Before
you can get out into the wilderness with your snowmobile, you will
have to figure out how to get it out there first. This brings you to
your new or used snowmobile trailer purchase decision. New snowmobile
trailers look great and are a sound investment, but an enclosed one
can set you back upwards of $7000. They may be the ideal way to
shelter your brand new sled from snow, rain, sleet and humidity, but
they do not come cheap. And doesn’t it seem like a shame to
spend so much on your trailer when your snowmobile is not new or has
been bought used? Used snowmobile trailers are widely available in
fair to mint condition and at very reasonable prices.
Way back in 1959, a company was started by Mickey Rupp to make innovative snowmobiles and other sporting equipment. Mansfield, Ohio was the home of Rupp for the entire duration of the company’s life. Highly successful in its time, the company produced minibikes, motorized three wheeled bikes, ATVs and Rupp snowmobiles. While the company eventually went out of business in 1978, it left behind a legion of fans, not the least of which are dedicated to Rupp snowmobiles. A huge section of vintage sled fans are passionate about Rupp and they are still being sold in the used segment today.
Back in the mid- to late-sixties when snowmobiles first became popular, there were over 100 manufacturers of these products. Now, of course, there are only a select few that fabricate these snow vehicles. These vehicles were quite car-like and comfortable, many of them highly ingenious in their ability to tread snow. One such company was Leisure Vehicles Incorporated or LVI, which was founded by former racecar designer Bob Bracey. Amongst the resulting products were the two track Raider snowmobiles, which also featured a single cylinder JLO 24 hp two cycle engine. The Raiders also had a rear-mounted power plant.
With over 40 years in the business of making high quality snowmobiles, Arctic Cat is famous for its durable and superior performance vehicles. Among the top sled manufacturers worldwide, they are popular with racers and amateurs alike. Due to the advanced technology that goes into making the Arctic Cat snowmobile, they are a sound and long lasting investment, which creates a large market for previously owned sleds. A new Arctic Cat machine can set you back anywhere upwards of $8500, for the latest 2006 models. New 2007 models, out this winter, can lighten your bank account by close to $10,000. While the price is worthwhile for the advanced editions that come revised and improved with sophisticated add-ons that make comfort, navigation and speed better, it is not suited to every budget.
For the uninitiated, a snowmobile trailer is a type of attachable carry-vehicle used to transport your snowmobile. It comes in an uncovered version, which is a simple stand that attaches to the back of your car, on to which the sled can be loaded. The covered version is a large RV-type trailer that has empty space on the inside to hold the snowmobile. Clearly, this type is more useful in snowy climates and can be used to store the snowmobile at other times as well. Snowmobile trailer prices depend on the model and size you choose, and obviously on whether or not you pick a covered one. The prices can run into thousands of dollars, so make sure that your investment is sound.
In case you were wondering, a snowmobile track is a jointed belt that moves on an idler wheel to propel the sled forward. Clearly, good solid tracks are essential to the safe and smooth functioning of a snowmobile. A defective, low quality or over-used track can be dangerous, affecting not only the speed but also the balance of your sled. The two most popular brands of snowmobile tracks in the market currently are Camoplast and Kimpex. These can generally be found at most retailers of sledding parts. Another alternative to replacing the tracks is to replace the old or worn studs on the tracks to give it improved mobility.
It is time to get ready for the upcoming snowmobile season and that means making sure you have all the latest and greatest snowmobile clothes. Whether it is snowmobile race clothes, infant snowmobile clothes, or a specific brand such as Arctiva snowmobile clothes you are sure to find what you need.
