It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Minnesota. No, we’re not talking about decking the halls with boughs of holly. We’re talking about snowmobile season, which starts on December 1st! As the days tick by and we begin to close in on that special day, there are a few things you should do to get ready for your big adventures this year.

 

To help you get a head start on the snowmobile season, our team at Canvasworks has put together this preseason snowmobile checklist. To order your Snocaps Trailer Enclosure, call or drop by Canvasworks today!

Preparing Your Snowmobile

Before we get to the checklist, we need to talk about end-of-season maintenance. Although it’s too late for last season, making plans to service your snowmobile at the end of every season is ideal. However, if you skipped this step last season, you’ll need to have your sled serviced before taking it out this year. To have your sled professionally serviced at the dealership, make an appointment early since they can book up quickly this time of year.

 

If you’re going to service your sled at home, these are a few things you’ll need to do before taking your sled out this year:

 

●        Check for leaks.

●        Top off fluids, including brake fluid, engine oil, coolant, and injection oil.

●        Check the clutch.

●        Check to make sure your headlight and taillights are working.

●        Look over the body for rust.

●        Make sure there are no loose or broken nuts or bolts.

●        Change your shocks if it’s been 1000 miles or a year.

●        Check for wear and damage on your track.

●        Check the track tension with a tension gauge.

●        Flush the fuel.

●        Inspect your idler wheels and bearings.

●        Check the hyfax for wear.

●        Check your carbides for wear.

●        Check your cooling system.

●        Tighten your spark plugs.

●        Check your battery.

●        Clean the carburetor.

●        Check for chaincase tension.

●        Lubricate the fittings.

●        Make sure the riser is lined up with the steering post.

●        Check your rear-end suspension.

Get Your Snowmobile Gear Ready

Now that your snowmobile is good to go, don’t wait until you’re ready to go out for the weekend to get your snowmobile gear ready. If you’ve got everything you need in your go-bag, you can head out for adventure at a moment’s notice.

 

Gather these items for your snowmobile and backpack:

 

●        Extra clothing, including:

o        Gloves

o        Socks

o        Balaclava

o        Goggles

●        Water

●        Food, preferably

●        First aid kit in a water resistant bag

●        Survival kit, at minimum:

o        Thermal blanket

o        Fire starter

o        Paracord

o        Carabineers

o        Whistle

o        Flares

o        Signal mirror

●        Basic snowmobile repair kit and tools

●        Waterproof matches

●        Map and compass

●        External charger and cord for cell phone

●        Duct tape

●        Toilet paper

●        Multi-tool

●        Fully charged LED flashlight

●        Headlamp in case you break your headlight

●        Wood saw

●        Long-handle shovel

●        Large plastic bag

 

If you are riding in the back country or avalanche areas:

●        Avalanche transceiver worn on your body

●        Probe

●        Emergency beacon

●        Two-way radios

●        Emergency fuel

 

Don’t Forget a SnoCaps Trailer Enclosure!

Now that you’ve got just about everything you need for winter adventures on your sled, it’s time to make sure you’ve got a good trailer enclosure. Canvasworks metal fabricators custom manufacture SnoCaps Trailer Enclosures to keep your sled safe through all of your travels. To check out our SnoCaps Trailer Enclosures, stop by our online gallery, then give us a call at 320-559-0165 or contact us online.