Three wheelers on ice.

[mnfathead]

Hi guys, thinking about the upcoming season, and with the weather trends it will probably be here alittle sooner than usual, I was wondering if anyone uses a 3 wheeler to get around in the winter and if they do is it a reliable way to get out. I usually go out by myself with the portable or just my gear. thanks for any info guys, fathead

[McGurk]

I do, and it is has it's limitations. 3 wheels means 3 pushed tracks. You are limited to 2 wheel drive. Steering is tough due to a light front end and a solid rear axle. parts are tough to come by if needed, and you will probably ned to wrench on it yourself. Deep, crusty snow will be a pain if you are pulling anything, but it will be like that for a 2wd 4 wheeler, too.

But there are pros, also. Price is first and foremost, in my opinion. They will be lighter than any four wheeler available today, so there is an ice safety factor. I can pull my perm and portable with mine without a problem in up to 6 inches of fresh snow with mine. It just feels more fun on a 25 yr old 3 wheeler to me !

The looks you get are pretty amusing, too, as you are riding on "rolling death" in most people's eyes.

[skies_and_eyes]

I also have a 3 wheeler that I use once in a while for ice fishing. I agree with most of the cons that McGurk mentioned. I put chains on the back tires, and sheet metal screws in the front tire for added traction, that seems to help.

They seem to be best during early ice and late ice. When the snow is down they really run well. I bought a snowmobile to deal with snow conditions on the lake, because it can be very frustrating on a 3 wheeler at times. If you do get one, go right to Fleet Farm and get some chains and that will increase performance.

[7outof10]

The looks you get are pretty amusing, too, as you are riding on "rolling death" in most people's eyes.

lol rolling death lol ......i got a buddy with one sometiems when my 4 wheeler is sinking in to the snow he can ride up on top of it and gets aroind just fine if its packed snow

[McGurk]

...i got a buddy with one sometiems when my 4 wheeler is sinking in to the snow he can ride up on top of it and gets aroind just fine if its packed snow

You're right; being less than 500 lbs total with fat tires will allow you to float over a good crust better than a 4 wheeler! Chains are a must on any 2wd rig, just make sure to get v-bar chains.

[lookin4fish]

pulling a heavy loaded porty will be difficult in deep snow. I built some runners that gets the porty up about 1 foot, so it isnt pushing snow. i did it with conduit and it helped alot. like said before, it has it's limitations, but if you have a budget, it is worth it...better than dragging the shack. just know there will be times you cant get out becasue of too much snow. usually after a few windy days, and alittle sun, that snow packs down hard enough that you can just ride on top of it. i second the fun factor of the 3 wheeler! i think they are much more fun to ride. the old hondas are very dependable! you may have to fix a little thing here and there, but usually they start and run really good. i would recommend nother smaller that a 185, but suggest going to atleast the 200. have fun with it if you puchase one!

[JeffB]

Want to talk about getting looks, I used to water ski behind ours in the roak ditches when the spring floods came. That was 25 yrs ago behind a honda 110. Yes I know this was stupid, but it was fun.

[maxx rpm]

It has been many a year ago, but i did know someone who had some sort of stubby snowmobile ski on the front, and it seemed to go pretty well. Drawbacks of course(loss of give from a tire, etc..) but may be an idea. It seems like when i used a 3 wheeler, it was very hard to get it to turn, usually going straight until you hit a little snow patch, then turn. Of course, where is the fun in just getting an 800cc 4x4 that is like driving your truck?? If a person has patience and enjoys a little struggle a lot can be learned, and a great time can be had. Worst case senario, you spend a couple hundred bucks, have fun with it this winter, and sell it next year for the same money. Good Luck!!

[crappiekid]

i was told you dont need to license 1985 three wheeler and older

is that true????

Anyone had issues with DNR with a 3 wheeler on the ice ???

[McGurk]

Once an ATV; 3, 4, 5, or 6 wheeled; reaches 25 years old it no longer needs licensing in Minnesota. Being it will be 2010 when most people get their ATV's on the ice, any vehicle made in or prior to 1985 will not need licensing.

The DNR can say nothing about riding a 3 wheeler on the ice, as long as you are riding it in a respectable manner. That goes for any vehicle on the ice, though. Don't be an eeediot, and you won't have any problems.