We love to play on our ATVs but sometimes you also have to get some work done. We recently ran across a truly unique product that will make your time more productive AND it can be used when you head out to play.

The ATV Wagon by Bosski comes in four different models - the 800 or 1600 aluminum, and the 800 or 1600 utility. The aluminum model is specifically designed for the hunting, fishing, and camping enthusiast, while the utility model is designed for use around the farm or job site. We tested the 1600 utility model.

This is one serious trailer. The 1600 utility has dual 800lb axles, a GWVR of 1600 pounds, electric brakes, electric handlebar-operated dump, double-hinged tailgate, a capacity of 22 cubic feet, and comes completely powdercoated.

Assembly

You may be able to pick up a pre-assembled unit from a local dealer

(click here for the dealer list.)

but we had the 1600 Utility unit shipped directly to us, so we could show you all the necessary assembly. The unit arrived within a couple days in one nicely-packed freight package.

Here is the ATV Wagon as delivered	With straps & outside packaging removed

Many of the ATV Wagon components are pre-assembled so you only need a few tools. You will need 18mm and 19mm box wrenches, a ratchet with extension, and 19mm and 21mm sockets. There are four major steps in the assembly:

• 1) Install the axles to the frame

We installed the axles with the trailer upside-down. The idler axle is installed to the rear of the trailer.	The brake axle installs to the front and the two wires coming out of the frame connect to the brake wiring.

• 2) Mount the wheel/tire Assemblies

Remember the valve stem should face toward the outside.	Tapered lug nuts are used. Tighten by alternating between opposite nuts.

• 3) Install Tongue Assembly

We had to remove then reinstall the coupler to run the wires through the tongue.	The tongue attaches to the frame with four 12mm bolts.

• 4) Electrical Wiring

Yeah it looks pretty intimidating, but it' really not that difficult if you match all the colors up using the wiring diagram provided.	We mounted the controller box to the front rack on our Bombardier Outlander Max.

The complete assembly of the trailer took no more than 1 1/2 hours including unpacking, but we spent another 1-2 hours wiring up the Outlander Max with the electronic brake controller, trailer lights, and electric lift controller. Wiring the ATV is definitely the most complicated part of the process.

*Pay attention to the wire colors and the wiring schematic and it will all come together.

Testing

With 13 acres there can be a lot of chores and maintenance. One of those chores is moving ROCKS. It seems we have never-ending rocks to move around and it is no fun with a wheel barrow. We loaded the ATV Wagon up with a heavy load of rocks and it handled it with ease. The tires were definately bulging under the load, but with dual axles it didn't put too much strain on the back of the Outlander Max.

To unload the rocks we simply had to pull up to the proper location, unlatch the bottom of the tailgate, then press the electronic controller on the handlebar to lift the trailer and dump the rocks. Could it get any easier? (Well, I guess if we could get the trailer to load itself...)

The double-hinged tailgate is an awesome feature. Here the tailgate is unlatched from the bottom.	Here we have unlatched the tailgate of the ATV Wagon from the top. The cables hold it level.

Rocks or no rocks we found the ATV Wagon to be immensely useful. Whether hauling garbage, dirt, gravel, supplies, or hay to feed the animals it not only worked well but made our ATV much more productive. Who needs an expensive tractor when we have our ATV and the ATV Wagon?

Load the hay on and go. Backing the ATV Wagon does take a little getting used to.	The big 25" tires float nicely. We haven't gotten it stuck in snow or mud yet - and believe me, we've tried!

For trail use, we suggest you definately consider the Aluminum models. You save about 200 pounds in the overall weight and gain 12" in bed rail height. Plus, check out the hinged lid with gas shock and carrier for an extra gas can (gas can not included). Looks to be a very cool unit as well. Hard to choose!

Summary

We found the ATV Wagon to be a wonderful addition to our utility ATV. An ATV alone is useful for chores but add an ATV Wagon and you multiply the usefulness of your ATV.

We look for specific factors when rating a product, and the ATV Wagon took top marks in all:

• The quality of the product is TOP NOTCH
• Use could not be SIMPLER
• The installation manual is SUPERB
• And the VALUE is unbeatable - only $995 for the deluxe 1600 Utility model - Update 2/27/2006 - Current Price is $1399.00

Beyond reporting on just initial assembly and cosmetic appeal, we have put this unit through hard use for several months. We have had no failures, have been unable to rip a hole in the steel body of the trailer with rocks or steel fence posts. It doesn't hurt that it looks sharp as well.

We can't wait to see what fun we can have with this thing when the ground thaws... (I'm thinking pond-dredging...)