Selecting the correct Ice House size..

[Hunter21]

I'm in the middle of doing the lay out of my Ice House. I originally wanted a 8x16 or 8x18 V front. I'm also gonna use it for work while on the road. But I'm told that I will loose room cuz 4ft of it will be 6ft interior, and to go with 6.8x16. Any ideas would be great....

thanks

[svonasek]

I assume your talking about in between the wheel wells only being 6 ft wide.

You can still build an 8 1/2 foot wide which would still have just as much room between the wheel wells as a 6 1/2 foot would.

[Hunter21]

I'm not the one building it so I'm not sure they do a 8.5 maybe only a 8ft. I honeslty would rather deal with the wheels coming into the house vs on the outside and having a smaller interior. Just looking to see who has what and if its that big of a difference.

[JakeJ_Mn]

My house is 8 wide 19 long including the v front. Plenty of room and the wheelwells make for a great shelves. I live in mine on the road also all winter. I have a 48 inch lower bunk and 40 inch upper. Haven't put any cabinets in yet. I didn't like the thought of being able to touch both walls - so I stayed away from the 6.5s.

[Hunter21]

I didn't like the thought of being able to touch both walls - so I stayed away from the 6.5s.

I think thats what I am worried about... that little extra means alot... Im gonna go with Dinette table in back that folds down and a bunk above that, I was gonna add 2 additional bunks on the side as you come in the door but I might wait and add them my self if I want them.

[TyGuy02]

I've had a winter and a half with my father's 6.5'x14' V front and there is not very much room. It only fishes two comfortably, three uncomfortably, and four...not possible with the set-up it has. I have dreams of a 8' wide wheelhouse! Maybe it's just me thinking the grass is always greener on the other side and the fish are ALWAYS on the opposite side of the lake from where the access is, but I've been in the 8' wide houses and it's a BIG difference!

[Eelpout08]

we have a 6.5' wide house now and i can only imagine how much nicer it would be to have the extra width. just not quite enough room with 4 guys and definitly not enough storage room.

[Alagnak]

Yep- normal batteries and I second the rechargeable ones- saves a lot of wasted cash over time.

A couple of other things. The ones with the strap over the top of the head and battery pack in the back are much more balanced and comfortable in my opinion- you don't even know its there. It's also nice to get one with an normal light and LED, or just a really good LED one so you can save battery life. I like the ones with a white light and another color like green or red so you don't always lose your night vision when you have to use it for a few seconds.

You still shouldn't have to pay more than 30-40 for a good one though if you shop around.

[GSB Ice Man]

I just sold my 6'6" x 14' Ice Castle Last week. I had it for 3 years and we have slept upto 4 people(really tight though). I am 6'3' and touched both ends across the back. That pretty much made my decision to what my next one was.

Well I also ordered a new 8'x 16' Ice Castle Spirit model and it will be here next week hopefully. That new one will sleep my family of 4 easily in the summer and fall months. Plus the cabinets and storage areas are awsome for all the junk I bring with.

In my mind there is NO question, get the 8' wide model.

[svonasek]

I'm just finishing up my 8x16 +3 foot front v. If I was to do it again I would still go with a 6 1/2 foot wide.

We put two benches in the back. One behind both wheel wells. These will convert into a double bed for sleeping.

Half of the front v is for a bathroom. Then we put cabinets, range top and a refrigerator in the house.

Long story short. I don't think there is any spot in the house with more then 6 1/2 foot worth of walking distance. I could have built a 6 1/2 x20 and had almost as much usable space.

If you're buying one already made, then buy then 8 foot wide. If you're going to build...Then build a longer 6 1/2 and not have to deal with the wheel wells.