How to Transport Your Snowmobile Legally

There's a fresh layer of snow blanketing the ground and a few free days on the calendar. It's time to ride. First, take some time to review your state's regulations for legally transporting your snowmobile. Trailering or towing your sled illegally can result in hefty fines and put other motorists at risk of an accident if the machine is not properly secured or hangs over the end of a truck's open tailgate that isn't latched. Also, you should always make sure you're protected with a complete snowmobile insurance policy in case of any incidents.

Fortunately, a local independent insurance agent can help you get set up with all the coverage you need to properly protect your snowmobile. They'll get you matched to the ideal policy. But first, here's a guide to how to transport your snowmobile legally.

Learn How to Transport Your Snowmobile Legally 

Snowmobile hauling rules and restrictions vary by state. Using a snowmobile trailer that is street-legal can help you avoid any issues with local authorities. Some states require specialized licensing for trailer, sled, and hauling vehicles. 

Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or Department of Natural Resources to learn your local regulations. Don't forget to inquire about adjacent states' regulations if you're traveling or live on the border of more than one state.

Can You Haul a Snowmobile in a Truck Bed?

Your state may allow you to transport your snowmobile in a rear pick-up truck bed. However, you'll first need to determine if your snowmobile will fit in the bed so that it can latch properly. 

Many snowmobiles range between nine and 12 feet in length and are about three feet in width. Truck bed sizes can vary considerably, often ranging from 67 to 90 inches in length and 56 to 71 inches in width. 

Next, you'll need to determine that your truck can transport the full weight of your snowmobile. Check your manual to determine your truck's maximum weight capacity, and be sure not to overload it. 

Finally, if your snowmobile will securely fit in your truck bed, and hauling it this way is legally allowed in your state, you'll need to get a ramp to safely load and unload your sled. Keep in mind that it's still important to tie your sled down in the truck bed to prevent it from moving around during transit and causing damage.

Buying the Right Snowmobile Trailer

Since most snowmobiles won't fit in a standard six-foot truck bed and homemade trailers are often not the most reliable option, it's safest to buy a snowmobile trailer designed to handle the weight and length of hauling one or more sleds. 

The two main types of trailers to consider are flatbed open trailers and taller enclosed trailers. Both styles of trailers must have a ramp with optional tilting features or a winch or folding door system that doubles as a loading ramp.

Some manufacturers offer custom trailers with features such as floor rails to tie down sleds, extra-wide trailer tires for even weight distribution on the road, and interior lighting systems in enclosed trailers for avid travelers. A few popular and reliable snowmobile trailer brands to research include Triton, Trailswest, Cargo Mate, Class Act, Hallmark Car Hauler, Charmac, Featherlite, Wells Cargo, Pace American, Tri-Sport, Mirage, and Interstate.

How to Haul Multiple Sleds Legally

There are several legal options for transporting multiple snowmobiles. Certain snowmobile trailers are specifically designed to transport more than one sled over long distances. 

You can buy a 2-place or a 3-place snowmobile trailer made by one of the trusted brands mentioned above if you need to haul more than one sled. Make sure to thoroughly research how a 2-place or 3-place snowmobile trailer works before loading your sleds to prevent damage and injuries.

Snowmobile Trailering Safety Tips

Once you've found an appropriate trailer to transport your snowmobile legally, be sure to set it up properly to stay safe. Be prepared with all the necessary equipment and gear you'll need to ride and haul safely, including a helmet, extra rope, straps, and the proper ratchet types. 

The Snowmobile Safety Awareness Program (SSAP) recommends checking to make sure you use the following:

• The proper hitch and ball size for your vehicle and trailer combination
• Safety chains in addition to the hitch
• A secure electrical connection with working tail lights and turn signals
• Proper tire pressure based on the weight of your sled
• A vehicle that has a tow rating strong enough to pull a loaded trailer

Always ensure the trailer is fully secured to the towing vehicle before loading and unloading the snowmobile. This reduces unwanted jarring motions and shifting at the hitch, which can cause damage to the ball joint. 

It's best to have at least two adults available during loading and unloading. One drives or winches the sled while the other assists. 

When loading a sled, hoist it halfway onto the trailer, then turn off the engine and pull it the rest of the way into its final parked position. Secure the skis in place with snap pins and a crossbar to ensure the sled doesn't shift during transportation. The SSAP recommends having 60% of the snowmobile's weight between the trailer axle and the back of the hauling vehicle. Finally, engage the machine's braking system and use tie-downs for added stability inside the trailer.

Get Snowmobile Coverage

Our independent agents shop around to find you the best coverage.

Request a quote

Here's How an Independent Insurance Agent Can Help

When it's time to protect your snowmobile with the right coverage, no one's better equipped to help than a local independent insurance agent. Snowmobile insurance can help reimburse you for physical damage to your snowmobile or pay to repair or replace your snowmobile if it gets vandalized or stolen. It can also help you pay for your legal defense if you're sued after an accident.

Independent insurance agents have access to multiple insurance companies, so they're free to shop and compare snowmobile insurance policy options and rates for you. They'll get you matched to a policy that offers the best overall blend of coverage and cost. And down the road, your agent will still be there to update your coverage as necessary or file snowmobile insurance claims for you.