First time out with wheelhouse

[Nordern]

This weekend will be my first time out with a new wheelhouse (Salem Ice Cabin 16') and I am looking for any hints to make the trip easy. I appreciate any and all suggestions.

[minnbowhunter]

Take anything off of open shelves and put on the floor when on the road. If I am staying overnight and have hole that is not going to be used I drill it partway down and leave some of the ice in the hole and use it for your fridge. when you skim the holes throw the ice chips right outside the door, they will freeze and make a rough surface to walk on. The main thing is to enjoy the time on the lake, have a great time,bro.

[olbaidhh]

Bring a spare tire...

Bring an extra tank of propane or even a backup Mr. Buddy Heater.

Bring a Cell phone let people know when you plan to return and where you are going.

Bring extra gas for the generator if you use one.

Change propane tanks out BEFORE you go to bed or at least check them...

I drill the holes with the house up then drop it down, less water and ice gets in the house then.

If you have a cable system dont put your face over the cable when you lower it or raise it.

Bring blocks of wood to help level the house if the ice is unlevel... I just put them in the corners anyway so its easy to get off the house off the ice if sticks a bit. Less pressure on the cranks and cables as well. Have a small maul to get off ice or remove the blocks if you need to. Don't forget to have the current sticker and all your info displayed... and the trailer registered and stickered. I have more ... but that should do, you will figure out the rest in short order.

[floatplane guy]

Cut some 12" 2x4s to set the house on. Drill your holes with the house 8" inches of the ice, so you do not flood the carpet. Bank the entire house.

[wyattboche]

Cut some 12" 2x4s to set the house on. Drill your holes with the house 8" inches of the ice, so you do not flood the carpet. Bank the entire house.

Why do you bank the house?

[SM1]

Why do you bank the house?

I thought that was a joke, but the answer is: Banking the house keeps out wind from running under the floor and allows the house to be less drafty. This inturn means less propane to heat the house and helps keep the holes from freezing back up when in use. Unless you are cutting through 4'+ of ice, the slush from drilling just doesnt do the job banking the house would.

[Hawg]

Hang on to the crank when you let it down! Everybody screws it up once. You learn fast.

[sfd]

Bring a first aid kit

[MIDNIGHT777]

Nordern,

Sorry to hijack the post.......but,

I would be VERY interested in how you like the Salem. I looked at all the different wheelhouses at the ice show and the Salem seemed to fit my likes and is reasonably priced. I am seriously considering getting a wheelhouse next year and the Salem 20ft toy hauler is #1 on the list. Could you let me know your likes/dislikes on the unit after using it? Since they are a new product I have not heard of any reviews by those owning them.

Thanks, Matt

[email protected]

[hawkeye43]

If you do use the 2x4 blocks under the house, TAKE THEM WITH YOU WHEN YOU LEAVE, in fact take all garage with you.Please leave the lake better than when you came. Ice fisherman are getting a bad rape from a few slobs

[olbaidhh]

exactly why I said to bring the small maul with. They get froze down ... but with a little wack they are free. Treated seems to not freeze to the ice as easily... dont know why but it just doesnt.

[Nordern]

Thank you for all the advice and good tips. I have a nice list going.

[Hazzard]

Bring a broom to brush the snow and ice chips on the floor into the holes. Slippers so you can take off you boots at the door and keep the floor dry.

[WallyGader]

Make sure when traveling that the weight of the house is on the pins there should be a small amount of slack on the cable.

[rcatcherman]

One of the best things that I have used in all the years is extruded styrene foam. You can get it at building stores. get it 2 inch thick cut it to whatever you want for size with a sharp knife etc. It comes in blue, Yellow, or pink. 4x8 sheets. I have been setting my wheel house down on it for 8 years now. I just cut it 4 inches wide by the length I need it and just let the house down on it. No need for banking the house ever. And the foam does not freeze in. Just put it in the house for the next trip. Probabley the best money spent in all of the banking the house there is.

[GrizzlyAdams]

Might want to consider a big piece of plywood or tub surround to set against the wheel well areas. Makes it easier than trying to pack a bunch of snow inside the wheel well area. Wind always seems to leak through that area under the house and will freeze the holes faster that are by the wheel wells. A good banking job goes a long way in keeping the inside warmer and the holes from freezing. Also face the door away from the wind. You don't want the wind rushing in everytime you open the door. Most imprtantly face the exhaust from the heater away from the wind or it will back up into the house and cause problems with the heater and CO poisoning.

[Nordern]

Thanks once again for all the good tips; this is what makes this HSOforum a real benefit for all it's members. Now I am off to Menards to spend my Christmas gift certificate on all the new supplies I'll need.

[JeffB]

If you want your house to last a long time take it easy driving on the lake and at the landings. If this is your first house, don't under estimate how much the lake can flood and how fast it can freeze your house in. Good luck and have fun.