Transporting a snowmobile: 5 best ways to evacuate a motorized dog

1. Methods of transporting a snowmobile
2. Loading a snowmobile into a trailer
3. Requirements for a trailer for transporting a snowmobile
4. How to transport multiple snowmobiles on a pickup truck?
5. Snowmobile documents and transportation rules
6. What to do if there is no suitable transport to transport a snowmobile?

A snowmobile is a special motorcycle equipment, the delivery of which to the place of operation is similar to how an excavator, bulldozer or tank is transported along the roads.
It is irrational to send these machines to the place of work under their own power - their service life and speed are limited, it is difficult to find a special service for them, and they consume a lot of fuel, so it is better to keep them for their intended purpose. Transporting a snowmobile, therefore, is a pressing task, the solution of which determines whether you will enjoy the benefits of this equipment this winter. Are there technical and regulatory requirements for transporting such equipment? What is the best way to transport a snowmobile? Let's try to answer these questions within the framework of our article.

Methods of transporting a snowmobile

There are several options for implementing this task:

• Using a trailer - a trailer with a platform, a flatbed, or even a boat trailer is suitable for this; it’s just a matter of preparing the towed vehicle and securing the “snowmobile”;
• On the roof of a passenger car equipped with a luggage rack - we are talking only about the lightest and most compact models of snowmobiles. At the same time, no one has canceled the deterioration of vehicle controllability on a winter road, as well as the difficulties with loading and unloading the car;
• In the back of a pickup truck is a good way, but not everyone has such a vehicle, and besides, loading a snowmobile to a height and unloading it is a certain difficulty;
• Trucks and vans - a snowmobile is simply driven into the back, but such transportation is economically expensive, and is profitable only when more than one “snowmobile” needs to be delivered to a place;
• In a minibus. This requires the rear doors and the removal of several seats.

The most common way to transport a snowmobile is a light trailer, but not an ordinary one, but a special one - with a folding ramp, fastenings for fixing, and even better with a winch. The algorithm for loading a snowmobile should be considered using the example of a trailer.

Trailers from TD SaranskSpetsTekhnika LLC: we will select a model for any snowmobile

We produce trailers that can transport almost every model of snowmobile on the market today. Our specialists will select a trailer for you based on both the characteristics of your car and the parameters of the snowmobile, and will also take into account your budget wishes.

We have already produced more than 10,000 trailers of various specifications and are constantly working to improve the design and increase the service life of each model. Our plant has a design bureau, some of whose solutions have already been patented and are being used in production.

Using the number, you can clarify the characteristics of not only snowmobiles, but also any other trailers (for example, the sizes of trailers for PVC boats or ATVs). Enjoy affordable Russian quality!

Loading a snowmobile into a trailer

The chassis of a snowmobile consists of either skis or tracks, so a standard ramp in the form of two tracks is not suitable here: a solid ramp is needed, and this is the main requirement for a trailer besides carrying capacity.

To load a snowmobile, do the following:

• Open the tailgate and fold down the ramp;
• Align the longitudinal axes of the snowmobile and the trailer so that the front of the snowmobile faces the trailer;
• Get on the snowmobile, start it, and drive into the trailer, standing over the seat;
• Close the tailgate and secure the snowmobile with straps. The snowmobile is unloaded in the reverse order and in reverse.

Transportation on a gazelle or in a truck

In Loaf

To load the snowmobile into the UAZ, you can fix the bracket for the winch to the frame through the floor of the van. Before driving, remove the hood so as not to damage the iron parts of the UAZ. There is enough space in the car, so Buran gets in, but after that there is almost no free space left.

In a pickup truck

This method can be used to transport small and medium-sized snowmobiles, because large models will fit very much beyond the pickup truck. This will compromise stability in potholes and when driving on uneven roads.

Requirements for a trailer for transporting a snowmobile

A trailer for transporting a snowmobile must have:

• Rigid frame and springs;
• Minimum load capacity 600 – 750 kg;
• Folding tailgate;
• Fastenings for securing cargo;
• Functional signal lights;
• Registration and inspection certificate.

The car requires sufficient power to develop traction and a working tow bar.

There are trailers specifically designed for transporting snowmobiles:

• Closed, made of fiberglass, with a rigid frame, a lifting platform and various suspensions;
• Open - with one axle, or with a movable wheel travel, thanks to which it is possible to correctly place the center of gravity of the load.

For regular snowmobile transportation, special trailers are preferable. But they are not popular, because... our motorists buy universal-purpose trailers on which they can transport firewood, bags of potatoes and corrugated roofing. They are only suitable for a snowmobile, so they need serious improvement.

Selecting the right product

The first thing you need to pay attention to is the method of loading the unit into and unloading the accessory. Single-axle dump-type models are most preferable here. They are usually equipped with one folding side (rear) and a special mechanism. It is also worth assessing the reliability of the locks and hinges of the snowmobile trailer? they should not open spontaneously in the direction of travel.

It is desirable to have a special floor lining that provides additional adhesion of the snowmobile track to the surface of the accessory and protection against rolling. A good snowmobile trailer has places to secure the safety ropes.

To prevent the trailer from falling apart during a winter trip, before purchasing it is important to pay attention to the method of manufacturing and processing the frame (this data is usually written down in the technical data sheet of the product). Metal bases are processed mainly by hot-dip galvanizing. Zinc is resistant to the reagents that road services sprinkle on roads. Snowmobile trailers can be made from aluminum or even plywood, but their lightness is more suitable for less heavy equipment (for example, a small rubber boat). Only a metal trailer for a snowmobile will act as a durable and versatile assistant in active winter recreation.

The awning is rarely included in the basic package; more often it has to be purchased additionally. In addition to traditional colors (blue, black, gray), you can find multi-colored awnings that attract the attention of other road users; increased attention to the snowmobile trailer makes it noticeable, and movement? more secure. It is worth remembering that plastic covers are more practical and preferable, but are more expensive than awnings.

A trailer inevitably reduces the aerodynamic properties of a vehicle. If you purchase a snowmobile trailer with a beveled leading edge, this will reduce airflow resistance and, as a result, reduce windage, fuel consumption and improve handling.

In the cold season, is it recommended to put winter tires on the trailer wheels? this way the transport train will behave more stable on the road, and skidding will not occur when turning.

Many manufacturers guarantee the high quality of their snowmobile trailers. So that a potential buyer knows which brands to pay attention to, the following is a list of manufacturers that have successfully proven themselves during their work on the Russian market.

How to transport multiple snowmobiles on a pickup truck?

Appetite comes with eating, and snowmobiling is usually a family activity. Having tried one snowmobile, the family is looking for the opportunity to purchase a second and even a third. I don’t want to hire a truck to transport this “motorcycle fleet,” but the carrying capacity of one pickup truck seems to be enough to load two or even three snowmobiles. But what if they physically do not fit in the body?

In this case, a good solution would be a Double type platform, suitable for a body from 2 m wide. It is placed on the bottom of the body and screwed to it through fastening rings. To load and unload the platform together with snowmobiles, a hydraulic drive is used, which is equipped with the platform. It can be controlled using a hand-held remote control, so you don’t have to waste energy on loading and unloading. The platform is equipped with drawers where you can store useful gear and equipment. To make it easier to operate the platform at night, it is equipped with LED lights.

When transporting one snowmobile, it is installed in the middle of the platform, secured by the track and skis thanks to the standard Superclamp mount. With the sides of the pickup truck open, the Double platform can accommodate even two snowmobiles, and the Trio platform for bodies from 2.5 m can accommodate as many as three. Thanks to Super Glides and clamping bars, the tracks and skis do not slide on the platform when the vehicle moves and maneuvers, and the snowmobile stands firmly on the base.

There are also platforms that extend along the length, allowing you to transport long snowmobiles, just like pickup trucks with folding sides. It is important to remember the designation of cargo dimensions, and take measures to indicate them. Hinged bodies and platforms are equipped with standard LED lamps, so all you have to do is take care of marking the cargo.

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.

Secure the skis in place using pins and a crossbar to ensure the snowmobile does not move during transport. SSAP recommends that 60 percent of the snowmobile's weight be between the trailer axle and the rear of the tow vehicle.

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.

Snowmobile documents and transportation rules

Special motorcycle equipment requires a separate driver's category A1, and a license granting the right to drive a regular motorcycle will not work. The required documents for transporting a snowmobile are:

• Snowmobile passport - if transportation is carried out in a trailer;
• Vehicle registration certificate – when transported in the back;
• Certificate of registration of tracked vehicles;
• Power of attorney – in case of transporting someone else’s snowmobile.

But the mere presence of these documents does not exempt the driver from complying with special traffic rules governing the transportation of such equipment. To do this, you will have to comply with a number of conditions:

• Transporting a snowmobile on an open platform requires its dimensions to be marked with warning signs;
• The load capacity of the trailer or truck must not exceed the weight of the snowmobile;
• A flatbed trailer or platform must have hooks for securely securing the transported equipment with straps;
• A towed vehicle with a load must not block the driver's rear view;
• Along the route, the driver is recommended to make stops and check the reliability of securing the cargo in order to avoid its falling out, damage and displacement, which, in addition, creates an emergency situation.

Transportation of ATVs throughout Russia

Specialists provide a full range of services within the time period specified by the customer. We get to deliver vehicles to the garages of country mansions or transport them much further, across all regions of Russia, to clients’ vacation spots. Do you have an idea to hold a competition? A breakdown has occurred and you need to deliver your compact SUV to a service and repair facility? There won't be the slightest problem if our specialists get down to business!

Features of transporting ATVs

We have developed a successful cooperation algorithm, which has been appreciated by thousands of Muscovites. Of course, in many cases adjustments may be made when delivering ATVs to their destination, but usually we proceed as follows:

1. We process the request received from the customer and clarify the related details. The transportation route and time are agreed upon.
2. The crew of a special vehicle arrives exactly at the appointed place. Preliminary preparations for delivery are underway.
3. The evacuation of ATVs begins with loading the vehicle into the back of the vehicle. With the help of special elements, the motorcycle is securely fixed.
4. An agreement is concluded with the customer and the car sets off on its way to its destination. On the spot, the client or authorized representative accepts the ATV and signs for its receipt.

A significant disadvantage of this off-road vehicle is the practical impossibility of using it on public roads. This problem will stop bothering you if you have the contact details of our transport company at hand.

Many Moscow families can no longer imagine vacationing at a country dacha without motorcycles, which allow them to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscapes. With the proper degree of caution, technical winter sports become available to all categories of summer residents. This is eloquently demonstrated by the transportation of snowmobiles in Moscow, which annually increases the volume of orders. Our company receives the largest volume of applications during the first snowfall. It was then that the owners of country cottages began to think about delivering a snowmobile outside the city.

Features of transporting snowmobiles

During the work of our specialized service, we managed to move thousands of units of motor vehicles without incident or damage. Crew drivers have excellent skills and are well versed in the nuances of work tasks. Key points for fulfilling incoming orders:

First of all, the dispatcher must receive an application. In it, try to indicate the exact characteristics of the transport and its features. Perhaps our employee will ask clarifying questions, try to answer them as accurately as possible. Don’t forget to indicate the route and tell us a convenient time to complete the work.

Having completed the approval of tariffs and other working issues, specialists travel to the specified address. After arriving at the appointed time, professional preparation of winter transport for delivery begins.

If it is planned to transport snowmobiles outside of Moscow and the region, and far beyond its borders, an official contract is drawn up. At the client's request, such papers can be drawn up in any other case.

Transportation is completed, the equipment is handed over to the owner, and inspected for possible damage. They do not happen on the road, but formal rules are strictly observed.

Regarding the delivery of snowmobiles, you can consult our information department in more detail. The staff will explain any issues related to the form of service provision and the procedure. Contact us, we will assist in organizing a real winter holiday!

Popular manufacturers

Among domestic manufacturers, the following are in greatest demand.

?Taiga? ? products with spring-shock absorber suspension were originally conceived as trailers only for snowmobiles. They perfectly withstand extreme climatic conditions and are effective on any road surface. Models of the brand "Taiga" the most popular in Russia.

?Athletic? ? Togliatti supplier of units transporting snowmobiles with a carrying capacity of up to 750 kg. It sells not only trailers suitable for snowmobiles.

MZSA (Moscow Specialized Vehicle Plant)? a diversified company that, in addition to snowmobile trailers, produces medical and fire-fighting systems.

?Euro trailer? ? a brand that produces equipment based on European standards. Most of the units and components are manufactured in the Czech Republic and Germany, which explains the high reliability of the snowmobile trailers sold.

Among foreign manufacturers, representatives of the Scandinavian and Baltic countries have the greatest influence on the Russian market. For example, the company ?Respo? (Estonia), THULE (Sweden), FINpricep (Finland). [ads-pc-2]