Abstract: The present invention provides a retention system for the transport of snowmobiles and other ski-type vehicles. An L-shaped bar includes a keyed shaft and a handle extending at an acute angle from an end of the shaft. A key on the shaft is designed to pass through one or more keyholes when in a first orientation relative thereto, but to resist passage when in a second orientation relative thereto. Once a vehicle is loaded onto a trailer between a pair of brackets through which keyholes are formed, the key is manipulated into the first orientation and inserted through the near bracket, over the skis of the vehicle, and through the far bracket. The handle is then pulled away from the shaft and rotated to the second orientation, at which point, the handle is released and allowed to travel back toward the shaft and into a secured position relative to the trailer.