8 Great Snowmobile Storage Ideas

By John Funk, March 14, 2023

We are nearing the end of winter, which means the snowmobile season is coming to an end. So, it’s time to put your snowmobile into storage for the rest of the year. Usually, snowmobiles get used only for about four months a year outside of areas that tend to be colder year-round. Therefore, you need to keep it in storage for about eight months, which can be a daunting task.

Many snowmobile owners let their snowmobiles sit outside, unprotected from the elements for the rest of the year. This can cause serious damage to a snowmobile. It can lead to the hardening of fuel hoses, cracking of seat fabrics, and rust formation on internal engine components and in the rear suspension. It can also cause the shiny finish on the tunnel to become dull, thereby affecting its resale value.

As a snowmobile owner, you must take extra preventative measures to protect your snowmobile from damage during the warmer months. Proper preparations and measures will make it much easier to enjoy the next winter season with a fresh and well-maintained machine.

What Should You Do to Prepare Your Snowmobile for Storage?

Here are some snowmobile storage ideas to follow to ensure the optimum quantity of enjoyment when the first snow falls in your area.

Choose a Good Storage Location

Storing your snowmobile outdoors isn’t a wise decision considering the chilly winter conditions. It will expose your snowmobile to harmful elements, which will hasten the damage to important components.
Snow, ice, rain, sunlight, dust, excess humidity, moisture, and other hazardous elements can cause several damages to your snowmobile.
Storing it in a garage or other indoor location is better than storing it outdoors.
Store your snowmobile in a dry location. It’s even better if you can elevate your sled off the ground.

Remove the Battery and Drive Belt

Drastic temperature changes are quite common over the year and it can be bad for your batteries.
One of the best practices is to remove the batteries and store them in a temperature-controlled dry area, away from sunlight, and make sure to charge the batteries once a month using a small charger or set it up on a trickle charger. This practice will protect the battery and prolong its life.
Along with the battery, you should also remove the drive belt from your snowmobile. This will keep it from settling into its installed shape. If you don’t remove the belt, it may not rotate properly the next time you use it.
Removing the belt also reduces the risk of condensation building up between the belt and the clutch.

Add Fuel Stabilizer

Treating the fuel before storage can be vital in protecting your snowmobile against damage.
Adding fuel stabilizer to the tank reduces the evaporation of solvents that make gasoline volatile
After adding the fuel stabilizer, make sure to slosh it around in the tank and run the snowmobile’s engine for a few minutes. This will allow the mixture to run through the fuel line.
Once this is completed, make sure to drain excess gas from the carburetor and turn the fuel off to prevent the gasoline from damaging gaskets.

Fog the Engine

Fogging oil prevents moisture from damaging your snowmobile engine while in storage. It forms a protective coating by displacing moisture from the metal which prevents air and moisture from causing corrosion that can cause parts to fail.
Turn the engine on and spray some fogging oil into each of its intakes. You need to make sure that all internal parts get enough oil.

Keep Your Sled off the Ground

As we mentioned earlier, it is important to lift your snowmobile off the ground while in storage. Doing so takes the tension off the springs and helps them last longer.
You can do this by elevating the rear end of the snowmobile by placing a jack stand under the rear bumper. Once this is done, you can unhook the springs.
The other method of doing this is by lifting the snowmobile and setting the chassis on a wooden box so that the front suspension can hang freely.

Keep the Fuel System Properly Maintained

Keeping the fuel system properly maintained is an important task that you need to perform before putting your snowmobile to sleep.
It is crucial not to store your snowmobile with its tank empty, as it can lead to serious damage. Remember, the engine parts of a snowmobile rely on fuel for lubrication and protection, especially when not in use.
When you store your snowmobile with the fuel tanks empty, it can cause the seals and the gas gauge to dry out, causing damage.
Adding a fuel stabilizer prevents gasoline solvents from breaking down and causing corrosion in the carburetor. As mentioned before, fuel stabilizer is quite important.
Make sure to run the engine for a short time before storing your snowmobile.

Clean the Snowmobile

It is highly advised to give your snowmobile a good wash before putting it away for the season. Snowmobiles are prone to salt and grime build-up from trails, roads, and from transportation via trailers. If the salt is not removed over a period of time, it can become corrosive. You can spray a lightweight oil like WD-40 to protect the metal. It will not only act as a protective barrier but will prevent rust too.
Remember, your snowmobile has seen its fair share of action over the winter. While driving your snowmobile over the snowy terrain, dirt, mud, and other bits of debris may have gotten stuck onto the sled’s exterior and exposed parts like the suspensions, springs, skis, and track. When you store your snowmobile without cleaning these elements, it can cause some serious damage to your sled over a period of time. Therefore, it is important to clean your snowmobile thoroughly before putting it to sleep for the off-season
Cleaning prevents abrasion and corrosion damage to the snowmobile’s structure and parts from harmful elements such as salt. It also removes debris such as rocks, and dirt build-up. This will ensure that moving parts such as gears and tracks function smoothly the next winter.

Use a Top-Quality Snowmobile Cover

Once you have prepared your snowmobile for storage, use a high-quality snowmobile cover to keep it protected.
You need to make sure that the snowmobile is completely dry before covering it, and you should also check whether there is airflow even after covering it.
A high-quality snowmobile cover can effectively protect your snowmobile both outdoors and indoors.

Snowmobiles aren’t inexpensive. You have spent thousands of dollars on your snowmobile, so you’d want to make sure it’s ready for the next winter season. By implementing the above snowmobile storage ideas, you will be able to maintain your snowmobile in great condition.

Why You Should Choose Seal Skin’s Expertly Designed Snowmobile Covers

At Seal Skin, we offer an extensive range of snowmobile covers that are reliable, durable, and affordable. Our expertly designed covers leave breathable space for moisture to escape, thereby preventing mold and mildew formation which can be dangerous for your snowmobile.

You can call us at 800-915-0038 during our office hours (Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST) and we will help you find the right snowmobile cover that fits your needs and budget. We will also help you if you have any questions about our products, shipping policies, and exchange/refund policies.