Sap Hauling Sled for Snowmobile?

[BaileyHillBen]

Has anyone built a sled for hauling their sap with a snowmobile? I know you can buy a plastic kiddie sled and strap a tank to it, but Im looking to build something for sappin' that will last. Most of the fun with this hobby is the ingenuity of everyone that is involved with it. So if you have any ideas, I sure would be interested.

[spencer11]

you could buy or build one of those ice fishing dog sleds, there all metal frame and very sturdy

[maple man]

When I was young at heart my uncle had a minature bob sled. He made. Good desine because follow the track of snowmoble better in woods.

[Limitpusher]

My buddy used to have a deal like that, his he made out of, I think 3/4 plywood sides, and two sheets of 1/4 inch nailed to it for the bottom, so they would flex, the whole thing was pretty much a big kiddie sled, and he used an ole truck bed liner nailed to the outsides and bottom to make it slick. worked great, he had a 150(?) gallon tank in it. He plumbed the tank out the back of it to make it easier to pump out. Pulled it behind a 345 enticer. He used 2x4s to brace it. I think he sold it, but I check, maybe its sitting up in the old barn at his place and I can get you some pics/ measurements, but no promises. Hope that helps, Limitpusher

[West Mountain Maple]

old pair of skis and some 2x4s. Screw thru the bottom of the skis into 2x4 or 6 standing on edge, then deck across

[morningstarfarm]

Have one I have used for many tasks for years...dogsled style...but...I would suggest using old waterskis instead of snow skis...much more stable and someone can ride standing on them very comfortably...

[Limitpusher]

The problem with skis is they tend to dig in under load. Water skis might be better though... The full bottom design my friend had always worked better here, but relativity is everything, right?

[Leo]

Hi, i use a medium sized Otter Sled. I holds a 65 gallon leg tank perfectly. They are almost indestructible. I use it for sap, fire wood or anything else I need to haul in the woods, summer or winter, snow or no snow. 6484

[DanE.]

Hi, I use an old 10 cu ft garden trailer that you tow behind a lawn tractor. I found some old snowmobile skis, I made a couple of brackets for the skis so they will slip over the axle of the trailer when the wheels are removed. I will find a picture of it an post it later. Dan...

[BaileyHillBen]

Hi Guys, Thanks for the ideas. I thought about making the skis out of 2x6's and plywood but the water skis sounds like the way to go. DanE, great idea about the interchangable ski/tire for the trailer, it would make collecting a bit easier behind the 4-wheeler instead of the tanks on the racks. I also thought about using 2 sets of skis one set in the front and one set for the back and hinging the front set so the trailer would "steer" somewhat but I may be over thinking this a bit:D.

[lastwoodsman]

6490
Hi Guys, Thanks for the ideas. I thought about making the skis out of 2x6's and plywood but the water skis sounds like the way to go. DanE, great idea about the interchangable ski/tire for the trailer, it would make collecting a bit easier behind the 4-wheeler instead of the tanks on the racks. I also thought about using 2 sets of skis one set in the front and one set for the back and hinging the front set so the trailer would "steer" somewhat but I may be over thinking this a bit:D.

This worked well for me and towed very easily. It took me less than a hour to build and is very sturdy. I put a set of old cross country skis on the runners.
Woodsman

[Maplewalnut]

You get snow in Lancaster???

[BaileyHillBen]

HeeHee, We get a bit here in Lancaster Co. but my sugarbush is in northern Potter co. Lots of snow there:o

[Limitpusher]

Checked with my friend, he burned it last year, it was rotting away, who would have thought :lol: Anyways, all he did was the width of his sleds track, length of his tank on the bottom, length of his tank plus two feet on top so as to get the curve down and he had it two and a half feet tall.

[Big_Eddy]

Keep gravity in mind throughout. Not for use on hills unless you want a wild ride chased by a 650-1000lb tank.

[johnallin]

There is a great thread on the DooTalk (SkiDoo) forum pertaining to nothing but cargo sleds for snow machines.
It's over 16 pages with lots of good ideas. I'm also looking at building something for the Tundra we have. Most use a rigid hitch just so the sled stays where it's supposed to in the hills....
http://www.dootalk.com/forums/topic/190660-cargo-sleds/

Good luck and I hope this is helpful.

[christopherh]

Google "Jet Sled", this is what I use. They come in all differnet sizes. Very handy in the winter. Johnallin they sell these at a Amish shop on Navoo rd. They also make a rigid hitch for them.

[johnallin]

Thanks I will do just that.

[maple flats]

I don't haul sap with it, I pump 800' to the road, but I use an ATV 4x4 with chains all around and pull a ice fishing sled (like the otter) when snow is OK for the 4x4. When the snow is too much for the ATV, I use a snowmobile to pull the sled. The sled I use most is about 5' long and 26" wide with 11" high sides and it has a rigid draw bar. This should haul a 100 gal tank if fit properly. I just haul tools and supplies, fuel etc. to work in the woods.

[adk1]

SO what do you do if you have a couple feet of snow?