Every ATV owner knows how enticing their valuable asset is to thieves. The combination of their high cost and easy transportability make them attractive targets. Also, the practice of leaving ATVs unattended in remote areas or outdoor storage spaces further increases the risk of theft. Therefore, if you’re searching for the best measures for ensuring optimal ATV security, rest assured that you’re not alone.
Securing your ATV is a simple and worthwhile task that requires little time and effort. The main goal here is to deter thieves and vandals. It is a cost-effective measure that shouldn’t take up much of your time, leaving no excuse for neglecting ATV security.
While the best option is storing your ATVs in a garage equipped with an alarm system, only some have that luxury. You can secure your ATV with heavy-duty shackles or U-locks, immobilize the brakes using locks, and install covert GPS modules for tracking. Also, employ visual deterrents like defensive decals and mock firearm fittings, remove ignition items, and anchor attachments, and regularly monitor your ATV for enhanced security.
In this article, we will provide detailed information on the subject, and additional tips to help you ensure the safety and security of your ATV. Keep reading to learn more!
Top Tips For Absolute ATV Security
Here are several practical tips that you can easily implement to ensure the safety of your ATV and protect it from potential theft:
- Have your engine/chassis number written down and stored in a safe place. If your ATV is stolen you need to be able to prove it is yours if the police ever do pick it up. A good thing to have for this is a title or bill of sale or something. Having the engine/chassis number written down somewhere is better than nothing though.
- Get your ATVs insured. This can save you money if something ever does happen. You might be disappointed if you simply rely on the police to get your property back for you. If you don’t want to pay for insurance, make sure it’s almost impossible to steal your ATV.
- Keep the ATV stored in a garage or secured shed. Keep the shed or garage closed and locked to deter thieves. If someone can get to the ATV, someone can steal it.
- Have a chain and lock setup in your garage or shed for the ATV. Even if someone gets in, they will still have to somehow break the chain to get your quad. This is one of the best deterrents, just make sure it is chained to something that can’t be easily broken or sawed through. I use the Trimax Cable found here on Amazon because it’s easy to slide through the ATV and hard to break.
- Use a ground anchor if possible. Using good quality chains, locks, and a ground anchor can even save you money on the insurance bill. Check with your insurer which chains and locks they approve. And a good ground anchor, properly mounted, is almost impossible to rip out of a garage floor.
What Can I Do To Further Enhance My ATV Security
There are things you can do to add to the security of your ATV. One thing I’ve noticed people do is put a lock on the throttle of the ATV. This will prevent the quad from getting fuel and allowing someone to ride off with it. A good option is this BigPantha Grip Throttle Lock found here on Amazon. This won’t stop anyone from simply loading it into a truck and driving off though, so still use chains and a lock if you can.
You could also get a wheel lock. It’s like those boots they put on your car if park illegally. They will prevent someone from riding off with your ATV. But again, they won’t prevent someone from loading it into a truck and taking the wheel off later. I recommend the Wheel LocBigPantha Grip Throttle Lockk Tire Clamp By Zone Tech found here on Amazon.
If you use a chain or cable and lock. Make sure you run the chain or cable through the frame of the ATV. Don’t chain it to something that can be easily taken off.
A lot of ATV security is common sense. You just have to take the time and energy to make sure your ATV is secure. It’s worth the little effort to avoid a huge headache, and missed riding time. Don’t let these thieves steal your quad. Consider the additional precautions below.
Bonus!
Here are some additional precautionary measures you should consider for maximum ATV security:
- Get a dog. Ok, I know not everyone is going to get a dog to watch over their ATV. But, if you were looking for an excuse to get a pup, now you have one. Having a dog in the house reduces theft and break-ins.
- Avoid starting your ATV for the fun of it. Yeah, I like how they sound too. But, starting up your ATV lets the whole neighborhood know you have a nice toy.
- Avoid washing and displaying your ATV in your front yard in plain sight. Yeah, it feels cool, and people like to show off their toys. But, this is like starting it up and revving the engine all the time, you’re just letting everyone know you have an ATV ripe for the picking.
- Be careful allowing people to test-ride your ATV. Of course, friends and family are ok. I’m talking about strangers, mostly when you’re trying to sell your ATV. There have been plenty of cases where someone went for a test ride and never came back. Make sure they leave their vehicle or something behind when they go for a test ride.
- Keep your bike in view at all times at the track. This goes for race meets or busy trails as well. There are people out there who see a lone ATV as an opportunity and could jump on your quad and take off.
Conclusion
Summarily, one effective method is storing your ATV in a locked garage or shed. Additionally, using heavy-duty locks and chains like the Trimax Cable, as well as anchoring your ATV with a ground anchor, can significantly enhance its security. To further bolster protection, practical accessories such as this BigPantha Grip Throttle Lock, and Wheel Lock Tire Clamp By Zone Tech are worth considering. Of course, you don’t want to underestimate the importance of common sense precautions, like avoiding unnecessary displays, exercising caution during test rides, and even considering getting a dog as an additional deterrent. By implementing these measures, you can secure your quad and embark on worry-free adventures.
Thanks for reading to the end! We hope the top-notch ATV security measures mentioned in this article have alleviated your concerns!