How strong/rigid does a skidhouse have to be?

[magicstix]

How strong/rigid does a skidhouse have to be? This skidhouse isn't going to have beds,cabinets or anything like that, just a basic house that's warmer and more comfortable than a portable.

My main concern is how much abuse and flexing occurs while being dragged across the ice, Ex: old ice holes, ice chunks, ruts, drifts, etc.?

What I've got here is a shack that was used on a Non-motorized lake so it was built lighter, steel frame/alum-wood walls, over all weight 500lbs? guesstimate. It's going to be used on a bigger lake now[1500acres] and dragged acrossed it with either a atv/sled or truck. My concern is this thing is going to come apart.

If I'm going to modify the base frame how big do you guys think it needs to be, 1"x3",1"x4",2"x3" tubing? Any other sugestions or concerns?

[motley man]

Just make sure that that skid frame is solid, 4X6 skids work good with good cross members on top. Must have good clearance to pull across lake or it will plow snow. I have only built 4X8 to 8X8 and never had a problem. My houses last 10 years or more. A metal skid frame works if built strong enough. Just make sure to attach securely any frame so it does not fold in.

[magicstix]

The current base is made of a combo of 1"tubing and 1"angle iron. After reading other posts about strength etc. in the frames, is what got me thinking. I wanted to just beef up the current base.

The metal skids should be strong enough. I know, Famous last words.

The shack is only 5'x8'.