Clam Guides?

[TMF89]

How hard is it for one man to load/unload a Clam Guide from a car/truck? I'm looking at switching my 5600 to a Guide, how much easier is pulling a Guide than a 5600?

[mrth0201]

I have a Jeep Cherokee and it seems to go pretty smoothly loading and unloading the house. I suggest loading/unloading with the house mostly empty, it can get pretty heavy with all your equipment in it, propane tank, battery etc... If your looking for a flipover that has more room than a single man but is easily movable by one guy, the guide is the way to go. Hope this helps! Good luck on the ice

[Reynolds]

I had one for a couple of years and did not have any trouble loading into an SUV. Just get the one end on the lip of the tailgate or trunk and you'll be good to go.

As far as the pulling goes, I would have mine loaded down with the auger, flasher, camera, propane tank, etc. and be able to pull the sled with relative ease.

[Squirtis]

I agree with the rest. I have had mine for about three years and I can load it and unload it from my pickup with everything in it except the auger (20 lb propane take connected to Portable Buddy heater, motorcycle battery for the LED lights, Vex, etc). As for pulling, you will be glad you switched. My wife and I went with my cousin and his wife out to Coon and she pulled our sled all the way back to shore (about 3/4 mile) while my cousin and I fought the Clam2000 all the way back together. Not much difference on glare ice of course, but if you get about 5" or more s now on the lake, the guide is a breeze compared to the suitcases.

Good luck!

[slipperybob]

Sleds are easier to pull than suitcases, but I really don't have that much trouble.

[so haaad]

I have an older Fish Trap Guide that I've used for years and really like it. It's a great portable. The Guide fit like a glove when I had my old Jeep Cherokee. So you will need to check the fit if you have anything smaller than a Cherokee. Most mid-sized or larger SUV's have plenty of room.

The biggest difference between the Guide and the 5600 is the tub that comes with the Guide. Plain and simple, it holds stuff. The 5600 only allows you to put stuff "on top" when you are pulling it. Get the Guide if you travel long distances, plan on pulling it behind a sled/atv, have to traverse ice ridges or slopes to access a lake, or going through deeper snow.