New wheel house

[huntercj]

I am starting to get ready to build a new wheel house just got a couple of questions. I am going to build a square front just wondering how long i can go with 3500lb single axle i am making my frame out 2x3 1/8". I was thinking 6.5 wide and 16 long would be max or 18 long would be to much for a single axle. Also any opinions on empire furnaces and sizes. thanks

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

If I could recommend one thing it would be to go 8' wide. The difference in the interior is incredible, like going 4' longer. The other advantage is that the fish house wheels will follow the path your truck makes.

I don't think I would build longer than 16' on a single axle. You'll easily be pushing 3500#.

[huntercj]

How much room do you loose to the wheel wells if you go 8 wide?

[bottom-bouncer]

I have had both 8' and 6.5" the room you gain in a 8' does not make up for the weight you gain and the additionallexpense in building and finishing you lose alot of room to the wheel wells. In a 14 or 16 foothouse you are only gaining about 6square feet of floor space. I am in the process of builing a new wheel house rite now and I went 6'7" outside with that way when it is finished it will be 6'2" inside wide enough for me to lay down on the bunk and have a few inches to spare The outside of my wheels measure 8'7" not to worried about getting a ticket over an inch.

[jerkbait]

I would build a v-front if you could. Pulling a v-front compared to a square front is a huge differance.

[Cast A Way]

My 2 cents worth - I have looked at over 60 wheelhouses new/used -- manufactured/home built of all sizes. V-front forsure and 8 wide. Length depends on weight, but I would go with 5000# axles and 16 long. My new one is an 8 x 19 on 5000# axles. Pulls down the road nice.

As far as a heater - Empire ventless or vented - Mr. Heater make a nice ventless one also quite a bit cheaper. If you go ventless make sure you put a small vent in the far top corner or have a small window to open slightly to reduce the moisture.

[dogs]

Cost; roughly what does one save (percentage roughly) by building a house themselves?

Thanks

[HOT SPOT]

I have an 8 by 16 and there is no way I would ever consider going narrower. I love the extra space. If I were you I would also really consider going with a V-nose. Pulls a lot better and you can put cooking stuff, TV, cabinet’s ext. in the v nose which gives you more room over all. Whatever you do, DO NOT get a wall heater. I can’t stand the 3 that I have gone though. If you want a good deal let me know I have 2 that I will sell. Get a furnace type way better. Good luck and have fun.

[huntercj]

Cost as far as the frame i can build it for half the price as a pre built frame. Lots of good ideas i am definitely going to look at a heavier axle or tandem setup. Anbody got drop hitches just wondering if there worth the extra work or possibly a weak link?

[pike doctor]

I built mine own house last year from scratch. 8*16 w/ 3ft V-front. I think a drop hitch is a must if you plan on moving around the lake ocassionally. I can set mine up faster than some portables by myself.

I would definetly go 8 wide. and use the best winches you can find. Dont go cheap. Cover your winches with bags from those fold out chairs when going down the road.

I took the time and money to coat my frame with herculiner. It is awesome. I will never have to worry about rust.

Heater. I used a forced air furnace. Dries the floor out real nice, but you need power to run it, and some people think it is noisy. I love it.

I spray foamed the floors, walls and ceiling. Can heat the thing with a candle. One layer of wood on the frame and just spray underneath. Looks like the day it was put on. Built out of 2*3s.

Run the house on LED lights to save on power.

I spared no expense and it cost me about $8,300 for an 8*16w/3ft v. I have 8 holes, forced air heater, oven, tv, generator. 3 bunks, holes and catch covers, and each hole has a LED light over the rattle reel for at night.