Camper Conversion Into Fish House

[MJBaldwin]

Well I need some advise here fellas,

I am thinking about buying an older camper aprrox. 14'-16' I am wondering if anyone has done this before and problems or good things that they ran into doing a project like this. I cab figure out cutting the holes and watching out for the cross supports on there. But does anyone have pictures or advise to what they have done to a thing like this? Do they work out nice or is it worth just waiting and buying like an Ice Castle or something along those lines? Let me know what you think any advise or pictures of your modifications that you have done would be a great help.

Thanks

[Getanet]

My buddy and I did exactly what you’re talking about on a 14-ft camper 2 years ago. My buddy is more of a handyman than I am, so he did a lot of the cutting, but it’s fairly easy to tell where you can put your holes. Here are some things we learned along the way that we didn’t consider when we were in your situation:

A)These types of campers are tough to come by (unless you know someone who’s selling). They literally fly off the page online sites that sell stuff. Some are posted for less than a half-hour before they’re sold. More than once my buddy got to the location, only to learn it was already sold. That was after calling to tell the person he was on his way. Sellers just want the cash and will sell it to the first person with it in hand.

B)Most of these campers don’t have much insulation – so the heater is very important

C)Unless the heater works really well, you’ll probably have to new heater. We opted for a 10,000 BTU ventless wall mounted one. They’re around $100-150 bucks at a hardware store.

D)It won’t be a cheap as you think. We got our camper for $500 and thought we were set. We’ve put about another $500 into it. Not everything was necessary, but you’ll be excited about your new “project” and will want to work on it.

E)Our camper sits much higher off the ice than a drop-down style will. If the one you buy sits high too, you’ll most likely need some type of hole sleeve

Those are just the things to consider. We’ve had a lot of fun working on it, and are pretty happy with it now. However, if we could do it over again we’d probably try to find a used drop-down style in that was still in relatively decent shape.

[MJBaldwin]

My buddy and I did exactly what you’re talking about on a 14-ft camper 2 years ago. My buddy is more of a handyman than I am, so he did a lot of the cutting, but it’s fairly easy to tell where you can put your holes. Here are some things we learned along the way that we didn’t consider when we were in your situation:

A)These types of campers are tough to come by (unless you know someone who’s selling). They literally fly off the page online sites that sell stuff. Some are posted for less than a half-hour before they’re sold. More than once my buddy got to the location, only to learn it was already sold. That was after calling to tell the person he was on his way. Sellers just want the cash and will sell it to the first person with it in hand.

B)Most of these campers don’t have much insulation – so the heater is very important

C)Unless the heater works really well, you’ll probably have to new heater. We opted for a 10,000 BTU ventless wall mounted one. They’re around $100-150 bucks at a hardware store.

D)It won’t be a cheap as you think. We got our camper for $500 and thought we were set. We’ve put about another $500 into it. Not everything was necessary, but you’ll be excited about your new “project” and will want to work on it.

E)Our camper sits much higher off the ice than a drop-down style will. If the one you buy sits high too, you’ll most likely need some type of hole sleeve

Those are just the things to consider. We’ve had a lot of fun working on it, and are pretty happy with it now. However, if we could do it over again we’d probably try to find a used drop-down style in that was still in relatively decent shape.

Very good info thank you! Would you happen to have any pictures of your fish house? I know what you mean by the getting off sites quickly I have looked at a few that are a few hundred bucks and there gone in the next day. Do you think that its a big deal that it sits a little higher than the drop down style that would obvisouly be the ideal fish house but not everyone can fork out 5-10k on a fish house for their first one. Let me know what ya think

[Getanet]

I don't have any interior photos, just exterior that wouldn't help you out much. As for sitting higher off the ground - it hasn't been a big deal for us. You would probably need an extension for your auger if you don't have one. We mainly catch panfish which are easy to lift a few feet through the hole. If you were trying to lift a nice walleye or northern that high it might be more difficult.

The hole sleeves are import to keep the wind and cold air from coming into the camper. They also help your hole not to ice over as quickly. If the camper you buy doesn't sit too high off the ice you can probably get away with cutting the bottom out of 5-gallon buckets. Brew stores also sell 6 or 7 gallon buckets that are a little longer.

The design of your camper might be completely different and you might not be as high off the ice as we are.

[WTN4ICE]

I bought an old camper from the auction site that was already converted. It had six holes and the axel was modified to allow removal of the wheels to drop to the ice.Theres not a lot of insulation and way too many windows. My advice would be seal up some of the windows get a good heater and spend some time tinkering. Adding insulation would be well worth the effort.Keep in mind an old rig that has sat outside may have some water damage so looking behind the paneling might be a smart thing. As you can see in the last pic a leaky roof can lead to a problem.

[Getanet]

Oh man, that really sucks. That was a pretty sweet setup.

[MJBaldwin]

It looked like what I am thinking of going for except the last picture of course. But i guess things happen.

[WTN4ICE]

I really like the look of the old campers on the ice.I have my eye on an old teardrop unit that may be my next project.I just think having something unique is worth a little effort,it's makes a fun summer project.

[Harmonica Bear]

AH.....The Legendary Green Hornet!

Rest in Peace old friend....

[baggy]

I have an older camper that is in good shape. I started to convert it but have not had enough time. If you are interested in buying it let me know. The deal would be better this time of year. Let me know and I can send you pics.

[MJBaldwin]

I have an older camper that is in good shape. I started to convert it but have not had enough time. If you are interested in buying it let me know. The deal would be better this time of year. Let me know and I can send you pics.

Shoot me an email with some pictures and the price that you are looking to get for it my email is [email protected]

Thanks

Mike

[Dave]

I did one years ago. It was a '71 - 16 footer. Insulation wasn't very good, heater only kept it about 60° and it weighed 4000 pounds. I did make a wood ski that the toungue jack sat on and pulled it out with an ATV but, that's too heavy for any "early" ice. I used two five gallon pails to telescope for hole sleeves.

[baggy]

Mike, I will get you some pics next week. I am in NY right now.

Thanks

Bill