The central question when it comes to ATVs is: are they meant to be fun or functional? That is, are they a toy or a tool? The answer, of course, is both. ATVs are versatile, rugged, nimble vehicles, which makes them great for riding for the pure joy of it, but it also means they can have lots of different uses. While many people use their ATVs recreationally, these vehicles also have a surprising number of practical applications. In one word, they’re adaptable.
People use ATVs on farms, in the woods, and in their backyards. These vehicles are chore-destroyers, handy helpers, and, of course, adventure-ready machines. As one of the most popular brands out there with a lengthy list of accessories, Honda ATVs have built a strong reputation for both work and play. So if you haven’t been taking full advantage of your Honda ATV, here are five uses for it you may just want to try.
Camping
Car camping is fun, but sometimes the call of the wild beckons you to remote spots that your car or truck can’t handle. For campers who crave a true adventure, an ATV is the ultimate way to haul your gear out into the wilderness. You can load all your supplies into ATV cargo boxes or fender bags, or you can securely strap them onto front or rear racks. You could even take a small trailer along by using a hitch accessory, or if the appealing creature comforts of glamping are more your style, use your ATV to tow a camper along (yes, it can handle it!). With an ATV, off-road exploring doesn’t just have to be a temporary activity. It can be a fun lifestyle for the whole family to enjoy together.
Winching out
If you’re anything like us, after a long Canadian winter you’re itching to venture out into the woods. And nothing takes you deeper into the wild than an ATV. For those with a taste for truly gnarly trails, there’s a good chance that sooner or later you’ll get stuck, which means that a strong winch is your best friend. In addition to winching out when the going gets tough, you’ll be able to haul heavy equipment, remove obstacles from your path, and pull fellow ATV riders out of the muck.
Planting your garden
Your ATV isn’t just a fun way to get around; it’s also a great tool for getting seeds in the ground as efficiently as possible. You can use a seed spreader attached to the back of your vehicle, or, if you want to go the DIY route, just drive down the rows of your garden dropping seeds as you go. You’ll be a regular Johnny Appleseed in no time.
Snow plowing
If you find snow plowing oddly satisfying, you’re a true Canadian. Seeing that blade tear through piles of snow with ease is incredibly satisfying, and taking a moment to enjoy it is a winter pastime. Unfortunately, hand-shovelling is decidedly less pleasant. If you live somewhere with frequent snowfall, shovelling can feel like a daunting task, so you might as well find a way to enjoy it. One way to do that is to buy a snow plow blade attachment like the one shown on this Honda ATV, turning it into an instant snow plow. By simply adding this convenient accessory, you can turn yourself into a one-person snow-eradicating machine. It’ll save time and make clearing the driveway so satisfying, your neighbours might just appear at their windows to watch.
Ice Fishing
If you’re into ice fishing, an ATV can be your best friend. You can use it to get out on the ice, haul all your gear, carry your catch, and even tow your shed onto the ice if necessary. Of course, it’s important to make sure that the ice is thick enough to support it all safely, so take all precautions before you head out over the water—but once you’re out there, you’ll be glad you didn’t just hoof it. There are plenty of great videos out there of people explaining their favourite setups for ice fishing, so study up, then choose the right ATV and accessories to specifically suit your needs. You’ll be the envy of every ice shack around.
