SLEDsmart! USA Knowledge Base

Module 03 - Servicing & Transporting Your Sled

GENERAL SNOWMOBILE TRAILERING TIPS

  • Enclosed trailers will be equipped with doors in the front and back which fold down to serve as both loading and unloading ramps.
  • Check the trailer’s wheel bearings for lubrication and check the lug nuts to be sure they're secure and that none are missing.
  • Always carry a spare trailer tire.
  • Avoid using rubber or ropes when securing your snowmobiles to the trailer. Both of these materials can fray easily and can break. Your best bet is to use strong, high-quality, ratchet straps.
  • Once the snowmobile has been secured to the trailer, double check to ensure that all trailer brake lights, turn indicators and clearance lights are functional.
  • Always cover your snowmobile if you're using an open trailer to protect it from the elements and any flying debri

RIDER SAFETY TIP: TRUCK BED TRANSPORTATION

Can’t I just load my sled into the bed of my truck?

Well...sure you can, riders do this all the time - but it requires skill and a buddy to help you out. Loading your machine into the truck bed is more difficult to do safely than loading it into a trailer because the ramp angle of a truck bed is much steeper than a trailer and if the truck bed isn’t big enough, the tailgate won’t close properly. Also, if you’re moving too quickly up the ramp, you could smash your skis into the back of the truck cab. There’s lots of room for error here. Our honest advice? Use a trailer.

 

ROAD HANDLING WITH A SNOWMOBILE TRAILER

Driving a truck on winter roads requires care and caution and when you’re pulling a trailer with the weight of a sled or ATV behind your truck, you’ll need to use EXTRA caution. Winter roads can be icy and dangerous and the heavy load will make the towing vehicle less responsive. Slow down, take wide turns, brake sooner than you would normally and leave ample space between your vehicle and the vehicle you’re following.

 

RIDER SAFETY TIP: HOW’S YOUR TRAILER LOOKING?

Just like you’ve carefully checked your sled for damage and wear, you should also check your trailer before taking it on the road. Look at tires, the electrical hook-ups, the lights and the floor. Never use a trailer that looks like it’s in rough shape to transport your machine (or anything else!).

 

Campfire Collective truck icon.

LET'S WORK TOGETHER

 

Go boldly, tell your story. Campfire is building a collective of ambassadors who share a passion for the wild. If you’re an influencer, publisher or sport expert drop us a line. Let’s hook up and inspire others.

Campfire Collective high five icon.

CAMPFIRE STORIES

 

Stay in the loop. Sign up for our newsletter
to get the latest stories from around the fire.

Campfire_Collective_Black_Logo-1-1
Campfire_Collective_Small_Logo