Jason Mitchell Thermal X Mods (with pics)

[MNCPRGUY]

Not quite finished, but far enough along to start a thread. My rig is a 2-man Jason Mitchell Thermal X. While 1 person can lift it in and out of a truck bed, it's not much fun to pull by hand. Not pictured are the added hyfax, Otter tow bar, or Polaris Sportsman 500 that I use to pull it. I have focused more on comfort than weight and am still very mobile.

The rear storage box used less than a half sheet of 1/2 inch plywood, 1 inch aluminum angle iron for support, and stainless steel bolts.

These images show the shelter as it was used last season. The totes under the seats are nice for rarely used items like tip-ups but are not easily accesible. Behind the seats holds a lot of loose gear but it is difficult to reach when seated as everything in on the floor of the sled.

Center divider is tapped and bolted directly to the lower seat frames. Aluminum angle iron was used to support the top and bolted directly to the divider and sled.

Planning to add rod holders to the hinged lid. Rod bag and shelter support poles fit nicely in the middle.

Lighted rocker switches control overhead firebrite LED lights, fan, and LEDs within the sled.

Finished! Buckets are useful for outside seating, storing my flasher when not in use, and bringing home the days catch.

More pics to follow when I get the canvas back on.

[muskE]

Looks good!

[Lawrence Luoma]

Very nice, I like the tote idea as you added storage without adding much weight. (as long as you don't overload the totes)I'm not a huge fan of huge mods on fish houses because you just add weight but this one makes sense.

[MNCPRGUY]

Everything is ready to roll. Just need a little ice and some hungry fish!

[ivegottabite]

Nicely done! Simple but effeIctive modifications. Did you paint or carpet your plywood? I have used totes for my tackle for the past couple years. Nice to just grab a box out of there when I need it.

I may have to do something similar in my Frabill.

[MNCPRGUY]

Just paint. Carpet in the shelter just seems like something to catch water, hooks, and add weight. I considered going with white or gray to make things easier to see, but thought the black would look the best.

[masoct3]

Very nice and manageable.

[Shack]

Just paint. Carpet in the shelter just seems like something to catch water, hooks, and add weight.

You would be amazed at how much that short automotive carpet adds and it even helps lower the radiating coldness the wood will hold in untill it warms. Adds a slight element of comfort worth the added .3 lbs or less it adds to the overall weight of the shack. Getting jigs and spoons never seemed to be an issue and if anything the carpet helped grip and hold in place the things you will set down on the space. Helped prevent those little things from being easily whisked off when moving or taking off a jacket or something. Also the water and moisture factor actually never became a factor that I had found.

Still, very nice rig and dig the dry test hauling out in the yard. Lol. Neighbors of an inspired sportsman never have a shortage of interesting things to observe.