Snowmobile Tow Strap Uses and Safety: A Comprehensive Guide

When you transport your snowmobile on a trailer, keeping it safe and properly secured is important. Whether you’re trailering your snowmobile for a weekend ride or transporting it across state lines, securing your sled properly is a non-negotiable part of the journey. When safety, stability, and protection are top priorities, you need more than just any strap. Properly securing your snowmobile on a travel trailer is super important for safe transportation. By following these step-by-step directions and using good tie-downs, you can be confident that your snowmobile will stay put during the trip. Remember, using reliable tie-downs is like investing in a worry-free and fun trip to your next snowmobiling spot.

A snowmobile is a serious machine. With powerful engines and sleek designs, they can weigh anywhere from 400 to over 600 pounds. On a trailer, that weight turns into force. Not every tie-down is created equal. The best snowmobile strap offers a smart combination of strength, protection, convenience, and reliability.

Here's what you need to know about snowmobile tow straps, their uses, and how to ensure safety during towing and trailering.

Choosing the Right Trailer

Make sure to choose the right trailer for your needs. Use the Caliber® Trailer Configurator or view the full line of Polaris Trailers for more information. Compare the weight of your snowmobile, accessories, and gear with the load rating of the trailer. Make sure the trailer deck is large enough for your snowmobile. When choosing the correct trailer, it is important to consider the Gross Trailer Weight, which can be found on the trailer's Vehicle Identification Number label. The weight of the trailer and your snowmobile cannot exceed the Gross Trailer Weight.

Your Polaris Dealer or trailer retailer can help you find a trailer with the number of axles, style of ramp and other features that best suit you and your vehicle. Ensure your trailer and tie down straps are properly rated for your sled weight.

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There are 2 snowmobile capacity tilt-bed trailers, 2, 4 or higher capacity flat bed open trailers, and 2, 4, or higher capacity enclosed trailers. The tilt-bed trailers may be equipped with a winch system to assist with the loading of your snowmobile.

Open flat bed trailers will come equipped with folding or self-storing ramps that allow snowmobiles to be driven on the trailer from the rear for loading, and off the trailer in the front for unloading. Enclosed trailers will typically have doors in the front and rear that fold down to serve as loading and unloading ramps. Be sure you have all the proper equipment to attach the trailer to your vehicle, including safety chains, the proper size hitch ball, and the proper electrical connections to ensure you have lights that are in working condition.

Check the weight limit of your trailer, the amount of required tire pressure, and your vehicle's towing capacity before you start. BEFORE loading the snowmobile, always double check to ensure that the trailer is properly secured to your vehicle's hitch. This will prevent the trailer from popping off the hitch when the snowmobile is driven onto the trailer bed, particularly with 2-place trailers. Use ratcheting tie-down straps to secure your snowmobile; and avoid using rope or rubber bungie cords since they can easily fray or break.

After securing the snowmobile, check to be certain the trailer's brakes (if the trailer is equipped with brakes), turn indicator, and clearance lights all work properly. After the re-check, always cover your snowmobile, if on an open trailer, to protect it while towing.

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Weight Distribution

When trailering your snowmobile, make sure there is proper weight distribution. Generally speaking, 60 percent of the cargo weight should be loaded in the front half of the trailer, and the snowmobile should be centered left to right. About 60 percent of the weight should be forward of the trailer axle, which places more weight on the 'tongue' of the trailer.

Loading and Unloading Procedures

Tilt-Bed Trailer

• Have someone assist you when loading a 2-capacity tilt-bed trailer to ensure the bed stays tilted up for the loading operation.
• To load the snowmobile onto the trailer, drive the machine at a slow speed about halfway up the tilted bed. Then have the assistant pull forward on the front of the skis while also pushing down on the trailer bed.
• If the trailer is equipped with a winch, fasten it to the snowmobile and use it to winch the snowmobile forward. If the trailer does not have a winch, you may need to get off your snowmobile and help your assistant pull the snowmobile toward the front of the trailer.
• Once the snowmobile is pulled forward, secure the tilt bed down with fastening pins, set the brake on the snowmobile, and then use the trailer's tie-downs to secure the snowmobile to the trailer.
• The tilt bed trailer will either come equipped with a rod or a bar to secure the snowmobile to the trailer. A rod will go across the skis and is held in place at the outside end by a snap pin. A bar will go across the skis and be screwed into the trailer's deck at a preset receptacle at the center of the snowmobile trailer bed. Also, secure the rear of the snowmobile with a ratchet-type tie down strap.
• If there is a second snowmobile to load onto the tilt-bed trailer, remove the tilt pin, tilt the trailer bed back down, repeat the loading process and then re-secure the tilt pin. If there are two drivers and at least one other person to assist, two snowmobiles may sometimes be loaded simultaneously.
• Always use extreme caution when loading onto a tilt-bed trailer. Many accidents have resulted from driving too fast onto the trailer bed, which can cause the snowmobile to go up and over the trailer and into the back of the tow vehicle.
• After loading and securing the snowmobile, make sure the trailer bed is tightly latched. Check your load often to ensure the snowmobiles remain securely fastened on the trailer.
• When unloading a tilt-bed trailer, remove the tie-downs, release the snowmobile's brake, and ease the machine backwards off the trailer. If the snowmobile has a reverse, start the machine and very slowly back the snowmobile off the trailer.

Flat-Bed Trailer

• When loading a flat-bed trailer, remove the self-storing ramp and place it securely in the groove or channel on the side for which you will load the snowmobile. If the trailer has fold down ramps, remove the security pin and fold the ramp down so it is in place for loading.
• Double check the ramp to be sure it is secure, drive the snowmobile at a moderate speed up the ramp, letting off the throttle as the skis reach the trailer bed at the top of the ramp. Slowly drive the snowmobile forward until it is over the location where it will be secured and set the brake.
• The flat-bed trailer will come equipped with either a rod or a bar to secure the snowmobile to the trailer. A rod will go across the skis and is held in place at the outside end by a snap pin. A bar will go across the skis and be screwed into the trailer's deck at a preset receptacle at the center of the snowmobile trailer bed. Also secure the rear of the snowmobile with a ratchet-type tie-down strap.
• Move the self-storing ramp to the other side of the trailer and repeat the loading process if there is more than one snowmobile. When you have finished loading the snowmobiles, replace the self-storing or fold up ramps and secure with the safety pin(s).
• When unloading a flat-bed trailer, be certain the tow vehicle is turned at an angle away from the ramp to allow room for the ramp and snowmobile to exit safely. Place the self-storing ramp at the front of the trailer, or fold down the folding ramp. Remove the tie-downs, release the snowmobile's brake, and drive the machine slowly off the trailer and down the ramp, using caution to stay clear of the tow vehicle.

Enclosed Trailer

• When loading an enclosed trailer, fold down the rear door, which will serve as the full-width ramp, and follow the same process as for loading a flat-bed trailer. Once the snowmobile is in place, set the brake and then secure it with tie-downs.
• Some trailers have a tie-down bar that is placed across the skis and screwed in by the fastening bolt into the receptacle in the trailer's floor. Other models have D-rings in the trailer floor to which ratcheting tie-down straps are fastened to secure the snowmobile down in the front and rear. When you have finished loading the enclosed trailer, fold the door up and secure.
• When unloading an enclosed trailer, be certain the tow vehicle is turned at an angle away from the front door to allow ample room for the ramp. Fold down the front door, remove the tie-downs, release the snowmobile's brake, and drive the machine slowly out of the trailer and down the ramp, using caution to stay clear of the tow vehicle. When finished, fold the door up and secure.

Securing Your Snowmobile

Securely put the wedges on the trailer floor, so they’re touching the snowmobile’s skis. Connect one end of each strap to the soft loops on the handlebars. Put the straps through the right spots on the trailer meant for tie-downs. Gradually tighten the straps using the ratchet.

Beginning at the front, place the ski clamp (part number 2882961) over both skis and align the deck hook with the trailer channel. When trailering your snowmobile, make sure there is proper weight distribution.

Here are some tips for choosing the best snowmobile strap:

1. This material is superior for hauling because it resists stretch, wear, moisture, and UV rays.
2. Soft-Tyes allow you to loop around handlebars, A-arms, or frames without metal hooks touching your sled. This protects paint, plastics, and sensitive suspension components.
3. Vinyl-coated hooks or latch hooks are ideal.
4. Ratchet straps give you control over tension and let you cinch things down tight. Retractable straps offer quick setup and clean storage.
5. Craftsmanship matters. PowerTye straps are built in Anaheim, California with tested strength ratings and precise stitching.

How to use your snowmobile straps correctly:

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1. Make sure your trailer is level and clean. Check for strong, reliable anchor points. Load the snowmobile so it’s centered over the axles and balanced from front to back.
2. Loop Soft-Tyes around secure parts of the sled frame. Connect your hooks to the Soft-Tyes on one end and the trailer anchors on the other.
3. Using the ratchet or retractable handle, tighten the strap evenly. Repeat this for all straps.
4. Give the snowmobile a strong shake. If it wobbles or shifts, retighten or reposition the straps.

Keep straps dry and out of the sun. When not in use, store your straps in a bag and keep them away from snowmelt, ice, or UV rays. No strap lasts forever. If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution.

Towing a Disabled Snowmobile

If your snowmobile becomes inoperable and must be towed, and it isn’t possible to use a rigid tow bar, attach the tow rope to the ski spindles - not the ski loops - to prevent damage to the steering components. Do not use the front bumper to pull or drag the snowmobile.

Note: Towing a disabled snowmobile with the drive belt in place can result in serious damage to the engine and drive system. If your snowmobile is disabled and being towed, make sure to place the transmission in neutral.

Using Your Snowmobile to Tow

Only tow with snowmobiles designed for it. Not all Polaris snowmobiles are designed to tow. Consult your Owner’s Manual to learn more about your particular vehicle. When towing with an appropriate Polaris snowmobile, know that objects towed with a rope have no braking power and easily can collide with the rear of the snowmobile or other objects. This could result in serious injury or death.

Do not tow toboggans, sleds, saucers or any type of vehicle with a rope. Only a stiff metal pole connecting the towed object and the tow hitch on the snowmobile should be used. If passengers are to be towed on a toboggan or sled, make sure the pole is at least 4 feet (1.2 meters) long to prevent any possibility of contact between the snowmobile’s track and a person riding in the towed object.

Braking distance increases when towing loads. Whenever towing, place the transmission in low gear. Towing in high gear can result in belt damage. Towing improperly can alter vehicle handling and cause loss of control. Always reduce speed and allow greater distance for braking and turning when towing. When operating in low gear, never exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).

Safety Guidelines for Using Straps

If you must use a strap instead of a winch, follow these guidelines.

• NEVER use a strap that is frayed or worn. This increases the likelihood that the strap will break.
• NEVER use a strap that is rated for less than five times the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of the stuck vehicle. A vehicle with a GVW of 4,000 pounds needs a strap with a minimum capacity of 20,000 pounds.
• NEVER tug another vehicle with a chain, cable, or winch. Tugging a stuck vehicle can increase the shock load significantly, resulting in an extremely dangerous situation.
• NEVER use tow ropes, tow straps, emergency tow ropes, etc. These are designed for flat-road towing, not for the rigors of pulling out a stuck vehicle. Use only recovery straps that have sewn loop ends.

• NEVER use straps with metal fittings.
• NEVER use recovery straps in combination with cables, chains, or other devices.
• NEVER wrap a strap around any sharp objects that can damage or cut a strap.
• Do not use a strap that has been exposed to sunlight or ultraviolet light unless it has been inspected by a qualified person. Loss of color in the strap may indicate a loss of strength.

Ski Wheels for Transporting Your Snowmobile

One way to make transporting your snowmobile easier is by using ski wheels.

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