Transporting otter xt650 lodge. Need ideas.

[lispeej]

How do you guys transport your otter xt650 lodge with your SUV?

[fishnowworknever]

Look into a cargo hitch/carrier...

[Esox_Magnum]

I haul mine on the trailer behind the quad...

[Jim Almquist]

Look into a cargo hitch/carrier...

That is how I haul my Otter Lodge. I also have to add lights to the back because the Lodge blocks my taillights. Stack the wife's Otter Cabin on top of the Lodge. Works Great!!

[lispeej]

I do have a hitch carrier that I use for my smaller Eskimo sleds. It's fits perfect, but I'm afraid the otter sled will not sit too well on the hitch carrier. I wonder if someone sells an oversized hitch carrier?

[lispeej]

Jim. You have a 4runner right?

[leech~~]

I carry my Clam Voyager when not on the snowmobile trailer with the sled on one of the cheap little red trailers you can get at Northen. I found a brand new one on the list for $150 and you can't even feel that it is behind the SUV when going down the road. Good luck Lee.

[lispeej]

Leech. I also have a utility trailer. But it's a hassle to tow it to places. I'm trying to keep it simple and practical.

[Sherpa]

Jim do you know what the dimensions or model of your carrier are? I would like to be able to transport my lodge on a hitch carrier as well, but it seems like most would be too small.

[Jim Almquist]

I have the steel model the Northern sells. The Lodge fits over the entire area with no problem. Right now I am making a wood rack to fit over the rack so I can attach lights to the wood and keep it off the steel carrier. The reason is I keep braking the taillights. This way the Lodge will sit on top of 2 X 4s and the cross member board will fit inside the rack. The load capacity for my model is 500 pounds. I also have a bike rack extension so I can make the carrier about 8" higher off the ground. I found that some accesses are a little too steep. I will take a few shots and post what the setup looks like once it warms a bit

Yes I do have a 4Runner.

I will also take down the dimensions.

[DTro]

It was tight but I could squeeze my lodge into my 4runner.

[Jim Almquist]

My carrier is 60' X 21" to the outside edges. Another advantage of the bike rack extension it will let you get into the back of the truck. There will be about a foot gap. I have to shut the door before I load the Lodge as well.

[lispeej]

Pictures would be awesome! Thanks.

[Sherpa]

Thanks Jim. So I guess you just rest it on top without it actually fitting inside the carrier and strap it down. I would definitely like to see the wood rack you come up with. This sounds like it might be the way to go to avoid pulling a trailer. Do you guys usually wrap them in a tarp to keep road salt off or just use the sled cover.

[Jim Almquist]

I have a cover for my sled. The mesh of the carrier will stop some of the slush but most is on the bottom of the sled. I hope to get out and get the rack done tonight with the big warm up today

I will take some pics if there is enough light.

[fishwater]

It was tight but I could squeeze my lodge into my 4runner.

Dtro - what year 4runner? Anyone know if they fit in new ones? I bought a 99 Yukon with low miles to use for hauling my lodge, fit perfect in that. Crankcase ate itself on the first trip up to LOW this year. I need a lodgehauler.

[DTro]

I have a 2003, which I believe is a 4th gen model.  The older 3rd gens are quite a bit smaller so it probably won’t work. 

 

 

The trick for me was to have the curved front facing forward and then lift the curve so it slightly rested on the headrests.  That gave me the room needed to close the rear hatch.   It was doable and I’ve done it several times, but throwing it on the snowmobile trailer was much easier, especially when fishing alone.

[leech~~]

 

 It was doable and I’ve done it several times, but throwing it on the snowmobile trailer was much easier, especially when fishing alone.

What, that's not simple and practical I was told! lol. Sorry Lee.

[fishwater]

I have a 2003, which I believe is a 4th gen model. 

Thanks for the info. I trailer my lodge, but every time I do I wish I would have gotten the resort instead.

[lispeej]

I'm gonna pickup my otter xt650 lodge Friday. Can't wait!

[leech~~]

I'm gonna pickup my otter xt650 lodge Friday. Can't wait!

Sounds good Lee have fun with it. I got a new Clam Voyager TCX this year and have yet to get out in it. Hope you don't sweat to death in there!

[Jim Almquist]

I'm gonna pickup my otter xt650 lodge Friday. Can't wait!

Oh sure rub it in!!!

I am still using my 1999 Otter Lodge. My plan was to put on a new skin but that will have to wait until next year. I will get some pictures up tomorrow. Got too dark by the time I was done.

[Jim Almquist]

Pics of my set-up:

[lispeej]

No wonder why you have to customize your rack. The lodge is huge! Thx for the pics Jim.

[amateurfishing]

great ideas, thx.....is there such a thing as "legal width" and would this be close to overdoing it? that looks really wide

[Sherpa]

Thanks for the pics. I think I'll be making my own soon. I think I'm going to pick up a carrier without the raised rails on it. Northern has one on sale right now for $60.