How much ATV is needed?

[stymie]

I am looking to pick up an ATV this year and am wondering how much is needed to pull my wheel house out on the ice. My house is 6.5 x 16 with v front. Tongue weight is about 200 lbs. I have a chance for a great deal on a Arctic Cat 400, but am worried it might not have enough to pull it out there. Any suggestions? Any experience? Anything? Thanks all for the help!

Stymie

[Capt.Blaine]

A 400 would work. Usually the problem becomes traction and this all depends on the conditions.

[eyehunter]

I would think it would be more than enough to pull it. I have an 8 x 12 and have pulled it with my little 300 polaris exporer and my house is pretty heavy. If you had a set of chains for it, it would help even more. Of course once there gets to be too much snow on the ice there really isn't a wheeler big enough, unless there are plowed roads or you have a set of trax for the wheeler and skis for the house. If you put that thing in 4wd and low, it should be fine, maybe a little under powered, but if it's a smokin deal on the wheeler, I'd say go for it.

[cold one sd]

If the Arctic Cat has low range I would think it would be fine as far as power goes. Does it have IRS or a straight rear axle??

[Big Dave2]

Power should not be a problem. I pull our 6.5 x 12 with my yamaha 400 and hardly know it is back there.

[DREZLER]

Some good lugs on your tires will make all the difference in the world

[stymie]

Thanks for all the great info. I have to admit, i know nothing about ATV's so unfortunately I am unable to answer specific questions on it. I know the one I am looking at is an 2005 Arctic Cat 400 4x4 automatic with 42 miles on it. I am happy to hear it will be able to do the trick! I will definitely invest in some chains immediately (assuming we get ice this year).

[eyehunter]

If the Arctic Cat has low range I would think it would be fine as far as power goes. Does it have IRS or a straight rear axle??

The Arctic Cats have regular 4-wheel drive but they also have the differetial lock on them as well.

[mozy]

It's going to squat a bit with the IRS, but I believe that model has adjustable shocks, so if you stiffen them up it should be alright. It should pull fine in low, as AC's generally have a pretty low low gear

[crappiebuster]

I have a 08 Honda Rubicon and tow out a 1500+lb house thru 6-8 inches of snow without chains. Its a 500 and I have all the power i'll ever need. Now if you trailride a bit you may want more cc's to impress your buddys.

[harvey lee]

I have a Cat 400 and in low range with the chains on, that baby will pull well for you.

[cold one sd]

Thanks for all the great info. I have to admit, i know nothing about ATV's so unfortunately I am unable to answer specific questions on it. I know the one I am looking at is an 2005 Arctic Cat 400 4x4 automatic with 42 miles on it. I am happy to hear it will be able to do the trick! I will definitely invest in some chains immediately (assuming we get ice this year).

That's the same machine that I have. I don't think you will have a problem.

[JSK76]

I pulled mine 6'x14' out last year with a buddy's Polaris 300 on glare sheet ice, no snow at all. I couldn't believe it could do it with out chains or studs but it didn't have any problem at all.

[stymie]

Thanks again to everyone, You have me feeling very secure with my upcoming purchase!

[wplatehunter]

We have a honda 450 pulling a 6 1/2' x 14' house and it works great.

[bassislife]

If its a good deal pick it up! You can always put a few buddies in the back of the fish house when pulling to get the weight off the front.

[bak2MN]

I have a 350 yamaha bruin that i have pulled my 8x18 ice castle with. So it dont take much . Now if there was alot of snow that probably would not have happened but it pulled it.