Best Drop down for the $$$$

[MIKE IN lINO III]

Wife says "yes" to a drop down, now I need to find the right one.

What do you guys have and what do you like/dis-like about it?

I am on a limited budget so cost will be an issue.

Mike

[lunker651]

How much are you willing to spend?

[Sutty]

Depending on your budget I would first figure out the size that fits you best and would also look at V-fronts. I have heard they pull a lot easier. Than just start adding options till the budget is maxxed You can always finish it as you go. I don't own one yet, just been doing some research. I plan on getting one in the next year or so.

[Northlander]

I would make sure to check out Jay Soderblooms houses. Very light and a great price. www.soderbloom.com

[MIKE IN lINO III]

I just need something in the lines of 4 hole minimum, probably 6.5 x 12 or larger. Looking to use it during deer hunting also. Used would be fine, probably a must. Budget would be around $4500.

Lunker, what are you thinking?

[email protected]

[McGurk]

Do a search for Sportsman Fish Houses, the guy who makes them is both a sponsor and a regular here. Ed posts under "love 2 hunt" and has been a great help to many of us here. You can email him at [email protected] and check his stuff out at sportsmanfishhouse.com

[LaZyDayZ]

I'll second what McGurk said about Ed give him a call.

If he doesent have what ya need he will steer you in a good direction to find it.

I would also check out the For Sale forums on this site. Saw several posted the other day.

[HarryG]

I have looked at several used house recently. $4500 should not be a problem. Things to consider; Direct Vent Heater, Saves more space than you think. Make sure you tow it first. Inspect for a rusted frame. Think about what you will use it for in the coming years. There are many choices out there. You may want to consider a longer drive to get the right house for you. I want my to last me until I am old and grey, look as many online as you can.

Good Luck

[ice_it_06]

Mike:

Your probably not going to find anything much past a stud version house or economy in a "new" house @ $4,500 in the size you want. Heater might even be a option with most you might find.

Used houses are a hot commodity right now seeing its so close to "go time"

Check out the classifieds here and anywhere else. hsolist and fish house for sale dot you know what is a must to check out.

[BigDaddy]

Given your budget, I would look at used houses.

I bought a house on hsolist this fall. It's a Performance Engineering built house in great condition.

I stayed away from used DIY houses (assuming a DIY frame). It's a dump shoot on quality. I'm sure some are made better than the brand name units, but I wouldn't take that chance.

Good luck!

[KOTTKE]

Performance enginerring makes a reat house, out of glencoe, I've had one for about 8 yrs, no problems

[LABS4ME]

Mike,

Call Mark. He's selling his 6.5' x14'. I bet you can get him down to $4500 no problem. His ad is in the for sale forum under Blackshack! Nice house... Empire heater and 4 bunks. He's had it set up by me for the last several years up on Red. May well be your best buy out there.

The Fish House Sore in Milaca makes a very nice house also. 10 year warranty on the frame and drop down.

Good Luck!

Ken

[MIKE IN lINO III]

Thanks Labs, I've fished out of Marks a dozen times up on RED.

Mike

[ice_it_06]

6.5 X 12 Ice castle on hsolist $4,500 obo.

New in Jan 05 only used a few times. Looks nice

for that $$$$.. saw a couple others there as well.

[End of the Line]

I tend to agree with Northlander. Lighter aluminum house with Soderbloom and you'd get more in terms of size for the money initially with some options. Add more options later as money permits.

[blue_healer_guy]

Performance engineering all the way. Had mine for 4 years.

[MIKE IN lINO III]

Thanks Ice it 06,

I saw that one on another forum, it has a bent wheel. I want to stay away from projects.

I'm in no hurry to get something, maybe I'll wait until the end of the year.

Mike

[fishinalot]

I had a Performance Engineering 6 1/2' x 14' for 5 years and it was a good quality house. However, I did bend my spindles so I ended up getting rid of it.

I built my own a few years ago with the Tundra heavy-duty frame from Fish House supply. It has the 5200 lb spindles almost impossible to bend. I cruise 75-80 mph back and forth Elk Hunting and trips to Red and Lake of the woods. The frames cost a little more, but you do get what you pay for.

[ice_it_06]

Mike:

I hear ya on the problem issue. Don't rush in to it if you can survive till next season.

Didn't mean to lead you in to a problem house, dont recall

anything in the ad about a wheel issue.

You sure see alot of those Ice Castles for sale ?

[Capt'nJosh]

I purchased a 6.5 X 14 Ice Castle this week that was in that price range. When I got it home and looked closely I noticed a small dent in one of the fenders. I called them up and they are going to have a new fender ready for me to pick up tomorrow! I'm not sure what the rules are on this site about giving out business names on the forumn so drop me an email if you want more info!

[email protected]

[FZ]

Is the light aluminum house by Soderbloom strong enough comparing with other steel frame houses?

Quote:

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I tend to agree with Northlander. Lighter aluminum house with Soderbloom and you'd get more in terms of size for the money initially with some options. Add more options later as money permits.

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[End of the Line]

Because its alum. doesnt mean its less durable or weaker. Your commercial airplanes are all aluminum, and look at the abuse they take. All I am saying is that after building two of my own ice houses and looking at no less than 15 other manufacturers and trailer frames, I would highly consider Soderblooms for lots of obvious advantages (weight, etc...), qualitity construction, and great service I received from them while building my own. Some people have said angle iron frames are weeker too. I would tend to agree but not neccessarily. Wood is lighter that steel. Yes thats true to but what are we comparing it to? Its like comparing an aluminum boat to a fiberglass one. Which one is stronger? I dont know, but my guess is that the fiberglass one is heavier if its built right.