ATVPT

Mountain Goat Trailers

From MountainGoatTrailers.com

"Action is what it is all about and we deliever Action."

Product Review
Product:	- Mountain Goat All Terrain ATV Trailer
Test Duration:	- Long Term
Tested By:	- Nathan Hill
Location:	- Southern California and Northern Utah
Machine:	- Various
Review Date:	- July 2006

	The Mountain Goat All Terrain ATV Trailer arrived in a crate and I had to install the tongue. You have two tongues to choose from; one is for an Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) and one is for the Solid Rear Axle (SRA). Along with having a different angle for the suspension type, you can bolt the tongue in any place that you need to. Whether you have a lift with 28” tires or a stock machine with small tires, you will be able to get the right setup to make the trailer level with your specific machine. Right off, I wanted to check out the walking axle system, so I parked the trailer on some rocks behind my house (see pictures below). I am amazed at how this system works. I had to back the trailer on to the rocks because I could not get my machine to go over them without damaging the ATV. So far, I am very impressed and we will see what happens when this trailer has a load on it and has to maneuver through the trail system of the Paiute.
Field Test:
	I took the Mountain Goat ATV Trailer on the Paiute ATV Trail in Central Utah. I requested the optional gas and water cans as well as the extension rack to haul the pontoon boat. In order to keep our belongings dry, I purchased a lockable box from the hardware store. I also found a nice cooler at my local department store to fit in front of that. The bed is 72” long and 22” wide; there is plenty of room for your cargo and S&T rates the load capacity at 1,000 lbs. All loaded up and ready to hit the trail. I have hauled a few trailers behind my ATV and I haven’t had very much luck with finding one that would fit my riding style. The trailers that I have pulled have bounced around so much that I had to flatten the tires to create some absorption and I could not exceed 10MPH. After hooking up to the Mountain Goat, I took off and was very careful to watch behind me, making sure that the trailer was not bucking around. It did not take long for me to realize that I could ride much more aggressive and not have to worry about the trailer jumping around. The walking axle settles the trailer down immediately and the center of gravity is low enough that I can power slide through the turns. I don’t recommend pulling this trailer over 50 MPH when there is a possibility of any obstacles. I went against the manufacturers recommendations and I reached 60 MPH while pulling this trailer with a full load. The smallest obstacles will put one side or the other in the air. I had no problems towing the Mountain Goat under 35 MPH over some pretty rough terrain. The tires on the Mountain Goat are a little different than I expected to be on an All Terrain Trailer. These tires are new to the Mountain Goat and so far they are very fitting. The tread is a special “Military” tread. The tires had just the right amount of traction and they have proven to hold up to some pretty extreme conditions. I pulled this trailer in some places that some people would not even attempt without a trailer. Sharp rocks do not appear to be a problem for the sidewalls. Clearance was not an issue at all. Everything that I was able to clear, the Mountain Goat followed with ease.
Long Term:
	So far, I have pulled this trailer approximately 400 miles over some pretty extreme terrain and I am very happy with the performance. The main axle shaft has gotten wet and after letting the trailer sit for a little over 2 months, the shaft has rusted to the walking beams causing both beams to be seized to the shaft. S&T Manufacturing is replacing both walking beams and the main shaft and at my request, they are installing grease zerks to prevent future failure. Other than the current issue, the frame, tires and deck have held up great.

Pros:
	Walking axle design allows for extreme terrain
	1,000 lb Load Capacity
	Low center of gravity
	Tow at reasonable speeds with no problems
	Multiple bolt on options available from the manufacturer
Cons:
	Due to the solid design and tandem axles, the trailer is very heavy.
	In wet and humid climates, the walking beam shaft needs grease zerks in order to prevent rusting.

Bottom Line

This piece of equipment is tough and I am pleased that I have it in my lineup.
It is versatile and you can order allot of upgrades including the recent grease zerk modification for those that will be using the trailer in wet conditions.

The Mountain Goat All Terrain Trailer will go anywhere that your ATV can go while carrying 1,000 lbs of cargo.