Trailering Question

[polarisman_98]

Heading to the UP this weekend. Normally I have both sleds on my trailer but only one for this trip. The trailer is a Loadmaster 12' single axle drive-on drive-off. My question is am I better off leaving the 2nd sled on and having the extra weight and wind resistance or is it okay to have all the weight on one side with just one sled and none on the other for that distance? I can't center it because of my tie down bars. Thanks!

 

[rp7x]

go single

when i haul my kids sled it rides in the center, two 1/2 " eye screws then just tie rope to the spindles it realy can't go any where

 

[snake]

I always take a spare sled!

 

[heckler56]

What kind of axle? My old Triton had a torsen, not springs, so it distributes the weight evenly. I would bring the other sled as a back up.

 

[maximumpsi]

polarisman_98, I started making and selling a longer tie-down bar for sleds that are loaded in the middle of the trailer. The Middle Sled Snowmobile Tie Down Bar fastens in both channels or recessed nuts in the trailer deck. See my posting under parts and accessories or call me at 612-719-4158. I'm located in Minneapolis. It works great, my customers were happy to find this new product, and I've towed thousands of miles using mine. Thanks. John

 

[erkoehler]

I'd take the other sled as a backup.

 

[peter]

I'd take the other sled as a backup.

x2 this way you dont have problem with your sled.

 

[doospunk]

If your just wanting to bring 1, center the sled in the trailer to distribute the weight evenly. You should be able to secure the skis with both tie downs. (1 for each ski)

 

[mezz]

If your just wanting to bring 1, center the sled in the trailer to distribute the weight evenly. You should be able to secure the skis with both tie downs. (1 for each ski)

Agreed! Even weight distribution is important. A plus to that would be that the sled won't get as slopped up if your on slushy sloppy or plain wet roads.-Mezz

 

[arcticman]

I always take a spare sled!

I second that, better to have it and not need it Than need it and not have it.

 

[frosty]

If your just wanting to bring 1, center the sled in the trailer to distribute the weight evenly. You should be able to secure the skis with both tie downs. (1 for each ski)

Take it step further and put blocks, such as a 2x4 under the other side of the tie down bar to balance the clamping force. That way you don't bend the bar or the nut of the tie down bar. I've done that many a times and has worked out great and I have a 94' triton lite. The really old tie down bars.

 

[doo_dr]

This is a inexpensive way to carry one in the middle. If your tie down bolts are long enough, cut a 2x4 to 5'. Then drill holes in the board the width of your tie down holes. Install your tie down bolts on each end , using a large flat washer to support the tie down to the 2x4. Center the sled between the tie downs an tighten the bolts down. Make the 2x4 long enough so you have some board on the out bound side so the bolt doesn't split the 2x4 on the end. This pretty much locks the sled down tight with fear of one of the skis slipping using the twin tie down method. I use this method to carry a "Spare Sled" LOL!

 

[harski]

If your just wanting to bring 1, center the sled in the trailer to distribute the weight evenly. You should be able to secure the skis with both tie downs. (1 for each ski)

X2,3,4. Use tie down if you have too. I did this for years on my first open trailer with no problems. Other great ideas based off of doospunks orignal post too. Good luck.

Harski

 

[snowdude]

I think its fine to have just one sled on one side of the trailer. I do it all the time with no issues. People that are 400# don't have to sit in the center of the car. I do like the idea of one long tie down bar while using both threaded holes though.

 

[whitedust]

If it was me I would load up drive to where ever & not worry about a thing left, right or center makes no differnce.

 

[muss]

I had the same deal on our trip, just hauled 1 sled, didn't think anything about it, just threw it on the driver side and drove 8 hours
With no problems.

 

[muss]

Also, If you have a truck you could just throw it in the back with the tailgate down and not have to pull the trailer at all.

 

[polarisman_98]

Thanks to everyone for the input!

 

[mikedrh]

Really, they make trailers for snowmobiles?

If you see my snowmobile on a trailer call the cops, it's been stolen.

Seriously, the manufacturers of almost any trailer had to know that you would haul only one machine from time to time. I think if they wanted the load centered they would have made accomadations for that.