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I have had all the brands still in business at one time or the other through the years, they are all pretty good, I would not let brand loyalty get in the way. I would also not get too hung up about an air cooled engine, you stated that if there was not much snow you would be riding your 4-wheeler anyway, leaving engine options open leaves you more flexibility. I would caution you about some of the narrower sleds, they can be tippy, especially with two people. The last two sleds I have had are full sized Ski-Doo Expeditions, my current one is a 2020, great machines, wide track, stable, rides very good, 2 speed is great for pulling loads, most likely my next machine will be another Expedition, but probably not what you are looking for because of price With that said, one of the machines you mentioned might be a good fit for your mission and price point, that is the Yamaha VK, they have a solid reputation here in the north, basically a no frills sled that is dependable. I store one for a local cabin owner who lives in the US and have ridden and used it quite a bit over the years as an axillary sled, mostly pulling sleighs, the machine is air cooled, it is a wide track (very stable), 2-up seat, rides pretty good and has a 2-speed transmission (good for pulling).
Thank you for the awesome advice. I will for sure take that into consideration.Talking with my wife over the past day about it, we realized we may have another issue that could hold us back. The only trailer we have is an 8x10 utility trailer. I’m not exactly sure that’s gonna work considering these sleds are over 120” long. Not exactly into buying another trailer neither. I definitely have some thinking and figuring out to do.
If it's an open trailer the rear end of the machine can hang over a foot or two. Many sleds ride in pickup truck beds like that.
It’s just a basic utility trailer with a one piece ramp on the back. I could take the ramp off, but the trailer doesn’t tilt and I wouldn’t have a way to drive it on. I was kinda wondering if the skis would hang out in front a little or if that was a bad idea.
I agree with Skywagon, it's ok for the skis to project as long as they don't bind when the trailer turns. To load/unload, use a snowbank. Back up to it and power off, power on. If that's too adventurous for you buy a portable ramp, not big money and many will support loading a machine into a pickup, so loading onto a trailer will be super easy. Don't overthink this, its a new TOY!
There are many out there, something like this will do it:https://www.discountramps.com/snowmobile/ramps/p/SNO-7754-HDXW/
Well we solved our trailer issue. Sold it. Bought a 6x12. I need to do something to the ramps now. The little I know about snowmobiles, I hear those grate style ramps that are on utility trailers are bad for the carbides?
That is correct, they would tear your carbides out. I use this product http://www.caliberproductsinc.com/snowmobile-trailer-accessories/LPGG.php on the front and back ramps of my snowmobile trailer to save the plywood and to provide some grip when I walk on them. You might want to go with the wide ones (12" just to give a little wiggle room when you go up the ramp. It appears there are 4-30 pieces in a box, probably enough to do what you need. Caliber also makes the same thing without the traction nubs, but I would suggest going with the nubs. You could go the cheap route, if you can find an old plastic pickup bed liner, cut it in strips and attach it to the ramp, I will warn you that if you do that, it is very slippery and you don't want to walk on it with wet/snowy feet.Did you buy a sled yet?
Definitely get snowsled track pads/gliders. Saves the machine and the trailer, I know from personal experience. Carbides on plywood=repair bill So we need pics of the new toy! Don't keep us waiting!
The ramp will take the most beating, especially at the hinge point, but it's worth the money to do it all. At the hinge the metal will be ruined if you don't put down runners/mats, which keep the sled from direct contact with the metal. Keep in mind the track doesn't go all the way to the front wall but the skis do.
You don't need to bridge the gap. The thickness of the runners and mat should be sufficient to keep the machine from contacting the metal trim. If you check around online you will find pictures of how it's done.
That sounds good.So it looks like based on the pic Bart posted that I need a wider one for the track and two narrower ones for the skis. I gotta try and find some time tonight and get some ordered.
https://www.discountramps.com/snowmobile-trailer-accessories/c/2450/I like this place, bought quite a few things over the last couple years.