Tips for Choosing A Snowmobile Trailer

You love being outside in the Michigan winter, feeling the excitement that only comes while snowmobiling. One of the challenges to this sport is moving your sled to where the snow happens to be when you want to ride. You can always use the back of a pickup truck, but most people prefer the utility of a proper snowmobile trailer.

How do you determine which trailer is right for how you prefer to ride? Here are some tips to keep in mind as you look through the options.

Start with the End in Mind

Before you start considering your options, take some time to consider how you plan to use your trailer in Michigan. This will ensure that you do not get a few months down the road wishing you had made a different decision.

How many sleds do you plan to transport? Sure, you may only have one sled right now, but will you be planning to take trips with friends in the future?

Also, when you travel, will you need your trailer for more than just your sled? Think about where you’ll put food and other equipment, or even the gas for your sleds.

Think about the offseason, and what you will do with your sleds and trailer. Will your trailer be needed for more than storing your sleds? If so, be sure it is constructed in a way that provides for that additional use.

All of this is extremely when considering your snowmobile trailer to ensure you are getting the best option for all of your needs. The worst thing to do is rush into a purchase to only find out you hadn’t thought through your future needs before pulling the trigger.

Open or Enclosed

When considering your trailer options, one of the first things you will need to decide is whether you want an open or an enclosed trailer. Either option will work equally well, but have their distinct advantages of the other.

Open trailers tend to run less expensive than enclosed trailers, making them appear more attractive. They are generally lighter than an enclosed trailer as well, making them easier to tow and easier on your tow vehicle.

Enclosed trailers offer more flexibility in terms of their use, allowing you to store more with you than your sleds. They also protect your sleds from the winter weather, sun, and extreme temperature variations, not to mention road grime.

Trailer Construction

What your trailer is made from is as important as what you tow and if it is enclosed. Your two primary options are steel or aluminum. When you think about the trailer construction this generally refers to the frame of the trailer, not so much the walls or enclosure.

Aluminum is a popular option because it is a lighter option. It is usually less expensive because it does not need as much refining before it can be worked. They also do not rust, so tend to be more durable while hauling through winter weather.

Steel is generally thought to be more durable and versatile due to the strength afforded in the metal. This makes them more attractive if you plan to use your trailer for more than just your sleds.

How Will It Work?

Before you decide which trailer to purchase, you want to think through the details of how you will use it. First, think about loading your sleds. Will you load it using detachable ramps, or is there a ramp that will fold down, like the door on an enclosed trailer? You could also use a hydraulic tilt system to rotate the entire bed into a ramp for loading and unloading.

Next, think about your gear. Will you load it all into your vehicle, or do you need racks to store things? Consider your gas cans and how you will secure them to the trailer.

Now think about how you will secure your sleds and anything else to the trailer bed. Do you need a rail tie down system, or mounted D-rings you can use to secure ratcheting straps?