The most common way to move a snowmobile is by using a trailer. It is easier and convenient for people who have cars and SUVs.
Previously I have written an article on how to load a snowmobile in a truck bed. Now it is the turn of the trailer. I have explained each step and every piece of equipment that you will need.
So, here is how to load your snowmobile on a trailer.
- Park your vehicle and the trailer in a spacious area.
- Prepare the ramp for loading.
- Prepare the trailer.
- Place and secure the ramp.
- Ride the snowmobile on the trailer.
- Secure the snowmobile with a cover, tie-down bar, and straps.
Park your vehicle and the trailer in a spacious area
Park your car/SUV/truck in a spacious area and connect the trailer with it. Doing this will give you more stability while loading your snowmobile. Make sure the trailer is connected securely.
It is important to perform the loading process in a spacious area because it gives easy access to everything. In an open place, you have a complete vision and freedom. You can move the vehicle and the trailer according to your needs.
If the trailer and the vehicle are not aligned properly, the trailer might move a little during the loading of the snowmobile. It can be dangerous both for your car and your snowmobile.
Prepare the ramp for loading
Now you will need a ramp that does not damage the snowmobile or any of its parts.
Black Ice 60×54 is the perfect ramp for the job. It features ski glides, stud protectors, and an extension ladder. All of these things are important and needed for loading your snowmobile.
If you already have a ramp but that does not have any ski glides or stud protectors. Then you can add these yourself.
Caliber LowPro glides are the best ski glides that I have ever used. Use them to cover the side panels of the ramp where the skis will glide.
Here is a short video by PowerModz that shows how to attach the glides with the ramp.
Then you will need stud protectors. Even if your snowmobile’s track is not studded, you should use stud protectors because they improve traction while loading.
I recommend Caliber Ramp Grips for any ramp. They are easy to install and work well.
The last thing is an extension ladder. Many people argue that you do not need an extension/traction ladder for trailer loading. But I think it is necessary, and here is why.
If the ground is wet or uneven, then a traction ladder prevents the snowmobile from slippage.
You might be able to successfully load your snowmobile on the trailer without a traction ladder, but it is better not to take a risk that can cause heavy damage.
I recommend the Caliber Extension Ladder because it is compatible with almost all the ramps and works well.
With all these three things attached to the ramp, the ramp is ready for loading your snowmobile.
Prepare the trailer
The ski carbides and the studs on the track will make grooves on the trailer. And the studs on the snowmobile track can also get bent or damaged.
To protect both the trailer and the snowmobile, you need to do two things.
First, install the ski glides on the sides of the trailer. I recommend Caliber Multi Glides. Here you must know how much distance there is between the skis of your snowmobile. Then install the ski glides according to the distance between the skis so that the ski carbides will slide on the ski glides only.
To protect the studs on the track of your snowmobile, you will need a track mat. Here I recommend Caliber Traxmat for the job. It comes with the hardware required to install it.
Once you have installed these, you are ready to load your snowmobile on the trailer.
Place and secure the ramp
Now, place the ramp in the position, which should be at the backside of the trailer. The head plates/fingers of the ramp should be connected to the trailer.
To secure the ramp, use straps to tie it and connect with the trailer. Make sure the ramp is secured with the trailer.
Some ramps have edge glides at the bottom end (from where the skis start to incline upwards). They help a lot while loading.
If your ramp does not have any edge glides, then I recommend you must install them. Caliber Edge Glides are the best that I recommend using.
Ride your snowmobile on the trailer
It is the most critical part. You have to do it carefully and calmly.
Place your snowmobile after the ramp and align the skis with the side panels of the snowmobile. The traction ladder must be open and aligned straight with the track of the snowmobile.
Now start your snowmobile and ride it on the trailer.
You have to do it in one shot. You have to rev it a little harder as you have to climb the ramp. The snowmobile must not stop during the loading process.
harder
Note that you must not rev it too hard because you have to stop the snowmobile as soon as it reaches the trailer.
Once the snowmobile is on the trailer, you can remove the straps of the ramp and remove the ramp. If the ramp is foldable, you can fold and store it.
Secure the snowmobile with a cover and straps
First, you need a trailerable cover to cover your snowmobile and protect it from environmental conditions. A snowmobile cover made for indoor use will not work here. It is because there will be strong winds that will put stress on the seams of the cover.
If you do not have a trailerable snowmobile cover, check out my article on the best snowmobile covers and find the best one for you.
Put the cover on your snowmobile, and make sure its hem and straps are secure with the snowmobile.
Then use straps or ropes to secure the snowmobile with the trailer.
Most of the trailers are open so, you must use a ski tie-down bar. I recommend the Raider Tie Down Bar because it is compatible with almost every snowmobile and works well.
Once your snowmobile is secured on the trailer, you are all set to go.
How to protect your snowmobile when open trailering?
You can use trailer shields to protect your snowmobile while traveling, from any solid objects that might hit your snowmobile, for example, small stones or a bear can.
I have found two shields that are great at the job. First is the Caliber Poly shield. It is fixed and makes your trailer aerodynamic for improved gas mileage.
You can also use a Caliber V-Front Ramp shield, which significantly improves gas mileage. It can also be used to unload your snowmobile only if the width of your snowmobile is less than the width of the ramp shield.
It also comes with Caliber LowPro grip glides that you can install on the top of your trailer.
It can not be used to load your snowmobile. Do not even try because it can cause damage to your snowmobile.
In the end…
To load your snowmobile on a trailer, you need to park your car/SUV/truck in a spacious area. Then connect the trailer with the vehicle and make sure they are aligned in a straight line.
Grab your ramp. If it is pre-equipped with ski glides and stud protectors, you can use it as it is. Otherwise, you need to install these things yourself. I also recommend using an extension ladder because it improves traction.
You also need to install ski glides and a track mat on the trailer to protect the studs and the ski carbides.
Once the ramp is prepared, place and secure it with the trailer using straps.
Then align your snowmobile with the ramp and ride it straight on the trailer. Do not go too soft because you have to do it in one go, and do not go too hard because you have to stop it once it is on the trailer.
Use a trailerable cover to cover your snowmobile and make sure it is secure. Then secure the snowmobile with straps and a ski tie-down bar.
Once your snowmobile is secured on the trailer, you are all set to go.
Sources:
Trailer Protection