Most of the best locations for snowmobiling are in remote areas. Sooner or later, you can’t help but visit one of them to satisfy your craving for adventure. However, since it’s your responsibility to choose the right trailer size to prevent damages and accidents, stay with us as we reveal some tips on how to pick one.
If you want an open type trailer, 4×10 is a decent choice. If you prefer an enclosed one, 6×10, 6×12, and 6×14 are the smallest ones you can use. However, we’re only talking about transporting one snowmobile. With multiple sleds, you have to choose a bigger trailer.
You also have to think about other factors aside from the dimensions of your snowmobile. One of them is storage. Learn more about it below.
What Size Trailer Do I Need for My Snowmobile?
If you have several sleds, chances are you’re going to transport them at the same time sooner or later. So, obviously, you need a massive trailer. But where will you park it during the off-season?
That’s why you should also consider other factors like the size of your driveway and space in your property. We suggest comparing those areas to the width of your chosen trailer.
Since there are a lot of snowmobile trailers to choose from, we’re going to provide a list of sizes and their corresponding capacity (number of sleds). Pay attention to the width of each unit so you’ll have no problems parking it in your property.
| Trailer Sizes | No. of Snowmobiles |
| 4 ft. x 10 ft. (53 in. x 120 in.) – OPEN | 1 |
| 5 ft. x 12 ft. (62 in. x 144 in.) – OPEN | 1 |
| 8 ft. x 10 ft. (101 in. x 120 in.) – OPEN | 2 |
| 8 ft. x 11 ft. (101 in. x 132 in.) – OPEN | 2 |
| 8 ft. x 12 ft. (101 in. x 144 in.) – OPEN | 2 |
| 8 ft. x 16 ft. (101 in. x 192 in.) – OPEN | 3 |
| 8 ft. x 22 ft. (101 in. x 264 in.) – OPEN | 4 |
| 6 ft. x 10 ft. (69 in. x 120 in.) – ENCLOSED | 1 |
| 6 ft. x 12 ft. (69 in. x 144 in.) – ENCLOSED | 1 |
| 6 ft. x 14 ft. (69 in. x 168 in.) – ENCLOSED | 1 |
| 7 ft. x 12 ft. (81 in. x 144 in.) – ENCLOSED | 2 |
| 7 ft. x 14 ft. (81 in. x 168 in.) – ENCLOSED | 2 |
| 7 ft. x 16 ft. (81 in. x 192 in.) – ENCLOSED | 3 |
| 7 ft. x 18 ft. (80.5 in. x 213 in. ) – ENCLOSED | 2-3 (depending on the model) |
| 7 ft. x 20 ft. (80.5 in. x 237 in.) – ENCLOSED | 3 |
| 7 ft. x 22 ft. (80.5 in. x 264 in.) – ENCLOSED | 4 |
| 7 ft. x 24 ft. (80.5 in. x 288 in.) – ENCLOSED | 4 |
| 8 ft. x 16 ft. (93 in. x 189 in.) – ENCLOSED | 2-3 (depending on the model) |
| 8 ft. x 18 ft. (93 in. x 213 in.) – ENCLOSED | 3 |
| 8 ft. x 20 ft. (93 in. x 237 in.) – ENCLOSED | 3-4 (depending on the model) |
| 8 ft. x 22 ft. (98 in. x 264 in.) – ENCLOSED | 4 |
| 8 ft. x 24 ft. (98 in. x 288 in.) – ENCLOSED | 4 |
| 8 ft. x 28 ft. (98 in. x 336 in.) – ENCLOSED | 5 |
Will a Snowmobile Fit on a 4×8 Trailer?
From the above table, the smallest trailer size we included is 4×10. However, some trailers can be smaller than that. A 4×8 trailer is a good option for transporting machines, but will it support a standard snowmobile on the road?
A small trailer can only fit one small snowmobile. If you have a mini sled, then you may resort to a 4×8 trailer.
You can fit a snowmobile with almost the same width as the trailer and haul it for more than a hundred miles. But, if the trailer has walls, you’ll have a hard time putting the machine inside and transporting it without scratching its surface. That’s why some people only use 4×8 trailers for short trips.
Some snowmobile owners also resort to folding 4×8 trailers. That type of trailer is designed for homes that don’t have much parking space.
As expected, folding trailers raise potential problems like flimsy construction. Experts on DIY work can modify them into stronger versions, though.
Will Two Snowmobiles Fit in a 7×14 Trailer?
The 7×14 size is a popular medium-sized enclosed option, so many people are curious if it’s big enough to accommodate two standard snowmobiles. As seen on the table we provided earlier; a 7×14 trailer can indeed hold two full-sized sleds. However, there are particular conditions you need to follow.
Most 7×14 trailers will require you to pull one of the snowmobiles forward while the other should move backward. The fit is also better if the trailer has a V-nose measuring at least two feet. If all of these conditions are followed, the trailer will still have space for more cargo, and its door will close tight without hitting anything.
It’s still possible for two snowmobiles to be placed side by side inside a 7×14 trailer, but they should be smaller than the standard size. Three small sleds can even be positioned inside that trailer size (as long as there’s a five-foot V-nose), although the fit is much tighter, and the risk of damages is higher.
What Trailer Size Is for Three Snowmobiles?
Based on the table, an open 8×16 sled can fit three sleds. But, since there are more enclosed models designed for multiple snowmobiles, you may choose from this generous selection of sizes: 7×16, 7×18, 7×20, 8×16, 8×18, and 8×20.
However, note that some 7×18 and 8×16 models can only fit two sleds because of some modified features related to factors like the height of the trailer and the interior’s space. There are also 8×20 trailers that can fit four snowmobiles. You just have to look more carefully.
Since bigger trailers exist for at least four sleds, why aren’t they recommended for one to three snowmobiles? Towing a large trailer is serious business. If you only have a few sleds to transport, why deal with unnecessary stress of hauling a heavy trailer for hours? Besides, smaller trailers are compatible with most vehicles.
Like the conditions set for 7×14 trailers in hauling two sleds, you should also be aware of the challenges in fitting three snowmobiles in one trailer.
If your sled has an extra-long track, an 8×16 trailer–even with a V-nose–may not be enough. Sure, you can put all three inside the 8×16, but the fit will be very tight if the trailer has a salt guard. (View on Amazon) Luckily for you, moving the third or longer snowmobile backward can solve the problem.
More importantly, consider the tongue weight. Some people install an Air Lift truck suspension (View on Amazon) to handle carrying three snowmobiles. The added airbags will make the whole rig stable by leveling your vehicle and the hefty trailer.
Before we proceed to some useful facts about sleds, here’s a set of instructions you can follow if you know how to drive a snowmobile in reverse:
- Drive one snowmobile through the first door.
- Drive the second one through the back door until it reaches the middle part of the trailer.
- Drive the last sled through the back door and place it on the vacant space.
How Wide Is a Snowmobile?
Just like trailers, sleds come in different sizes, too. Some of them are so wide, while others look very narrow or compact.
If you’re uncertain whether your snowmobile is wider than the standard, you should know that there are models as wide as 50 inches (127 centimeters). On the other hand, some sleds are so small that they’re only 36 inches wide (91.4 centimeters).
To stay accurate when measuring your sled, use a tape measure so you can put it across the machine effortlessly. Always measure from end to end, right at the edges.
What Is the Longest Snowmobile?
The length of your sled is the most crucial factor when choosing a trailer. That’s why it’s a big deal if a snowmobile is exceptionally long.
If a 12-foot long sled is already too much for you, wait until you find out the dimensions of the Ski-Doo 850 175 Summit X. It’s a staggering 14.5-foot (175-inch) machine! Just imagine hauling that beast for miles.
The effort of transporting that powerful snowmobile is worth it, though. You’ll have an easier time moving over deep powder.
Of course, there are downsides. Aside from the pressure of fitting it in a trailer, it’s also tricky to drive that model. Making turns will be harder than ever because of the added bulk and weight. The machine may also use more power, even in just a short distance.
How Much Can a Snowmobile Trailer Haul?
Now that we’ve discussed the basics about trailer and snowmobile sizes, what about weight capacity? What if you can fit every single sled you own inside your chosen trailer, but the total weight is too much for your towing vehicle? Not only that, you still have to consider the weight of the snow collected on the trailer’s roof. Yikes.
It’s not enough to think about the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the trailer. If snow is falling while you’re transporting your sled, the added weight on the roof may lead to a trailer that’s heavier than its own GVWR. That can easily damage the brakes, axles, and tires, forcing you to stop driving.
So how heavy can snow get? One cubic foot alone can weigh 15 pounds. Just imagine the total weight if you calculate the entire roof of the trailer. In some cases, at least 2,000 pounds are added.
Come to think of it; some trailers have mammoth sizes that their GVWR reaches almost 10,000 pounds. That can make the weight of the snow irrelevant. However, don’t test the limits of your vehicle.
As you drive, check the tires from time to time just to be safe. You must also bring a shovel (View on Amazon) at all times so you can easily remove the snow off the roof whenever necessary.
References
- tritontrailers.com/snowmobile/open/
- tritontrailers.com/snowmobile/enclosed/
- mysnowmobileguide.com
- amsnow.com
- nhsa.com
Kris is an avid off-roader and outdoor enthusiast who loves to brave the elements and take on challenging terrain. He also enjoys sharing his passion and knowledge with others so that they, too, can appreciate the ride.
About Kris