media-brp/press-room/news/2017-06-01.html

We've looked online and found a collection of the coolest ATV/QUAD T-Shirts that show you off as an ATV Rider and Enthusiast. Today, you can pretty much have your own custom shirts made up on popular sites such as CafePress but why go through all of that trouble when there are some really cool shirts already being sold online. Most of the T-Shirts that we found on Amazon are: 100% Cotton Imported Machine wash cold with like colors, dry low heat Shirt comes in men's, women's and child sizes. Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem Below are some of our favorite picks for 2017! Each one is available right now on Amazon. Click on the shirts for more info and color choices. Buy ATV T-Shirts on Amazon

Female riders are drastically increasing in numbers every day. Look for them at any trailhead, and you are bound to notice a growing percentage of the riders these days are indeed women. Getting out on the trail and riding full speed ahead is just as exciting for women as it is for the more traditional male rider; however, before you hit the trail wide open, there are a couple of things that you need to take into consideration. First off: Always be prepared! Remember: You must prepare for the accident then enjoy the ride! Don’t be misled. There is a common misconception that ATVs are a lot safer, say for instance, than a dirt bike, just because they have four wheels and can stand up on their own. This assumption sometimes leads to disaster. Sure an ATV can stand on its own. So as long as you are sitting there, looking pretty posing for a picture, you should be just fine! However, going around a curve, up a hill or slamming into something head on, you might want to be aware of a few other facts. For instance, an ATV is typically 2 to 3 times heavier than a dirt bike; and when it lands on top of you, you will know why that is important! Also, this will be important when it gets stuck in the mud or off over an embankment. Always be prepared to lift something 3 or 4 times your own weight out of an unplanned location! The best way to do this is utilize either the buddy system or a winch/tow kit on the ATV itself. This fact also has to be taken into consideration during loading and unloading the ATV. Speaking of the buddy system, that is always a good idea. Never ride alone and always make sure someone knows where you are going to be riding and when you plan to return from your trip. There are other things to remember as well. Always carry a first aid kit, a bottle of water, a whistle and a radio. The first aid kit will come in handy if you or another rider is in any sort of accident, or even scrape your hand trying to change a spark plug! A bottle of water is useful to wash out any cuts or abrasions or to wash the dust out of your mouth after following too closely behind someone up a dusty trail. The whistle will definitely come in handy if you happen to go off over an embankment and need someone to find you. A whistle is much louder than a scream and is more likely be heard over the sound of the motors of passing ATVs. The radio can come in handy to let others know of your location or to call for help in an emergency. You can also use it if you get lost, or maybe to have your mate bring you an extra soda on their way up to where you are. Don’t skimp on safety gear, either. Always wear, at least, a Snell- or DOT-approved helmet and eye protection. I also recommend gloves, ankle high boots, long sleeves, and pants. You never know when a briar across a trail either will suddenly rip through your skin or get brushed out of the way by the denim of your jeans or better still, your riding pants. The choice is yours. Always check your equipment thoroughly before you take off. Be sure to check the tire pressure. They should all be inflated to the same pressure. If the pressure is different in tires opposite each other, it will make the ATV very difficult to handle even in the best of situations. The appropriate tire pressure is usually between 2 and 6 psi. Check your owner’s manual for the appropriate psi for your ATV. (There is usually a sticker on the ATV with this information as well.) In addition, check the tires for cuts or gouges that could lead to leakage or a blow out. Make sure the brakes are fully functioning as well as the lights, kill switch, ignition, and throttle. Don’t forget to check the fluids like gas and oil for evidence of any possible leaks. When camping on the trail, make sure to take everything you will need with you. Nothing is worse than waking up to horrible morning breath miles from the nearest store and instead of being excited about the day’s ride, all you can think about it is how you would trade those new hand warmers for one dental travel pack! Always pay attention to personal and equipment safety as well. ATVs are high on the list of ‘most often stolen items,’ as they are regularly sold again and again throughout their life without license, titles, bill of sale, certificate of ownership, etc., which makes them very hard to trace. In addition, being in the minority as a woman rider, you do stand out on the trail, so take extra precautions with your personal safety. Be aware of your surroundings and again, the buddy system is recommended on all rides. Here are a few other quick tips for everyone: Be familiar with your ATV and look at the owner’s manual if you have any questions. Never ride beyond your ability! Do not ride double unless your ATV is built specifically for double riders. Doing so makes the ATV less maneuverable, harder to handle, and more likely to turn over or flip. Riding on hard surfaces actually makes it harder to turn an ATV. Do not ride on hardtop unless you have tires specifically for that type of surface. Ride legally and always leave the area better than you found it. Keep the noise levels down by making sure your muffler system meets the 96 decibel limit that was established in 2003. Alcohol and drugs do NOT mix with ATVs. Be courteous to other riders. When on a trail, always show respect to the environment and other riders. Never lend your ATV to unskilled riders. Know and respect the laws about letting children under the age of 16 ride an ATV. Never put your foot down when riding an ATV as a cast will definitely put a damper on going dancing next Saturday night! Lean forward when going up a hill. Go slow going up a hill, but try not to have to stop or change gears, as either one of these actions can cause the ATV to flip backwards. Never back down the hill. Turn the quad around and go back down the hill forward. Be sure to lean back as you are going down the hill. Aways try to keep the center of gravity as low as possible by keeping all the weight you can on your feet. You can usually accomplish this by standing up. Remember to keep your knees flexible to avoid possible injury or strain. Do not pull back on the handle bars when going up a hill. Never use the front brake when going forward at excessive speeds or down a steep slope. These are only a few of the tips you should heed when heading out on the trail, but they are a good start. There will be other things you discover along the way. One final note: Don’t let this article discourage you from riding. It is meant to install enough fear to make you a bit more cautious and safe enough to ride for years to come. I hope to meet some of you out on the trail, always with the rubber side down! Have an awesome ride!