Trail/utility sled (need some help)

[zbowman1]

I no, I no, first post guy here. Not new to the sport but I might as well be, lol. After about a ten year hiatus I'm ready to take the plunge back into snowmobiling although my priority's have changed a little bit. The short track trail sleds of my youth don't seem quite as appealing anymore and wouldn't work for my application anyways. I think the easiest way for you guys to help me is if I tell you what I'm looking for. This sled would have split duties. 50% of the time it would be used to hall people and gear out on the ice. The trailing sled could way up to 100 pounds. The other 50% it would be used as a trail sled. Here are a list of things it must have.


2up seat
Long or wide track (or both)
must be able to pull a sled
Price range 3-6K


I would love to snow check a new Ski doo Skandic or Expedition or Polaris Titian but its just not in the cards. I have been watching CL all winter for used ones but they never come up for sale and when they do they bring a pretty penny. I have an app that lets me search the entire northwest. So what should I do? I have talked to several people that have suggested buying a used mountain sled with a 163" track and installing a 2up seat on it. Ski doo offers a kit for around 900$. I'm a little concerned about overheating one of these high performance sleds when pulling a sled with an extra person on it.


All suggestion and advice is welcome. Thanks in advance.

 

[donbrown]

Polaris offers a extra seat for their sleds.

So does Skidoo. If you are looking for a one seat sled.


Maybe pick up a used 2 up skidoo 600 sled. They go for low 3k from a rental shop with 3-5k miles.

Call around rental shops and see what deal they offer.

What software program searches all of craigslist at once?

 

[sdsnocop]

My suggestion would be a 09-14 Skidoo Summit Etec 600. I have had several of those sleds for snowmobile patrol. They are economical both on gas and oil, perform well and reliable. The 09-14 XP chassis has better trail manners than the XM chassis 2015 and newer unless you widen the front. I have had several go 7500 - 8500 miles with out touching the motor. Track lengths come in 146 or 154 with 2.3 inch lug. I rarely have had overheating issues especially if you install scratchers for marginal snow conditions. Towing a 100lb cargo sled would be no problem I often tow dead sleds with no problems, I even have dragged some with locked up tracks. belt life is excellent, typically 4-5 thousand on a belt. My current Summit has 7000 miles with the original belt. The 2 up seat from the Tundra can be installed in 30 seconds with no tools. A backrest and passenger hand holds will require modifications.

 

[joshkoltes]

https://kalispell.craigslist.org/snw/d/skidoo-skandic-low-miles/6499573984.html

https://boise.craigslist.org/snw/d/2018-new-ski-doo-skandic-wide/6461813710.html

https://denver.craigslist.org/snw/d/2017-ski-doo-sm-skandic-swt/6465211425.html

https://missoula.craigslist.org/snw/d/97-ski-doo-tundra/6481885544.html

https://missoula.craigslist.org/snw/d/skidoo-tundra-2-for-sale/6477200060.html

https://www.facebook.com/groups/287...10316475657718/?sale_post_id=1710316475657718

 

[joshkoltes]

What about a nytro or an Apex? They have gotten quite cheap, and probably do better at pulling trailers being four stroke

Try to find one that's not boosted.

https://bozeman.craigslist.org/snw/d/2008-yamaha-nytro-25/6452795665.html

https://bozeman.craigslist.org/snw/d/2008-yamaha-nytro-great-shape/6452725947.html

https://wyoming.craigslist.org/snw/d/2007-yamaha-apex-mountain/6487342257.html

https://bozeman.craigslist.org/snw/d/screaming-deal-yamaha-apex/6475938979.html

 

[Northpark]

I have a 96 Polaris Indy 340 that works perfectly for this situation. USe it mostly for ice fishing and some trails but is very reliable, easy to work on and parts are cheap. Sled cost me $100 on craigslist and for that money is well worth it. I also have a WT skandic and the only advantage is when the slush gets deep out on the lakes. I dont know where your located but know of a skandic and expedition for sale for cheap. If you close i can pass on the info

 

[zbowman1]

All great info. Exactly what I was looking for. I ended up picking up a 08’ Nytro MTX for 3k. Looks like I can pick up an aftermarket 2up seat for a couple hundred bucks. I also picked up a mint 99’ Polaris XLT touring 2up for a grand. Funny, I had several of those CL post tagged already. I’ll post again and let everyone no how that Nytro worked for my application if anyone is interested.

 

[AZ800]

Soild choice for your use. Rock solid reliability, good long track, lots of power and honestly they sell cheap for what they are since no one wants a heavy Mountian sled.
Plus they look sweet and are way cooler than a utility sled.