Towing A Snowmobile: Here Is What You Should Know
Towing a snowmobile is necessary if you want to get it to a recreational area unless you have access to a network of trails through your back yard. Even if you do have a nearby area to ride, if your snowmobile ever breaks down, you’ll need to know how to tow it home for repairs.
Starting with towing equipment and trailers, it is vital to know which products are the best fit for your snowmobile so your ride can stay safe during transport this winter.
What Type of Trailer Should You Use?
Three basic types of trailers are commonly used for towing a snowmobile: tilt-bed and open or closed flatbeds. Tilt-bed trailers tilt the bed toward the ground so snowmobiles can be driven up the ramp.
Standard flatbed trailers also can be used, as long as they have a loading ramp. You can purchase flatbed trailers that are either enclosed or open, depending on the towing capacity of your vehicle and the space your cargo requires.
Loading onto a Trailer
Whether you are loading onto a flatbed or tilt-bed trailer, it is best to have another adult help you with the process. Tilt-bed trailers are especially dangerous, as an inexperienced driver may direct the snowmobile up the ramp too fast and cause the trailer to tilt forward quickly, damaging the snowmobile and/or the tow vehicle, and probably causing injury to the driver.
Most snowmobile trailers come with a rod to hold the skis in place once the vehicle is loaded, or at least are equipped with rings bolted into the floor where ratchet straps and tie-downs can be attached to secure the snowmobile. Follow manufacturer instructions for safe, comprehensive loading and securing before you begin towing a snowmobile on a trailer.
Remote Breakdowns: What Should You Do?
Imagine you’re out riding and suddenly your engine sputters to a stop. You have no idea what is wrong and no way to fix it on a snowy hillside. If you are with a friend who also has a snowmobile, you may be able to tow it back to your trailer.
Never use a rope to tow a snowmobile with another snowmobile. This does not allow the driver to control the direction of the towed vehicle. You need a solid tow bar to do the job. It’s also never a good idea to ride on a disabled snowmobile while it is being towed by another. You could fall off or get hit with flying chunks of ice.
Be careful when crossing the road if you are towing a snowmobile with another, and maintain low speeds at all times.
Talk to Stauffer’s Towing and find out more from the experts about the details involved with towing a snowmobile — our team is more than happy to help by providing information to maximize your safety.
