Just like any other powersport vehicle, snowmobiles also have their own weight and towing capacities, which are roughly as follows:
- Towing capacity: 250-1,500 pounds
- Tongue capacity: about 20-60 pounds
- Overall weight capacity: about 100-500 pounds
- Cargo area weight capacity: about 10-50 pounds
- Rear rack (carrier) weight capacity (depends on the model)
If you want to find out more about snowmobile capacities, you are in the right place. We at PowerSportsGuide have compiled all you need to know under one roof!
How Much Weight Can a Snowmobile Hold?
As a rule of thumb, a snowmobile can hold about 100-500 pounds depending on its make and type. Kid-sized snowmobiles can carry about 100-200 pounds, while the weight capacity of full-sized sleds ranges from about 350 up to 500 pounds.
It’s also good to know that these weight capacities refer to the maximum weight that the sled can carry, including the operator, passenger, and cargo.
Since you can carry heavier items on the tunnel of the sled, this number is often referred to as the “snowmobile tunnel weight capacity” and “snowmobile weight limit.”
If you can’t find this specification on your sled, don’t worry. The most common sources of where you can find your sled’s weight limits are as follows:
- Warning decals on the sled (mainly on the tunnel)
- Owner’s manual
- Dealers
- Manufacturers
If you want to carry cargo or a passenger on your sled, it’s highly recommended that you check and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Keep in mind that overloading your snowmobile can lead to losing control or damaging the tunnel or the suspension system. What’s more, carrying too much weight can even cause the sled to tip over.
Therefore, keeping safety in mind, the load on your sled should stay below the official weight capacity!
Snowmobile Cargo Area Weight Capacity
Many snowmobiles have a lockable cargo area under the seat or at the rear side of the tunnel. Depending on their size and location, the weight limit of these storage areas varies widely but it typically ranges from 10 up to 50 pounds.
For instance, the Polaris 550 Indy’s storage cargo has a 30-50-pound weight limit depending on the model. In contrast, The Yamaha VK Professional II can carry only 11 pounds in its storage box.
Besides these lockable storage areas, utility snowmobiles are usually equipped with a rear rack or carrier. Keep in mind that this rack also has its own weight capacity.
Snowmobile Weight Distribution
Besides overall weight capacity, distribution of the load is no less important, as it heavily affects the sled’s stability, handling, and braking distance. When it comes to snowmobile weight distribution, the key is to load the weight evenly on the tunnel. Also, you have to place the gear as close to the rider(s) as possible to centralize the weight.
Besides the capacities, manufacturers also have recommendations regarding the proper weight distribution in the Owner’s Manual. In addition, you may find these tips helpful:
- Do not hang heavy items from the rear of the tunnel.
- Always attach cargo to the tunnel tightly and securely. The best practice is to invest in innovative LinQ connectors or other OEM attachment systems.
- Always adjust the suspensions to accommodate the additional weight.
- While carrying cargo, always ride at lower speeds and turn gradually. Also, always allow longer braking distances as the increased weight makes the sled harder to stop.
- Never exceed the maximum weight limit of your sled!
How Much Weight Can a Snowmobile Pull?
Snowmobiles are often used for towing another sled in case of emergencies, sleighs, or other cargo. But how much weight can you pull with a snowmobile?
The majority of snowmobiles can pull about 250-1,500 pounds depending on the make and model. For example, the towing capacity of the Ski-Doo Tundra is 573 pounds, while the Scandic series can tow a remarkable weight of 1,500 pounds. You can find the Yamaha VK 540 and VK Professional II with a towing capacity of only 264 pounds at the other end of the spectrum.
If you want to pull a trailer with a rigid tow bar, you must pay attention to your sled’s tongue capacity.
A snowmobile’s tongue capacity typically ranges from 20 up to 60 pounds. If you are looking for your sled’s exact towing and tongue capacities, you should take a closer look at the owner’s manual or find the warning stickers on the tunnel.
Takeaways – FAQs About Snowmobile Capacities
As a takeaway, we’ve compiled the most frequent questions about snowmobile capacities!
How much weight can a snowmobile hold?
The majority of snowmobiles can hold about 100-500 pounds. Kid-sized sleds can typically carry 100-200 pounds, while the weight capacity of full-sized models is about 350-500 pounds. This overall weight capacity of a snowmobile always includes the weight of the riders and the cargo.
How much weight can a 120cc snowmobile carry?
120cc snowmobiles can carry about 100-140 pounds, depending on the model. For example, the Polaris 120 Indy weight capacity is 140 pounds, while the Ski-Doo Mini Z can carry 100 pounds.
One of the smallest production snowmobiles, the Arctic Cat Kitty Cat, also came with a weight capacity of 100 pounds.
How much weight can a snowmobile pull?
The towing capacity of snowmobiles typically ranges from 250 up to 1,500 pounds.
What is the tongue capacity of a snowmobile?
The tongue capacity of a snowmobile is about 20-60 pounds.
Where can you find the weight capacities of a snowmobile?
The tow and weight capacities for a snowmobile can be found on the warning decals on the tunnel as well as in the owner’s manual. If you can’t find these specifications for some reason, you may want to contact a dealer or the manufacturer for further information.
It’s also highly recommended that you never exceed the weight limit of your snowmobile, as it may result in loss of handling/stability and severe damage.
How much weight can a Skandic tow?
The Ski-Doo Skandic can tow no less than 1,500 pounds and has a tongue capacity of 35 pounds.
What is the best snowmobile for pulling heavy loads?
The best snowmobiles for pulling loads and carrying heavy items are arguably utility sleds. These machines are built on a heavy-duty chassis and propelled with an extra-wide track for increased traction. But if you are not stuck on using snowmobiles, you may want to consider a tracked side-by-side or a geo tracker. They can be great alternatives to utility snowmobiles under certain circumstances!
References:
Ski-doo, Polaris, Yamaha Motorsports, Arctic Cat
