How to tow a snowmobile – Complete Guide

If you get in an accident while snowmobiling and, unfortunately, your snowmobile becomes inoperable, your only option is to tow it.

Here is a simple guide that you can follow to learn the proper way to tow a snowmobile.

Few things to keep in mind before towing a dead snowmobile:

• You will need a tow snowmobile which should be powerful enough to pull the dead snowmobile.
• Not all snowmobiles are designed for towing. You can check the owner’s manual of the tow snowmobile to check if it can be used for towing, or you can use the hitch or not.
• You will need tow straps or strong ropes to secure the dead snowmobile with the towing snowmobile.
• It is better to use safety flags and reflectors on the dead snowmobile. 

Here is the step by step procedure to tow a snowmobile:

1- Prepare the dead snowmobile for towing:

Preparing the snowmobile for towing is not difficult, but there are a few things that you should check to avoid any damage or injuries. Here is a short checklist to ensure safety. Make sure:

• The fuel valve is off, and there is no fuel leakage.
• The fuel cap (on the fuel tank) and the oil cap (on the engine) are tight.
• The engine ignition switch is off.

Then remove the drive belt of the snowmobile, which connects the two clutches. Here is a video by Polaris Snowmobile that demonstrates how to do it quickly.

https://youtu.be/lMJs-plc6d8?t=38

2- Prepare the tow snowmobile:

The tow snowmobile must have enough power for towing. You can check the owner’s manual to know if you can use it for towing and its towing capacity.

Rule of Thumb: The tow snowmobile must be 1.2 times or higher in performance than the dead snowmobile.

For example, if you have a dead snowmobile that has a 600cc engine. Then you will need a tow snowmobile that has at least an 800cc engine or more.

Once it is confirmed that the tow snowmobile is capable of hauling the dead snowmobile, you can proceed.

3- Park both snowmobiles

Park the tow snowmobile in front of the dead snowmobile. There should be at least 6 to 8 feet distance between both snowmobiles. They should be in a straight line.

4- Attach both snowmobiles

First, you need to connect rope/straps/towbar to the dead snowmobile.

I always recommend using a tow bar over ropes or chains. So, if the tow snowmobile has to stop suddenly, the dead snowmobile won’t crash into the tow snowmobile from behind.

But, if you can not use a tow bar due to any damage or wrecking. I recommend using three-point tow straps. 

Three-point tow straps/ropes keep the dead snowmobile balanced while towing, and they have loops and latches designed for towing.

It makes them best for the job, such as this one by Extreme Max.

You need to attach one strap/rope with both the spindles of the dead snowmobile.

Usually, the straps have hooks to connect. If the straps you are using do not have hooks with latches, you can also tie the straps using knots.

Knots are more secure if you are using ropes because ropes are flexible.

Attach the strap hooks with the ski spindles. Or, if the straps do not have hooks (or you have a simple rope), you can tie them around the spindles.

Now come towards the tow snowmobile.

Now you need one more strap/rope.

Attach one end of the strap/rope to the rear bumper of the tow snowmobile. 

Some newer model snowmobiles have a weak rear bumper, so in that case, you can attach the straps to the end of the runner boards of the tow snowmobile.

If the straps have hooks, it will be easy to attach them to the rear bumper. If there are no hooks, tie the straps using double or triple knots.

Attach the other end of the strap/rope to the center of the strap/rope connected to the spindles of the dead snowmobile.

After attaching the straps to both snowmobiles, make sure all the straps are balanced. Below is an illustration I have made to demonstrate the balance.

This is how it should be and below is how it should not be.

5- Attach Safety Flag and reflectors

Attach a safety flag at the rear bumper of the dead snowmobile. A safety flag is an indicator to let the nearby riders know that it is inoperable.

If I ever need to use a safety flag, I use this one by Fly Straight Mount.

At last, attach safety reflectors at the sides and rear of the snowmobile. They also let the nearby riders know that this snowmobile is not working.

I found this reflector by Aardvark easy to use. It has velcro straps that you can attach easily to your dead snowmobile.

6- Drive

Now you are ready to go. One person is needed to ride the dead snowmobile for steering and braking.

Keep it slow and under control.

Here are few things to keep in mind while towing a snowmobile:

• Make sure that you can steer the dead snowmobile after tying the straps and ropes.
• If the track of the dead snowmobile does not spin and you are using a plastic or wooden sheet, do not cross roads or pass through a trial where there is no snow.
• Do not exceed 15 mph on the towing snowmobile. It reduces the fishtailing effect of the dead snowmobile.
• One person needs to ride the dead snowmobile for steering and braking. 
• Older snowmobiles are difficult to steer. So, if you are towing an old model snowmobile, an experienced rider should be riding the dead snowmobile.
• The person on the dead snowmobile should also wear all the safety equipment (such as helmet, gloves, bib, jacket, and proper shoes).

In the end…

Towing a snowmobile is not much rocket science. All you need to do is to follow a few simple steps. 

Here is the summary of the whole procedure for a quick look:

• Make sure the tow snowmobile has enough power for towing your dead snowmobile.
• Park the tow snowmobile in front of the dead snowmobile. 
• Remove the drive belt from the dead snowmobile.
• Turn off the fuel valve of the dead snowmobile and make sure there is no leaking fuel or oil.
• Tie one strap/rope to the ski spindles of the dead snowmobile.
• Tie another strap/rope to the rear bumper of the tow snowmobile and connect its other end to the center of the strap, which you have attached earlier to the ski spindles of the dead snowmobile.

(Three-point straps comes in handy for towing a snowmobile)

• If you are using ropes, then tie double or triple knots at each end.
• Attach a safety flag and reflectors at the sides and rear of the dead snowmobile.
• You will need one person on the tow snowmobile and another on the dead one.
• You are ready to tow. Keep it slow (around 15 mph)

It is all you need to tow an inoperable snowmobile. I hope this will help you, and feel free to ask anything in the comments.

Sources:
Proper way to tow a dead sled
Transporting or Towing Your Snowmobile
Towing