Comprehensive Guide to Snowmobile Covers
Protecting your snowmobile with the right cover is essential to maintaining its performance and longevity. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the different types of snowmobile covers, key features to look for, and tips for choosing the best one for your needs. Whether you need protection during storage or transportation, this guide will help you make an informed decision and ensure your snowmobile stays in top condition year-round.
Table Of Content
| 1. Introduction | - What are snowmobile covers? |
| - Importance of using snowmobile covers | |
| 2. Types of Snowmobile Covers | - Universal vs. custom-fit covers |
| - Trailerable covers | |
| - Storage covers | |
| - Indoor vs. outdoor covers | |
| 3. Key Features to Consider | - Material durability |
| - Water and UV resistance | |
| - Ventilation | |
| - Elastic hems and tie-down straps | |
| - Soft interior lining | |
| 4. Choosing the Right Size | - How to measure your snowmobile |
| - Importance of a snug fit | |
| 5. Benefits of Using a Snowmobile Cover | - Protection from weather elements |
| - Preventing dust and debris buildup | |
| - Prolonging the lifespan of the snowmobile | |
| - Security and theft deterrent | |
| 6. Maintenance and Care of Covers | - Cleaning and washing instructions |
| - Storing the cover during off-seasons | |
| - Repairing minor damages | |
| 7. Cost and Budget Considerations | - Price range for different cover types |
| - Factors influencing price | |
| 8. Popular Brands and Manufacturers | - Reviews of top snowmobile cover brands |
| - Comparing features and pricing | |
| 9. Customer Reviews and Testimonials | - What buyers are saying about different covers |
| - Pros and cons based on feedback | |
| 10. Expert Tips for Prolonging Snowmobile Cover Life | - Storage tips |
| - Avoiding mold and mildew | |
| 11. Common Mistakes to Avoid | - Overlooking size considerations |
| - Skipping maintenance | |
| - Buying the wrong type for specific needs | |
| 12. Trailerable Snowmobile Covers | - Importance of securing covers during transport |
| - Choosing heavy-duty covers for trailers | |
| 13. Eco-Friendly Snowmobile Covers | - Sustainable material options |
| - Brands offering eco-conscious designs | |
| 14. Future Trends in Snowmobile Covers | - Innovations in cover materials and design |
| - Integration of smart features | |
| 15. Conclusion | - Recap of key points |
| - Final thoughts on investing in snowmobile covers |
1. Introduction
Snowmobiles are an investment in outdoor adventure, and like any valuable asset, they require protection from the elements. Snowmobile covers play a crucial role in preserving your vehicle’s quality and ensuring its longevity. Whether you use your snowmobile for sport or recreation, covering it properly can make a significant difference in its performance and appearance over time. This article will explore the types of snowmobile covers available, their benefits, and what to consider when purchasing one.
2. Types of Snowmobile Covers
Universal vs. Custom-Fit Covers
Universal covers are designed to fit a variety of snowmobile models, whereas custom-fit covers are tailored specifically for your machine. Custom-fit options provide a tighter fit and better protection, but they can be more expensive than universal covers.
Trailerable Covers
Trailerable covers are designed for snowmobiles that need to be transported on trailers. They offer more durability and have secure tie-down points to prevent them from being blown off during transit.
Storage Covers
Storage covers are lightweight and primarily used to protect snowmobiles during storage periods. While not as durable as trailerable covers, they are perfect for indoor or sheltered outdoor storage.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Covers
Indoor covers focus on preventing dust buildup, while outdoor covers are built to withstand harsh weather conditions such as snow, rain, and intense sunlight.
3. Key Features to Consider
Material Durability
The longevity of a snowmobile cover largely depends on its material. Look for covers made from heavy-duty polyester or nylon that offer resistance to tears and abrasions.
Water and UV Resistance
Your snowmobile cover should be waterproof and UV-resistant. A cover that doesn’t repel water or block UV rays can lead to rust and fading of the snowmobile’s body and components.
Ventilation
A good snowmobile cover should have ventilation features to prevent moisture buildup inside the cover, which could lead to mold and mildew.
Elastic Hems and Tie-Down Straps
Elastic hems help secure the cover around the snowmobile, while tie-down straps offer added protection for trailerable covers during transport.
Soft Interior Lining
A soft inner lining prevents scratches on the snowmobile’s surface, ensuring the paint and finish remain intact.
4. Choosing the Right Size
How to Measure Your Snowmobile
To ensure your cover fits properly, measure your snowmobile’s length, width, and height. Manufacturers often provide size charts to match specific cover sizes to snowmobile dimensions.
Importance of a Snug Fit
A loose-fitting cover can flap in the wind, causing wear and tear. On the other hand, a snug cover offers better protection and ensures that no dust, debris, or moisture sneaks in.
5. Benefits of Using a Snowmobile Cover
Protection from Weather Elements
Snowmobile covers are essential in shielding your vehicle from harsh weather conditions like snow, rain, and UV rays, which can degrade its quality over time.
Preventing Dust and Debris Buildup
Even when stored indoors, dust and debris can accumulate on your snowmobile. A cover prevents this, keeping your machine clean and ready for use.
Prolonging the Lifespan of the Snowmobile
Regular use of a snowmobile cover can extend the life of your machine by preventing damage caused by the elements, ensuring it operates efficiently for years to come.
Security and Theft Deterrent
Some covers come with locking mechanisms, acting as a theft deterrent. While not foolproof, they add an extra layer of security when your snowmobile is parked outdoors.
6. Maintenance and Care of Snowmobile Covers
Cleaning and Washing Instructions
Most snowmobile covers can be cleaned with mild soap and water. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can degrade the material over time.
Storing the Cover During Off-Seasons
When not in use, store your cover in a cool, dry place. Avoid damp areas to prevent mold growth, and fold the cover neatly to avoid wrinkles that may weaken the fabric.
Repairing Minor Damages
If your cover gets a small tear or rip, patch it with a repair kit before the damage worsens.
7. Cost and Budget Considerations
Price Range for Different Cover Types
Snowmobile covers vary in price, ranging from $50 for basic storage covers to $200+ for high-end trailerable options with advanced features.
Factors Influencing Price
Material, brand, size, and additional features like UV protection and locking systems can significantly influence the price of a snowmobile cover.
8. Popular Brands and Manufacturers of Snowmobile Covers
Some of the top brands for snowmobile covers include:
- Classic Accessories: Known for durable, budget-friendly covers.
- North East Harbor: Offers a wide variety of custom-fit covers.
- SledGear: Popular for heavy-duty trailerable options.
9. Customer Reviews and Testimonials
What Buyers Are Saying
Buyers often emphasize durability, ease of use, and weather resistance as key factors in their satisfaction with snowmobile covers. Custom-fit covers tend to receive higher ratings for their precision and snug fit.
Pros and Cons Based on Feedback
- Pros: Superior weather protection, durable materials, secure fit.
- Cons: Higher price points for premium features, occasional sizing issues.
10. Expert Tips for Prolonging Snowmobile Covers Life
Storage Tips
To maximize the lifespan of your snowmobile cover, always store it in a dry, cool place when not in use. Keeping it in a damp or hot environment can weaken the fabric and reduce its effectiveness over time.
Avoiding Mold and Mildew
Ensure your cover is completely dry before folding and storing it to prevent the growth of mold or mildew. If you're using the cover outdoors, choose one with proper ventilation to allow moisture to escape and avoid condensation buildup.
11. Common Mistakes to Avoid while buying Snowmobile Covers
Overlooking Size Considerations
One of the most common mistakes buyers make is not accurately measuring their snowmobile before purchasing a cover. This can lead to ill-fitting covers that don’t provide adequate protection. Always measure your snowmobile's length, height, and width to ensure a proper fit.
Skipping Maintenance
Regularly cleaning your cover is crucial for maintaining its performance. Many people neglect this step, which can result in a buildup of dirt and debris, weakening the material over time.
Buying the Wrong Type for Specific Needs
Make sure you choose the correct type of cover for your intended use. A storage cover won’t be suitable for trailering, and an indoor cover won’t protect your snowmobile from harsh outdoor elements.
12. Trailerable Snowmobile Covers
Importance of Securing Covers During Transport
When transporting your snowmobile on a trailer, a secure cover is essential. Trailerable covers are designed to withstand wind and movement during travel, with reinforced straps and tie-down points that ensure they stay in place.
Choosing Heavy-Duty Covers for Trailers
For frequent transportation, investing in a heavy-duty cover with thick fabric, extra padding, and secure tie-downs is vital. These covers are built to endure the stress of high-speed travel and protect your snowmobile from road debris and weather.
13. Eco-Friendly Snowmobile Covers
Sustainable Material Options
As sustainability becomes a growing concern, many manufacturers now offer eco-friendly snowmobile covers made from recycled or biodegradable materials. These covers provide the same level of protection while minimizing environmental impact.
Brands Offering Eco-Conscious Designs
Brands like Coverking and CarCovers.com offer eco-conscious alternatives, utilizing sustainable manufacturing processes and recyclable materials without compromising on durability or quality.
14. Future Trends in Snowmobile Covers
Innovations in Cover Materials and Design
The snowmobile cover industry is evolving, with new materials like advanced waterproof fabrics and reinforced seams offering greater durability and protection. Expect to see more covers designed with multifunctionality, combining trailerable and storage capabilities in one product.
Integration of Smart Features
Some manufacturers are exploring smart features, such as integrated GPS tracking or temperature sensors within the covers, allowing snowmobile owners to monitor their vehicles remotely.
15. Conclusion
In summary, investing in the right snowmobile cover is essential for protecting your machine from harsh weather, dust, and debris, while also prolonging its lifespan. With various types and features available, it's important to choose a cover that suits your specific needs, whether for storage or transportation. Regular maintenance and care will further extend the life of your cover, ensuring that your snowmobile remains in peak condition for years to come.
