In this article we discuss Used and Demo Snowdogs!
What’s a Demo?
Every year, the staff at RecRev take a few brand new, current model Snowdogs out of inventory and put them testing. We are Snowdog users ourselves after all! We take these machines fishing, show them off to friends and customers, and often trick them out with all the add-ons we can find, just to see how they all work. We’ll add our LED light upgrades, stud the track and sometimes add other fishing attachments to make it great for our own brand of fishing. We haul heavy things, like our sleds of gear, and sometimes our kids and try to get videos and photos of our adventures, so potential customers can see just how versatile Snowdogs are. We believe that while we can tell you how great they are, it’s much better to show you how great they are. If you want to see some of our adventures, check out our video section! And be sure to check back often, because we’re going to be adding a lot more video this year.
How is the Demo used?
The testing of new machines goes well beyond using them outdoors, though. We make note of things you should be watching out for when out on a ride, and try to offer practical advice based on real-world experiences. We change the oil ourselves, replace parts that get damaged on a rough trail, and can tell you how to prevent the big problems from happening (and if we can do it, so can you).
We also put an hour meter on all our demo machines so we know exactly how long it’s been out on the trail. That also tells us when it’s time for things like oil changes and other regular maintenance things. Our demo machines make appearances at trade shows (if we’ve got a booth there), and ice fishing derbies, and we sometimes can be seen bringing coffee to ice shacks on Lake Winnipeg and the Red River, dressed like Santa Claus.
What happens to the Demo when you’re done with it?
At the end of each season (or the beginning of the following season), we’ll list our demo machines for sale at a discounted price. They often sell very quickly, because they come with all of the add-ons we’ve tested, including the seat and sled! Our demo prices take into account the wear and tear that we’ve caused on the machines, but also the care that we’ve put into it: diligent maintenance, regular oil changes and meticulous inspections between rides.
Is there a place to buy other used Snowdogs?
Sometimes you can find used Snowdogs for sale on websites like Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji or other Buy & Sell sites, but as the saying goes: Buyer beware! While Snowdogs are fairly simple machines to deal with, you can have all kinds of problems if the regular maintenance isn’t done. We have even bought brand new machines from other dealers that weren’t in saleable condition.
What do I look for in a used Snowdog?
There are a number of things to check when you’re looking at a used Snowdog. Some are obviously more important than others, but in the interest of “completeness”, we’ll try to be very thorough here.
- IS IT A SNOWDOG?
- Does it have a serial number? Check your local dealer to verify it’s an verified serial number.
- ENGINE
- Does the engine run smoothly?
- Does it start quickly, using the electric start OR the pull-start?
- Does the kill switch work properly?
- Does the throttle engage properly and consistently?
- CHASSIS
- Is the deck of the snowdog in good condition? Any rot or rust present?
- Do the handlebars fold properly over the machine?
- Is the cover in good condition?
- SUSPENSION
Do the wheel trolleys move freely?
- Do the bogeys all spin freely?
- Are all the springs on the trolleys in good condition?
- TRACK
- Is there any significant wear on the track paddles?
- Is there any wear on the sides of the track?
- Are there any tears or cuts in the track?
- DRIVETRAIN
- Does the primary clutch engage and disengage properly?
- Does the Reverse Gearbox switch between forward and reverse properly?
- Do either of the sprockets (large and small) show significant signs of wear?
Is it worth buying a used Snowdog?
Absolutely! Snowdogs are durable, reliable machines that, when properly maintained, can last a VERY long time. While you might not get any warranty coverage, you can be sure that any bugs have been ironed out, which means you shouldn’t need any warranty.
So if you’re interested in a Snowdog that’s been tested, adjusted, maintained and loved, then one of our demo machines might be a great option for you. You’ll pay less, and you won’t have to stress about getting that first scratch! We’ve done it for you! We’ve also made sure that it’ll start and run, and work as you expect. You’ll have to keep a sharp eye out, though, because our demo machines don’t last long once we list them for sale.
What if I miss the demo sale?
The market for used Snowdogs is growing each year as more people upgrade to the latest models. With Snowdog consistently releasing new innovations, owners eager for the newest features often trade in their machines. As a result, the availability of previously owned Snowdogs is steadily increasing, making it easier to find a reliable used machine in the future.
As always if you have any questions about anything Snowdog - reach out to us!
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