Snowmobile Trail Tools

Anything can happen when on the snowmobile trail and being prepared can mean the difference between life and death. Snowmobile trail tools don't just include the obvious things such as wrenches and screwdrivers; they also include tools for major malfunctions with belts and spark plugs, emergency items that can save a life if someone's stranded, and avalanche and water-immersion aids.

  1. Short Trip Tools

    • Short snowmobile trips don't require as many tools as you might need on an extended ride or a snowmobile race, although they do have some basic needs in common. Because you can get turned around easily, even on a short ride, one of the most important things to bring is a vinyl map pocket, according to the Maine Snowmobile Association.

      A basic maintenance and repair kit will suffice for a short ride. A good kit can include a spare drive belt, spark plugs, a slotted wrench and screwdriver, bits and sockets; pouches for accessories such as your cell phone, wallet and keys; and elastic loops for securing items. Unless you know you are going near frozen water or into avalanche terrain, you can forgo these emergency tool kits for the trail.

    Extended Ride Tools

    • You will still need that vinyl pocketed map for an extended ride, as well as all the other items mentioned for short rides. It's a good idea to leave some type of anticipated travel route and schedule with a person not going on the trip, in case you don't return as scheduled. You will need an emergency kit, according to GORP, the Great Outdoor Recreation Pages website.

      The tools you will need in addition to those in the short ride repair kit will include bits, sockets, T-handle, extension bar and slotted screwdriver bits. It should also contain a spark plug socket and a universal joint. If going in avalanche terrain, you will need an avalanche kit as well, and this kit should be packed and placed on your person at all times. It should contain an avalanche beacon as well as a shovel and a probe, according to Tread Lightly. (4, pgs. 8-9) Adding emergency numbers in a vinyl pack is also recommended, as well as a GPS device.

    Extended Ride Emergency

    • An ounce of prevention is even better than a good emergency or repair kit when you could be facing miles of extreme weather and low temperatures. Look for problems with the tread on your snowmobile before heading out--especially if it is rented--such as dry rot, track cracking and missing or broken track clips. If the rental snowmobile has these, ask for another one; if it's your own, repair it before heading out.

      Other emergency tools and equipment for extended rides should include warm clothing and coats, a flotation device, extra fuel, waterproof matches, whistle, flashlight, flares, rope, knife, tow strap, bottled water, extra gloves, pliers, wire cutters, duct tape and a first aid kit as well as high-energy food.