How to Build a Snowmobile Repair Kit

A snowmobile is a fun way to keep riding in winter when other vehicles are out of commission for the season. While a snowmobile is always a good time, getting stranded with a stuck snowmobile is never fun. If you are out on the trails enjoying the winter landscape and experience trouble with nothing on hand, you will definitely be kicking yourself for it. Here are a few things you need to know on how to build a snowmobile repair kit so you can be ready when issues come up on a ride.

Bring the Basics

The first and most important thing in how to build a snowmobile repair kit is to know the basics in terms of tools and parts. There are a few common items you should bring with you on a ride to make sure you are ready in case of mechanical issues.

• Gorilla Tape: This is great to have on hand in case of a fender bender. If you hit a tree or another snowmobile, you can easily patch things up until you get home to fix it.

• Extra belt: Broken belts are one of the most common issues while out riding so having an extra on hand is always a smart move. In fact, many models of snowmobiles will even have a place under the hood to store a spare belt. Even if your model doesn’t have this space, you should definitely pack an extra belt.

• Spare spark plugs: This is such a common need and so small that there is no reason not to bring a few with you on a ride just in case. You should also bring a spark plug wrench along for the ride to change them out as needed.

• Spare starter rope: If you are out on a ride and this rope breaks, you aren’t going anywhere because the snowmobile won’t start without it. It is a good idea to bring a spare with you so you don’t end up stranded.

• Small basic tool kit: An obvious addition to your repair kit, this should include the basics of a small set of pliers, wrenches, and screwdrivers.

• Tow rope: Getting stuck with a dead vehicle you can’t repair then and there is a pain. A tow rope is great for towing the snowmobile when it is dead and it can also be used to tow you out of a tight spot or being stuck in a bank.

• Foldable shovel: This is another one of those items that if you don’t have it, you will kick yourself when you actually need it. When you or a riding buddy get stuck in a tough spot, a shovel is the best option for digging your way out again.

• Siphon pump: Carrying extra fuel with you on a snowmobile isn’t always feasible or even safe. This is where a siphon pump comes in handy. This small tool lets you siphon a little bit of gas from the snowmobile of a buddy so you can get back home and refuel.

A Few Extras

When looking at how to build a snowmobile repair kit, the items mentioned above are the essentials, but having a few extras can make it easier. If you have the room to bring these items with you, it can make be useful when dealing with a broken snowmobile out on the trails.

• Map of trails: If you are stranded with a dead machine, knowing exactly where you are and how far to the next station or civilization is key in winter riding. In winter riding, a bad situation can quickly turn into a matter of life or death as the already cold temperatures drop at night. You need a map of the trails in case you need to leave the snowmobile and head for a ranger station or other post.

• Locator beacon: This is a good thing to have on hand in case you end up broken down and unable to repair your snowmobile. If you are staying to trails and have a trail map, you can probably skip this, but when riding off trail, this is a must-have item in case of a breakdown.

• Hand warmers: If you are making repairs on the trail in the cold weather, you need to be able to use your hands. Since you will likely take your riding gloves off to make repairs, hand warmers are key. You can use these to warm up your hands so you can quickly make any repairs as needed on the trails.

• Water: Water can be useful to keep you hydrated while making repairs. It can also be used to clean off your hands after doing some repairs.

• First aid kit: Minor cuts are pretty common when working on a machine. It is always a good idea to have a few bandages or gauze on hand if you experience any issues out on the trails.