Question: What SUV will fit a SB Explorer/FT Guide

[The Chemist]

Well I'm looking into buying a vehicle and was wondering what SUV has enough room in the back to hold a Snoboat explorer (Fish Trap Guide) I am currently looking at getting an Explorer. I need to have the ability to have the back seats up since I will have 2 kids with me. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Just tired of going out in the van and all of the problems that I had last year. Thanks.

[Dan Wood]

The fish trap guide will not fit in most SUV's without the rear seats folded down. I have a Tahoe and that still requires the seats down. It is a pain in the but with child seats - I hear ya... A suburban is your best bet. Check the dimensions before you buy - the Fishtrap guide will require 60".

[JWB475]

Boy, you sure aren't an ice fishing addict.

Purchasing a vehicle that fits your fish house!

That is hilarious...

Good luck with your decision, happy holiday....

[STEP & 1/2]

Chemist, I have a Suburban and with the back set up it is 60 + inches to the back hatch. I would think that your portable would fit.

Hope this helps.

[iland99]

I was looking into buying a Dodge Dakota but had to rule out all Quad Cabs because my Eskimo Quickflip III won't fit in the little 5'4" bed!! That might be the definition of an ice fishing addict!

[metrojoe]

I did the van thing for many years and it usually required a lot of monkeying around when I wanted to take the kids with me. Plus I had to hold the tail gate down with a bungy because the 4x8 portable didn’t quite fit with the seat in.

Have you considered an extended cab or quad cab pick-up? Mine has seating for six and plenty of room for all my gear and then some(long box). No seat removal or swapping, plus I like the fact that I don’t have to smell gas fumes and it’s a lot easier to clean in the spring after a season of hunting/fishing. The big draw back is it’s not really my vehicle of choice for commuting and just around town driving. I kept the mini van for that.

Good luck

[MT Net]

I had the same problem with my Jeep and Fishtrap Voyager with 4 guys and geare.

Simple and inexpensive solution, buy a utility trailer. The trailer I bought can handle 1500 pounds, 5'x8'. I built sides on it and a canvas top. Trailer and materials were under $800, roughly 1-1/2 car payments. Plus, many great uses throughout the year.

My Ice Fishing Rig:

[Jeremy airjer W]

Why not put your portable on the luggage rack? For a couple of years I fished out of a honda prelude (with blizzaks) I'd throw the clam on the bike rack and hold it down with a couple of ratchet straps. I realize the explorer is much taller but if a guy wants to fish, he'll find a way!

P.S. I know for sure an Otter Magnum Lodge will fit in the back of a Toyota Tacoma, with about .004" to spare!

[SteveWilson]

A Suburban has 69-70" from the back of the passenger seats to the tailgate; many 3man portables are 72" when folded. Two man units are around 60". I just went through this decision and bought an Eskimo Quickflip II - fits just fine.

[Turkeyhunter10ga]

I'v e got the same set up as MT Net. After starting out with only a car , since the wife hated when i took her van .I got a small utility trailer to take my shanty with. Makes it kinda nice in a way too , since i don't have to unload the sled out of the vehicle for storage , just back it in the fenced back yard and drop it off.

[magicstix]

ditto, with the family/shack situation. what i found is otter med./cabin ,ft guide will fit in suburban, toyota tundra 4 dr.,dodge ram 4dr. sub. 71"?,toy.74",ram 73"?. or a utility trailer is also a great option too, like previously mentioned, done that too.i got a otter. good luck.