Please buy your frame

[love to hunt]

Hey guys, tis the season to start building those fish houses. Personally I can't wait till the hard water comes out.

I would ask that all you do it your selfers out there at least consider what I am going to say here before starting to construct you shelter.

If you are considering building your own frame I would ask that you consider buying it instead.

Unless you are well versed in the art of trailer building and can weld with complete competence you should leave it to the guys who are and can. There is a lot of questionable home builds being towed around out there and it is getting worse every year.

The frame is by far the most important part of the shanty. It needs to tow straight, be strong enough to carry the intended load across a less then perfect surface and operate safely while raising and lowering your house. You have to consider balance, sutable materials, trailer laws, and be able to build it so it stays together while you are towing it at highway speeds.

This is not a project the shade tree fabricator should attempt.

As an ex EMT, I have personally seen the damage a failed trailer can do when it comes off at 60mph and it is not pretty. Subsequently the events I witnessed were all from home built trailers that were overloaded to begin with.

There are several quality frames available to purchase out there, that are made by professionals, that would work great and start you heading the right direction. I realize that will probably drive the cost of your shanty higher then you want but if it saves your weekend from unneeded head aches or more importantly keeps every one safe it is well worth the price. You can't put a price on arms, legs, and heads.

Another myth I would like to dispel is that towed fish houses are exempt from DOT trailer laws. That could not be further from the truth. DOT laws apply to anything that is driven or towed down a public roadway, either paved or not. There are definite rules as to weight, width, height, lights, brakes and the list goes on. A friend of mine got pulled over last year on the way to the Eel Pout Festival and received moving violations for over weight, over width and improper lighting. It cost him his poker money for the weekend and an irritated spouse. The only exception is licensing. You do not need a trailer license for a fish house if you have a shelter tag on it. That too is only a half truth, in that if you are using it for a camper in the summer it nowhas become an RV and requires a RV license. I got that directly from the DMV.

When you build your shack take the time to look at the rules or ask your local sheriff, they are more then willing to help.

Some of you probably already know that I build frames and fish houses, so please don't take this as I am trying to pimp business here. I don't care if you buy my frame or some one elses, as long as you put a professionally made frame using quality parts under you shanty. Most manufacturers in this business make a good quality product that will effectivly suite your needs.

Have a great rest of the summer, be safe and I will see you all on the ice.

May all your rods bend frequently!!!

[deadminnowcatcher]

I have seen some frames that are sold buy well kmown manufactures that are not safe. I would rather pull one that i built knowing that it is safe. But i would agree- if u do not know what u r doing let someone that does build the frame- and stay away from aluminum as i have seen 2 of them snap the tongue off

[love to hunt]

I agree with DMC completely, but being in the buisnes I didn't want to bash any competitors. That is why is stated "most manufacturers in this business...."

Some tip are to go with all box tube frames frames and for the most part you should be fine.

[rookie44]

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