Clam Voyager TCX

[thoren1912]

At the beginning of the season I purchased a Clam Voyager TCX to ice fish in. I like the size of it but I have had some issues with the bolts provided. The heads of the bolts have popped off while I was installing them. This happened on about 6 of the bolts and then I was on the ice last weekend one of the chairs was rocking and another bolt head popped off and the seat was all wobbly.

I did send an email to Clam and they said they would send replacement bolts but I was just wondering if this has happened to anyone else with these new Clam's?

[spk]

I can't believe someone has not replied affirmatively back to you sooner?? Just the other day I purchased a Voyager TCX (a good buy on sale) and that evening I went online to get some more info about it. I came across your post but kind of shrugged it off as an isolated incident or something. While putting the thing together I didn't even get the 2nd seat frame bolted in when one of the 1 1/2 inch long bolt heads at the base of the seat frame popped off... I went back to the store where I bought it and showed the sales person and he said he had found a similar bolt head laying on the floor near a floor model that was set up. He gave me all new heavy duty SS bolts for replacement.. That dealer saved Clam from having a return.. I wonder if Clam reads these posts?? I wonder if Dave Genz reads these posts?? To me, if a fastener or bolt fails, the unit fails... Simple as that... I read on iceleaders.com about similar issues with the bolts on Clam Voyager houses as well. To me, the bolts that came with the kit would be marginal for keeping a toy box together.. Glad it didnt happen to me out on the ice...

Peewee

[LipRipper!!]

I purchased a TCX at the end of December and have had no issues with it. I am a little frustrated why they did not continue to use the x-2 sled and seats. The sled from the x-2 is much stronger and the seats are adjustable !!! The new sled is lighter but kinda flimsy to me. Other than that it is a great shack. Hope you guys have better luck!!

[JSK76]

I had 2 screw heads snap off on a Nanook, while I was tightening them.

[spk]

Hey thanks for the replies guys! Sounds like more than an isolated incident to me.... I wonder if Toyota has stock in this company?? Clam are you listening?

Peewee

[USDA3]

Dad had the same problem with bolts on the Thermal X he just got, at least a half dozen broke while tightening, or after.

[zamboni]

I posted this on here before, but will say it again. I was a Clam guy, have had 3 of them, but recently bought a Frabill because of the new line of Clams that have been released. Not a fan. Frabill has stepped up and is really making nice units now and I think Clam has taken a huge step back with the new line.

[JSK76]

I went with a new old stock Dave Genz Yukon over the new Yukon TC because of the better seat design in the old one. I also was after the missing trap link so I could link my 6800. I also gave up the thermal cap but gained a solar black cap. I only saved $21.00 by going with a non current model, but it was worth it to me.

I also fished in a Nanook for 3 hours with the jump seats and the seats made my tail bone hurt.

[BMAT43]

I have the voayger TCX as well and I love it... the one modification that I mad was that I put in was quick release pins where the seat attaches to the bracket on the sled. That way when I am fishing by myself I can quickly remove the seat and leave it in the truck. The only problem that I have is that I have one bolt that likes to come out and lay in the bottom of my sled.

[spk]

As for the release pins (or hitch pins)for attaching the seat frames to the tub, I was just thinking of the same exact thing yesterday after I was all done putting it together!! Sometimes I wonder if the people designing these things ever actually use them???

Peewee

[spk]

One other thing on the Voyager was that some people were having an issue with the base of the seat frames actually wearing or gouging into the plastic of the tub after alot of "heavy" use... I simply put a long narrow strip of thin plywood in the channel of the tub under the seat frame bases so the strip of plywood ends extend beyond the outer seat frame edges by about 6 inches thereby spreading out the load and pressure points of the seat frames. It only slightly raised the back of the seat angle up and actually didn't affect the comfort at least not for me.

[Ed Carlson]

The Clam TCX skin I'll give fair grades, the rest of the redesign, tub, seating, adaptability to the end user...FAIL.

[spk]

Made a couple more modifications on my Voyager TCX... My wife made a really good heavy duty bungeed cover for it.. Refused to pay 60 bucks for a factory one.. Put my own 1" thick poly wear runners under the tub (probably saving another 50 bucks or so..)making the tub much sturdier as well.. Now with the dealer replaced SS bolts to hold'er together I think I'll be quite happy with it! Going to try it out this week!

Peewee

[JSK76]

spk, where did you find the 1" thick wear runners?

[spk]

If you know anyone who works at a paper mill they might be able to help you out... (they are worn out parts off a paper machine..)

spk

ps possibly old wear slides from a snomobile suspension may also work..

I just used a bunch of heavy duty SS 1 inch screws and screwed from inside the tub through into the slides or runners (also called foils from a paper machine)and cut a 45 degree angle on the leading edge of the slides... They should work... Will find out..

spk

[thoren1912]

I am glad to hear that i am not alone on this one. I did receive a bunch of extra bolts and nuts from clam but now i have to carry a crescent wrench and screwdriver with me just in case a bolt snaps. Pretty ridiculous if you ask me!

A friend bought one the same time as me and will most likely sell next year to get a frabil. I thought about doing the same but buying an Otter.

[spk]

An update on my first outing with my new Clam.... Went fairly well BUT... Both of the non adjustable spreader poles in the roof appear to be a couple inches too looong!!! Causing the fabric to stretch way too much in my opinion. Where the velcro attaches to the flip over poles and when the non adjustable spreader poles are in position, the stitching to the main fabric is waaaay stretched at the velcro fabric thingies... :-( I intend to shorten the non adjustable spreader poles.. probably easier than removing and restitching the velcro thingies back to the main fabric... But I am sure glad I got the insulated roof fabric as the side walls sweated like a fat pig...

[mamacats]

I use the Thermal Base Camp I love it, no sweating at all. In fact it is so warm has cut way back on heating.

[spk]

Going to make one more modification to my TCX... On either side of the Clam in the "fishable area" there is a small netted storage bag stitched to the main fabric.. since I dont really know what I will put in them for now I'm going to try to fashion a rod holder out of them somehow.. Not only will this be a pretty good location for a rod holder but it could give some good action to my bait from the fabric flapping around.. If I fish with two poles I can jig one and let the tent jig the other one.. Clam, why didn't you guys think of that??

[speedbump]

I bought the TCX and put it together just after Xmas. I forgot how much I do not like putting these things together. I didn't have any problems with the bolts snapping. After using it a few times I am very surprised on how much moisture collects on the walls. I also have a Clam Guide and don't get even close to as much moisture build-up. Other than having to dry the TCX out after every venture, I really like it a lot.

[speedbump]

I bought the TCX and put it together just after Xmas. I forgot how much I do not like putting these things together. I didn't have any problems with the bolts snapping. After using it a few times I am very surprised on how much moisture collects on the walls. I also have a Clam Guide and don't get even close to as much moisture build-up. Other than having to dry the TCX out after every venture, I really like it a lot.

[Itsa Pole Bender]

I wish this post would have been started prior to me buying the Voyager. It was down to that and the Frabill Recon. I chose the Clam because of more length between the tub and the front of the tent. Well..... as you all seem to be, I am disgusted with Clam now.

[spk]

I think I was getting more condensation than ordinarily it would because the snow on the ice was so wet from the slush beneath?? And with my mr heater cooker going, it was making it like a steam bath sauna! Also, I learned not to set the thing up where it is really slushy... unless the boots your wearing are truely waterproof... I am also going to start packing a few 2' by 12" by 1" pine boards to lay in front to put my feet on and to get to the door instead of walking through the mushy snow... Always something to contend with... That's ice fishing... But it sure beats the "old days" using a ice chisel to make the fishing holes and standing out in the open... And fishing with those old fishing sticks and hand over handing the line up when you finally catch a fish... And not even thinking about having a Vexilar... We've come aloooooong way baby!

[LipRipper!!]

spk,

I use two 2'by2'by 2 inch hard foam insulation and duct tape the one side (so my boots don't strt tearing up the foam)

to set my feet on. Might work better than having to drag around pieces of lumber!! Just a thought...

[spk]

Thanks LR! I was thinking about using the hard foam but was worried about having it get busted up stepping on it.. Sounds like the duct tape would solve that problem.. Good idea! My tub was already getting pretty dang heavy with all the stuff I was trying to get in it...