Trailer for transporting a snowmobile: which design to choose

Hi all! Winter is approaching, and therefore it will be important to talk about a trailer for transporting a snowmobile now. How many of you love this type of vehicle or have ever ridden it?

Personally, I had a chance to try it for the first time several years ago. Since then we have been riding with friends almost every season. A friend has snowmobiles. He also carries them in his car. To be more precise, in a trailer.

I’m thinking about buying myself some kind of Yamaha-type snowmobile. But for now, the primary issue will be the trailer. After all, you can’t load it into a regular flatbed trailer, and you can’t go under your own power to places where it’s possible to ride.

Transportation options

To transport a snowmobile, jet ski and ATV, the trailers for which we will talk about in the next article, special vehicles are used.

There are several options to deliver your snowmobile to your riding destination:

• purchase a ready-made new trailer;
• buy a used vehicle;
• assemble the structure with your own hands;
• contact special services that will transport your equipment;
• rent a trailer.

I have already told you in detail about the features of renting. A good option for those who need a trailer in rare situations and for a short time.

Buying used trailers online has too many pitfalls, just like used equipment in general. Therefore, I would advise you to take a new vehicle so as not to risk it.

You can argue endlessly about assembling it yourself. Some say that a homemade trailer allows you to save a lot, because the price of factory-made products is very high. But I will speak for myself. To assemble a trailer, you will need more than just drawings and dimensions. You will also have to buy all the components for assembly, go through the difficult procedure of vehicle registration and obtain an operating permit. It’s very difficult to do this with a homemade vehicle, believe me.

Special services require significant money for their services, so it’s easier to just rent a suitable trailer.

So it turns out that if you actively use a snowmobile, the best option is to buy your own trailer for this equipment. Finding them in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, cities like Perm or Volgograd is not difficult. The main thing here is to make a choice. This is exactly what the conversation will be about.

feel the difference

First of all, I would like to talk about the main differences between a snowmobile trailer and a regular one. First of all, it's a matter of size. A regular trailer often does not have enough space for a car. As a result, it rubs against the walls, which leads to damage to the paintwork, and over time, corrosion will appear in these places. Special trailers come in several types - for one or more snowmobiles. The first option has a length of about 3.5 and a width of 1.5 m, the second is the same length, but two meters wide. There must be at least a small margin left, which will allow the equipment to be securely fastened.

Unlike the classic one, this trailer is reinforced. It has a durable side and fasteners. In addition, it is possible to install the rear part with a ladder. This will allow you to quickly load and unload equipment, which cannot be done in a regular trailer. There are rings in the floor that serve for fastening straps. A properly secured snowmobile will stay in one place.

Regular trailer vs snowmobile

Many people think of using a standard trailer to haul literally everything, including a snowmobile. But in reality, you will not be able to properly transport such equipment on a short flatbed trailer.

This is due to several factors:

• they are not intended for snowmobiles;
• equipment will be scratched and broken;
• the size of the platform does not correspond to the dimensions of the snowmobile itself;
• there are no special amplifiers;
• the snowmobile may exceed the permitted load on the axle and wheels;
• there are no fastenings and safety elements to protect the transported equipment, etc.

Remember that regular trailers are absolutely not suitable for transporting snowmobiles. Attempts to remake them or adapt them for such tasks will end in failure and the need to buy not 1, but 2 new vehicles at once.

There are certain transport regulations that impose requirements on caravans. If you are going to transport snowmobiles on them, then the vehicles must:

• have a reinforced gangway;
• have the necessary strength;
• be equipped with rings for fixing equipment;
• be equipped with special mechanisms that prevent contact and friction between 2 snowmobiles;
• have the appropriate dimensions.

Some people also buy special sleds for snowmobiles to transport people. An interesting and fascinating thing, I tell you. Unforgettable feelings. But here it is important to follow the transportation rules so that during the next maneuver the sled does not skid and turn over. Safety comes first.

About technical specifications

If you come to the store to choose a light trailer for a snowmobile, a photo of which you can see in this article, then you immediately need to pay attention to some important parameters. If you plan to transport one light snowmobile, then such a characteristic as strength can be relegated to the background. But this cannot be done if you are going to transport two cars on one trailer at once. Look at the data sheet or consult a specialist. Once you know the maximum weight that the trailer can support, make your decision. In addition, you will need at least a small supply here.

Closed or open

If we do not take into account all the technical features, then these types of trailed vehicles are divided into 2 large categories:

• open;
• closed.

For reasons of economy, many people immediately buy the open version, since it is cheaper. But after a while, they realize their mistake, start making their own trailer cover and spend extra money.

I will give several arguments in favor of closed models:

• protection against temperature changes;
• the snowmobile is protected from snow and rain;
• provide better safety of equipment;
• equipped with special belts and rings for fixation, etc.

Yes, such trailers will cost more. But judge for yourself. When it rains or snows, you will still have to cover the equipment with a tarp, film or some other material.

You can do this. If you rarely ride snowmobiles and transport them over short distances, then the option of an open, inexpensive trailer will do just fine. But if you have expensive equipment, the safety and security of which you care about, do not skimp and buy a good closed trailer for your snowmobile.

A couple of important details

Separately, a few words need to be said about the quality of the slings and rings. Some models, in particular Chinese ones, which have an outrageously low price, have the same build quality. So, such equipment can be equipped with extremely unreliable rings for fastenings. They can be made of low-quality plastic alloy. If it is iron, then it will not be galvanized, which will soon lead to corrosion. As for the slings themselves, this is a separate topic for discussion. The path to the place where the snowmobile is used is not always smooth. Often you have to drive through potholes or bumps. This can cause the trailer to sway violently. Incorrectly secured or simply poor-quality lines will break and the snowmobile will fall out. The resulting damage will be costly. All of this is to say that homemade snowmobile trailers are a bad idea. Better spend the money and you will be happy. Sometimes you can give preference to domestically produced products. The MZSA snowmobile trailer can be considered a very good option. Currently, their price ranges from 30 to 170 thousand rubles.

We rent a minibus with a driver: who, why and how

If we take manufacturers, then I would include among the popular and well-suited for transportation of special trailers:

• MZSA;
• Buran;
• Station wagon (manufactured by Expedition);
• Taiga Plus (produces ]Kurgan trailers[/anchor]);
• Trailer;
• Alaska;
• LAV vector;
• KMZ.

But it would be wrong to simply advise models and manufacturers without indicating key characteristics.

What documents are needed

Some countries (including the Russian Federation) require a special license for the trailer and sled.
Contact the police, traffic police or traffic police to clarify this point. Be sure to inquire about shipping regulations in neighboring countries if you are traveling abroad.

How to transport without documents

To transport a motorized towing vehicle without documents, it is best to contact a specialized company that provides snowmobile towing services. Professional carriers will take care of legal issues and transportation safety themselves.

In addition to legal support, paid evacuation has the following advantages:

• Fast selection and delivery “to your doorstep”.
• Careful loading and unloading is carried out by trained professionals.
• Negotiated prices that do not exceed market rates.
• Safety and insurance of the vehicle in case of force majeure.

As a result, you don’t need to buy a special ramp or come up with mounts in your car. Moving experts will come and do all the work for you.

The best do-it-yourself DRL connection diagrams for a car

You have already chosen between the closed and open option. Now let's go through the remaining, no less significant points. These are a few tips to help you select and operate a snowmobile trailer correctly.

• Snowmobile dimensions. Without knowing the dimensions of your equipment, you will not be able to really explain the dimensions of the cabin itself into which the snow conqueror will be loaded;
• Availability of a ladder. It must withstand the load from the equipment loaded into the trailer. Therefore, check out the specifications of this item;
• Winch. Some people believe that their physical effort is enough to load and unload equipment from a vehicle. But in reality the situation turns out to be sad when a person unsuccessfully tries to lift the snowmobile up. So that you don’t lose the desire to ride, take a vehicle with a winch or buy it separately;
• 2 or 1. Focus on how many snowmobiles you plan to transport. There are models on the market with 1 or 2 units for driving in the snow. They differ in design, technical characteristics and loads. Plus, more powerful models are more expensive. But this is more profitable than renting 2 trailers separately;

• Space reserve. Traveling with snowmobiles requires not only the equipment itself, but also various auxiliary equipment, items, spare parts, and tools. Choose trailer models that have room for all this. Otherwise, you will have to load everything into the car;
• Reliability of fastenings and delimiters between 2 snowmobiles;
• Wheels. Since the snowmobile is designed for snow, the trailer will be used primarily in winter. Then the car and the vehicle itself must have winter tires. Its operation with summer tires, even if the car has winter studded wheels, can lead to dire consequences and accidents. Don't take risks.

Price issue

I understand that now you are only interested in one thing - how much such a purchase will cost. Approximately, you can find a suitable option in the range of 10-70 thousand rubles.

There are quite cheap options on the secondary market. There are also new factory models costing from 10 thousand rubles. But I don’t recommend buying them, since used vehicles and cheap new models clearly do not have the necessary quality, reliability and other characteristics that you need.

It is better to choose a vehicle in the range of 20-50 thousand rubles. If you really don’t mind the money, take a double trailer for a pair of closed snowmobiles with maximum equipment for about 60-70 thousand rubles.

I will end here. I hope the information was useful and interesting. If you have any questions, ask them in the comments.

Thanks everyone for your attention! Subscribe to our website, write your reviews and be sure to tell your friends and acquaintances about us!

General information

In order for a snowmobile to serve for a long time and reliably, it must be stored in a garage. There it will not get moisture and be affected by sub-zero temperatures. Although the last factor is not something critical. So, in most cases, a snowmobile needs to be transported to its destination using a trailer. Here you can turn to specialists for help or solve the problem yourself by purchasing a special trailer. It is worth noting that the word “special” is not superfluous here, because a regular compact car will not work. This is due to the fact that the snowmobile in it will not only be scratched, but also partially break. The purchase will not be cheap, but soon it will fully pay for itself, especially since you will not need help and will be able to decide for yourself where and when to go. Let's take a closer look at how to choose a trailer for a snowmobile.

Cost of new and used

The price is affected by the specific version of the device, the manufacturer and the presence or lack of additional functions and components. A trailer with a folding tailgate, an awning, coated with an anti-corrosion substance can cost about 40-50 thousand rubles.

If it is covered with an awning, equipped with spring-shock-absorbing suspension, and the material for the sides and bottom is laminated plywood (which is moisture resistant), such a device will cost 60-70 thousand rubles.

Regarding used options, you can find one and a half to two times cheaper than the regular price.

The cost is influenced by the degree of wear and tear, the availability of the necessary equipment and other parameters.

When making such a purchase, you need to focus on the following criteria - type of trailer, service life, materials from which the body or bottom is made, additional functions and equipment.

Step-by-step manufacturing instructions

For a specialist who has the skills of a mechanic, nothing is difficult to manufacture. In addition, the master must be able to work with a welding machine without problems. The step-by-step instructions look something like this:

• First of all, it is necessary to weld the frame or frame;
• Next, install the clamp for securing the wheel pendulum axle;
• The next step is to make, try on and attach the lever;
• It is advisable to buy suspension parts in a store and, after painting, mount them on the finished frame.

At this point we can say that the installation work is completed. However, you must first weld a ladder onto the frame along which the snowmobile will ascend and descend.

Advantages and disadvantages

Before purchasing a universal trailer for your boat and cargo, you should consider the strengths and weaknesses of such a solution. Especially when it comes to DIY assembly.

Now buying such a station wagon is not a problem. It can be used when transporting a boat, ATV and snowmobile if desired or necessary.

But I propose to take an objective look at the features of universal solutions.

Its advantages include:

• versatility itself is the main advantage;
• multitasking, ability to transport different types of cargo;
• there is no need to buy a second trailer specifically for the boat;
• reasonable prices;
• wide selection of components for transformations.

But there is also a downside.

There are several disadvantages worth highlighting here:

• this is not a full-fledged boat trailer with all the ensuing consequences;
• each time you will have to carry out manipulations for transformation;
• relevant only for PVC boats that can be lowered and raised with your own hands.

It will be difficult to install a really large hull boat on such a trailer. Believe me, personal experience does not deceive.

If you are an avid and active fisherman, a station wagon will be a great choice for you. The boat itself, a motor, various kinds of gear, and even personal belongings that will certainly come in handy in wild conditions can easily fit here.

Let's be objective. With all the existing methods for transporting a boat, the use of special trailers remains the most convenient, practical and safe.

Documentation and a number of rules for transporting snowmobiles

When faced with the need to move a snowmobile, you cannot do without special devices. For transportation, it is better to consider trailers and platforms. If the platform is open, then the dimensions are indicated using the appropriate signs.

It doesn’t matter what modification of the snowmobile you plan to transport, the main thing is that the power parameters of the carrier correspond to the weight. The heaviest parts of the equipment are installed on the transporter so that the load falls on the front axle

During the moving process, it is important to check the quality of equipment fixation. According to transportation rules, trailers used for these purposes must have a hinged tailgate

Permits snowmobiles to be transported using a trailer specifically designed or specifically designed for that purpose. They can be closed or open. Trailer hangers can be of various types.

If it is necessary to deliver a snowmobile with minimal risks, the only reasonable solution is to contact a specialized transport organization. In this case, the contractor will have all the necessary equipment for loading/unloading special vehicles for direct movement.

Safety Tips

The Snowmobile Awareness Program (SSAP) recommends checking:

• Is the hitch and ball size correct for your vehicle and trailer combination.
• Safety chains in addition to the hitch.
• Safe electrical connection to working tail lights and turn signals.
• Correct tire pressure based on the weight of the snowmobile being transported.
• A vehicle that has a towing rating is strong enough to pull a loaded tow truck.

Always ensure that the trailer is fully secured to the towing vehicle before loading or unloading the snowmobile. This reduces unwanted noise that can damage the hinge.

It is best to have at least two adult men present during loading and unloading. One controls the snowmobile or winch, and the other helps. When loading, lift it halfway onto the trailer, then turn off the engine and pull it all the way to its final parked position.

Finally, engage the vehicle's braking system and use tie downs for added stability inside the tow truck.

Can it be transported on its side?

You can transport a snowmobile on its side; in this case, you should perform additional steps:

1. Drain the fuel from the gas tank and the engine oil from the crankcase.
2. Remove plastic and other fragile elements.
3. Ensure that the towing vehicle parts come into contact only with softer structures.

At what speed is towing allowed?

Towing a faulty snowmobile is allowed at the following speed:

• No more than 10 km/h – when towing with a rigid clutch.
• At a safe speed, but not more than 60 km/h (50 km/h for Ukraine) – within the city.
• At a safe speed, but not more than 90 km/h - outside the city.

Popular models

An overview of the models opens the Moskovsky trailer. A device with a universal design is intended for transporting snowmobiles and for other purposes. Body flooring made of laminated plywood. It is resistant to high humidity and stagnation of liquid. The transport device has an axle, hubs and high-quality, high-tech Kober springs, which are manufactured by a German company. The kit includes a tailgate with a reinforced structure and a steel cable to securely secure the vehicle.

Main characteristics:

• total weight - 750 kg;
• load capacity - 350 kg;
• dimensions - 4816x2500x905 mm;
• internal platform size - 3449x1951x290 mm;
• ground clearance - 14 cm;
• one axis.

The MZSA 831132.201 model is equipped with an inertial brake system. The structure is made using hot galvanized metal, which indicates durability. The kit includes wheel chocks and a wheel.

Main characteristics:

• total weight - 1500 kg;
• load capacity - 1110 kg;
• ground clearance - 15 cm;
• dimensions - 4889x2040x928 mm;
• platform dimensions—3449x1511x290 mm;
• smooth operation of the device due to the spring-type suspension;
• one axis.

The trailer of the American company LakerHeavyDuty 500/TV-A has a single-axle design. Body area - 4.7 sq. m. This ensures convenient placement of the snowmobile inside the trailer. The folding platform makes entry easy.

The flooring is wooden, which indicates high quality.

Main characteristics:

• spring type suspension;
• total weight - 750 kg;
• load capacity - 540 kg;
• ground clearance - 38 cm;
• dimensions - 3200x1500x400 mm.

Device for transportation "Taiga 8213/A7". The trailer is designed for transporting vehicles off-road and on dirt roads. The convenient design is easy to control when maneuvering and moving backwards. The kit includes a protective cover, several wheel chocks and a wheel. There are laminated sides and a floor made of Finnish plywood. The coating is resistant to moisture and damage.

Main characteristics:

• total weight – 750 kg;
• spring-shock-absorbing suspension;
• load capacity - 470 kg;
• dimensions - 3360x1370x380 mm;
• one axis.

Model "Trailer 829450". The single-axle trailer has a spring suspension with galvanized sides. The kit includes an awning and a support that is height adjustable. Reinforced tailgate design. The tailgate acts as a ladder.

Main characteristics:

• load capacity - 440 kg;
• dimensions - 4345x1950x930 mm.

Finnish trailer with plastic cover FT-33. The device has one axle and spring suspension. The lid is made of high quality Jaxal plastic. High pressure material provides protection against micropores and cracks. Hot galvanizing of the metal gives the structure strength and a long service life. The folding sides are removable and allow you to quickly load the snowmobile onto the platform.

Main characteristics:

• dimensions - 4635x1990x2000 mm;
• total weight - 750 kg;
• load capacity - 500 kg.

Transportation methods

Suppose you decide to buy yourself a snowmobile so that in winter you will have excellent equipment for overcoming snowy obstacles

Whether it's used or new, it's no longer fundamentally important.

Interestingly, we have already talked about methods of transporting an ATV. But a snowmobile is a completely different technology. And here there are some peculiarities.

There are several types of transport that can be used to achieve the task:

If you plan to transport equipment from place to place quite often, then the most optimal solution would be a light trailer of the required size and with the required load capacity.

Such trailers are distinguished by the presence of special fastenings inside, a tipping system, and the use of ramps, which greatly simplifies the process of loading and unloading a snowmobile. Moreover, there is often a winch attached inside the trailer. This minimizes the effort required to load heavy equipment.

Overview of species

Snowmobiles are divided into two main types: open and closed.

Open

This type belongs to cheap towed devices. The trailer does not protect the snowmobile in any way from rain, snow, dust and salt from the road surface. Therefore, frequent transportation gradually affects the state of transport.

There is a type of trailer similar to an open one. Its difference from an open device lies in the shield located in front. The shield is able to protect vehicles from the wind. However, precipitation, dust and salt from the road will still plague the snowmobile.

Closed

A closed-type trailer is also called a “clam” due to the unusual method of opening - the roof rises up. An enclosed trailer is considered the best transportation device. It protects transport from the environment and temperature changes, and is simple and easy to transport.

Another type of trailer is a trailer or dump trailer. The device is suitable for long trips or winter fishing. The trailer protects the vehicle not only from precipitation and dust, but also from theft. A dump trailer can act as a passenger vehicle. Such devices have their drawbacks.

Universal trailers for snowmobiles are distinguished by the following parameters:

• number of folding sides;
• volume and load capacity;
• type of fasteners and their number.

Universal models can be equipped with the opening of only the tailgate or all of them at once. The choice of a universal device is individual.

Specialized trailers differ from universal trailers in body volume and load capacity. Models have different dimensions. There are specialized compact devices for one snowmobile. More spacious models are designed to transport two vehicles, additional cargo or people at once.

There are two-axle models among snowmobile trailers. The design has a beveled front edge, which reduces air resistance when moving.

Assembly of the structure

If you are a specialist in the field of working with metal, welding and cars, then assembling a good and effective trailer for transporting a snowmobile with your own hands will not be difficult.

The step-by-step assembly can be described something like this:

• First, the trailer frame or frame is welded;
• then a clamp is installed to secure the wheel pendulum axle;
• at the next stage the lever is fixed;
• suspension elements are mounted on the finished frame;
• A ladder must first be welded to the frame, which is necessary for lifting and lowering the snowmobile.

If we consider production in more detail, we can give the following example of step-by-step instructions. Here we will use a ready-made base, but without sides, from a regular flatbed or boat trailer.

Creating a snowmobile trailer involves the following procedures:

• using a metal profile with a section of 30x30 or 30x20 mm, a rectangular base is created by welding;
• the structure must be up to 2.5 meters wide and up to 7.5 meters long (otherwise there is a risk of not being certified);
• crossbars are attached parallel to the narrow side of the base;
• the step between the crossbars should be about 50 cm;
• the resulting structure is connected to the selected base using bolts and nuts;
• the optimal position of the frame on the platform is selected, taking into account the center of gravity;
• the axle should be shifted 3-5 cm forward relative to the center of gravity to simplify tilting the trailer for easier loading and unloading of the snowmobile;
• Elements for the sides are cut from the profile;
• a height of around 25-40 cm is quite enough for safe and reliable transportation of a snowmobile;
• to cover the floor and walls, you can use sheets of plywood;
• for the walls, plywood with a thickness of 10 mm is sufficient, and for the floor it is better to take 15-20 mm;
• metal rings necessary for securing the snowmobile with belts during transportation are attached to the floor using a strong bolt connection;
• using welding and hinges (such as piano hinges), a ladder is attached to the rear;
• The hinges allow it to be easily lowered and raised after loading and unloading the snowmobile.

Assembling the base with your own hands is more difficult. To do this, you will need to weld the frame, connect the drawbar and coupling device to it, and also install the suspension elements and wheel axles

But since all components are purchased from manufacturers and not assembled with your own hands, it is only important to adhere to the installation rules and ensure a strong connection of all components

Please note that such trailers are subject to increased safety requirements. Therefore, if there are any inaccuracies, there is a possibility of being denied a certificate. And without it, it will not be possible to register and register the trailer.