Knowing that most snowmobilers travel to their riding destination in light-duty trucks and SUVs, we wanted to test an enclosed, 2-place trailer that would be pulled easily behind half-ton pickups and grocery getters that, coincidentally, most members of the Snow Goer staff drive. Enter: the Triton 12VR with Coverall.
On The Road
We pulled a 12-foot, V-nose Triton Elite trailer around Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan last winter with a Tahoe, F-150, Durango, Suburban and even an old Chevy Silverado. We enjoyed the hauler’s clean lines, convenient features and extra storage space for two long-track sleds and tools, gas cans, oil jugs and gear bags, not to mention its trailering ease.
Our vehicles were able to tow the trailer across the Midwest highways without sucking more than a reasonable amount of fuel or causing more than a few extra downshifts from the trucks’ transmissions. The trailer pulled straight and true without bouncing, swaying or rattling.
The aluminum cover kept the sleds clean and provided some measure of theft prevention. It sealed tightly, so no matter how sloppy the roads were, the slush and snow didn’t penetrate between the cap and trailer bed or the front access door.
Alignment was good so the stainless steel cover pins fit easily to secure the cover to the trailer for transport without jostling it from front to back or side to side like some other trailer covers we’ve used. The cover or prop arms — we’re not sure which — would catch every now and then when we tried to open it from the rear, but fortunately if we closed the cover, parts re-aligned and the cap lifted normally.
When loading or unloading sleds, the 70-inch ramp provided a shallow angle for an easy approach or descent and it stayed securely mounted to the trailer. The lightweight design made it easy for one person to handle, and Triton’s Ramp Clamp is an especially cool feature that puts downward pressure on the ramp while it’s stowed so it doesn’t rattle; plus the clamp is lockable so greaseballs can’t steal it.
High-End Hauler
Options are endless from Triton with configurations and accessories to suit most every need, and we couldn’t have asked for better service from the 585-pound 12VR we used last winter.
Some of the upgraded features of the Elite package are reflective decals, full-length ski tie-down system and thicker plywood. With the extras and retail price of $4,350, this is a high-end, weekend warrior’s snowmobile trailer that also provides summer storage space.
An advantage of a flip-top trailer is that maintenance is simpler than box trailers because there aren’t door hinges to keep lubricated or brake systems to service. For snowmobilers who want an enclosed trailer that weighs less than a cargo-style hauler, this Triton setup is a great, lightweight way to transport sleds across the Snowbelt.
— Andy Swanson