If you are a snowmobile enthusiast then I bet, at some point, you must have faced the difficulty of figuring out how to load snowmobile in a truck.
It sounds extremely tedious and a difficult job.
But it doesn’t have to be!
You’ll be glad to know that you only need a few things to get your snowmobile on board.
However, you do need the right equipment and practice the precautions before you undertake this task.
Let’s find out more about how to transport our snowboard in the back of a truck properly and safely.
Accessories/Tools Required to Load Snowmobile
Snowmobile Loading Ramps
Snowmobile loading ramps are used for guiding the snowmobile into the truck. One end of the ramp is clamped to a vehicle, while the other is supported from the ground.
This equipment is recommended as it is a safe and secure way of loading the snowmobile.
While getting these, ensure you get a loading ramp that can withstand the weight of your snowmobile.
This can be checked easily by checking the weight capacity in the product’s specifications.
A Carrying Vehicle
A carrying vehicle, such as a truck or a trailer, is where the snowmobile will be loaded.
Check for the length of the trailer before loading the snowmobile and make sure that the base can handle the weight of the snowmobile as it varies anywhere from 350 to 1000 pounds in weight.
Be sure to make necessary tire pressure corrections as well, which will ensure a comfortable journey.
Tie-Down Straps
These are required to hold and secure the snowmobile in place. These are widely available and should be used as needed.
Some snowmobiles require one, while others may require more. Using these ensures that your snowmobile stays in the desired place while it is being transported.
I will advise against substituting heavy-duty tie-down straps for ropes since they have different qualities, making them unreliable for such heavy use. Also, ropes drastically lose their strength with age.
Alternatively, chains can be used, but they are heavy and result in scratches if they are not used very carefully.
Steps on How To Load Your Snowmobile In A Truck
Make Sure You Have the Appropriate Equipment
The above tools and accessories will ensure that the work goes on smoothly, but only if you have chosen them so that you can handle your snowmobile.
This means that for the loading ramps, you should have a ramp with a “Safe Working Load” more significant than the weight of your snowmobile. This applies to the tie-down straps as well.
Positioning and Securing the Ramps
After laying it down properly, use a ratchet strap or chain to secure the ramp to the truck or trailer.
Be sure to set the securing point directly behind the ramp, or it might shift during loading; also, they might cause the ramp to pull in a different direction when the snowmobile climbs upon it.
Positioning and Preparing the Snowmobile
Now that the ramps are adequately secured, align the snowmobile with the track of the ramp.
Be sure to align the snowmobile correctly; otherwise, the skis may come out, and the snowmobile will start to hang from one side, or worse, it may fall.
Loading the Snowmobile
Start with a low throttle and continue increasing it slowly till the snowmobile starts to climb the ramp, ensuring it is correctly aligned with the ramp.
If you have a lower transmission gear, set the transmission to that setting.
Keep in mind that here you need to be very cautious. Make your way up steadily.
Securing the Snowmobile
After loading the snowmobile, there’s still one thing that needs to be done: securing the snowmobile.
Fastening the vehicle is a relatively simple task; pull out the tie-down straps and attach them to the snowmobile with tension in the line enough to remove any slack.
Remember to engage the lock or emergency brakes if your snowmobile supports it.
Precautions to be Undertaken While You Load Snowmobile in a Truck
Remember, safety first. Make sure you have worn all the personal protective equipment, which is imperative before you step out, like proper boots, sturdy helmets, reliable goggles, etc.
Don’t compromise on the quality of the ramps.
Quality ramps, while seemingly expensive, will last you years of continuous use. The same goes for tie-down straps, which are essential.
Keep the speed low while going up on the ramp; remember, do not rush, as the snowmobile with very high speed may go further than required and collide with the truck’s or trailer’s end.
Make sure the surface of the ramps has no frost and is dry; otherwise, the snowmobile may slip.
Be highly cautious of the alignment; even a few centimeters can result in you and the snowmobile falling.
Always drive the snowmobile’s front first into the vehicle unless explicitly mentioned by the manufacturer. And secure the snowmobile as directed by the manufacturer.
Make sure to secure the snowmobile with utmost caution and care because, in case of anything going wrong, you’re risking your snowmobile and the lives of other people driving on the road.
Always pay attention to the visual conditions of the equipment that you are using. Things such as rust, deformations, et cetera are signs of total hazard.
Never forget to use the emergency brake on your snowmobile after securing it.
Lastly, double-check everything before going on the journey.
Can You Load Snowmobile in a Truck Alone?
Loading a snowmobile is a tedious and dangerous job. Talking about the risks involved, many things can go wrong, such as the snowmobile sliding down, et cetera.
In such cases, it is essential to have someone nearby who could help you if something goes wrong and call for help at the earliest opportunity.
Having an extra pair of hands also proves quite handy if you require physical assistance and drastically speeds up the loading and securing process.
However, if nobody is available near you, it is possible to load and unload a snowmobile quickly and safely.
Keep in mind the precautions discussed above, and there is seldom a chance that something unlikely will happen.
Still, it is always advised to have someone by your side to load snowmobile in a truck since it is a question of safety and security and because I’m more than sure that nobody wants to get hurt when you’re about to go and have some fun with your snowmobile.
What If I Don’t Have a Loading Ramp?
It is possible to use unconventional methods to load snowmobile in a truck. Some commonly used methods are:
Three Plank Method
Arrange three planks, as you would for loading an A.T.V. and making your way up to the top.
The “Uplift”
Have your gym buddies with you for the trip?
Then there is nothing better than this method where each one of you chooses a strong point on the snowmobile’s body and tries to lift it up.
Remember that sometimes people have physical injuries such as dislocation, et cetera, when not done correctly. To avoid this, you can also try using a snowmobile lift.
The “Leap of Faith”
Make a large pile of snow and park your truck in front of it. Keep it a bit higher than the level of your truck.
Now slowly proceed towards the truck and hope that the snowmobile will land correctly in the back of the truck. This method has the highest risk.
People go for these methods due to the high cost of the ramp and accompanying equipment required for loading the snowmobile.
However, you will find that most people soon get one after they see someone failing the loading, or they forget themselves.
Hence, the bottom line is that the premium price of a quality ramp is worth it once you factor in how valuable the durability of your snowmobile is.
Therefore, it is wholly recommended to go for sturdy ramps, which are a safer option and provide you with the essential peace of mind.
Final Words
You should be able to know how to take your snowmobile from point A to point B by loading them in your trucks.
It can also be helpful when your snowmobile won’t start and you must bring it to a service shop.
Snowmobiling is indeed all about having fun, but one should be aware and aimed at minimizing the risks involved, and this is what this guide was all about.
We would suggest anyone interested takes all the safety precautions and proceed; otherwise, there are chances that something is liable to go wrong.
