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As winter winds down and the snow begins to melt, many snowmobile owners start thinking about where their sled will stay until the next riding season. Proper post-season snowmobile storage is essential to protect your snowmobile from corrosion, mechanical issues, and weather damage.
Whether you store your snowmobile in a garage or a storage unit, preparing it correctly can help ensure it starts up easily when winter returns. Our guide outlines simple storage tips to help extend the lifespan of your sled and ensure it’s ready for the trails next season.
How to Prepare Your Snowmobile for Storage
1. Cleaning Your Sled
Before putting your snowmobile away for the season, give it a thorough cleaning. Snow, mud, and road salt can accumulate during winter rides and cause long-term damage if left untreated.
Start by:
Washing the exterior of the sled
Removing dirt and grime from the track and suspension
Drying the machine completely
Inspecting for rust, damage, and signs of wear
Cleaning the snowmobile not only protects the finish but also allows you to identify maintenance issues early.
2. Stabilize the Fuel System
Fuel left sitting for months can degrade and lead to engine problems. To prevent this, add a fuel stabilizer before storing your snowmobile.
Steps to follow include:
Fill the gas tank to prevent condensation
Add the recommended amount of fuel stabilizer
Run the snowmobile's engine briefly so the stabilizer circulates through the fuel system.
This simple step helps keep the fuel system in good condition during long periods of inactivity.
3. Protect the Battery
Snowmobile batteries can lose charge during the off-season.
To maintain battery health:
Remove the battery if possible
Store it in a dry place
Connect it to a battery maintainer or trickle charger
This helps extend battery life and reduces the chance of starting issues next winter.
4. Elevate the Track
If your snowmobile sits in one position for months, the track and suspension components can develop flat spots or unnecessary stress.
To avoid this:
Elevate the sled using a snowmobile stand
Reduce pressure on the track and suspension
Keep the machine stable and level
This is especially helpful for long-term storage. Manufacturers, such as Ski-Doo, also provide additional maintenance tips to follow before, during, and after seasonal storage.
5. Cover the Snowmobile
Once the snowmobile is clean and prepared, cover it with a breathable protective cover.
A proper cover helps protect against dust, moisture, sun exposure, and scratches, keeping your sled clean during the off-season. However, not all covers are the same. When selecting a snowmobile cover, consider the following factors:
Size
Make sure the cover fits your specific snowmobile model. Some covers are one-size-fits-all with elastic edges, while others are custom-fit for certain sleds.
Durability
How durable your cover needs to be depends on where you’re storing your snowmobile. Lightweight indoor covers are sufficient for climate-controlled storage, while outdoor covers should be waterproof and UV-resistant.
Material
Most covers are made from polyester, though some are nylon. Choose a material based on the level of moisture protection you need.
Access Panels
If you plan to access your snowmobile occasionally during storage, look for covers with access panels for easier entry.
Most quality snowmobile covers range from $50 to $80, depending on size and durability.
How Should You Store Your Snowmobile? Snowmobile Storage Options
Many riders store their snowmobiles in garages, but space can become limited during the warmer months when lawn equipment, bikes, and camping gear also need room.
Indoor snowmobile storage options, whether drive-up or climate-controlled, can help protect snowmobiles from:
Temperature fluctuations
Humidity and moisture
Accidental damage in crowded garages
Using off-site storage can also help free up valuable garage space during the off-season.
What Is the Best Storage Unit for a Snowmobile?
Snowmobiles typically fit comfortably in 5×10 or 10×10 storage units, making them a practical option for seasonal snowmobile storage during the warmer months. These units also leave space for helmets, riding gear, and maintenance tools.
A drive-up storage unit can make storing your sled easier, allowing you to drive right up to your unit for loading and unloading.
If you follow proper storage practices and use a high-quality cover, covered parking spaces or outdoor parking can also be options. However, these may not be ideal if you're concerned about long-term wear and tear from weather exposure.
Most storage facilities, like Storage Star, offer convenient month-to-month leases so you only have to pay for summer storage if you have another place to keep your sled during snowmobile season.
How to Store Riding Gear & Equipment
When putting your snowmobile away for the season, it’s also a good time to organize related equipment.
Common items stored alongside snowmobiles include:
Helmets and goggles
Snowmobile suits and gloves
Spare belts and parts
Maintenance tools
Trailers or sled accessories
Keeping these items together ensures you’ll be fully prepared when winter returns.
Get Ready to Store for Next Season
Proper snowmobile storage after winter helps protect your investment and makes the first ride of the winter season much easier. Taking a little time to clean, stabilize, and cover your sled can prevent mechanical issues and reduce wear during the off-season.
With the right preparation and a safe storage location, your snowmobile will be ready to hit the trails again when winter arrives.
Find a Storage Star location near you to begin your snowmobile storage unit rental today.
FAQs
Can you store a snowmobile outside in summer?
Yes, but it should be covered with a waterproof cover and stored on a stable surface. Indoor storage is generally better for protecting the sled from UV exposure, moisture, and temperature changes.
What size storage unit fits a snowmobile?
Most snowmobiles fit comfortably in a 5×10 or 10×10 storage unit, which also leaves space for helmets, riding gear, and maintenance equipment.
Should you remove the battery when storing a snowmobile?
Many riders remove the battery and connect it to a maintainer or trickle charger to keep it from losing charge during the off-season.
