Sled vs Side by Side w Tracks

[Marty S]

So I still have this 2010 or 08 Skandik or whatever it is, went from a low 89 km when I bought it to a whopping 150 km now. I kept it running all spring, summer, fall, winter so it wouldn't gum up, but I'm just thinking that a sled just isn't for me! I did manage to check one bait with it this winter. I really think I should just sell it.

So I think I'd have a lot more use for a side by side with tracks. Thinking of going with a mid size Honda Pioneer

When checking snares, I'm usually not far from truck, not like I have to drive 60 miles into remote trapline or nothing heroic!

Will it fit in back of a long box? Will it start in -35? Will it fit in an enclosed trailer and if I put an enclosed cab on it, will I be able to get in and out of it in the enclosed trailer?

[Big Grey Wolf]

Marty, sled always starts in -30oC. My suzuki 500 would start down to -20. However my Arctic Cat SXS does not like starting below -10.

[Kenmore]

My suzuki king quad will start at 30 below. Not sure if they make a SxS tho.

[pikeslayer22]

Never will it fit in back of your truck or an enclosed with tracks. Normal car trailer would be the only way to haul. If you only used the snowmobile once why screw with tracks? The sxs will go through a lot of snow with tires.

[MSparks]

I have short box and my rhino fits with tracks just cant close tailgate depends on your trailer mine dosnt fit in mine but fits in my buddies. but i enclosed mine and track will make machine go slower and will throw snow at door would recommend power steering aswell. A sled deck will work if you want to close box...

[HunterDave]

If you put a machine in your box where do you put the coyotes that you catch?

[Marty S]

Originally Posted by pikeslayer22

Never will it fit in back of your truck or an enclosed with tracks. Normal car trailer would be the only way to haul. If you only used the snowmobile once why screw with tracks? The sxs will go through a lot of snow with tires.

So WRONG on never in back of truck eh???...er with some most slight mods!!!

Why have machine.... I use a sled heavy like once in 10 years, drag everywhere those winters. Hate it but gotta do it when the snow demands it. I swear tho that next deep snow winter I am a full time furbuyer!!! Mind you, them winters the coyotes go berserk and it’s great fun mass annilating and your biggest concern is those vile little sledders... anyways, when you need one you gotta have it!

So hard starting atv/utv’s... I was using a master diesel mechanic in Pincher Creek once upon a time for truck work and noticed they did a little quad work as well. He seemed to like the Suzuki’s and what he would do was cut the frame in the back of the machine and modify it and re-weld it to accommodate a second battery that was much larger and more powerful, as well as change out the original battery with a second the same size. His purpose was to ensure the machine wouldn’t kill the battery when pushing snow all day with a winch and blade. Now what counts... his claim was that he could start the machine with great ease in the extreme cold like even -35.

Don’t yell at me! That was his claim... I’m just an ignorant trapper!

So that is my master plan! Will I fail? I need the machine most when it’s cold, often stupid cold. The snowmobile should always start... however the prospect of a machine with a full cab and real windshield and doors really appeals to me. Can you believe that?

[pikeslayer22]

Originally Posted by Marty S

So WRONG on never in back of truck eh???...er with some most slight mods!!!

Why have machine.... I use a sled heavy like once in 10 years, drag everywhere those winters. Hate it but gotta do it when the snow demands it. I swear tho that next deep snow winter I am a full time furbuyer!!! Mind you, them winters the coyotes go berserk and it’s great fun mass annilating and your biggest concern is those vile little sledders... anyways, when you need one you gotta have it!

So hard starting atv/utv’s... I was using a master diesel mechanic in Pincher Creek once upon a time for truck work and noticed they did a little quad work as well. He seemed to like the Suzuki’s and what he would do was cut the frame in the back of the machine and modify it and re-weld it to accommodate a second battery that was much larger and more powerful, as well as change out the original battery with a second the same size. His purpose was to ensure the machine wouldn’t kill the battery when pushing snow all day with a winch and blade. Now what counts... his claim was that he could start the machine with great ease in the extreme cold like even -35.

Don’t yell at me! That was his claim... I’m just an ignorant trapper!

So that is my master plan! Will I fail? I need the machine most when it’s cold, often stupid cold. The snowmobile should always start... however the prospect of a machine with a full cab and real windshield and doors really appeals to me. Can you believe that?

I have a full size Polaris Ranger with tracks and there is no way in hell you are getting it between wheel wells of truck with tracks on.flat deck definitely an option. Enclosed trailer could work but will be an expensive touch with the extra height needed. As far as starting goes never had an issue with that and have started as low as -35. Lots of wear and tear on driveline and suspension with tracks on. If you buy new UTV with cab and heater, tracks it will be over 30k. But I guess a few 100 plus coyote days and that would be chump change