Anyone Snowmobile?

GPGuy · August 5, 2009

Just curious how many people haul their sleds in the box of their truck.

If you do...how do you...

Get your sled in the truck box?
Protect your box floor from damage from studded tracks and ski wear bars?
Do you have some sort of a guard at the front of the box to keep the skies from damaging the back of the box?

Often times now I find myself only using one sled and one of my reasons for buying the truck was so that I wouldn't have to pull a trailer for one sled.

FlamesZ71 · August 5, 2009

Before I picked up a single place trailer, I would use a snowbank to drive the sled onto the bed of the truck. If there's enough snow, then you shouldn't have a problem with damaging the bed liner. OR, you could use a piece of plywood to guard against ski and track damage. Also, when driving onto the bed, don't goose it to ram into the front of the box, and you'll be good to go!

rhinoman · August 5, 2009

Before I picked up a single place trailer, I would use a snowbank to drive the sled onto the bed of the truck. If there's enough snow, then you shouldn't have a problem with damaging the bed liner. OR, you could use a piece of plywood to guard against ski and track damage. Also, when driving onto the bed, don't goose it to ram into the front of the box, and you'll be good to go!

I'd be curious to see how people handle the short track sled with the crew cab and short box...

Stevens03 · August 5, 2009

I would think a simple bed liner would keep the bed safe

snarkee · August 5, 2009

spray in liner with an old rubber conveyor belt from the local grain mill protects my bed

To get it in I use a snowbank, or have a couple guys lift it in with me

I tie it down so it doesnt move

REV353 · August 5, 2009

Quick and cheap. Ski Boots Protect your trailer bed, loading ramps, driveway, and garage floors from carbide runner damage. Sized to fit all skis: easy to install and remove. Designed so sled can be pulled backward without the boots catching. Sold in pairs and a variety of colors. Universal fit - one size fits most OEM and after-market skis up to 6 1/2" wide.

dansk · August 5, 2009

No matter how you do it, putting one of todays sleds in and out of your bed is going to get old fast. They are just too heavy. One of those cheapy Sam's club tilt trailers will work if you don't want to spend for a snowmobile trailer.

I don't want to date myself, but the old single cylinder Ski-Doo's were light enough that I could put one in the truck myself. Once I got where I was going, I'd just back up and hit the brakes. It would roll right off backwards.

snarkee · August 5, 2009

No matter how you do it, putting one of todays sleds in and out of your bed is going to get old fast. They are just too heavy. One of those cheapy Sam's club tilt trailers will work if you don't want to spend for a snowmobile trailer.
I don't want to date myself, but the old single cylinder Ski-Doo's were light enough that I could put one in the truck myself. Once I got where I was going, I'd just back up and hit the brakes. It would roll right off backwards.

i agree it is a pain, especially if there are no snow banks

WilliamBos · August 5, 2009

I agree totally. Plus this frees up the truck box for other supplies, especially if you go away for a few days.

No matter how you do it, putting one of todays sleds in and out of your bed is going to get old fast. They are just too heavy. One of those cheapy Sam's club tilt trailers will work if you don't want to spend for a snowmobile trailer.
I don't want to date myself, but the old single cylinder Ski-Doo's were light enough that I could put one in the truck myself. Once I got where I was going, I'd just back up and hit the brakes. It would roll right off backwards.

GPGuy · August 6, 2009

I totally agree that it probably would be easier to use a trailer which I do have but it is a two place trailer and in a pinch I might just throw one in the box if I'm just going to be using one.

Thanks for the picture Mark and nice looking truck you have there btw!

Thanks for the link rev353!

Has anyone ever used any ramps to drive it in?

Prokopchuk_9 · August 6, 2009

I totally agree that it probably would be easier to use a trailer which I do have but it is a two place trailer and in a pinch I might just throw one in the box if I'm just going to be using one.

Thanks for the picture Mark and nice looking truck you have there btw!

Thanks for the link rev353!

Has anyone ever used any ramps to drive it in?

i have, i have one....junk the best way too go, if your from canada...well you could probly get it shipped too might be pricy tho...marathon truck decks

http://www.marathondecks.com/index.php/main-content/gmc.php

check it out dude, i got one...many models, ramps built in that slide out, they are the cats ass bud, i bought one that extends side too side i can fit too quads, or two sleds...gets a little heavy i put a set of airbags in...total cost about 3 grand...the cheapest way too go...put a peice of ply wood in the box and find ur self a snowbank or start workin out!!!!!

liebemshats · August 6, 2009

I use a ramp to load my snowmobile. Works pretty good. It is made out of wood and it fits on the ramp I use for my quad. It is a home made 3 piece set. The two outer parts have slides where the skies fit so that I don't have to steer. The middle part has pieces of aluminum rail for traction. I can make a picture if you want.

another idea.

Rolling · August 6, 2009

I have a set of aluminum tri fold ramps that are 6 foot tall for my Summit. My crewcab 5 foot 8 box with the tailgate down hauls my sled around with the track hanging out about a foot. Still gives me plenty of clearance on the ball so I can pull the 2 place with the tailgate down and not ruin my tailgate.

My summit is an 04 Rev chassis with the 144 track for size comparison. As far as bed damage...its a truck! My bed is scratched to hell and the platic spoiler is trashed. I bought a new spoiler so I can put it on when I sell the truck. As far as protecting the bed, most spray in bedliners I have seen will cut under the load of the sled and sharp carbides, not worth it to me. A drop in bedliner works extremely well, but they are deadly slick when you have any amound of snow on them. Not worth it to me to fall under my sled or out of the truck in the middle of no where. So, a few paint scratches are what I live with.

Early August...sledding feaver is in the air...leaves will begin to change soon, if this year gets cold when it should I will have powder over the cowling before Thanksgiving..

Bring on WINTER!!!!!!!!!!!

Savagecanuck1 · August 6, 2009

I have a bed liner in my 6.5' box which takes care of any scratches and keeps the skis from sticking.I use a metal ramp from my trailer at home for loading unloading.When I hit the snowmobile parking lot I just use a snowbank and back it right off the truck.Yes I have reverse and most modern sleds all come with electronic reverse.My sled has a 155" track and hangs off the back but its no big deal as all the weight is forward.O also have a ride on ride off trailer which makes it real easy but not allways conveniant for snowy mountain roads

cerbomark · August 6, 2009

I like the trailer idea better but the plywood in the bed is the best idea I ve seen for protecting the bed. I put a piece down on my utility trailer to protect it from being cut up.