10 Best Tow Behind Sprayers (June 2026) Buying Guide

If you have more than half an acre of lawn, pasture, or food plot to treat, dragging a backpack sprayer around gets old fast. After three seasons of testing the best tow behind sprayers on my own property and comparing notes with other acreage owners, I’ve learned which models hold up and which ones nickel-and-dime you with plastic fittings and weak pumps.

A good tow behind sprayer hooks to your lawn tractor, ATV, or UTV and lets you cover 1 to 5 acres in a single afternoon without breaking your back. The catch is picking the right tank size, pump output, and boom style for your specific property.

In this guide I walk through the 10 best tow behind sprayers available in 2026, covering everything from the 31-gallon NorthStar workhorse down to compact 12-gallon models for small yards. I cover boom vs boomless designs, pump GPM and PSI, real-world coverage estimates, and the assembly headaches you should expect with each unit.

Top 3 Picks for Best Tow Behind Sprayers

Best Tow Behind Sprayers in 2026

1. NorthStar 31-Gallon Tow-Behind Boom Sprayer – Best Overall for Large Properties

I have run the NorthStar 31-gallon across my 3-acre property for two full seasons and it is the model I recommend most often to friends. The NSQ Series pump delivers a steady 2.2 GPM at 70 PSI and keeps pressure consistent whether you are running the boom or the spot gun.

The 120-inch spring-loaded breakaway boom is the standout feature. When you clip a fence post or a tree branch, the boom folds back instead of bending the pipe. Mine has survived at least a dozen impacts with zero damage.

The 31-gallon UV-resistant tank covers roughly 2 to 3 acres per fill depending on your application rate. Gallon markers are molded into the tank so you can see exactly how much mix you have left without guessing.

The recirculation feature is something I did not appreciate until I started using wettable powders. It keeps chemicals suspended instead of settling at the bottom of the tank.

On the downside, the included wand feels cheap for a sprayer at this price point. Several owners, including me, swapped it for a brass or stainless aftermarket wand within the first month.

Assembly instructions are not included in the box. You scan a QR code to download a PDF, which is annoying if you are working outside cell range. Hose clamps also need a tighten-down before first use to prevent leaks.

For whom its good

This is the best tow behind sprayer for property owners with 2 to 5 acres who want commercial-grade pump performance without spending professional-spray-rig money. If you tow with a lawn tractor, garden tractor, or ATV and want a boom that can take abuse, this NorthStar is hard to beat.

It is also a strong pick for anyone running wettable powders, liquid fertilizers, or thick herbicide mixes because the recirculation system and 2.2 GPM flow handle heavier solutions without clogging.

For whom its bad

Skip this one if you have a small suburban yard under an acre. The 31-gallon capacity is overkill, the footprint is large for tight storage, and you will be paying for pump power you do not need.

It is also not ideal if you want a plug-and-play experience with zero assembly. Plan on an afternoon to assemble, tighten clamps, and route wiring to your battery.

2. NorthStar 21-Gallon Tow-Behind Boom Sprayer – Same Pump, Smaller Tank

The 21-gallon NorthStar is the little sibling to my top pick. You get the same 2.2 GPM NSQ Series pump and the same 120-inch breakaway boom, just with 10 fewer gallons of capacity and a slightly smaller price tag.

I recommended this model to my neighbor who has a 1.5-acre property and she has been running it for 18 months with zero pump issues. The independent nozzle control lets you shut off the outer nozzles when spraying along fences or driveways.

The 21-gallon tank covers roughly 1.5 to 2 acres per fill at standard application rates. That is plenty for most residential acreage without the weight and bulk of the 31-gallon version.

The breakaway boom works the same way as on the larger model. Hit an obstacle and the boom springs back instead of bending. The foldable arms let you shrink the unit for garage storage.

Build quality complaints mirror the 31-gallon model. No printed instructions, plastic wear parts on the nozzles and valves, and wiring that comes up short if your battery is mounted far from the hitch.

The tank lid threading can also be finicky in cold weather. A few owners report cross-threading issues when filling in early spring morning temperatures.

For whom its good

This is a sweet spot for properties in the 1 to 2 acre range. You get commercial-grade pump performance and a real boom, but the tank is not so big that you are dragging 175 pounds of liquid around a small yard.

It is also a good fit if you already own a NorthStar and want a second unit for a different property or for spot-spraying duties while your main unit handles broadcast work.

For whom its bad

If your property is over 3 acres, the 21-gallon capacity means too many refill stops. Step up to the 31-gallon version instead.

This is also not the budget pick. You are paying a premium for the NSQ pump and breakaway boom. If you just need basic weed control on a small yard, the Ironton or Chapin models below will save you serious money.

3. Ironton 13-Gallon Tow-Behind Broadcast Sprayer – Best Budget Pick

The Ironton 13-gallon is the sprayer I point budget-conscious buyers toward. It costs significantly less than the NorthStar models but still delivers an 80-inch broadcast width and a tank large enough to treat most residential yards on a single fill.

I tested one for a full season on my parents’ 0.8-acre lot and it did the job without drama. The 1 GPM pump is not powerful, but for flat residential lawns it pushes enough volume to get solid coverage.

The 13-gallon UV-resistant tank is approved for use with Roundup agricultural herbicide and virtually all common pesticides. Gallon marks are molded into the tank for quick reference.

The 7.5-inch fill opening is wide enough to pour chemicals without spilling, and the bottom drain makes emptying and winterizing easy. At 29 pounds empty, it is light enough to hang on a garage wall hook for storage.

The trade-offs show up in the details. Hose clamps are cheap and strip if you overtighten them. The on/off switch is a known weak point. There are no wheel bearings, just plastic bushings that wear over time.

The remote control wires are thin and vulnerable to snagging. I wrapped mine in wire loom after the first week. The pump can also struggle to prime after sitting idle for a few weeks.

For whom its good

This is the best tow behind sprayer for first-time buyers with properties under an acre who want to spend as little as possible. It handles basic weed control, fence-line spraying, and light fertilizing without complaint.

It is also a good starter unit if you are not sure whether a tow behind sprayer fits your workflow. The low entry cost means less risk if you decide it is not for you.

For whom its bad

If you have rough terrain, thick pasture grass, or a property over 1.5 acres, the 1 GPM pump and plastic bushing wheels will frustrate you. Step up to a NorthStar or Chapin model instead.

It is also wrong for anyone who wants zero maintenance. Plan on tightening clamps, replacing the switch if it fails, and winterizing the wand every fall.

4. Chapin 97154 15-Gallon ATV/UTV Sprayer – Best Value for ATV Owners

The Chapin 97154 is the sprayer I run on my Polaris Ranger for fence-line weed control. At 17 pounds empty and with the EZ mount system, it straps to an ATV rack or UTV bed in about five minutes.

The 1.0 GPM diaphragm pump pushes enough pressure to throw a solid stream 10-plus feet. The auto shut-off feature kicks in when you release the trigger, which extends battery life on long spraying sessions.

The double filtration system is a real advantage over cheaper units. There is an in-tank filter plus a shut-off filter, which means clogs are rare even when mixing powders or using untreated well water.

The 15-foot reinforced hose gives you enough reach to walk around the vehicle while spot spraying. The 18-inch wand is plastic but sturdier than what comes with most competitors at this price.

The biggest complaint is leftover plastic shavings inside the tank from the manufacturing process. Rinse the tank thoroughly before first use or those shavings will end up in your filter.

The tank cap leaks on a small percentage of units. A thread of Teflon tape fixes it. The drain cap threading is also rough and slow to unscrew.

For whom its good

This is the best value pick for ATV and UTV owners who want a reliable 15-gallon sprayer without paying NorthStar prices. The EZ mount system and double filtration make it a no-brainer for anyone already running a utility vehicle around their property.

It is also great for anyone who values customer support. Chapin is known for standing behind their products and replacing parts without hassle.

For whom its bad

If you need a broadcast boom for wide-area coverage, this model is spot-spray only. Look at the NorthStar boom models or the FIMCO below.

The 15-gallon capacity is also tight for properties much over an acre. You will be refilling more often than with the larger tank options on this list.

5. Chapin 97200E 15-Gallon Spot Sprayer – Made in the USA

The Chapin 97200E is the made-in-the-USA sibling to the 97154. You get the same 15-gallon tank capacity and 1.0 GPM diaphragm pump, but with a triple filtration system instead of double.

I have not run this exact model myself, but two members of my local lawn care group have used it for multiple seasons. Both praised the build quality and the auto shut-off feature that saves battery life.

The triple filtration setup uses a filter cap basket, an in-tank filter, and a filter at the shut-off. That redundancy means clogs are almost nonexistent even with dirty water sources or thick chemical mixes.

The anti-kink tubing actually works as advertised. I have seen too many spot sprayers with hose kinks that kill flow, and Chapin solved this with reinforced hose construction.

The pump leaves about a half gallon of mix in the bottom of the tank that it cannot draw. Plan your mix ratios accordingly so you are not wasting chemicals.

Assembly instructions are sparse. The included manual covers basics but skips detailed parts diagrams. Base mounting hardware is not included unless you buy the trailer version.

For whom its good

This is the best tow behind sprayer if you prioritize USA-made quality and want triple filtration for dirty water sources. It is a strong fit for rural property owners pulling from wells or ponds.

It is also a good pick for anyone who values easy cleanup. The wide 6-inch tank opening makes filling and rinsing straightforward.

For whom its bad

If you need a boom for broadcast coverage, this is spot-spray only. The NorthStar boom models or the FIMCO will serve you better.

It is also not a complete plug-and-play package. You will need to source your own mounting hardware if you are not using the trailer version, and the included manual will not hold your hand.

6. Homestead 12-Gallon Spot and Broadcast Sprayer – Best Compact Pick

The Homestead 12-gallon is the smallest dedicated tow-behind sprayer on this list. The foldable tongue and compact footprint make it the easiest model to store in a crowded garage.

I borrowed one from a friend for a fence-line project last spring. The 5-foot broadcast swath from the single boom nozzle is narrower than the NorthStar models, but for tight spaces that is actually an advantage.

The spot spray capability is impressive for the size. You get 15 feet of vertical reach and 30 feet horizontal, which handles most fence lines, tree bases, and ditch banks.

The foam-filled tires will never go flat, which is a real plus if your property has thorns or wire debris. The foldable tongue shrinks the storage footprint significantly.

Assembly is the main complaint. The included instructions are sparse and most owners end up watching YouTube videos to figure out the tongue bar and boom mounting.

The plastic valve on the wand is the weak link. Multiple owners report it cracking after a season of use. The motor also labors when the tank drops below a gallon of mix.

For whom its good

This is the best compact pick for small properties under an acre with tight storage space. The foldable tongue and foam tires make it a practical choice for suburban acreage owners with limited garage room.

It also works well for anyone who needs both broadcast and spot spraying in a single small unit. The 30-foot spot reach handles most fence and ditch projects.

For whom its bad

If you have more than an acre, the 12-gallon capacity means too many refills. The 1.1 GPM pump and 40 PSI ceiling also limit your effective coverage speed.

This is also not the right pick if you are not comfortable with assembly. Plan on spending an afternoon and watching a tutorial video to get it together correctly.

7. NorthStar 26-Gallon Boomless ATV Sprayer – Best Boomless Design

The NorthStar 26-gallon boomless is built for people who keep breaking booms. Instead of a horizontal boom bar with multiple nozzles, this model uses a boomless nozzle that throws a 14-foot wide broadcast pattern from a single mounting point.

I have not personally broken a boom yet, but I have friends who have bent two in a single season on fence posts and tree branches. The boomless design eliminates that failure point entirely.

You still get the same commercial-grade 2.2 GPM pump found on the boom models. Viton valves and a Santoprene diaphragm handle aggressive chemicals without degrading.

The adjustable pressure regulator lets you dial in your spray pattern. The included pressure gauge is a nice touch that most competitors omit at this price.

The 26-gallon tank sits between the 21 and 31 gallon NorthStar models. It is a good middle ground for properties in the 2-acre range.

Assembly complaints are familiar if you have read the other NorthStar reviews. No printed instructions, drain plug that needs Teflon tape, and occasional wire harness issues straight from the factory.

For whom its good

This is the best boomless tow behind sprayer for wooded properties, pastures with scattered trees, or any terrain where a traditional boom would get snagged. The 14-foot broadcast width is wider than most boomless competitors.

It is also a good pick for ATV and UTV owners who want commercial pump performance without the boom maintenance headaches.

For whom its bad

If you need precise edge spraying along driveways or garden beds, boomless nozzles throw a less controlled pattern than a multi-nozzle boom. You will overspray edges more than you would with a traditional boom setup.

The 14-foot width is also narrower than the 120-inch booms on the other NorthStar models. On wide open lawns, you will spend more time covering the same ground.

8. Brinly ST-152BH-A 15-Gallon Self-Storing Sprayer – Best for Storage

The Brinly ST-152BH-A solves the storage problem that plagues most tow behind sprayers. The self-storing vertical design collapses down to a 19-by-24-inch footprint, which fits in a corner of most garages or sheds.

The collapsible breakaway booms fold up alongside the tank for storage and swing away from obstacles when deployed. The translucent tank lets you see chemical levels at a glance.

The 1 GPM pump at 40 PSI is on the lighter side compared to NorthStar models. For residential lawns up to an acre, it provides adequate coverage without the premium pump cost.

The dual filtration system reduces clogs. Airless tires mean no flats, which matters on properties with thorns or construction debris.

Brinly includes a 2-year warranty, which is longer than most competitors in this category. The included chemical calculation instructions are also genuinely helpful for first-time sprayer owners.

For whom its good

This is the best tow behind sprayer for owners with tight storage. If your garage is already full of mowers, bikes, and tools, the self-storing design earns its keep.

It is also a solid pick for first-time sprayer buyers who want clear chemical calculation guidance and a longer-than-average warranty.

For whom its bad

If you have rough terrain or hit obstacles regularly, the e-clips on the axles are a known failure point. Several owners report them falling off and needing replacement with heavier-duty clips.

The pre-cut hose lengths also limit your mounting options. If the hoses do not fit your tractor or ATV setup the way Brinly intended, you cannot easily lengthen them.

9. Master Manufacturing 25-Gallon Deluxe Sprayer – Best Spot Spray Reach

The Master Manufacturing 25-gallon is the spot-spray specialist on this list. The 25-foot vertical and 30-foot horizontal spot spray reach is among the best you will find on any tow behind unit.

The 2.2 GPM Everflo diaphragm pump delivers more flow than the 1 GPM units on the Chapin and Ironton models. The pressure regulating system lets you tune output for different chemical types.

The wide wheelbase is a real advantage on slopes and uneven ground. Owners report the unit stays planted even on sidehill terrain where narrower sprayers tip.

The 7-foot broadcast swath is narrower than the NorthStar boom coverage, but the spot spray reach more than makes up for it if your work is focused on fence lines, tree rows, and ditch banks.

Durability is the main concern. Multiple owners report hoses slipping off during use and the unit stopping work after limited service. The 3.9-star rating reflects those quality control issues.

On the positive side, USA-based customer service gets praised for replacing parts quickly when issues arise.

For whom its good

This is the best pick if your spraying is heavy on spot work. Fenceline weed control, ditch bank treatment, and tree row spraying are exactly what the long spot reach is built for.

The wide wheelbase also makes it a good fit for sloped or uneven properties where stability is a concern.

For whom its bad

If you want wide-area broadcast coverage for open lawns or pastures, the 7-foot swath is too narrow. The NorthStar boom models cover 10 feet and cut your time per acre dramatically.

This is also not the pick if you want zero quality control risk. The mixed reviews on durability mean you should plan on occasional hose and fitting maintenance.

10. FIMCO 5303649 25-Gallon Trailer Sprayer – Premium 3-Nozzle Boom

The FIMCO 5303649 is the premium pick on this list, and it carries the highest average rating at 4.6 stars. The 2.4 GPM pump is the most powerful on this list, edging out the NorthStar 2.2 GPM units.

The 3-nozzle folding boom delivers uniform distribution across the spray width. Unlike boomless designs, the multi-nozzle boom gives you consistent edge control for clean application along driveways and garden borders.

FIMCO is one of the most recognized names in tow behind sprayers, and the build quality reflects that lineage. The wide filler inlet makes mixing chemicals easy without spilling.

The 15-foot hose is on the shorter side for spot spraying, especially if your sprayer is mounted on a trailer behind a tractor. Several owners wish it were 10 feet longer.

The boom wing assembly has a known design flaw with the spring mechanism. Swing arms sometimes arrive bent from shipping, and the spring retention design needs improvement.

For whom its good

This is the best premium pick for property owners who want a 3-nozzle boom and the most pump power on this list. The 25-gallon capacity hits the sweet spot for 1.5 to 2.5 acre properties.

It is also a strong choice if you value brand reputation and warranty coverage. The 2-year consumer warranty is longer than most competitors offer.

For whom its bad

If you want a boomless design for wooded properties, look at the NorthStar boomless model instead. The FIMCO boom is more vulnerable to impact damage.

This is also the most expensive option on this list. If budget is a concern, the NorthStar 21-gallon delivers similar performance for less money.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Tow Behind Sprayer

Choosing the right tow behind sprayer comes down to four factors: tank capacity, pump performance, boom type, and hitch compatibility. Here is how I break down each one when recommending a model.

Tank Capacity by Property Size

The general rule is 10 gallons of tank capacity per acre of property. A 15-gallon sprayer handles 1 to 1.5 acres per fill. A 25-gallon unit covers 2 to 2.5 acres. Step up to 31 gallons or more for 3-acre-plus properties.

Remember that heavier chemical mixes and lower application rates extend coverage. Lighter mixes at higher application rates reduce it. Always calibrate before assuming a tank will cover your full property.

Boom vs Boomless Sprayers

Boom sprayers use a horizontal bar with multiple nozzles for wide, even coverage. They are best for open lawns and pastures where you want maximum coverage per pass. Typical widths range from 80 to 120 inches.

Boomless sprayers use a single nozzle or nozzle cluster that throws a wide pattern without a horizontal bar. They are better for wooded properties, fence lines, and rough terrain where a boom would snag on obstacles. Coverage is typically 7 to 14 feet wide.

If you keep breaking booms, go boomless. If you have wide open ground and want speed, go boom.

Pump Performance: GPM and PSI

GPM (gallons per minute) measures flow rate. PSI (pounds per square inch) measures pressure. For residential lawns, a 1.0 GPM pump at 40 to 60 PSI handles most tasks. For larger properties or thicker chemical mixes, look for 2.2 GPM or higher at 60 to 70 PSI.

Diaphragm pumps handle wettable powders and abrasive chemicals better than centrifugal pumps. If you run a lot of powder mixes, prioritize a diaphragm pump unit like the NorthStar NSQ Series or Chapin models.

Hitch Compatibility

Most tow behind sprayers include a universal pin hitch that fits lawn tractors, garden tractors, ATVs, and UTVs. Check your vehicle’s hitch size before buying. If you have a non-standard hitch, you may need an adapter.

Also verify the power source. Almost all units on this list use a 12V DC pump that connects to your vehicle battery with alligator clamps. Some models include a cigarette lighter adapter, but most do not.

Calibration Quick Guide

Calibration is the most overlooked step. Here is a quick method. Fill the tank with clean water. Measure a 100-square-foot test area. Spray the area at your normal speed and nozzle setting. Measure how much water you used. Multiply by 435.6 to get gallons per acre. Adjust your speed or nozzle until you hit your target application rate.

Always calibrate with clean water before adding chemicals. This prevents waste and ensures even coverage across your property.

FAQs

Conclusion

After testing and researching the best tow behind sprayers on the market, the NorthStar 31-gallon remains my top overall pick for property owners with 2-plus acres. The NSQ Series pump, breakaway boom, and dual-mode spraying make it the most capable unit on this list.

For ATV and UTV owners, the Chapin 97154 delivers the best value with reliable performance and excellent customer support. Budget buyers should look at the Ironton 13-gallon for basic residential weed control.

Whatever you choose, calibrate before your first real spray run, tighten every hose clamp before first use, and winterize the pump and wand before freezing temperatures arrive. A few minutes of prep will add years to any of these units in 2026.