Snowmobile Transport and Storage: Racks, Ramps and Doing it Right:
Many sleds get damaged during transport to the trail rather than from actual riding. Here's the equipment you need to get your sled to the riding area, and through the off season, without scratched tunnels, bent skis and other damage.
How do I haul a snowmobile in a truck?
A sled deck is the answer for many. It raises the sled above the box, lets you haul more than one machine, and pairs well with a ramp for loading. It also protects the tailgate, which won't get chipped by road debris or damaged by a track resting on it.
The trade-off is the loading itself. Riding up a steep incline with little room for error puts some people off, so a quality ramp matters here. Whatever you haul on, every sled should be tied down at four points to be secure on the road. Shop tie downs.
What's the safest way to load a sled?
Slow and straight. Line up the ramp and commit with smooth, steady throttle. A ramp with a grippy surface for the track to hook up on really helps.
The Superclamp Superglides are a worthwhile investment. They protect your ramp, deck and trailer, give the track far more grip, and give the carbides something to glide on. Ideally you've had a few practice runs before meeting the crew at the trailhead at -20 at dawn. Saves some embarrassment.
How should I store my snowmobile between rides?
Under a cover, out of direct sunlight and out of the snow. A heated garage is ideal so all the ice melts off, but if that isn't an option, covered at home and on the highway is the best bet.
Highway salt does damage to every machine, so a quick rinse before any kind of storage is always a good idea. Shop snowmobile protective covers.
What about off-season storage?
Five things before it sits for the summer: fuel stabilizer, fresh chaincase oil, the track blocked off the ground, the battery on a maintainer, and grease everywhere.
Fuel stabilizer
Run it through, or drain the fuel tank, per your owner's manual instructions.
Chaincase oil changed
Storing with fresh oil is much better than storing with old contaminated oil.
Track blocked off the ground
Keeps flat spots from setting into the track over the summer.
Battery out and on a maintainer
Pull it, put it on a maintainer, and it'll still be good in the fall.
Grease everything
Cheap and easy maintenance, and the last thing you'll want to do in October.
Deck, ramp or trailer? Which one to choose
Depends on a few things: cost, how many sleds you're hauling, and how often you make it out.
Sled deck
Great for weekend warriors with one or two machines. The truck can still be driven with the deck attached, so all you have to do is load up and go.
Trailer
You need somewhere to store it, and it usually costs more — enclosed trailers more so. The payoff is full protection for the sled plus secure storage for fuel cans and maintenance items. Some people run a full tool chest and spare parts, so few inconveniences can ruin their weekend in the mountains.
Get set up before the season
Ramps, tie downs and storage supplies are available at shopriverside.ca with free Canada-wide shipping on orders over $100. Riverside Motosports in St. Albert can help spec out the bigger transportation decisions in person.
Shop transport and storageRiverside Motosports
15 Inglewood Dr #1
St. Albert, AB T8N 5E2
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