building a ice house

[Hedman]

I'm thinking about building a ice house this summer. I need a trailer though. Im just wondering where would be a place to buy a cheap trailer, or would it just be easier to make a trailer myself. Any Replys will help

Hedman

[woodman]

The trailer is your biggest and most important purchase! You can search the net for lots of dealers who sell them. If you have a style in mind, a lot of them will custom make them for your liking. Good luck, and send us pictures of your master piece.

[Hedman]

How cheap do you think I can get one for?

[fishinalot]

Remember this is the foundation of your house. You will get what you pay for. Plan on spending at least $2000 for a good frame. $1000 for a cheap one. I would spend the $2000.

[LODFFB]

I have been building my Permnant Fish house for the last 2 years. The problem I have is time (2year old son, and PG wife)and getting funding for the house . I am getting down to it though. Pull some scams, we moved this last summer so we had to get plywood for the deck . I have the 2 X 3 walls all built now & some 1/4 plywood on, all my windows bought and a couple cabinets in my wheel well. The only thing with showing off my house is you need a HSOforum on here to Show it off? Or can you add a JPEG. I have LOTS of those from beginning to now.

[woodman]

I am going to be building my 3rd house this summer. I am planning on spending 1500-2000 on my trailer alone. I use 2x2 walls with vynal siding screwed to the 2x2's on the outside. No need for plywood. It only adds weight. I put 2" insulation between the studs, and panaling in the inside. I do put 2x4's in the corners and around the door fram for more support. The windows are just display ones from a local lumber yard. All of my wiring is in the walls, the lights, fans, etc. are all drawn out before I put the panaling on.

I understand time issue. I have a 6 and 3 yr old, and they always want to help. I start it mid summer and usually finish lat fall. It makes for a great hunting shack during deer hunting season.

Make sure you get a good heater. VENTED one might I add! Search the net or talk to a local heating shop.

Good luck,

[norm]

I built a house this summer and I bought the trailer for it. For a 6.5' X 12' was $800. It's 2" X 3" tubing all around the ouside with 2" X 2" tubing for the cross braces. It came with leaf spring suspension, fenders, and winches you have to paint it.

[BLACKJACK]

Woodman, I also built my first house out of 2x2's with paneling on the inside and 1/4 plywood on the outside and 1/2 plywood on the roof, but now I'd like to build a bigger, nicer one. A couple of questions:

1) What kind of roof did you put on and how did you attach it?

2) Did you attach the floor in a way so that you can replace the treated plywood floor or did you just slap it on the steel frame with the framing plate on top?

I do agree with everyone, the trailer is the key, you don't want to skrimp on it. I've seen toooo many going down the road with bowed in axels.

[Crestliner-fever]

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[woodman]

BlackJack- I have had one of my houses for 8 years now and it shows no sign of rotting. I just screwed it directly to the fram with self tapping metal screws. I used 3/4 inch treated plywood. I think my next house I will seal the floor before I lay the carpet to add alittle more sealent. I don't know I will have to ask my dad. He is the lumber yard guy!!

I just cut galvanized shinny silver tin for the roof. I cut 2x6's from the center down to 2" on the outside for my pitch. I have never had a problem yet. I screw it just like you would for a shed. Metal screws with the washers. Make sure you have some over hang so the water does not run down the inside of your walls.

Good luck,

[HOGEYE]

Norm,

Curious where you picked up the trailer at?

[ice_it_06]

Norm:

I'm interested as HOGEYE as to where you purchased that trailer !!

I'm looking for something cheap & simple for a 5 X 8 I just bought.