Preparing your Gear for Summer
Along with summerizing your snowmobile for storage, it is a good idea to prepare your equipment and gear as well. This can save you from future headaches and keep your gear in pristine condition. Here are some suggestions:
Avalanche Transceiver: Remove your batteries in preparation for storage. Over the summer months, batteries can leak inside your device corroding vital components. When removing the batteries, be sure to inspect the unit for signs of damage or wear. This is also a great time to update the firmware on your device, if applicable, keeping you up to speed with the latest features and technology.
Avalanche Bag: Remove all contents and inspect zippers and other components for integrity. Pay close attention to all the nooks and crannies inside your bag along with that ½ eaten stick of beef jerky can get rather rank throughout the heat of the summer months. You can deploy the bag at this time in preparation for storage, or do a preseason blow off before next season commences early in the fall. It is important to test the functionality of your avalanche airbag before each season by blowing off the bag.
Shovels and Probes: This doesn’t take a lot of time, but do take the time to inspect your shovel and probe for signs of wear, damage or malfunctioning parts. Fully extend your probe to ensure the internal cord is still at optimum function, and do a feel test on your shovel blade to see if there are any burs that may need a gentle sanding. These jagged burs can damage your avalanche bag over time by catching on the fabric of the bag potentially ripping and tearing it reducing it’s life-span.
Radios: Remove batteries from the compartments to prevent corrosion of internal components over the summer. Inspect for any broken or damaged components.
Outerwear: This is an excellent time to wash your gear so it’s ready to roll for next winter. Tech type washes such as Nixwax are great for reviving your gear’s waterproofing, where traditional laundry detergents do not offer the same bonus feature. Inspect zippers and arrange for repair now rather than later when you want to use it.
Boots and Gloves: Inspect for signs of deterioration and wear. If you’ve had issues with water penetrating your boots, be sure to thoroughly dry the inside of the boots, and if they smell musty they may be in need of a good odor-absorbing puck or antibacterial spray to remove the stink. To reactivate waterproofing, many opt for a silicon-based spray such as this one offered from FXR Racing. Hydrx Silicone Water Guard
Helmet: Inspect helmet for signs of wear, particularly in the inside foam and adhesives. If you are seeing internal deterioration, it’s a good time to invest in a new lid or if your helmet is over 4 years of age. Summer is the perfect time to save for a new snowmobile helmet, and you will find some smoking deals on non-current products.
Tunnel Bag: Again, inspect and remove contents especially food products. Rodents will try to gain access by chewing through the bag if it is composed of fabric. Make sure all of your zippers are functioning properly and give your tunnel bag a good cleaning.
If you are in the need of an upgrade, the summer months tend to be an excellent time to find great deals on noncurrent gear and equipment. Check out your local dealership for your next gear upgrade. This is a great way to support those who support the sport and to keep your local economy alive.