New Otter canvas with a tight fit.

[ilovehardwater]

I recently purchaced a new canvas/poles for my Otter medium sled online through Thorne Bros. The delivery was VERY fast ( less than 48 hrs.). However after replacing the canvas/poles it seems the canvas is really tight and will not allow the bottom pole to reach close to the ice/ground. Any suggestions to help stretch/loosen the canvas so it will reach the ice/ground.

[Ed Carlson]

Try reducing the overlap where the seal is attached to the rear/back of the sled base.

If it is any more than just enough to hold the seal and canvas, that will often cause the front of the shelter to not touch the ground.

[Brad B]

if it has the new trim lock system for attaching it to the sled then it will be tight at first. I have a otter wilderness northern model (same as a wild 3)and it was tight. I loosened the velcro around the poles and then moved the poles out to the last postion of the three. putting in the spreader bar and pushing the frame apart from the bar that touches the ground to the first bar (basically put it next to the door) and spread it as far as you can. leaving it set up with the bars all the way out and it will help with this issue.

[Northlander]

Did you make sure you have all the bars in their proper places? The new canvas will be tight and loosen up but if its too high off the floor I would check the poles out.

[ilovehardwater]

I will doubble check the poles and the trim lock system as mentioned above. I will place all the support poles inside and let it set up for awhile to see if that helps. The blue cammo skin does look awesome!!!! Thanks all for the tips. Brian

[jwhjr]

I got a new Lodge last year, and it was tight to begin with. It got better toward the end of the season though.

[ilovehardwater]

Now after tearing the fishhouse apart and reassembling it I have the same issue with the botttom bar not touching the ice, it's still probably 6-8 inches above the ground/ice. I ran into a guy on the ice with a Lodge and explained my problem to him and he was nice enough to let me look at his. His sled was a pro and my old fishhouse was a walleye wilderness package. When I ordered my new skin/poles the HSOforum said it was made for a Otter medium sled so I thought I was good to go. I tried calling Otter twice in the last week only to leave a message and never have a return call back. I need to get this fixed soon and I'm not going to be happy if I have to buy new sled. Can anyone chime in here and help me out?

[harvey lee]

I would call Otter and ask for Kevin. Explain to him what your issues are and I am sure he can help you out.

They are typically always at the office by 8 or so and until 4:30 I believe.

[Chef]

There's enough of a variance in the manufacturing process that your new cover likely won't stretch enough to lay flat on the ice. I've been trying to get a replacement cover for my Otter sled(s)from every possible resource and the same issue comes up--you can't match an old sled to a new cover and expect a satisfactory result.

[bgmny]

My new lodge with a new sled does the same thing, with the bottom pole not laying flat on the ground/ice. I took all the velcro straps off and moved the canvas around a little and it seemed to help. Also make sure the canvas that folds down where your feet go is all the way underneath the last pole on the sides or it won't let the last tube fully drop down.

[Ed Carlson]

Reduce the amount over overlap at the rear storm seal, keep it to the minimum needed to hold the canvas in the storm seal. Too much, and it will short the front and be too tight.

Also, do not extend the bottom front support pole fully to its 3rd pop pin hole. Set them all from front to back, at the 2nd pop pin hole, and see how it lays then.

[ChuckN]

Just for clarification...from your posts it sounds like you bought the Otter Pro Series fishhouse kit (blue) and placed it on the Wild Series sled? I don't see you mention purchase of a new sled. The Pro Series fishhouse kit will not properly fit on the Wild series sled. Those are two different sleds, and the fishhouses are not interchangeable between the sled designs. Since the walleye wilderness series are only sold as a package...

My Pro Series Otter Lodge was a bit snug too and it loosened up. You can always add the four poles provided and that will definitely help, and reinforces the entire house. I preferred the fabric to be tight, it's much nicer in windy conditions.

[ilovehardwater]

Chuck, I have a sticker on the outside of of my sled that says Wilderness series not Wild series. I'm not sure but I think I need a pro sled.

[Northlander]

Now after tearing the fishhouse apart and reassembling it I have the same issue with the botttom bar not touching the ice, it's still probably 6-8 inches above the ground/ice. I ran into a guy on the ice with a Lodge and explained my problem to him and he was nice enough to let me look at his. His sled was a pro and my old fishhouse was a walleye wilderness package. When I ordered my new skin/poles the HSOforum said it was made for a Otter medium sled so I thought I was good to go. I tried calling Otter twice in the last week only to leave a message and never have a return call back. I need to get this fixed soon and I'm not going to be happy if I have to buy new sled. Can anyone chime in here and help me out?

If you have the old walleye style sled the new canvas and poles will not work on it and that should have been explained to you by the seller it is not a Otter issue. Your only option now is to get a new Pro Series sled.

The only other thing was that if you had a wild tub you could get the Wiuld poles and canvas.

Sounds like the best way for you to go is to rder a new Pro Series Tub.

[ChuckN]

ilovehardwater:

The Wilderness sled and Wild sled are basically the same. Otter Outdoors changed the name to "Wild" series a couple years ago.

You'll need a Pro Series sled for a proper fit.