XT1200 Lodge Assembly Tips

[Blackhawkxp]

I just purchased this house and was wondering if anyone had any advice on the assembly? Just looking for some helpful tips from guys that have already completed this task. I am sure everything should go pretty smooth with included directions but any extra advice would be helpful. Thanks in advance.

[Alagnak]

Go buy some extra parts right away and a case of beer and something for the grill. The beer and grill will hopefully lure in a buddy to give an extra hand.

[picksbigwagon]

Don't get in a hurry with the poles, make sure you put the buttons on the inside for adjusting the poles, not the outside like I did. easily fixed though. No need for extra parts, but you will need an extra hand, it does help.

I took a chunk out of my thumb tip while assembling the poles, my mistake, not the manufacturers. assemble it in your living room, that's where my son and I put our pro cabin together. Should take about 2 hours start to finish.

[gonehunting]

Don't overtighten the Velcro on the poles. The fabric is heavy enough it will not move. Makes for easier folding of material. Also do not put screws in trim until you make sure everything is in place before you make it permanent with the screws. Buy hifax for the bottom if you are going to pull it with a snowmobile or atv. It will save the bottom of your sled.

[Blackhawkxp]

The main reasons for my question stems from assembling the T600 version I did a few years ago. I had a couple of do over items i am trying to avoid this go around. Thanks for the advice.

[stealth3350]

watch the beers, if u have the goggles on takes way longer! personal experince.

[JSK76]

If you decide to go with the "lower seating" option you need to drill new holes in the cross bar for the bolts because of the geometry of the sled. If I knew that I would have just left it standard height. The directions leave that part out.

[Chris Barlage]

READ and FOLLOW the directions. Don't skip a step or assume. Don't screw the canvas to the tube right away, wait for the stretch period to be over. don't over tighten Velcro. Leave it setup with wind poles for a while, that canvas is really tight. don't use a cordless drill to tighten the bolts of the hyfax, if you do set the clutch really loose or you will eat through the tub. make sure you follow the directions when putting the poles together. they are not all the same for the back middle and bottom.

[live4chrome]

2nd on watching the beers. Had a few pitchers at the bar before hand, that was a mistake

[Blackhawkxp]

Would you guys recommend purchasing a third seat. Not sure if anyone has the additional seat or if it is too tight. Occasionally fish 3 when the brother in law or wife tags along in my wild cabin with the bench. It is tight but doable so was hoping since the lodge is a little bigger it might be worth buying?

[DTro]

3 seats work well in the Lodge. Might be a tad tight for 3 large adults, but works great in a pinch when a 3rd wheel wants to hop in.

Yes, I would recommend it.

[Northlander]

When doing hyfax go 1 size smaller than directions say for holes. This allows bolts to hug into the tub and makes it easier to do when alone.

On the 1200 I like to slide the seats on the seat bar and then set in place and mark spots for holes. You may need a rubber mallet to do so but it makes sure you have exact seat placement.

One other thing is take it slow drilling self tapping screws into bars. Go too fast and you strip them out. Don't over tighten.

Enjoy your Otter you will love it Im sure.

[picksbigwagon]

Use a 1/8" bit for the hyfax, it sucked into the tub nicely and then allowed us to put the washer and nut on and tighten

[gonehunting]

Watch this youtube video

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