Two Runners or Three on my Ice House

[duck2]

I am getting ready to built a lightweight 6' x 8' ice house. After looking at some of the great pictures on the FM Ice Fishing forum, I am considering building it on three 2' x6' runners instead of two. The middle runner would give much greater stability to the floor. However, I am wondering if the middle runner makes the house less manuverable in getting it around while on the ice.

Does anyone have any experiences with a three runner ice house that they might care to share?

Thanks

[BoxMN]

We have a 3 skid house, 6x10. We had to use 3 skids due to what we built it out of. But the NET NET is that it tracks great! and Pulls great behind a two or 4 wheel drive truck - a lot better than we thought it was going to. Were is what we used:

under the house/floor we put three 2x6 on their side (basically to connect together 4 parts of a floor to solid unti). Then under the 2x6 we lagged a 4x4 to the 2x6, thus making it basically the same height as a 2x6 on end, but much stronger. Very solid, and plenty of "skid" to last many years.

edit - btw, we use it on WBL and store it at my house near downtown WBL, if you ever want to look at it. But ours is pretty heavy, not lightweight

Have fun,

[wishing for walleyes]

I have never used 3 runners on an ice house.Just double up 2 2x4`s and that gives you lots of support on wider spans.

[Shack]

I would have to say to go with the tride and true 2 runner senerio. I figure one less item to have to chisel out of ice when moving or removing house. That middle one could be hard to free up.

[ice_it_06]

With a 6 X 8 I dont think (3) skids is really needed.

Once you get the floor screwed in to the frame that 6' span tightens up greatly. Generally that size is made for light weight portability.

I have a 6 X 8 with 2x8 skids, the floor frame is 2X4 with them doubled on the ends for pull/tow support and I believe (5) singles every 16" between or close to 16". It was built by someone else. The house itself is 2X2 framed with aluminum siding so the house is very light.

[duck2]

Thank you to all who propmptly posted a reply. It seems that 2 skids will be the way to go.

Now, can anyone advise on a lightweight roof option? The shack will have a very shallow slope to the roof. Can heavily painted sheaths of 3/8 plywood suffice for a roof or is there a better, more lightweight option?

[duck2]

Box MN... As you noticed, i live in Mahtomedi. I would appreciate a chance to look at your ice house.

[BoxMN]

Hey Duck,

Shoot me an email [email protected] and i will give you address. It will also have a decent option for a lightweight roof that works well.