This Cargo Snow Sled Can Replace All the Hounds and Handle Countless Winter Activities

Folks, upon running across the Snowdog, I was intrigued. Not necessarily because an American crew was responsible for the machine before us, but because I had seen this design before, being used in the frozen landscapes of northern Russia. As for the model we'll be exploring today, it's the Sport B13R, the most updated version currently available on the manufacturer's website. But what the hell is it?

Well, Snowdog is a business that's been around since 2015, and they've managed to stay alive by crafting "versatile towing machines for cargo transportation." I couldn't have said it better myself. Still, there's plenty to talk about here, so let's dive in a bit deeper and see what $5,000 (€4600 at current exchange rates) can get us.

Now, to understand a bit about how a Snowdog works, I want you to picture that you live in a snow-covered landscape; maybe you actually do. After all, it's winter over the northern hemisphere. From here, picture that you've got some sled dogs outside our house, and this is how you typically get around.

Well, take all those dogs, convert their biological power into mechanical, add fuel, and you've got yourself one big ol' husky with a single-cylinder purr and up to 13.5 hp. A Briggs & Stratton XR13.5 is to thank for all that, and a peak of 21 lb-ft of torque. a CVT is also in place, ensuring peak power during all stages of use.

What does all this mean for future buyers of the Sport? Well, it means a max towing capacity of 440 lbs (200 kg) and the ability to reach a top speed of 20 mph (32 kph). It may not sound like much, but remember, you're hauling cargo around snow-covered lands; be safe.

But, to say that this is all it takes to make a Snowdog, no matter the model, would be folly. In truth, the gear found on the manufacturer's website is way more elaborate than we might think at first.

For instance, the frame for each of these babies is a formed steel sheet with mounting holes for things like the motor, gearbox, and body panels. All this is handled by nothing more than CNC machines, ensuring the uttermost precision.

Once the frame is in place, Snowdog adds the motor and transmission I mentioned, but also a brake system and, most importantly, a way to transfer all that power into the ground and get things moving. For this, Snowdog has decided to use a tried and tested system, a track setup similar to that of snowmobiles but with one major difference.

The Snowdog is not a snowmobile, so your average track won't work. Instead, an ultra-wide and long track with the strength to handle cargo and a rider is used. It's not clear if Snowdog manufactures its own track or what brand it uses, but check out the videos below to see what's possible. With a few panels here and there, the Sport, or any other Snowdog, is complete.

As for the rest of the Sport, it's fitted with a long and wide frame for control, but all the movements are managed via a simple handlebar setup, fitted with a throttle and brake function, to name a few. Oh, and there is space for some optional gear, too, like a cargo box and other fresh accessories for the new Sport.

Now, if we wrap all that into one neat package, what do we have? Well, as mentioned, this one's a cargo hauler, and that means the ability to carry heavy loads for miles through free landscapes. In short, it has a place in communities with hard-to-access regions and is perfect for delivering supplies.

But let's say you live in your average town that receives quite a few inches of snow each year. If that's the case, you can use a Snowdog just to get around town while consuming less fuel than your average car; only 0.8 gallons (3 l) of fuel is burned off hourly. You just have to be one of those people who enjoys the cold, which brings me to my next point.

Listen, you don't need to live in some forgotten corner of the world to put a Snowdog to good use. In truth, even if you're into ice-fishing, this machine can be a priceless tool to help you move around frozen lakes. With its ability to carry those 440 lbs of gear, you can even bring a yurt with you and camp out for a night or two on the waters.

At this stage, your Snowdog won't be just about hauling cargo but about accessing star-filled skies devoid of city lights. Grab another sled or two and even bring the kids along for such experiences.

Personally, I'm not a big fan of the cold, but with something like this in my garage, I'd be open to exploring a bit more of the Frozen landscapes that appear annually around the world. Lucky for you, if you're living in the US, Canada, or Europe, Snowdog can deliver the Sport right to your door; good news all around.