| Sled Facts | Home |
Sled Laws |
Choosing a snowmobile trailer
can be tricky business. A lot of time is spent moving sleds around
town, on the highways and down driveways. Often the type of trailer you
have can make the difference between a weekend wonderland or a highway
horror. Here are a couple tips on trailer purchasing, maintenance and
laws that will help insure your next up north trip is a fun, safe and
trouble free one.
Order early - there are many discount incentives for
pre-season buying and consumers should try to take advantage of these
deals.
Buy according to your needs - Keep in mind your
vehicle, the number of sleds you normally tow and the features that are
the most important to suit your needs.
Research braking methods - One of the most important
features on a trailer is brakes, and many customers are unaware of
which braking method to choose. While electric brakes are less
expensive and allow a driver to adjust the strength, they are difficult
to adjust once weather conditions start to change. Surge brakes do not
require a control box and can be used by any towing vehicle, however
they give the driver little control over how much braking is used.
It all comes down to personal preference - Only you
know what you truly want in a trailer. By researching options ahead of
time, you can avoid the last minute decisions that may be made in haste
or confusion.
Trailers are no different than snowmobiles, they require
pre-season checkups to make sure they perform properly and safely.
Tires - Remove the tires, check air pressure, and for slow
leaks. Look on sidewalls for dry, cracked sidewalls, strange or uneven
wear patterns and embedded debris. If you suspect any problems, replace
them, it is always better to be prepared. Always keep a spare trailer
tire, jack and a safety jack on board just in case.
Bearings - Cleaning and greasing the wheel bearings can be a big
job, however it is very important for the proper performance of your
trailer. Solvent from your local hardware store and an old toothbrush
are the best tools for this messy job. Once you have cleaned the
bearings, inspect them for discoloration, pitting and excessive play.
Bearings are relatively inexpensive, so it is better to replace them if
you suspect any problems.
Wiring - Many people are apprehensive when it comes to
inspecting anything electrical, but checking the lighting on your
trailer is safe and easy. First walk around the trailer and conduct a
general inspection for broken lenses or water filled housings. Next,
check all the connections for corrosion or broken wires. Sometimes a
little corrosion can be sanded with a fine grit sandpaper. Dielectric
grease can also be applied to wires to prevent future corrosion.
Finally, hook up your lights to make sure they work.
Each year sledders are ticketed because they failed to
follow new or obscure Michigan trailer laws. These laws can be
confusing, however it is important to research them to insure your next
trip is not interrupted by the state police. Here are just a couple
tips that might help next time you head out.
These are just a few tips on pre-season checkups, most of it is common sense, some of it is tedious, but all of it will help make your next snowmobile adventure a great one. Remember being prepared and safe can allow you to enjoy this great state for years to come. For more information on Michigan towing laws, visit www.michiganlegislature.org and click on Michigan Compiled Laws. By using keywords like "trailer" or "towing," you will be able to access all the state trailer regulations. Michigan's Secretary of State also has brochures and pamphlets on trailer laws.