Looking for a creative mind?

[TwiZteD]

I purchased an 8x 20 custom build wheel houses this year the lowers within 4 inches of the ice. I am looking for some kind of flexible rubber that I could attach to the frame so I wouldn’t have to bank in my house every time I want to move. Any ideas would be appreciated. I already have hole extensions.

[randerson]

I think some type of rubber roofing material would be the answer maybe have it removable with snaps

[pathogen]

Yeah, I think it would need to be removable because if it freezes down and it's not removable, you're likely to rip it off when you raise the house.

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

I've seen rubber roofing, and also conveyor belt material used.

[eyedr]

More of a brush system might work well too if you could find someone to make it custom. Just thinking out loud but it might be better for uneven surfaces. Like the brush mud flaps for trucks.

[hovermn]

If you search the web for Billboard Tarps, you'll find a place in Minneapolis that sells (and ships) billboard signs. They're made from Vinyl and come in many different sizes, black or white, and 2 different weights. Prices can't be beat, either.

For what you're wanting to do, I'd recommend the heavier weight. You can cut strips, say 12-14" wide, double it up, throw a light chain in there, and screw it to your frame or house. This stuff is flexible, wear resistant, and shouldnt' get stuck to the ice because it's waterproof.

Instead of doubling it up, you could buy HH-66 vinyl cement and glue a loop into the material. It chemicaly welds it together and makes a very strong joint.

[nofishfisherman]

My concern with anything would be it getting stuck to the ice. Anything will get stuck if water melts and refreezes around it. Won't matter if its water proof or not. Once you raise the house you'll either get lucky and break the material free or you'll be unlucky and tear it off leaving it stuck in the ice.

If you have it so that its removable you'll prevent it from tearing but what will you do to get it unstuck? You'll need to make sure you can get it out or you'll have someone start a thread about you leaving garbage on the ice.

I guess you'll need to decide whether its less work to bank a house or get the skirt chipped out of the ice when it freezes in.

[hovermn]

Let me see if I can put it another way. Vinyl to ice is like an egg in a teflon pan. The doubled over method would prevent water from getting around it and freezing it in, and would be completely removable. Ever peel something from wax paper? Same thing. And if it did get around it, it would be easy to break it free.

[NoWiser]

Get some heavy duty tire inner tubes just a little bigger diameter than the hole. Throw them under each hole quick before you lower it. It will seal out all the air and no need to bank the house, and will never freeze down.

[randerson]

If your just using the house for a weekend or long weekend you will never freeze down With using my house for 4 years I never had it freeze down even when we fished in 40 degree days and 0 nights Everytime I banked my house after a couple days I would have to re bank areas because of the constant melting most every time I would leave for the weekend and pull away from our spot there would be some water under the house I could see it freeze down if you left it with out the heat on for a period of time but not if the heat was on

[JSK76]

If the hole extensions you have are the Catch Cover type you could line the inside with Reflectix insulation and not bank the house as long as your floor is well insulated. Make sure to do the inside so you can slide them in and out of the Catch Cover. Some sticky backed Velcro would hold them in place and allow for removal when not needed.

[Wolffy]

Maybe an old round bailer belt? Should be pretty heavy duty there 1/4 in. Thick.