How To Move A Snowmobile

How To Move A Snowmobile

Snowmobiles can travel over a hundred miles per hour over open stretches of snow, but what happens when you need to move it during the off-season or when the battery has died? You have plenty of options available that will help you get that snowmobile from point a to b.

What is the best way to move a snowmobile? I will teach you several methods and explain when to use each one.

The best way to move a snowmobile is with snowmobile dollies that are specifically designed for moving sleds. Snowmobile dollies easily fit under any model sled and allow you to move all that weight by holding and rolling the skis and track. You simply pull while the sled’s weight rests on the dollies wheels.

How To Transport A Snowmobile

You can rent a flatbed or moving van to transport a snowmobile. However, they will also fit in the beds of most trucks.

Yours may stick out, which means using flags to indicate you have an oversized load.

I will explain how to get your sled into a truck bed and secure it.

  1. Attach a ramp to the tailgate of your truck bed. It is vital to ensure that this is centered and properly secured so you don’t accidentally damage your sled or the truck while getting it inside.
  2. Line up your skis so they are precisely centered on the ramp. Please do not use boards or some other DIY method as it will likely give out under the weight of the snowmobile.
  3. Drive the snowmobile up the ramp slowly and into the bed. Once inside, it’s best to pull up as far forward as possible to minimize the parts that stick out.
  4. Tie it down using ratchet straps, so the snowmobile doesn’t tip or shift in transit.
  5. You’re done if your sled fits inside with enough space to close the tailgate. However, if the back-end sticks out enough to leave the tailgate down, you need to refer to your local laws about flagging. Some states require you to stay in the right lane, and the exact number and type of flags may vary slightly. You should be able to get this information from your local DMV website.

How To Move A Snowmobile In Summer

Moving a snowmobile in summer doesn’t need to be a massive headache.

If you are relocating it cross-town or cross country, I recommend using the method described above or packing it on a flatbed mover. However, in general, all the steps are the same.

You can drive a snowmobile across the pavement, dirt, grass, and even mud.

While it will make a mess, and extended trips can overheat the engine, a short hop, say from your garage to a storage shed on your property, is not a problem.

How To Move A Snowmobile Without Turning It On

You can move a snowmobile without ever turning it on. I recommend using a set of dollies, but you can also use a lift dolly.

These are a single unit and tend to have a pair of wheels up front, with a smaller wheel in the back.

They can be as simple as a pair of powder-coated, square steel tubes formed and put together just right.

When using this style of lifting dolly, you must follow all the manufacturer’s instructions and center the weight of your sled correctly.

You’ll use the back end to lift up your snowmobile and pull or push it around wheelbarrow style on the front wheels.

How To Move A Snowmobile Without Reverse

When you’re out in the snow, and you get into a tight situation where you need to back out, but you have no reverse, there’s only one option for how to move a snowmobile without reverse.

In that case, you have to physically haul it backward until you have enough clearance to make a turn.

However, unloading from a truck bed, flatbed, or tilt trailer is slightly different.

Make sure you have a ramp attached if necessary. Next, you will want to release the emergency brake.

This step is essential and ensures you can actually roll the sled backward because the track will move instead of fighting you.

Finally, get a friend to help you gently push the snowmobile backward while steering it down the ramp.

How To Move A Snowmobile That Doesn’t Run

There are only a couple of options for moving a snowmobile that doesn’t run.

You can either use a lift dolly or a set of smaller dollies that go under the skis and track.

I prefer the latter method because it’s more stable, involves less lifting, and the right dollies will rotate in any direction you need to go easily.

Although a lift dolly works well for some people, it’s easy to hurt your back or even drop your sled on your toes using this method.

Best Snowmobile Dolly

LIBRA 3 Pcs Snowmobile Moving Dolly Set 1500 lbs Capacity-27020
  • Use for moving and storage multiple applications including snow-mobiles and snow plows in garage ,can also be used for rolling other equipment around
  • Each dolly is equipped with 4 360 degree swivel casters
  • Durable Heavy duty caster wheel and steel pad for 1500 lbs max capacity total
  • Anti-slide rubber pads and webbing on 2 side v-slide dollies.
  • Rust resistant powder coated finish

Last update on 2025-02-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

In my opinion, the best snowmobile dolly is the Libra 3-Piece Snowmobile Moving Dolly Set from Amazon.

This set can handle up to 1500 pounds easily. Libra is made from durable alloy steel with a rust-resistant powder coating and rubber so that it will last.

Unlike other sets, the pieces that go under your skis have straps to keep them in place.

You’ll appreciate the 1 1/16th inch wide wheels that offer better stability.

Plus, the 360-degree swivel casters allow you to make minute adjustments or full circles to get your sled where it needs to be for storage, long-distance moves, or repair work.

Ed says, “I have five snowmobiles that I move about the garage with ease. These are pretty simple to use. I pick up the front of each ski and slide one of these under each. I then place one to one side of the track and lift the back end up onto it. The process is reversed to remove the dollies. Not too hard and easier than getting the sled unstuck in deep snow. These are strong enough for their intended purpose. Of course, because of the small wheels they should be used only on a clean and smooth surface (I sweep my garage often).”

Andrew says, “Work really well with the anti-slip rubber pads, and the straps for skis are a bonus.”

You can use these dollies to move other heavy equipment around too. Having Libra dollies in your garage makes moving a cinch.

To get a set of these well-made, high-quality, and cost-efficient dollies shipped to your door, click here.

Helpful Tips To Know About How To Move A Snowmobile

Moving a snowmobile can seem pretty daunting if you’ve never done it before. Fortunately, getting your sled to a new location is easy with the right equipment and a little knowledge.

Here are a few more helpful tips to know about how to move a snowmobile.

  • Using a tilt trailer is one of the easiest methods for moving a snowmobile over long distances. The central wheels allow you to tip the trailer itself instead of using a ramp setup to move the sled.
  • It’s a good idea to start and run your snowmobile engine no less than once per month for about fifteen minutes. Doing this helps keep your valve seals lubricated, prevents sediment from settling, and, most importantly, ensures it will start up if you need to move it later.
  • Never try and move a snowmobile with the brakes engaged. Doing this can cause damage to the sled and may even contribute to injuries as you wrestle with a machine that cannot roll.

Final Thoughts

Moving your snowmobile requires finesse and the correct equipment.

Unless you can drive it from one location to another, you’ll probably need a set of snowmobile dollies and a ramp, plus a vehicle with a bed that can handle the weight and length of your sled to get anywhere.

On the plus side, it is safe to drive across the lawn, some dirt, or a little bit of pavement as necessary, so long as you minimize the non-snow trip.

When loading up on a raised bed, always use a proper ramp. Otherwise, you can break the ramp, your sled, and the vehicle you’re loading it onto.

Remember to disengage the parking brake and take your time. Moving is not a race.

Drew Thomas

My name is Drew Thomas and I’m the creator of Fun In the Yard, your one stop site for all your outdoor games, sports, party activities, outdoor gear, and lawn & gardening tips.

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