Transporting or Towing Your Snowmobile
No matter what type of snowmobile you own, there are a few best practices whenever you transport your snowmobile. When transporting your snowmobile with a trailer:
- First, turn the fuel valve off.
- Be sure the fuel cap and oil cap are installed correctly.
- Always securely tie the snowmobile to the transporting unit using suitable straps.
- Remove the ignition key to prevent loss.
It is recommended to use a cover when transporting your vehicle on an open trailer or sled deck.
Towing a Disabled Snowmobile
If your snowmobile becomes inoperable and must be towed, and it isn’t possible to use a rigid tow bar, attach the tow rope to the ski spindles — not the ski loops — to prevent damage to the steering components. Remove the drive belt before towing and have someone ride on the towed snowmobile to operate the brake and steering when necessary.
Do not use the front bumper to pull or drag the snowmobile. The front bumper is not designed for this type of use and may detach from the vehicle if force is applied.
Note: Always remove the drive belt from a disabled snowmobile before towing. Towing a disabled snowmobile with the drive belt in place can result in serious damage to the engine and drive system.
Using Your Snowmobile to Tow
Only tow with snowmobiles designed for towing; Not all snowmobiles are designed to tow. Consult your Owner’s Manual to learn more about your particular vehicle. Do not attempt to use the tow hitch until you've read the safety warnings in your Owner’s Manual and understand proper tow hitch functions.
When towing with an appropriate snowmobile, know that objects towed with a rope have no braking power and easily can collide with the rear of the snowmobile or other objects. This could result in serious injury or death. Do not tow toboggans, sleds, saucers or any type of vehicle with a rope. Only a stiff metal pole connecting the towed object and the tow hitch on the snowmobile should be used. If passengers are to be towed on a toboggan or sled, make sure the pole is at least 4 feet (1.2 meters) long to prevent any possibility of contact between the snowmobile’s track and a person riding in the towed object. Braking distance increases when towing loads. Slow down to maintain control of the snowmobile.
For Utility Models with Transmissions
Whenever towing, place the transmission in low gear. Towing in high gear can result in belt damage. When operating in low gear, vehicle speed will be limited to protect the drive train.
Towing improperly can alter vehicle handling and cause loss of control. Always reduce speed and allow greater distance for braking and turning when towing. When operating in low gear, never exceed 25 mph (40 km/h). Serious engine damage may occur.
If your snowmobile is disabled and being towed, make sure to place the transmission in neutral. Towing a disabled snowmobile with the transmission in gear can result in serious damage to the engine and drive system.
Using Ski Wheels to Transport Your Snowmobile
One way to make transporting your snowmobile easier is by using ski wheels. They make the snowmobile more maneuverable and protect your carbides from excessive wear on non-snow-covered surfaces.
Note: The provided information is a general guideline. For information specific to your vehicle, consult your Owner’s Manual. Polaris owners can access Owner’s Manuals by logging in to their RideReady account.
RideReady provides mobile, transport or drop-off service options for snowmobiles. To learn more about the RideReady program, access our frequently asked questions.
