Ranger Polaris on Ice

[WolfpackFishNGuy]

I know the Polaris ranger is heavier than a 4 wheeler but lighter than a vehicle.

So in everyone's opinion how thick do you think the ice should be to safely drive it on the ice.

[Dave S]

First off I'll say travel at your own risk.

I personally wouldn't feel safe unless I knew there was atleast 10-12" of good solid ice across the entire lake.

[fishfearme]

At a resort on the west side of Mille Lacs, They would pull my 8x12 perm out on 6" with a ranger.

[magnum mike]

10" of clear hard ice is what I need to make me comfortable. I have been on less but 10" feels solid with no sound or movement.

[fishfearme]

So you guys want 10" to drive a Polaris Ranger on? Thats nuts!

You can drive a small truck or car on 8" so why would you need 10" for a vehicle that weighs 2000 lbs. less?

[Dave S]

Not nuts, just being certain there's enough ice. Thickness of the ice is only one aspect of whether or not it can support the weight of a person or vehicle..

[fishfearme]

Not nuts, just being certain there's enough ice. Thickness of the ice is only one aspect of whether or not it can support the weight of a person or vehicle..

Thats fine and dandy, but why would you own a vehicle that is capable of extending your ice fishing season and not use it to your advantage?

[Dave S]

There's more than one use for a UTV. If the conditions are good enough, I'd do it. If I'm not confident enough the ice is safe, I'll stick with a more reliable form of transportation......my 2 feet.

[timjones]

Usually 8 to 10 inches depending on the quality of the ice.

[magnum mike]

You can do what you want but I don't feel like making a $15,000 crappie crib for someone else.

[Dave S]

You can do what you want but I don't feel like making a $15,000 crappie crib for someone else.

RFLMAO. Great way to put it.

[fishfearme]

You know it is against the law not to retreive your vehicle. You guys are something else. You can go through the ice when it is 30 inches thick. So..... aw forget it. You can't reason with anality.

[marlan]

The same as a car

[magnum mike]

My 2009 Ranger 700XP is 1280 lbs dry weight. Add a fiberglass windsheild, roof & back window. Now add 3 guys (big guys) and all of our gear for ice fishing (house, auger, heaters, propane, flashers, rods, tackle, small cooler, bait, etc). I'm not much lighter than a small truck when I'm loaded for fishing all day.

[LipRipper!!]

My 2009 Ranger 700XP is 1280 lbs dry weight. Add a fiberglass windsheild, roof & back window. Now add 3 guys (big guys) and all of our gear for ice fishing (house, auger, heaters, propane, flashers, rods, tackle, small cooler, bait, etc). I'm not much lighter than a small truck when I'm loaded for fishing all day.

Mike I am like you and have my ranger loaded up with stuff.... now think of all that extra weight in a pick up!!!

[magnum mike]

We talked about weight and the marginal ice this year. I hate pulling a trailer but the Ranger is still alot lighter than my Yukon XL. Now I'm more like a Chevy S10.