Snow & Sled = ????

[minnowhead]

Just got back from lake, have a voyager, with 2hp 8inch auger, 20 lb tank with mr. cooker for heater, pail, fishing bag, couple rubber mats for feet, marcum, camera,. With all this snow on lake, I thought I was going to have a heartack pulling this thing to a spot on the lake. I know I can go down to a smaller tank even 1 lb cylinders, but just not very econimical for me, I am looking for ideas to pull this sled easier, will runners make this pull alot easier on snow or are they just good for ice.I am having a hard time spending any more money this year on my ice fishing. I am no slouch, I am 300 pounds and able to pull and lift quit abit. I just bought this sled this year from a fish trap 2, I am wondering if I made the right move.

[H20fowlr]

Best fix is 4 wheeler or snowmobile. However since funds are an issue you have a couple of alternatives that will have a little impact.

1) try to even out the weight so that sled is not heavy in the back or front or one of the sides. This will spread out the weight to reduce the oppotunity for the sled to dig into any material in the ice or snow.(lake sand and mud)

2) polishing the sled will reduce the drag coefficient. This can be done by waxing it or by bring a good ol can of "Pam" vegetable oil. The oil film is neglegible and much more friendly than petrochemical lubricants. Be careful that you don't spray it on in the garage or any permanant walkways.

The other thing to look out for is you house will now slide in the wind easier when your not sitting in the sled.

These should help a little but the only sure fire way is snowmobile/4 wheeler, lighten the load, or take a friend to help pull.

I also have attached a second hook on the back of my Otter so we can pull sleds/houses in Tandem with one 4 wheeler or snowmobile.

[Bob Horn]

I`m with you on being a big (280)guy. I can drag my shelter all day with snow skis attached to the bottom. I would try and find a way to get the sled up a foot or so above the snow before you attach the skis. If the snow is deep it is still some what hard to pull the shelter. I have mine attached to the shelter without any lift on them. I have an atv for this year so I didn`t mess with trying to get the shelter made with a lift kit of sorts. I think the guys from FM can add some more with a little brainstorming.

[jerkin'm]

I made a sled out of a pair of downhill skis, 4 chunks of 4x4 as legs, a couple 2x2s as cross pieces...very light and slides good...have pulled weighed down Otter house without too much problem...ChuckN on the other hand...

[fiskyknut]

Couple of Huskies or Malamutes might help eh! Serious though I've seen folks with somekinda harness rig thingamajig on their own backs dragging their tubs out.

fiskyknut

[Fergus Mor McErc]

Just a thought, I have don't know if it would work, but it seems like it should. If it's a tub type sled, perhaps, a simple plastic lawn/leaf bag spread out and attached to the bottom. Those things are deadly slippery on snow and ice. I recently had to use one to get my wife into and out of the car after her hip surgery. Put it on the edge of the back seat and it slid across the back seat with no problem. Provided you avoid a lot of jagged ice it seems as if it should slide well in snow. Of course, it may not work at all. Like I said, it was just a thought. I have a 5600 Clam and use the skis and frame from one of those things one tows the kids in, behind a snowmobile. I have no idea what it's called.

[tipup51]

Minnowhead, buy a can of GEL-GLOSS for 4-5 bucks and spray the bottom after it's dry and clean. Comes in a pink can at the hardware store. You'll be happy.

[tipup51]

Minnowhead, Also works well on shelter poles, zippers and shovels.

[minnowhead]

How often do I have to spray the bottom of the sled. Do I spray and let dry, right before i go on ice? I really want to try something that will help. two days since i was out my back hurts from the last haul. I need to find something or I will have to wait till I can drive out.

[tipup51]

Just once, let dry and try it in the yard. It lasts all season unless going over a lot of dirt. Very simple!!! Good luck and let me know what you think.

[crappace]

Minnowhead

I feel your pain. I pulled my Nordic 2 man .5 mile on Mille Lacs this weekend and it was horrible. I have about the same set up as your for gear but add a false floor. The worst part was digging through the 3-8 inches slipping and needing to keep momentum going after that. Watching the enclosed 6 wheeler of the resort we went out of go flying by me countless times really made the 45 minute walk go quick!