modify ATV into ATV truck?

[Bobcatter]

The cold weather is here, time to start dreaming of projects for next summer. I can find decent used ATV's out here in the country for somewhere around $1000 - some with 4 wheel drive. I don't have one here to look at, so......
Would it be possible to lengthen the frame on any old ATV, extending the wheelbase, and turn it into a single seat Gator truck type vehicle? I figure you would have to extend the driveshaft, brake cables, controls, frame, etc. Fabricating a bed would be easy.
Any experience? Any thoughts?

[Hotfoot]

Anything is possible. Without seeing any particular model , my first impression is that making up a whole new frame might yield a nicer final product. Design it to use all the suspension and drive parts from the donor. This way, you get to select your own clearance and width, as well. Remember, the longer the wheelbase, the lower the effective clearance over obstacles, and the more difficult to turn in tight woods.

[Bobcatter]

Thanks, you make some good points. Yes, may as well modify the whole frame, copy and use what I can. What DOM tubing do you think would be needed?

Ground clearance isn't a real concern, as I will be using on relatively flat land, established paths, mowed fields, etc. I figure I can change the sprocket ratios to get more power and less speed. I guess I will have to keep my eyes open and start checking them out

[Broccoli1]

Flat open fields?

Trailer

[Scott Young]

i did that to a three wheeler one time it was a 250 cc unit. it served well for the time that i had it. since then i have gone to a tow behind off road atv trailer that is also a people hauler. it can haul up to four people comfortably and all the hunting gear that we need. it tracks in the same track and if the four wheeler can make it so can the trailer. it is about perfect. if mine can tackle the woods and river bottoms i put it through then you can traverse fields with no problem.

[Big_man_tim]

This is my solution... cost me 750 and didn't have to touch a thing on the atv

[Broccoli1]

and didn't have to touch a thing on the atv

Your ATV came with a ball hitch?

[Big_man_tim]

Actually it did, however i took the stock one off and welded up a 2" receiver so i could mount a multitude of thing on the back end of it.

[heavymetal]

Arctic cat's atv do come with a 2" reciever. I have used mine to move my boat and atv trailer in my back yard.

[Broccoli1]

I had to make one for mine

[Bobcatter]

Aww, come on guys. If I wanted SENSIBLE answers, I could have stayed "in-house" with my question!

This is all about tearin', rippin', bendin' and weldin'!

And (ah-hem), sometimes i just do this stuff for the learnin', too.....

[wireburner]

i would just build a new frame and mount everthing needed on it

[Scott Young]

i would just build a new frame and mount everthing needed on it

this would be my best suggestion seeing how you want the experience. it would look more unified and not look like a hack job.

[Bobcatter]

Yes, I think the new frame will be the route I will take. If I follow through on my plans, I will post details next summer.

Thanks for all your inputs and suggestions

BTW, Scott -- any surviving pictures of that modified three wheeler??

[Scott Young]

unfortunately not. it was built on a 250 yahmahama. it was hard to steer when loaded, but it would haul a ton or better not really, but i could load it more than i really wanted to carry.