What is the Best Way to Strap Down a Snowmobile?
When you transport your snowmobile on a trailer, keeping it safe and properly secured is important. Making sure your snowmobile is tightly held down not only keeps your valuable equipment safe but also makes sure other drivers on the road are safe.
In this guide, we’ll show you the step-by-step process of correctly securing a snowmobile on a travel trailer using special tie-downs called Speed Straps for a safe trip.
Recommended Tools
Before you start, make sure you have the things you need (bonus points for good tie-downs):
- Ratchet straps or tie-down straps (you’ll need at least four)
- Soft loops or wedges
- A trailer with the right spots for tie-downs; not all trailers are equal!
- Soft material like rubber or foam to protect the snowmobile’s skis and track
Loading Your Snowmobile onto a Trailer
How you put your snowmobile on the trailer really matters for balance and staying steady during the ride:
- Put the snowmobile right in the middle of the trailer, making sure it’s in line with the trailer’s length.
- Make sure the snowmobile is facing forward, with the skis pointing to the front of the trailer.
The Importance of Soft Loops or Wedges
Soft loops or wedges help protect your snowmobile’s handlebars and skis while also giving you places to attach the tie-downs:
- Put the soft loops on the snowmobile’s handlebars and attach them.
- Securely put the wedges on the trailer floor, so they’re touching the snowmobile’s skis. This stops the snowmobile from moving side to side during the trip.
Choose High-Quality Tie-Downs Straps
The tie-down straps are the most important part of making sure everything is held down tight:
- Connect one end of each strap to the soft loops on the handlebars. Make sure the straps aren’t twisted.
- Put the straps over the snowmobile’s seat and handlebars, making an “X” shape to keep things steady.
- Put the straps through the right spots on the trailer meant for tie-downs. These spots are built strong to handle the forces when you’re moving.
- Gradually tighten the straps using the ratchet. Be careful not to make them too tight, as that could hurt your snowmobile or the trailer.
Tips for Securing the Back of Your Snowmobile
To keep the back of your snowmobile steady:
- Attach another pair of tie-down straps to the back of the snowmobile.
- Put the straps through the right spots on the trailer for tie-downs.
- Tighten the straps at the back to make sure the snowmobile is pressed against the wedges and the trailer floor.
Make Sure to Double-Check Everything
Before you start driving, make sure everything is good to go:
- Check that all the straps are attached well and not twisted.
- Make sure the snowmobile is stable and doesn’t move around too much.
- Give the snowmobile a gentle push to see if it’s steady.
Now, You’re a Snowmobile-Hauling Master!
Properly securing your snowmobile on a travel trailer is super important for safe transportation. By following these step-by-step directions and using good tie-downs like SpeedStrap’s, you can be confident that your snowmobile will stay put during the trip.
Remember, using reliable tie-downs is like investing in a worry-free and fun trip to your next snowmobiling spot. Safety always pays for itself!
Happy hauling!
WANT MORE INFORMATION?
SpeedStrap’s Heavy Duty Motorcycle/ATV Tie-Down Kit is a great choice if you’re looking for an easy “all-in-one” solution.
If you have any questions or need help with tie-downs, you can email us anytime at customerservice@speedstrap.com or give us a call (951)-501-5677.