Ice Castle 17 RV Edition

[Nisswaguy]

I'm seriously looking into buying the Ice Castle 17X8 RV edition for the multipurpose use. I would realistically take it once a month in the summer to use as a camper with my wife and 1-year old son. I would also put it out on a local lake(s) in the Brainerd area during the winter months.

Absolute musts for me are sink with running water. Bathroom. AC for summer use.

Any info on pros/cons would be greatly appreciated. Also, is there another multipurpose unit out there that I should be taking a look at?

Thanks in advance for any help!!

[fish stalker]

I dont know how much they cost but you could check out Dreamshak fish houses. they are set up really well for what you are looking for.

[Neiko]

Take a look at the Salem Ice Cabin. My buddy had a decked out Lodge fish house and sold it because it was such a beast. He ended up getting a Ice Cabin and it is a lot less money also. Very nice.

[chris63]

I have a dumb question?Does the drain water get held in a tank like on RVs and then dumped at a sanitary dump site?(Chemicals added to keep from freezing). Aren't Rv tanks a pain in the winter just like h2o tanks they freeze unless you keep the House/RV heated all winter?Maybe there is a Heated tank(million $ idea)probably is already.$$$$$$$$$$$$$$Again dumb questions from a primitive camper!c63

[BigDogRob]

We looked at ice cabins and I hated the floor! Sure the rubber idea is good but comfort and cold were not thought about unless you want to have the family all wearing tennies all day in there... I would def spray foam the floor though! I don't know of anyone using the water in the winter... just drain your tanks/add some antifreeze and run through the lines and it's winterized and ready for the lake... Shop around, but I haven't liked any of the other brands as much yet. I am sure they are just as good, but not to my likes was all. I have seen Ford's/ Chevy's/ Dodge's. All pulling different brands just put the time in before u pull the trigger so u get what u want and not settle on something u will regret later.

[B-man715]

My buddy just picked one; it's nice!

All tube frame with hydraulics. It is an awesome frame!!

The fresh water and sewer tanks are small compared to a real camper, but are better than a 5 gallon bucket

He paid around $16500 (after tax?) from Milaca. (paneling, not real pine or cedar in his).

I'm not sold on the Salem Ice Cabins myself. A huge downside of them is they have to be unhooked from the truck to lower to the ice!!!! For real....

I guess if you know the exact spot you want to stay for the weekend it's not a big deal, but to move a few times in a day would be be a huge PIA jumping in and out of the truck to move ahead, then having to re-align to hook back up.

[Nisswaguy]

I've looked at (on the internet, not in person) the Salem Ice Cabin, DreamShak, The Lodge, etc. and it just seems, to me, that the Ice Castle is the best option available today for the crossover fish house/camper. I know so complaints in the past have been over consistent craftsmanship quality in an Ice Castle so I'll definitely take a look at whatever house I decide to go with in person before I purchase.

Can anyone tell me if there are big cost differences if I were to order a house as opposed to buying one off the lot? I think in my case, a couch where the 2nd dinette is located instead of the 2nd dinette would be a little more comfortable, while still keeping the overhead bunk. Also, does anyone know the price difference between crank up VS hydraulic?

Again - thanks for all your insight. I truly appreciate it!

[BigDogRob]

I thought when I looked it was a 2-3k difference for the hydraulic option. Maybe cheaper now after making a few...

[morepower02]

Hydraulic is the way to go. Easy to move and you also gain alot of interior space.

[Nisswaguy]

Do you know what the cost difference is?

[Nisswaguy]

In case anyone is wondering, I talked to a couple of dealers today and it's about a $2,600 upgrade to get into hydraulics instead of the crank.