If you just purchased your first snowmobile or are deciding whether or not to buy one, you need to know how to transport it. With enclosed, drive-on/off and hybrid models available, you can travel over all kinds of terrain while keeping your snowmobile shielded from salt, gravel and unwanted access. You can transport your snowmobile from one location to another in several ways.
Some methods work better than others depending on factors like your budget and available time. Several types of trailers are available that can haul just one or several snowmobiles. While open, closed and hybrid options are designed for these off-road vehicles, you still need to know how to properly secure your snowmobile on the trailer.
Most snowmobile trailers are constructed from durable materials like aluminum to withstand harsh weather conditions during transport. Choosing an open tilt deck trailer constructed entirely out of aluminum will allow you to lighten your load and haul with greater ease. An open tilt deck trailer makes it easier than ever to transport your snowmobile to and from the slopes.
Designed by leading manufacturers like CargoPro and SnoPro, these trailers are specially designed to enhance your winter adventures. Many feature front, rear and side doors for easy access and loading. As one of the top full-service trailer providers in the nation, our team is here to help you find the right trailer for your specific needs.
Our snowmobile trailers are available from leading manufacturers in various sizes and customization options. We have what you’re looking for and can help you transport your equipment faster, safer and easier this season. Are you ready to get started? Browse our inventory of snowmobile trailers or contact us online with any questions.
Read also: G-Force One: First Impressions
Understanding Trailer Types and Features
There are several types out there. We prefer the open-tilt bed because, well, it tilts for easy loading and unloading. And that way we don’t have to mess with ramps. For instance, some people use the covered tilt bed trailer. Other common types include the V-Nose, which lets you load from the back, unload from the front. The covered non-tilt and the basic non-tilt.
Many feature front, rear and side doors for easy access and loading. I am toying with the idea of getting a Featherlight 7x14 cargo trailer with a small v-nose and only a rear ramp door. Although, I recommend getting at least a 7x16. You can just drive them in the back and back them out.
Get one with a ramp door in the V-nose. My 7x14 + 5' V nose works great for 2 sleds. We are going to go with a Triton TC128 (they call it a hybrid but it is like a clamshell sort of except with a ramp door). Plus the ramp needs to be designed to handle a snowmobile. Boards from the lumber yard won’t cut it.
Several snowmobile specific trailers tend to move the axles slightly further back to account for the extra weight, but not cargo trailers.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST SNOWMOBILE TRAILER? TYPE.
Read also: Register Your Snowmobile in IL
Key Considerations for Selecting a Snowmobile Trailer
Several factors will influence what size snowmobile trailer is best for your specific models. Whether you are interested in an open, closed or hybrid trailer, you must pay close attention to the maximum trailer capacity weight.
- Axle rating: The axle rating determines the maximum amount a trailer’s axle or pair of axles can support. This rating includes the trailer’s weight and the cargo being hauled.
- Tongue weight: This is the weight your trailer exerts on the hitch.
If you are ready to start planning your next winter adventure, make sure you have the right snowmobile trailer to get you there.
Important Trailer Metrics:
| Metric | Description |
|---|---|
| Axle Rating | Maximum weight an axle can support, including trailer and cargo. |
| Tongue Weight | Weight the trailer exerts on the hitch. |
Safe Loading Procedures
Rob: All right. So with all the potentially dangerous riding conditions that we face with these snowmobiles, you’d think that one of the safest things we could do is load them up, right? Well, that’s why it’s ironic that so many accidents actually occur loading, unloading, and transporting these snowmobiles. But not us.
Haley: Our ball and hitch system-that’s the trailer and its load and our hitch latch-is locked and secured. And our safety chains are in an X pattern. And, of course, our tires, lights, and reflectors are up to snuff.
Read also: Snowmobile Tunnel Bag Comparison
Rob: All right, it looks like we’re ready to load. Now unless you have a winch, this is actually a two-person operation.
Haley: We always load in a flat, open area that’s clear of traffic. And of course, we cleared our trailer of any gear. And I’m going to stand on the side, opposite where Rob’s coming up, so he doesn’t run over my foot. Wear your helmet while loading, just in case something goes wrong. Make sure you have enough distance from the trailer to get some momentum, and stay seated for safety. OK. I’m ready. Nice, steady momentum is the secret here, not speed.
Once the ski’s engaged the bed, I step back and ta-da. Once we’re stopped, we hit the kill switch, apply the parking brake, and remove the key.
Rob: All right, one down, one to go. Loading the second one is essentially the same deal. Keep the momentum nice and easy. Hit the kill switch, apply the parking brake, and remove the key. All right. Now let’s ratchet strap these babies down, so we can hit the road.
Securing Your Snowmobile
Move the machine so you have about 2/3 of their weight ahead of the trailer wheels. I think for tongue weight reasons the track of one needs to go into the V and both engines need to face the rear and be over the two axles. So that would mean backing them in up the ramp or winching them in. It'll be tight, but they should fit.
Ratcheting down the back until you compress the rear suspension to prevent bouncing or shifting. Don’t use rope or rubber straps. Stick with quality ratchet straps that have metal hooks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Haley: There are also a few common-sense things to avoid that can seem innocent. Using ramps on a tilt bed trailer is a no-no. The trailer isn’t designed for that, and you can damage the tilt system. Another issue is running the machine inside a closed trailer with the door shut. That can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. So keep the doors open. And what’s really crazy is trying to load from a snow bank or drift.
Unloading Procedures
Haley: All right.
Rob: All right. So unloading is basically the reverse of loading, with one exception that we’ll point out. It is a two-person job. First, remove the covers. Unhook ratchet straps, and remove the ski hold-down bar. Now here’s the part that’s different. Using two people, we pull the snowmobile backward and down off the trailer. If you are by yourself, or with a rider that can’t help pull off the sled, carefully back the sled off the trailer using the engine. But don’t use too much throttle. The same basic rules apply for unloading other trailers.
Haley: Here we are, where the road ends and the trail begins. See?
tags: #snowmobile #trailer #loading #diagram