X3 Triple Linq Adapter for Ski-Doo Gen 4 Summit

Here is an interesting solution to a compromise that Ski-Doo Summit riders have been faced with. Even though the longer Summit models (kind of) have a third LinQ position at the tail of the sled, it can ONLY be used with Ski-Doo’s latest version of their LinQ Slim Waterproof Tunnel Bag (#860 202 058) or to carry the LinQ Removable Snowflap. Otherwise, that third (phantom) LinQ position is fairly useless. It isn’t a full-sized position (length), the LinQ brackets are spaced closer together (width) and there aren’t even pre-drilled holes in the tunnel.

If you have a 154” Expert (short tunnel) or a 146” then you don’t even have the third LinQ position. On these sleds there’s only enough room on the back of the sled to carry a Fuel Caddy and a single position LinQ cargo bag, or you can carry a dual-position cargo bag but have to leave your extra fuel behind. And, some riders want it all.

Many riders would like to be able to use some of the other two-position LinQ bags on the longer Summit models and be able to carry fuel, but they can’t. ONLY the latest Slim Bag fits with the Fuel Caddy when you have the three LinQ positions on the tunnel. It’s really confusing. Ski-Doo calls it LinQ Position #3, but it really isn’t.

This is where the X3 Triple LinQ Adapter was born. This clever adapter plate gives you a third LinQ position to carry your Fuel Caddy far forward and just above the sled’s fuel tank, leaving your two “normal” LinQ positions on the tunnel open so you can carry your beloved dual-position LinQ cargo bag, or whatever.

When we first saw the X3 Triple LinQ Adapter it took us a moment to fully realize all that was going on here. The clever minds at Up North Technologies spent a lot of time trying to figure out the best way to accomplish the goal of adding a useable third LinQ position to the Summit tunnel. They are famous for adding a second LinQ position to 129” sleds that only have one set of LinQ brackets by raising the platform slightly so you can use the length above the tail light. After several prototypes and field testing they came up with the current position of placing the Fuel Caddy far forward and at an angle to conform to the shape of the rear of the sled’s fuel tank. This centers the weight of the fuel on the sled and opens up your two true LinQ positions on the tunnel.

At first this was done with a fixed plate, but the test riders complained that when they dropped their Fuel Caddy off so they could go play the angled mounting plate got in the way of swinging their legs back and forth across the back of the seat. Many riders drop the weight of the fuel when they get to their play area, go ride and then come back to add their fuel and finally take their fuel tank with them when they leave the area – known as “drop and ride.”

So instead of using a fixed mount, Up North devised a parallel rail sliding system where when you remove the Fuel Caddy the “wings” slide together to the middle of the sled and out of the way of your legs swinging back and forth across the back of the seat.

Now the test riders were happy, as they could have their cake and eat it too. They could carry any of the Ski-Doo Fuel Caddy sizes with them, the 1-gallon, 3-gallon or 4-gallon AND they could have their dual-position LinQ cargo bag mounted on the tunnel. Sweet!

Granted, some riders will look at this and wonder why. Because, many riders find the single position LinQ cargo bags to be too small for the gear they like to carry with them. If you’re a Summit rider, you probably know this. You like the bigger cargo bag, but you like to carry extra fuel. Having to mount the smaller single bag to be able to also take your fuel is a bummer. Carrying weight at the far end of the tunnel is really not a good idea, either. With the X3 Adapter you can have it all.

Perhaps you wonder how secure this assembly is? Don’t worry. It is solid. Very solid. The Fuel Caddy is going nowhere. This is a precision assembly machined to exacting tolerances, not some cheap piece of junk. CNC machined aluminum extrusions with a black hard-coat finish make it super strong and durable. The cross-shafts are stainless steel to form a parallel rail system that provides full retract-ability to maximize rider mobility when the Fuel Caddy is removed. It sets onto the tunnel and bolts right into the existing sets of holes for the LinQ brackets, so installation is super quick and easy. Once you see it and examine the details, materials and construction you will realize the effort that went into making this perform as expected.

It works with all Ski-Doo Gen4 Summit models. The X3 Adapter only fits sleds that do not have a battery installed, which is generally not a problem on Summit models. If you choose to not carry a Fuel Caddy you can leave the mounts locked in the center position, no problem. Or if you carry the Fuel Caddy and a single position bag on the tunnel, no problem. The X3 Triple LinQ Adapter gives you total flexibility and options to suit your needs.

The X3 Triple LinQ Adapter retails for $349 (free shipping to lower 48) and is available from Up North Technologies at www.upnorthtechnologies.com. It’s all made in the USA, headquartered in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. They’ve been offering unique LinQ adapter systems for sleds of all brands for eight years now, SnowTech Tested and Approved.