Buying guide for Best snowmobile covers
You take extraordinary care to protect your expensive snowmobile when you’re riding it. Shouldn’t you take equal care to protect it when you’re not riding it? A snowmobile cover can help safeguard your sled from dust, dirt, and the ravages of winter weather. Some covers are also designed to withstand the grime and winds of the road.
To discover which snowmobile cover is right for you, there are certain features and factors to consider, including the size you need, the characteristics of indoor versus outdoor covers, materials, vents, hem cords, and other pertinent information.
Key considerations
Size
Snowmobiles come in a wide range of sizes, so it should come as no surprise that covers to protect them do, too. While some manufacturers sell one-size-fits-all covers, others offer covers in sizes ranging in length from 100 inches to 140+ inches. You may even be able to find a cover custom-designed for your specific brand and make of snowmobile.
Durability
Some snowmobile covers are more durable than others, and the durability of a cover largely determines how it can be used. From simple dust covers to rugged covers capable of warding off extreme wind and weather, quite a range exists. To simplify, let’s break down three basic snowmobile covers categories based on durability.
Indoor covers: These are the aforementioned dust covers, lightweight and designed primarily to keep out dust and light dirt. Some indoor snowmobile covers have limited water resistance.
Outdoor covers: These covers are made for machines that are stored outside. Thick and protective, they are more durable, waterproof, and resistant to the elements than light dust covers. Many are made of a material that has been treated for UV resistance.
Trailering covers: Indoor and outdoor covers are fine for stationary machines, but if you will be hauling your snowmobile on a trailer, you need something rugged. Trailering covers are highly durable and able to withstand extreme weather. Under the pressure of near-constant winds, these covers resist ripping and offer excellent waterproofing, UV resistance, and scratch/abrasion protection. Straps or hem cords may be included for even more protection.
Ease of use
The best snowmobile covers are easy to attach to and remove from a snowmobile. Straps and other adjustments are made without much fuss.
While a snowmobile cover for a sled stored inside is a “nice to have,” it is vital for snowmobiles stored outside or hauled on an open trailer.
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Features
Material
While some snowmobile covers are made from nylon, polyester is a far more common cover material. Thickness varies, with some snowmobile covers being up to 600 denier (600D). All covers feature some form of water resistance (nylon is actually more waterproof than polyester), and some are treated for UV protection.
Double stitching can improve durability and is common on trailering covers. Some covers also feature a soft inner lining to protect the snowmobile’s paint and windshield from scratches. While less common, some covers also boast reflective strips or markers for better visibility in the dark.
Access panels
High-quality snowmobile covers often have access panels built into them. These panels, usually zippered, are designed to provide users with easy access to areas such as the fuel tank and rear rack without having to completely remove the cover.
Vents
Built into the cover, vents allow air to easily circulate under the cover, which can help to cut down on mold and mildew growth. This feature is often found on more feature-rich snowmobile covers.
Hem cord
Standard on snowmobile covers is a hem cord, usually made of elastic, that cinches the bottom to create a tighter fit over your machine.
Straps
Another way to secure the cover on your sled is with adjustable straps, which are usually included with the cover. The quality of the straps can vary considerably. The best straps are durable with strong, corrosive-resistant buckles. (Note: some straps have hooks in addition to buckles). Buckles with a better build are particularly important if you are trailering your snowmobile.
Storage bag
Also standard for the majority of snowmobile covers is a storage bag, which provides a handy way to store your cover when not in use. These rugged bags often feature a drawstring or another way to secure the bag.
DID YOU KNOW?
Do not place a snowmobile cover in the dryer, as the heat could damage the fabric.
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Snowmobile cover prices
Inexpensive: Snowmobile covers under $50 tend to be designed for smaller snowmobiles or snowmobiles that are stored inside. The material is thinner, often in the 200D range, and is likely to be less water-resistant than pricier choices.
Mid-range: Snowmobile covers in the $50 to $80 range offer more protection from the elements. These are usually thicker with better waterproofing and UV protection for outside storage. Access panels may be found on some snowmobile covers in this price range.
Expensive: Snowmobile covers over $80 tend to offer the greatest degree of protection. Common here is 600D thickness, as are advanced features such as vents and access panels. The majority of high-end snowmobile covers are designed for trailering, with advanced weatherproofing and features such as double stitching to protect your sled while you are hauling it on the road.
Never put a wet snowmobile cover on your machine. Similarly, do not place the cover in its storage bag when wet. Both of these practices could result in mold and mildew growth.
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Tips
- If you have added modifications or attachments to your snowmobile, take those changes into account when sizing a snowmobile cover.
- If trailering your snowmobile over long distances, periodically stop to check the cover, hem, and straps to verify that everything is secure.
- Clean your snowmobile before covering it, as trapped dirt can dull the machine’s finish.
- Don’t store your snowmobile cover in direct sunlight, as this can hasten the breakdown of the fabric.
- Never place a tarp over your covered machine. This can prevent the cover from breathing, which in turn may encourage moisture build-up and mold and mildew growth.
- Before covering your snowmobile, place soft cloths or sponges over sharp parts of the sled to keep your cover from stressing at these points.
- If a layer of ice forms between your cover and the snowmobile, allow it to thaw before removing the cover to avoid damage. If you are in a hurry, you can speed up the process by pouring warm water over the cover until it easily lifts off the machine.
FAQ
Q. How should I clean my snowmobile cover?
A. Between the mud of the trail and the dirt and dust of the road, snowmobile covers can quickly lose their luster. While some can be machine washed, others should be washed by hand. Check the manufacturer’s care instructions before attempting to clean your snowmobile cover.
If it can be machine washed, you should only run the cover through a gentle or delicate cycle. Then, hang it up to dry. To wash a snowmobile cover by hand, use either a hose or a pressure washer. Gently scrub it with a soft cloth or brush and a bit of diluted mild soap. Rinse it thoroughly, and hang it to air dry.
Q. How should I determine what cover size I need for my snowmobile?
A. If you can find a cover that fits your exact brand and model of snowmobile, then you are all set: buy it. If not, it’s time to break out a tape measure.
With your tape measure in hand, decide whether you wish to cover the entire sled, skis included, or just the main body of it. If you wish to cover the whole snowmobile, start at the front tip of the skis and measure to the furthest rear part of the machine. If you aren’t concerned about the skis and only wish to cover the body of the sled, measure from the front of the cowling or hood to the furthest rear part of the sled. This will give you the length of cover you need.
As these covers typically ship with straps and some form of elastic or another hem, buying something a bit larger than you need is preferable to buying something that is too small.
Q. What is the best way to install a cover on my snowmobile?
A. Generally speaking, snowmobile covers are installed at the front first. The cover is then stretched to fully envelope the rear of the machine before being strapped down. Of course, you should always check the manufacturer’s instructions before attempting to install a cover.
