TRAILERING & TOWING

For hauling snowmachines, use a trailer specifically designed for transporting snowmachines. Be sure you have all the proper equipment to attach the trailer to the survey van, including safety chains, electrical connections and check that lights are in working condition. Check tires for condition and inflation each time before heading out on the road.

Before loading the snowmachine, always double check to ensure that the trailer is properly secured to the vehicle's hitch. This will prevent the trailer from popping up off the hitch when the snowmachine is driven onto the trailer bed.

Use the tie-down bars to secure snowmachine skis to the trailer. Ropes, tie-down straps, or ratchet straps can be used to secure sleds on trailers.

Make sure that all trailer lights are working properly. Check brake lights and turn signal indicators. Do a 360° walk around the entire truck and trailer, looking for anything unsafe or out of the ordinary.

With extreme temperatures on the Slope, we often start the snowmachines in the warm shop, or immediately after pulling them out of the shop. If your snowmachine’s headlight can’t be turned off, it may be necessary to disconnect or block the headlight to keep from blinding the driver. Having 2 or 3 headlights shining on the rear of the truck impairs the drivers vision.

When towing snowmachines on the North Slope, you will often be using trailers that don’t have brakes. A speed limit of 45 mph maximum does not mean you have to drive that fast. Drive only as fast as conditions allow, realizing that stopping safely while towing a trailer will take more time and distance than normal. Holding to a 35 mph maximum is a good way to have a safe drive to the job site.