You can expect an average snowmobile weight to be about 491 pounds (223 kg). Most snowmobile trailers that can carry up to two vehicles can weigh as low as 350 pounds (159 kg). Yet some trailers can weigh up to as much as 1,000 pounds (454 kg) in order to carry the weight of four snowmobiles.
The average snowmobile weight with a small trailer is around 826 pounds (375 kg).
In addition, the weight of fuel is about 6.3 (2.9 kg) pounds per gallon of gas. Fuel tanks on a snowmobile can range from sizes of 7 to 12 gallons. When considering the weight of fuel, you can expect on average a full tank of gas to add 60 pounds (27 kg).
When looking at the specs for different snowmobiles, the weight will also be listed as dry or wet weight. Dry weight refers to only the frame of the vehicle without fuel. When the gas tank is full, that is known as wet weight.
For pulling snowmobiles, it’s recommended to use a vehicle (truck or car) that can tow at least 1,500 pounds. This would be for towing a single snowmobile and trailer. Of course, you’ll need a bit more torque and towing power if you plan on taking more than one with you, or if you’ve got a heavier enclosed trailer.
Make sure to check your vehicle’s towing capacity. This can be found in your owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website as your gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR).
7 Example Snowmobile Weights
The following chart features example snowmobile weights of specific models ranging from the lightest to heaviest used in the snow. Additional details can be found on the manufacturer’s websites. Here’s the snowmobile weight chart:
Snowmobile Model | Estimated Dry Weight |
Polaris 600 PRO RMK 155 | 414 lbs (188 kg) |
Polaris 600 Switchback PRO S | 447 lbs (203 kg) |
Polaris 550 Voyageur 155 | 478.5 lbs (217 kg) |
Ski-Doo Backcountry X-RS | 485 lbs (220 kg) |
Ski-Doo Tundra LT | 491 lbs (223 kg) |
Arctic Cat Riot 6000 | 521 lbs (236 kg) |
Arctic Cat ZR Thundercat | 603 lbs (274 kg) |
Sources: Polaris, Ski-Doo, Arctic Cat
How To Make Your Snowmobile Lighter
Many people may also want to lower the weight of their sleds. With a lighter weight, it’s gonna go faster down the slopes, drive more power, and leave a grin on your face with a whole lot of fun. With a lower weight, it’s also a little easier to tow for travel. The following YouTube video explains the exact mods to lighten your snowmobile:
Additional Weight and Trailer Options
The additional weight you will encounter with a snowmobile will come from a few areas. Those areas being storage, add-ons, seating, and gasoline (wet weight). If you do not have a truck or open bed to load your snowmobile into, then trailers are a good option. This also creates an additional weight to consider when towing and traveling with your snowmobile. Make sure to refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual and read the section on towing capacity. It’s always safer to leave some extra wiggle room to not damage your engine.
To Conclude
Snowmobiles provide a fun mode of transportation out on the snow, whether that’s on a trail or mountain. Each make, model, and size comes along with its own weight based on use and if any mods are installed. The key factors to consider the weight of a snowmobile come down to:
- Length
- Engine size
- Construction/material
- What’s stored inside
- Fuel tank/gas
It’s important to know the correct weight when looking to tow and transport your snowmobile. If you’re unsure and want specific weights, you can always check the manufacture’s website or go to a local cat scale to get a more accurate weight.