Wheelhouse Do's and Don'ts

[gvt]

I'm considering purchasing a 6.5x16 or 8x16 this spring and then finishing off the inside over the summer. The house would be used for ice fishing and camping (two kids, two adults).

If anyone would be willing to share their experiences with wheelhouses I would greatly appreciate it. There seems to be a fair number of issues with these houses, so I'd like to avoid as many as possible. Here are some of the issues that I am aware of:

Frames - This seems to be the number one concern. Does anyone have a frame that uses torsion axles? I'd like a tandem axle, it seems like torsion axles would be easier to do in tandem since they would require less space than the arm/leaf spring systems. Steel or aluminum? Steel rusts and aluminum can be subject to cracking. Anyone have a steel frame coated with spray-on bedliner?

Condensation - Apparently some of the RV style doors and windows are not quite up to the task when it is -20F. There is another thread going on this site where a couple of people have stated that they've been stuck in their houses do to frozen condensation around the door. Not good! Any experiences good or bad?

Wall Construction - I'm leaning toward a 1" aluminum square tube wall studs with spray insulation or composite walls. I think the 1" tube walls with spray insulation are pretty bullet-proof. Anyone have any experiences otherwise? There are some Do-it-yourself kits available that 1 1/2" thick composite walls that are similar to what would be used in RV construction. This seems like a great idea, light weight and strong. Any thoughts on this one?

The list goes on and on: wiring, lights, beds, etc. Again, any thoughts or experiences would be appreciated. Thank you

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

There have been a few good posts lately about this. I started one last week about wiring, and stymie has pictures of a very nice house, and some details about the finishing and wiring.

[gvt]

I've read all the posts that I could find. I didn't find anything regarding torsion axles or the RV panel walls. I was just hoping to gather any other info that others might offer up. Thanks

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

Soderbloom's does the 1" aluminum tube walls. I plan on using either a white fiberglass panel on the inside, or a tongue and groove pine on the walls, and fiberglass panel on the ceiling.

As far as the torsion axles, I know I've seen them on a couple different websites, I think Fish House Supply uses them.

[gvt]

Lip_Ripper Guy,

The Fish House Supply frames on the HSOforum use leaf springs. I bookmarked a couple sites for houses that used torsion axles a few years ago, but those sites are no longer on-line. Apparently they are no longer making houses. Anyway, I'd still like to get some feedback from owners, good or bad. Thanks

[Bryce]

Neither of the houses I am going to talk about advertise here so you will have to read between the lines somewhat. Currently have a 8 x 16 that I purchased as a shell in Annandale. Frame was mfg. in Perham. Only has single ax (pulls like a mule) but is torsion suspension. 8-10 long (4-5 hour) trips over the past 5 years and no problems other than frequent stops for gas. In the process of ordering a 8 x 20 from Brookings. Tandem torsion with hydraulic lift. Looked at a bunch of houses and only Dreamshack is even close to what these guys are putting out. Not sure about walls but sure hope they have real wood studs. Something for me to check on.

[gvt]

Anybody have any experience with Berkon fishhouses/frames?

[Cabintime]

The only problem with aluminum or steel wall tubes is that they will conduct the cold to the inside via the fastener (screws) that hold the inside wall material to them. This results in condensation or frost forming on the screw, which leads to spots and corrosion arount the fastener. It is not a problem if the fastener head is underneath paneling, since the paneling provides a slight insulating factor. I built a wheel house with tubing and wished I would have used wood studs instead.

[Bandit]

I have a 8X20 tandem torsion axle house with hydraulic lift. It works great. I can pull it down the interstate at 75. I have had this house for 7 years and have not had any problems with it. I would go as big as you can afford, the extra room is always nice.

[gvt]

Cabintime,

If I were to buy a house with the metal studs I would go with the spray foam insulation with horizontal furring strips. I believe that will prevent any condensation due to the metal studs. Thanks for the input.

[gvt]

Bandit,

I appreciate the input. Right now I'm considering a 6x16, but my fear is that it might be too small for two adults and two kids. Although, I would like to be able to pull it with an atv, so I can't go too big.

[gvt]

Anybody have any experience with Profish Enterpises? They make a kit-house with RV style wall panels that looks pretty slick. Also, their frames are really stout. The Aquaview display trailer was built by Profish.

[Walterwontfalter]

I bought a 8x18' two years ago and wish I would have gone smaller. I love the room for camping in the summer and using it as a bunk house during deer season but I'm finding that with the ice conditions the past couple years I haven't been able to get it out much. It's heavy.