Driving on the ice

[GSP4EVER]

It has been a few years since I have been ice fishing. Last time I dive on the ice I had an 2005 Nissan Titan. Now I have a 2008 Ford F350 Super Duty crew cab w/ Powerstroke. After doing some research, my truck weighs around 11,500 pounds. With all fluids, gear and a couple of guys in it I could be pushing more than 12,000. Are there other 1T owners that drive their truck on the ice. Would 13-14" inch minimum be enough to support the weight. Last thing I want to do is put myself or you guys in an increased risk of going through the ice.

[Rick G]

I myself won't drive on less than 15in of ice. Even then, the first few times out every year makes me very nervous. Lots of things to take into account when taking a truck onto a frozen lake. The best advice I can give you is don't be the first, second or even third guy to try driving out unless you know the lake very well

[Lusid]

12,000 lbs is a lot of weight.

I would wait until 15" to be safe. Or buy a snowmobile/wheeler

[Savage Brewer]

15" plus is a good starting point, plus I would only drive where the main tracks go, I wouldn't be out there exploring any new territory.

[usmcjsy]

Ya it's hard to find a good balance in a truck if your a sportsman. It's nice having a big rig to pull all the equipment but the trade off is size and weight. I would need a good deal of ice for something that heavy and feel comfortable.

[clm]

i think your numbers are a little off. that is probably the gross vehicle weight. the curb weight which is the weight of the truck with gas oil coolant etc. should be around 7500lbs.

[Redlineracer12]

I saw a dually one ton Dodge on French lake last year when I only measured 10.5" in my hole... Not recommending it, just saying they are out there. I'd wait for 15", I was out there with my wheeler instead of the 1/2 ton that day.

[Hawg]

clm, I think that 12,000#'s sounds very high also.

[bigbad401]

You are 3-4 thousand pounds off. That truck should weigh about 8500-9200 lbs.

I would wait until there is 15in of ice.

[GSP4EVER]

This was what I was told and did some looking around to verify. But I did find that you guys are closer to right than what I found. I did find that base weight is 7200 (ford HSOforum) and then varies depending on package. SO mine should be around that 8500-9000 range. I have a Lariat Super Duty 6.4 Powerstroke. I may see if a farmers elevator or other place with a scale will let me weigh it. Still thinking that 15" range sounds good. I don't have a problem with walking out until then. Thanks for your replies.

[fish_eat_sleep]

I saw a dually one ton Dodge on French lake last year when I only measured 10.5" in my hole... Not recommending it, just saying they are out there. I'd wait for 15", I was out there with my wheeler instead of the 1/2 ton that day.

Gotta distribute that weight between the duals!! Humans amaze me...