A strong trailer isn’t enough to keep your snowmobile secure when you move it. Snowmobile ski glides for trailers are an important attachment that makes loading and unloading easier and keeps both your trailer and sled safe. These slides make it easy to put skis on and take them off without hurting the trailer deck. It may seem hard to put them in at first, but you can do it yourself with the correct tools and methods.
This log post will tell you all you need to know about how to properly install snowmobile ski glides so you can save time, keep your gear safe, and get back to the trails without worrying.
Why do you need to put ski glides on your snowmobile trailer?
Before we get into how to install them, let’s talk about why ski glides are important:
Protection: Glides protect your trailer deck by keeping skis from rubbing or gouging it.
Easy Loading and Unloading: They make the surface slippery, which makes it easier to move your sled by lowering resistance.
Equipment Longevity: Less friction implies that your trailer and snowmobile skis will last longer.
Multi-purpose Trailers: A lot of individuals utilize dump trailers or multipurpose trailers to move things. Adding ski glides lets you use the same trailer for snowmobiles without hurting the surface.
Things and tools you’ll need
Before you begin, make sure you have the necessary tools and materials:
- Snowmobile ski glides (made just for trailers)
- Drill with drill bits
- A pencil and measuring tape
- Screws or bolts, which are commonly included with glide kits
- A screwdriver or an impact driver
- Safety glasses and gloves to keep you safe
Getting things ready will make the installation go more smoothly and quickly.
Step-by-Step Guide for Installation
1. Plan the Layout
Before you drill any holes, put the ski glides on the trailer floor. Put them where your snowmobile skis will naturally rest when they are loaded. This makes sure that everything works as well as possible and is safe.
If you have more than one snowmobile, measure and mark different ways to load them.
If you have a dump trailer or a multi-use trailer, look for options that can be removed or adjusted so you can still use the trailer for other things.
2. Mark the Places to Drill
Mark the screws with a pencil or marker after placing the glides. Repeat the measurements to ensure the glides are straight and evenly spaced. Crooked installation may create loading issues.
3. Pre-drill holes
Use a drill bit smaller than the screws to pre-drill trailer deck holes. Pre-drilling simplifies installation and prevents wood or metal splitting.
- With an aluminum trailer, use a metal bit.
- Wear glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris.
4. Make sure the ski glides are safe
Put the glide over the holes you bored and screw or bolt it in place. Use a screwdriver or impact driver to make sure they are tight. To keep it from moving, make sure the glide is flush on the trailer surface.
- Don’t tighten too much, because the glide could break or the screw hole could peel.
- Use the washers that came with the gliding kit to make it more stable.
5. Do this for all glides
Keep all glides in their specified places safe. Put extra sets along the trailer if you want to carry more than one snowmobile. For broader trailers, think about using center support glides to help you load skis.
6. Check the Installation
After you put in all the snowmobile ski glides for trailers, try loading your snowmobile carefully. Check that the skis go smoothly along the track and don’t become stuck or slip out of place. Make changes if needed.
More Tips for Installing
Use Good Hardware: Most gliding kits come with screws, but switching to stainless steel bolts will make your trailer last longer, especially if it gets wet or salty on the road.
Spacing is important: Make sure the glides are near enough to hold the skis securely. Gaps might let skis slip or harm the trailer deck.
Think about the temperature: Plastic slides change shape when the temperature changes. Putting them in mild circumstances helps make sure they fit well.
Check the tightness of screws and nuts every so often. Driving may cause them to come loose over time.
Add track mats to the snowmobile’s track for full protection. This prevents wear and provides more traction when driving onto the trailer.
Things You Shouldn’t Do
Not measuring before installation: Failing to measure beforehand can often result in things being out of line.
Not Pre-Drilling: Screwing directly into wood or aluminum can cause holes to break or pee
Uneven Placement: Crooked glides might make it harder and more dangerous to load.
Not thinking about the type of trailer: Always think about whether you’re utilizing a flatbed, enclosed, or dump trailer. Each one may need a little different way to be placed or installed.
Last Thoughts
Adding snowmobile ski glides for trailers to your sled may seem like a small change, but it makes a huge difference in keeping your trailer safe, making things easier, and keeping everyone safe. If you plan ahead and have the right tools, you can do it yourself in just a few hours.
Choose Double A Trailer for trustworthy trailers that will last
Whether you need one for snowmobiles, utility, or heavy-duty transportation. We are your trusted partner for quality and performance.
