Most modern sleds are not equipped by default with a storage box. But you can purchase a durable and stylish cargo box that you can attach either to the front or rear part of your vehicle.
The lack of a snowmobile storage box is probably the biggest drawback of modern sleds. However, in all other aspects, snowmobiles get progressively better each year. They look more stylish, their engines are more powerful, and their riding ergonomics surpasses all expectations. But unfortunately, if you have a bag, or a pizza box, or any other item that you can’t carry in your arms, you have nowhere to put it.
When you look at the front or rear part of your sled, you will notice that there is enough space there to attach a cargo box. Just behind the seat, there is an expansive area on the tunnel. It would be great if the sled was initially equipped with a cargo box but in fact, very few manufacturers take advantage of this opportunity. Premium class sleds are more likely to feature a storage box, while more affordable ones hardly offer such a commodity.
Since an analog to a trunk was not installed on all sleds by default, some third-party producers had to step in and build convenient capacious solutions. Depending on the configuration of your vehicle, you may attach the storage box either to its front or its rear part. It will look like an original component of your sled because of the lack of noticeable straps or bungees.
Most cargo boxes can be closed either with a lock or a strap. They are firmly attached to the sled with the help of quick-release draw latches. This means, you won’t need to seek professional help to attach or remove the box: you can do it yourself, as often as you want. Some models include aluminum mounting brackets, others have a Quick Release system installed for easy detachment. Some hinged lids include a place for optional padlocks for added security.
You can choose among dozens of different locks, latches, or brackets — this is the main point of difference of the diverse cargo boxes available on the market. However, other meaningful parameters might influence your choice as well.
How to Choose a Storage Box
In addition to affordable cost and compatibility with your snowmobile, an ideal storage box should be strong and durable. Its locks and other components should be resistant to freeze, precipitation, and bumpy road. The rider should forever forget about broken straps, frozen zippers, bag failures, or any other problems that would normally arise when you try to attach your luggage to a sled.
Storage boxes are most often made of the following materials:
- Sturdy plastic that easily withstands extremely low temperatures
- Stainless steel
- Resistant aluminum
- Heavy-duty high-density polyethylene
Even though plastic might seem the most fragile and vulnerable option among these four, it’s one of the most widespread materials for cargo boxes production. The reason for its popularity is simple: it’s lightweight.
Cargo boxes easily contain all the items that you might want to take with you if you were riding a car or driving a bicycle: gloves, a bottle of water, a sandwich, some tools. If your budget is not too tight you may opt for a waterproof model that will come in handy in a snowstorm or the one with a scratch-resistant coating. Those who would like to transport their belongings in a clean and neat container can purchase a storage box with a dust-resistant lining.
You might come across soft boxes as well, made of fabric. They are less durable and in most cases not waterproof. They are more affordable from the financial viewpoint, but they are not as visually appealing as their hard counterparts. The sleek design of hard boxes enhances the overall looks of your sled, the cargo by no means looks like a foreign object. Some models might feature rear reflectors which adds more style and safety to your vehicle.
When it’s snowing hard, you probably won’t open the box outdoors but rather do so in a warm dry place. If you are traveling a long distance and are planning to stay overnight in a cabin or in a hotel, you’ll need a lightweight cargo box that you can remove easily from the vehicle and take to your room. Once you remove the hard box from the sled and take it indoors, it will be very easy to take care of it: wash it with soap and warm water, and then wipe it with a soft cloth. The process of cleaning the models made of fabric might be more time-consuming.
Cargo boxes are usually sold at an affordable price, but you might fail to find them in the official shop of your snowmobile brand. Not every sled brand produces its own cargo boxes, and if it does, the choice of variants might be limited.
Many lesser-known manufacturers produce top-notch boxes with outstanding aesthetic and functional characteristics. Some brands successfully occupied this market niche and supply their boxes to the owners of diverse sleds. Feel free to experiment and discover those options that fit best your taste and your budget.
Why it’s better to attach a cargo box and not tow the cargo
Instead of attaching a cargo box to your sled, you can tow a cargo behind you. But it might lead to unpleasant consequences:
The cargo might unfasten without you noticing it.
If you keep looking back to check that the cargo is in place you won’t be able to concentrate on the road.
