Product Review: “Swamp Donkey” ATV Passenger Trailer

ATV enthusiasts have long faced the problem of how to transport more than one person at a time (while obeying manufacturer’s guidelines). In recent years several ATV manufacturers have designed products to carry two passengers (including the driver) via a tandem seat configuration. In the process, they beefed-up suspensions and tweaked the center of balance, providing welcome improvements. This tandem design is a now popular option in this market. But what happens when you need to transport more than two people?

There are a couple of new 4-passenger ATV models available like Kawasaki’s 2005 MULE™ 3010 Trans4x4 or Bad Boy Buggy’s SUV, each retailing for around $9,500. Both options work beautifully, but that is a lot of $$ for most folks.

Another option to consider is the “Swamp Donkey” from Nichols Trailers, located in Wilton, Maine.

This smooth and very stable riding product is designed to be towed behind your ATV and carry hunters or passengers to your favorite blind or fishing hole. Resembling the likes of a chariot, the Swamp Donkey can comfortably seat 3-4 adults on a single, forward-facing bench seat. Behind the passenger seat is a generous gear compartment or “bed” with a fold-down gate. This bed has enough deck space for a dog box with tie downs, and is also ideal for holding decoys, guns, bags, hunting chairs, or anything else normally needed on such outings. Additionally, the Swamp Donkey has a large lockable storage compartment on the back side for items that need additional security or protection from the elements.

The Swamp Donkey is equipped with an eight hundred pound Dexter Torflex Axle with EZ Lube Hi Speed Hubs on 22x11.00-8 Hi Flotation ATV Tires on trailer rims. It uses a 1-7/8" coupler and has a tubular steel frame with aluminum skin. Nichols Trailers paints the Swamp Donkey with three coats: the first coat is a rust inhibitive primer, second coat is a bond seal and the third and final coat is an industrial enamel paint providing a great looking long lasting shine.

Nichols Trailers provides an industry exclusive 10-year structural warranty along with Dexter's 5-year axle warranty.

Options on the Swamp Donkey include a gun rack and a dog box. An all-aluminum version is also available. If you need something other then the standard design or an option not currently offered, Nichols can likely build it to fit your needs. For example, the Swamp Donkey pictured below incorporated several custom features including a widened body & seat to accommodate “four large hunters with neoprene waders,” a custom color and logo on the front shield, and painted rims with foam-filled tires for puncture resistance.

With a MSRP of $1,695, the Swamp Donkey offers a cost-effective and functional way to transport multiple passengers using a single ATV.

www.nicholstrailers.com
Toll Free: 866.502.4128
Phone: 207-645-3101
Fax: 207-645-3133
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