How to transport a quad: trailer, recovery truck or van?
A quad is most often transported on a trailer: it's usually the cheapest and simplest option for short and medium distances. A recovery truck works for longer routes, a quad that doesn't run, or when you have nothing to tow a trailer with. A van is only an option for small quads and vehicles with a large, low load floor. Whatever you choose, the key is strapping the quad down by its frame and checking that you're licensed to drive with a trailer.
Option 1: transporting a quad on a trailer
A trailer is the most common way to move a quad.
Advantages:
- low cost, especially on a short route,
- easy loading via ramps or a trailer with a drop-down tailgate,
- trailers can be hired for a single day.
What to check:
- the trailer's payload — the quad plus equipment must not exceed the permitted payload; it's in the trailer's registration document,
- the bed size — the quad has to stand with all wheels on the trailer floor, with room for the straps,
- anchor points — solid rings or rails to strap to,
- ramps — matched to the wheel width and secured against slipping.
Option 2: transporting a quad on a recovery truck
A recovery truck is a breakdown service or carrier vehicle with a flatbed.
When it makes sense:
- the quad doesn't run and has to be winched on,
- the route is long,
- you don't have a vehicle with a tow bar or the licence for a trailer.
What to watch out for: a recovery truck usually costs more than hiring a trailer, because it includes the driver, the vehicle and the journey to you. Always ask for the total price including that journey.
Option 3: transporting a quad in a van
This is for small quads (e.g. children's or youth models) and large vans with a low, flat floor and a ramp.
A full-size quad won't fit in a typical passenger van (including a Volkswagen Multivan): the door width, load length and height aren't enough, and getting it inside without a ramp is risky. That's why we use a trailer for quads and motorbikes.
How to secure a quad for transport
Good securing is the foundation — a badly strapped quad can shift when braking and damage itself, the trailer or the car.
- Place the quad centrally on the trailer, facing forward, so the load on the tow bar is right.
- Apply the parking brake and — if the design allows — leave it in gear.
- Use four ratchet straps: two at the front, two at the back, angled outwards.
- Hook the straps to the frame or suspension points meant for tie-downs — not to plastics, racks or the handlebars, which can crack.
- Compress the suspension slightly with the straps so the quad doesn't bounce on bumps — but not fully, so you don't overload the shocks on a long trip.
- Chock the wheels, or use a wheel clamp if the trailer has one.
- Remove loose parts — top boxes, bags, mirrors that could come off.
- Close the fuel tap, if the quad has one.
- Check the straps after a few kilometres — they can loosen while driving.
What to check before transporting a quad
- The quad's weight and the trailer's payload — including fuel and equipment.
- The trailer's maximum authorised mass and the combination's mass — they decide which licence you need.
- The tow bar and trailer lights — indicators, brake lights, number plate.
- The trailer's tyre pressure.
- Documents — the trailer's registration and, if applicable, the quad's.
Which driving licence for a trailer with a quad
A common question when moving a quad on a trailer. In outline, these are the rules in Poland:
- Category B lets you tow a trailer with a maximum authorised mass of up to 750 kg, or a heavier trailer if the combined maximum authorised mass of the car and trailer doesn't exceed 3,500 kg.
- Category B with code 96 lets you drive a combination with a combined maximum authorised mass over 3,500 kg but not more than 4,250 kg.
- Category B+E lets you tow heavier trailers — up to 3,500 kg trailer maximum authorised mass.
Rules can change, so before you set off, check the current regulations and the data in your car's and trailer's registration documents.
Quad transport — price
The cost of moving a quad depends on:
- the option you choose (trailer, recovery truck, van),
- the distance and the journey to the pick-up point,
- the date and equipment availability,
- whether the quad runs and drives on by itself or has to be winched.
Quad transport with dowieziemycie.pl
We move quads and motorbikes on a trailer. We hire the trailer for each job, so we work on request: first we confirm the trailer is available on your date, then we give you the price. The Multivan has a tow bar (vehicle maximum mass 3,000 kg), and we match a trailer of up to 750 kg maximum mass to the load — up to about 3 m long and 120 cm wide. The trailer adds from 150 PLN per day.
We cover Kraków and the area around it: Rybna, Liszki, Kaszów, Czernichów, Sanka, Przeginia Narodowa, Alwernia and Krzeszowice.
Moving a motorbike — what's different
A motorbike is moved much like a quad, but it has two wheels and tips over more easily. Use a front-wheel chock to hold it upright, hook the straps to the lower fork clamps or the frame (not the handlebars or mirrors), compress the front suspension slightly, leave it in gear and close the fuel tap. Check the straps after a few kilometres — a bike that starts to rock can loosen even well-tightened straps.
Summary
On short and medium routes a quad is most often moved on a trailer; for a quad that doesn't run or a long route, by recovery truck. A van is only an option for small quads. Whatever you choose: four straps to the frame, the parking brake on, a checked payload and the right licence for towing.
Don't want the hassle? Send us a photo of the quad and the addresses — we'll check the trailer date and give you a price. See also what else we move.