SLEDsmart! USA Knowledge Base
Module 04 - Rider Skills
TOWING ANOTHER SLED
Towing a broken-down sled behind yours will require extreme caution. Accidents, injuries and damage to one or both machines can occur if you don't know what you're doing. Here’s how it’s done:
STEP 1
Before you begin towing, remove the drive belt from the machine you’re towing.
STEP 2
Attach reflectors and/or flags to the sides and back of BOTH machines to warn others that you are towing and to keep clear.
STEP 3
Don't use rope or chain to tow the snowmobile. Use a tow bar designed for towing to ensure the machine being towed follows the same path as the towing machine and doesn’t swing from side-to-side.
STEP 4
Have any passengers exit the machine being towed. If the sled being towed were to get out of control, it would be easy for someone to get injured or worse. There may also be debris and ice from the towing machine which can strike anyone riding behind it.
Don't have a tow bar? Here's what to do:
STEP 1
Tie the left ski of the broken down sled tight against the hitch of the towing machine or to the right side of the back of the machine. This will prevent the machine from wandering into oncoming traffic on the trail.
STEP 2
Have a buddy ride on the broken down machine to steer it and control the brakes.
They must keep their feet on the running boards and be seated in order to keep the machine stable and under control.
STEP 3
Make sure the rear snow flap of the towing machine is working properly to avoid debris and ice being tossed at your buddy riding on the towed machine.
STEP 4
If you'll need to cross a road, ask your buddy to get off the towed machine and walk across the road when it’s safe to cross.