Frabill R-2 Tech Questions

[handsonguy]

I was wondering if anyone had an opionion on the Frabill R-2 tec house. It looks awesome and I would like the insulated fabric. The questions I have are, How easily does it pull across the ice/snow by hand? And how does it fit in a F 150 supercrew shortbed truck? Can one person get it in a truck bed by himself? Any other suggestions for nice flip over houses that are easily pulled by hand, can fish 2-3, and fit in a shortbed ford. Thanks

[KG243]

I have heard these are not easy to pull by hand as they are around 160 pounds.

[Ed Carlson]

They are about the same as a Clam X-2 or a Otter Magnum Lodge to pull. I would add the Hyfax's if you plan to pull much by hand, or on long drags behind a ATV or sled. The Hyfax kit will help significantly to reduce drag.

The Frabill Predator and the Predator R-2 Tec is a hefty shack, but none more well built or warmer. I would not want to drag it too far on soft snow by myself or over uneven ground...I would opt to use a ATV or sled.

Folded for transport it is 75"(L) X 39"(w)X 26"(h)

I believe the short box length on average is +/- about 70", so it would not fit flat in a shot box, but you can put the square side in first and then lift the tapered end to shut the gate. A Tonneau Cover on the bed may influence this too. I have seen it done.

Fits in a Grand Voyager van with the seats out, a tight fit but it fits.

[IL Res]

I fished Leech last year [ mid Feb ]. It was -10F outside windchill -20F+. R2 was toasty. I think you could heat it w/ a match.

[aczr2k]

Great house, quite a few posts on here lately, do a search. It won't fit very will with your tailgate up, sits to high in the air. Supercrew beds are only 5'5", works great with a tailgate extender though, easily found on the big auction site or clist.

[handsonguy]

Thanks for the info....as much as I would love this house. It sounds like I may be better off with something a bit smaller and easier to pull.

[KTapper]

I have one, and I have the hyfax it helps a ton when pullin it. I could get it in my silverado by myself, and the truck was lifted. But you would have to put a ratchet strap on it so it stayed in the bed. Awesome house and its well worth the money stays super warm!

[aczr2k]

I'd rethink your decision, I just seen a new R2tec on the clist for $750, thats a steal.

[PTocko]

I saw in you original post you were looking for 2-3 people - maybe another house to look at is the clam nanook thermal. This will fish 2 (looks pretty comfortable), remove a seat and its a big 1 person. It weighs 90 lbs (with both seats) and WILL fit in the back of a truck. It is not a stand-up - this is both good and bad. Good - way easier to heat and the heat is more even top to bottom, Bad - you can't stand up in it. For how I'm going to use it - this trade-off is okay, may not work for you. Also, I do intend to pull this house mostly by hand so weight was my main consideration. Just another house to consider. Good Luck. Paul

[KTapper]

Stick with the Frabill it is a little heavier than the clam, but stronger and better in the wind. I am not impressed with the new clams. I myself also have a scout, and I think they made a mistake changing the styling and sleds and seats.

[Dave]

I'd rethink your decision, I just seen a new R2tec on the clist for $750, thats a steal.

A Canvas Craft Magnum Norpac shelter should be about $100 less than that at the Ice Show. Now, THAT'S a steal!

[Brad B]

Originally Posted By: aczr2k

I'd rethink your decision, I just seen a new R2tec on the clist for $750, thats a steal.

A Canvas Craft Magnum Norpac shelter should be about $100 less than that at the Ice Show. Now, THAT'S a steal!

Canvas crafts are $589.95 for the norpac skin and frame w/o the sled and $719.90 for the norpac skin, frame, & sled. remember thou that the canvas craft does not include seats they are $69.95 each extra. the frabill comes with 2 nice seats.