Grand Lodge question-I need some advice!

[fishtrapgirl]

I have a chance to buy an '08 8x16 with a v front Grand Lodge for a smoking hot deal from a retired gentleman in the area. Lots of extras included-he put extra insulation in the floor, extra sealing around the door, and an extra furnace. He's also throwing in hole sleeves for all 8 holes, rattle reels, and a slush catcher. I have not given him an answer yet though because I feel that this might be a bigger house than we need. It's just me and my husband most the time. No kids yet but soon. I believe this thing weighs around 3800 lbs. We initially thought a 6.5x14 v front would be the ideal size for us. We would be pulling this with either my crew cab 1/2 ton pickup or my husband's extended cab 1/2 ton. We would probably make a couple trips of to Lake of the Woods and also fish the local lakes on weekends. I'm just concerned that this house is too big (weight wise), but then I guess there is alot bigger houses out there. Or do we take the plunge and just buy the thing? I realize this is the Cadillac of fish houses, and we will never find another house this nice for what the guy wants for it. Just looking for some advice and this is a great place to get it.

[MuleShack]

The lodges are great houses and well put together.

I dont think that 2 ft is going to make a big difference in length, but the 8' wide is a huge difference if you plan on using it for camping as well.

What is the smokin hot price? An 08 has not been used very much. The only thing to check is if it has a single leaf spring on it. They had a voluntary recall out on them this year where if you brough it to SD they would replace with stacked springs. I had my 07 done this way for free. The problem was when it is -20 the springs tended to snap. Not a huge deal.

If your worried about the 8' wide house, they do have ski's that the mfg makes that the house rolls onto and you can pull it across the snow that way.

I would not hesitate if the price is good, you will not regret it.

[Glockwinger]

I pull a 8x16 Ice Castle behind my 1/2 ton Ford truck no problem. You will love having the extra room with an 8 foot wide unit. Mine weighs in at 4200 lbs. The only problem I have had is that the wheels are wider than the wheels on the truck, so pulling it through deep snow drifts can be interesting if you go off the beaten path. I routinely pull my house from the south Metro area to Lake Winnie and Mille Lacs. If the price is good...go for it!

[fishtrapgirl]

I'm not at all concerned with either of our trucks having enough power to pull this house. I know that won't be an issue. What I don't like is a 3800 lb fish house sounds like a lot of weight to have out on the ice. The 6.5x14's weigh in around 2500 lbs, which sounds alot better to me. I just think I would be pretty nervous on the lake with all that weight. Maybe I'm being too much of a girly girl. Sure is a nice house, wish I could make up my mind about this!

[MuleShack]

The thin ice season (Mid to late december) is not that long...if your going to pull it out with a 4 wheeler then the small one would be useful in that regard. If you plan to pull the house out with the truck and leave it then it wont make any difference.

The ice would/should be 12" before driving out anyway. If you are leaving it and the floor is insulated then there shouldn't be any melting under neath. Chances are you are going to be moving it frequently to follow the bite so it wont sit in one spot too long.

To me it isn't worth down sizing for 2 weeks of the season (early ice) to sacrifice the larger size and comfort/value.

That will have to be the decision you will ultimately make...when you plan to pull it out and with what. If you pull with the truck, then it doesn't make any difference between the two of them because the ice will have to be thick enough to support the truck @ 3 tons.

[fishtrapgirl]

We have no intention of pulling a house out with an ATV. It would always be the truck. The extra width would really be nice.

[FinsandFeathers]

Boats always seem to shrink from the show room floor to actual use on the lake, so do ice houses! Dont make a decision you may regret after gear and (eventually) kids start to also be in the house.. My wife and I are also in the market for a new shack and the smallest we would consider would be 8 x 16 plus V... If the deal is that good and you both like the house go for it...IMHO...

[GrizzlyAdams]

I agree with the above posters. 8' wide is awesome. I would never go down to a 6.5' wide after having the 8' wide. The extra room is priceless especially once you ad all of your gear. 8' gives you a lot more room to walk around things on the floor like flashers, poles, tackle bags, etc. You will be surprised at how much more room you will have and how much more comfortable it will be. Weight is not an issue. We have a 8' x 18' and have not had any problems yet. I would actually like something longer because we always manage to fill up the space. We have also fished and slept 4 people in ours and it isn't all that bad. Keep in mind that there are people out there that have 8' x 25' plus out on the ice and if they can make it out with no weight issues then believe me 16' is not that much weight out there. You will be MUCH happier with that size versus the 6.5' wide.

Think of it this way, If you are getting a smokin deal and you decide you don't like it, then you should be able to sell it for what you paid for it and even more for a decent profit. Then you will have some extra money or down payment for the next one. Win-win

[Ryan_V]

I'd go for it for sure if the deal is that good!!! Those are nice shacks!!!

[fishtrapgirl]

Thanks very much for everyone's input and advice. We decided to buy the house. We are both off of work on Friday and going to go get it then. We just couldn't pass up this deal and I'm sure we will not regret it. Thanks again! Ice fishing is right around the corner and I can't wait to try it out!

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

You can't go wrong with a Lodge, and the 8x16 is a great size.

[MuleShack]

Good to hear your making the purchase!

You wont regret it.