By Jonathan Simon - Sledworthy Magazine

One of the biggest recreational purchases we make in our lifetimes is a snowmobile, an ATV, or a motorcycle.  Whichever you ride, you could be at risk of damaging your investment if you have to transport.  Securing your recreational vehicles is as important as being secured in your seat.

Many of us have used the "Bargain Basement" tie-downs and ratchet straps, and after a while, you wish you you'd taken some rope with  you.  These items are easily corroded, and then stuck, open or closed.  Then there's the strap itself.  I've broken a securement strap in two pieces because it was so badly deteriorated.

These are the tie-downs and ratchet straps we trust for our precious toys?

I see so many people going from one side of this province to the without properly securing their sleds to avoid bumps, grinds and scratches.  There is a better system for securing them to avoid this, from Kinedyne, the makers of cargo control equipment for the heavy duty trucking, marine, rail and air industries and the Department of National Defense.  If I want anyone securing my machines, i want these folks to do it.

The products themselves come in a variety of styles for ATV's, Snowmobiles and Motorcycles.  (I have to say, they've done their homework.) Each system has been carefully designed to provide the safest securement for your application.  You could almost say that they're over engineered.

If you are concerned about scratching your paint of chrome, Steadymate offers Sling or Web Loops or a strap with a built in "Soft Loop" to protect your snowmobile.  The S Hook Attaches to the sling or "Soft Loop" and hence does not make contact with the snowmobile.  Steadymate manufactures three different products to protect your investment - Soft Loop, Kwik Strap and , for some types of recreational snowmobile, a Handle Strap.

Since I've been using the Steadymate Strap and tie-downs.  I've actually learned the proper way to secure my vehicles.  To guarantee maximum leverage so your snowmobile wont move of shift in transit, a 45-degree strap angle - from teh highest possible structural part of the sled to the floor of the trailer - is recommended. It is also recommended that the straps are 45 degrees from the snowmobile front to back - a rule that Steadymate calls the "4x"45 Rule"

Regardless of the snowmobile's front structure, two tie-downs are always required to secure the back of the sled. (And, as outlined in your snowmobile manual, your sled's parking brake is not for use while transporting.  I've checked this myself, so no handbrake please.  It could actually do more harm than good over a long period of time. )

Steadymate's recreational products line is not just well named, the products are superior to anything else i've ever used.  They hold up very well to weather conditions and after rigorous testing.  They have yet to stick or jam and i know my equipment is safe.  The springs, gears and steel used resist corrosion and the overall quality is excellent.  Even the thickness of the strap itself make sit feel like a quality product.  It's a little thicker than the basement brand and a little wider, and seems to hold up better overall.  And steadymate products are government approved.

Remember, with upcoming government securement regulations, you'll have to be extra careful with the products and procedures you use to transport your snowmobile.