Snow Machine Ski Carry — Ver 68
Nathan Jensen
Snowmobile ski carry using gun rack.
I emailed the crew at WildSnow a few years ago about the ski rack I made for my Yamaha Nytro. Like Lou, I disliked (censored) many features of that sled. Now I have an M7.
Here is my version for a quick, light, removable ski rack made with cool locking pins of the gun rack. I cut two pieces of angle iron, drilled a few holes, wrapped the rear foot boards with a bike tube and a hose clamp, four cam straps and away we go! I have many friends that have gone to WildSnow looking for rack ideas. I hope this can help others out as well.
Ski rack from the back.
The clip feature works well for quick removal because the sled cover doesn’t fit over the racks.
I’m sure that’s a common problem with most racks. It’s nice to remove them when just sled-necking around and not skiing.
Time to go skiing. Let it snow!
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8 Responses to “Snow Machine Ski Carry — Ver 68”
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I did this same rack setup, and on the first day, both racks broke on one tip over. I think having a metal gun rack would be a more ideal setup for durability. The good thing is that walmart has a pretty good return policy…
I’ve broken every ski carry system I’ve made. My problems have been solved with a Cheetah Factory Rack. They’re not cheap, but neither is time or frustration, so well worth the cost.
After scouring your site and every other internet search I could think of for a snomo ski rack, I too designed my own. Clean and simple and it works great. (I guess it also helps when you grew up in a machine shop family.)
The rack is made with 1/4″ plate welded to an aluminum cross bar and the slip-in pegs are made from nylon. The red grips are $8 mountain bike grips. If I remember, the whole thing weighs in around 4 lbs or so.
The key thing about the rack is that the bike grip posts. They are made out of lightweight 5/8″ nylon bar and they are removable with 2 1/4″ pins. If you want to go roost around, just pull the pins and stuff the grips in the seat pouch. Nothing sticking out to get snagged on when you tumble off.
The rubber scuff pad is a simple auto supply stick-on item trimmed to fit and the Voile straps are anchored with a couple of #10 machine screws and a hardware furniture repair bracket
With the skis mounted there is no interference with the passengers feet and they are still cantilevered way off the back
The raised cross bar also serves as a “containment” area to securely hold a backpack.
Photos by Rick Murray
Rick, I think that might be the nicest rack I’ve ever seen. Just amazing. Nathan’s is pretty cool as well, but I prefer not using the gun rack fittings.
Nice rack Rick. I took a similar approach for the Nytro a couple years ago. Without ALU welding capability, I used some 80/20 extrusions for the cross bars. tapped and bolted at the ends. I like your mounting method (horizontal), so, thanks for the inspiration! Time for a mod. My skis have been mounted vertical against the side of the sled. Some binding interference…….But Great if only mounting one pair of skis, since we usually tow in on the flats and use our legs for going up the steeps.
Biggest gripe I have is dealing with the (top) exhaust on the Nytro. I need to make a heat shield/ deflector to further prevent burning up packs, tow ropes, etc. Otherwise, this rack method (plates bolted to the side w/ cross bars) is VERY solid, can be used to help move the sled, and takes a beating in rollovers and digging out with no problems. Great post everyone.
Attempt to paste a photo here: Not sure it’s gonna stick…?
/Users/rsiberell/Pictures/RS Photo Library/Previews/2011/Apr 9, 2011/IMG_0740.jpg
I’ve hunted and eaten my share of game and jerky.
However, got to admit, this is the best use of a gun rack I’ve ever seen. And, mounted in this way, it honours a guy’s right to own, bear, carry, and use a gun rack for his ski quiver. Bulls-eye I say!
Cheetah factory racing! They have it dialed in, its simple and functional, but not cheap.
Rick can i get one? It looks awesome!