Has anyone ever see a snow bungee break?

[Msteel900]

I've had my snow bungee for a few years now and my buddies have had there's longer than that. They work great but we wear just wondering if they should be replaced after so many years? Ours are in good shape and don't show any wear or damage. I was just wondering if anyone ever seen one break or if there's something to look out for. Thanks for any info you can provide.

 

[03RMK800]

Saw one break- it was mine, not too used, and I loaned it to a guy. When he hit the end of it at full throttle, it came apart. Turned out the skis of the stuck sled were caught under a buried root or stump and the towing sled was on too good of snow. The real cause was that they did not realize why the sled was "stuck". In otherwords, it was an immovable object problem.

I have seen situations where the towed vehicle didn't move, but done at slower speeds and/or without traction, so the towing sled just comes to a halt.

We just keep an eye on the cords. One guy took the cover off his for easier stowage and to keep an eye on the cords. I wouldn't do that--I think the cover is protective for the cords and, in the event of a disaster, will help contain problems.

 

[Scott]

I broke my handle off mine in about 08 and never got it fixed. I supposed I should.

 

[wag13]

Had a sled to sled bunjee break off the towing sled and come back and whack me in the knuckles, thought I broke a couple fingers just really black and blue for a week however. I had all my gear on, including my helmet. Couldn't have imagined what it would have been like if I wouldn't have and it had the opportunity to hit my head...live and learn, wear your gear when you are on the stationary sled, for the "just incase" scenario.

 

[jsledder]

I had one break and it came back and busted my tail light but that's about as far as it got, I think it would have been a pretty good smack in the back had it not had that protective cover over it. It can be a little bit of a learning curve to time it just right for when the stuck sled get's on the juice, I don't like getting it to max stretch before doing that but when hooking onto someone that's not used to it they think they are going to be "towed" out. This last weekend I had a guy ask if he could borrow mine because one of his sleds ran out of gas and needed a tow and he left his at home.

 

[J-Tek]

I've had my snow bungee for a few years now and my buddies have had there's longer than that. They work great but we wear just wondering if they should be replaced after so many years? Ours are in good shape and don't show any wear or damage. I was just wondering if anyone ever seen one break or if there's something to look out for. Thanks for any info you can provide.

I broke mine last year after a full week of pulling turbo cats out , I was actually pulling one of cats factory test sleds out when it broke . It was well used and had a couple cords starting to fray . It was a Sled to sled style.

 

[jmom]

I have used the same Snobunje for 5 YEARS, riding the mountains 40-50 days each season and have NEVER had any issues. My dad has had the same bunje since 2006. Being inexperienced flatlanders, our Snobunje's have gotten a ton of pulls on them. There is a learning curve on timing and extraction types.

If your breaking your Snobunje, I would say you are exceeding the pulling force recommendations on the packaging. Limit the force you put on the sled when pulling a 'stuck' sled out. Using the 4 ideas below will help limit the tension/stress on your snobuje.

1. Never pull up hill
2. Always kick out under your boards, in front of your sled and free the skis from obstructions.
3. Never pull at an angle sharper than 90 degrees.
4. Do not accelerate to 'pull' the sled out. Just ease forward, and use the tension provided from the bunje to drive the other sled out of the 'stuck' position.

I would also agree with earlier posts.... always hook to a-arms, not ski loops and always wear your helmet/goggles.

 

[XP Summit]

I have used the same Snobunje for 5 YEARS, riding the mountains 40-50 days each season and have NEVER had any issues. My dad has had the same bunje since 2006. Being inexperienced flatlanders, our Snobunje's have gotten a ton of pulls on them. There is a learning curve on timing and extraction types.

If your breaking your Snobunje, I would say you are exceeding the pulling force recommendations on the packaging. Limit the force you put on the sled when pulling a 'stuck' sled out. Using the 4 ideas below will help limit the tension/stress on your snobuje.

1. Never pull up hill
2. Always kick out under your boards, in front of your sled and free the skis from obstructions.
3. Never pull at an angle sharper than 90 degrees.
4. Do not accelerate to 'pull' the sled out. Just ease forward, and use the tension provided from the bunje to drive the other sled out of the 'stuck' position.

I would also agree with earlier posts.... always hook to a-arms, not ski loops and always wear your helmet/goggles.

If there is anyone that has put a beating on snow bunjes it would be the Mom's group