- Cargo Trailers
- Trailer Knowledge
Key Takeaways
- Michigan offers four-season riding - ATVs and side-by-sides in summer, snowmobiles in winter.
- A utility trailer suits single ATVs; a tandem-axle equipment trailer fits side-by-sides.
- An enclosed cargo trailer protects machines and gear in Michigan winter weather.
- Browse trailers near Detroit to find the right fit.
Year-Round Riding Within Reach of Detroit
One of the advantages of riding in Michigan is that the season never really ends. Summer and fall are for ATVs and side-by-sides on forest trails, and winter opens up hundreds of miles of groomed snowmobile routes up north. The constant is that you need a reliable way to get your machine there.
Mounds ORV Area (Genesee County)
About 60 miles northwest of Detroit near Flint, Mounds is one of the closest off-road parks to the metro. It offers hills, trails, and open riding areas for ATVs and dirt bikes, close enough for a genuine day trip from anywhere in Southeast Michigan.
Trailer tip: A standard utility trailer handles a single ATV or a pair of dirt bikes, and the staging area easily fits a truck-and-trailer rig.
St. Helen Motorsport Area
About 3 hours north near St. Helen, this DNR-managed area has over 60 miles of trails through northern Michigan forest - sand, two-track, and wooded single-track for ATVs, side-by-sides, and dirt bikes. It is one of the most popular ORV areas in the Lower Peninsula.
Trailer tip: The 3-hour haul up I-75 rewards a tandem-axle equipment trailer with electric brakes - more confident stopping and enough deck for multiple machines.
Snowmobile Country Up North
Michigan maintains one of the largest groomed snowmobile trail networks in the country, concentrated across the northern Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula. Popular staging points like Gaylord, Grayling, and Cadillac are 3-4 hours from Detroit and draw riders all winter.
Trailer tip: Winter hauling is where an enclosed cargo trailer earns its keep - it keeps snow, ice, and road spray off your sleds on the drive and gives you a dry space to gear up at the trailhead. An enclosed trailer with the right interior setup carries two sleds and gear comfortably.
Silver Lake Sand Dunes
About 3 hours west on the Lake Michigan coast, Silver Lake is one of the few places in Michigan to ride ORVs on open sand dunes. The riding area runs seasonally, typically spring through fall, and draws ATV and side-by-side riders from across the state.
Trailer tip: Sand is hard on machines. An enclosed cargo trailer protects your equipment on the drive and gives you secure storage at the campground.
Matching the Trailer to the Season
For summer ATV day trips, a utility trailer is all you need. For side-by-sides or group rides, an equipment trailer gives you room and capacity. For winter snowmobile hauls, an enclosed cargo trailer keeps everything protected. Browse trailers near Detroit to compare.
Frequently Asked Questions
What trailer is best for hauling snowmobiles in winter?
An enclosed cargo trailer is the popular choice for winter. It keeps snow, ice, and road spray off the sleds on the drive and gives you a dry space to gear up. Many riders run an enclosed trailer sized for two sleds plus gear.
Can one trailer work for both ATVs and snowmobiles?
Yes. An enclosed cargo trailer handles both - side-by-sides and ATVs in the warm months, snowmobiles in winter. It is the most versatile option for four-season riders.
What size trailer do I need for a side-by-side?
Most full-size UTVs fit on a 7x14 or 7x16 trailer. For a second machine or gear, an 18- or 20-foot equipment trailer adds deck length.
Are Michigan ORV and snowmobile trails open year-round?
They rotate by season. ORV trails run spring through fall; groomed snowmobile trails open once there is adequate snow, typically December through March. Some areas have year-round access for different uses.
Where can I find a trailer near Detroit?
TrailersPlus Monroe is about 35 miles south of Detroit. Browse inventory near Detroit and schedule an appointment.
