Retractable Wheel Fish House Mobility

[jmh]

All,

I’m considering buying a retractable wheeled fish house this year. I would most likely go with one from one of the local builders in MN, probably in a 6.5’ x 14’ size (will definitely look at the Road King). The main purpose would be for 3 or 4 weekend trips to LOW, URL, Mille Lacs, etc. The question I have is what are people’s experience with trailering them not only to/from their destination, but out on the lake as well. I’m concerned that once on the ice, depending on the conditions (snow depth, pressure ridges, ice conditions, etc.) I might be restricted as far as mobility goes. Currently, I have an 8’ x 8’ portable set up to comfortably sleep a couple of guys, and can take it anywhere my 4WD can get me. If anyone has any experience and would like to comment, I’d appreciate it. Thanks a lot!

jmh

[GRAND DAD]

I have one 8X14 and i have never had any problems goes down the road great goes on and off the lake great and mine is also lite so if i wanted i can pull it with a 4 wheeler or what ever i have even pushed it out a couple times all by my self nothing but good things here I would never live with out one!!!

[Poutmaster]

We use a 4-wheeler to move ours around before there is enough ice for a truck. No problems. I'd make sure you have access to a 4-wheeler so you can make use of your house during the times there's not enough ice for a truck. Once the truck can pull it, you are good to go. As always you need to pay attention and maybe be a little more carefull/cautious during deep snow conditions. Overall I haven't had any major issues and i always have the portable ready to go in case.

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Love them 'Pout!

[This message has been edited by Poutmaster (edited 12-03-2003).]

[Catfish]

I am also happy with mine. I have found I need to drive slowly on rough ice. I saw a guy on Winni last year broke a wheel off his by driving too fast. We use it mostly as a base camp to fish outside, hole to hole etc and a place to cook and night fish. I do find myself hesitant to crank it up and move unless it is a major move, so I am less mobil then I like to be, but that is just because I am basically lazy. Good Luck.

[Farley]

How much do you plan on moving it? Once we get ours out to the lake we only move it 2 maybee 3 times, but ours is pretty heavy duty with a big emphasis on heavy. Use your portable to check other spots on the lake to find the "sweet spot" to move the big house to.

I guess I kind of misread the question, we put ours out on the lake and it pretty much stays on that lake all winter.

[This message has been edited by Farley (edited 12-03-2003).]

[Rick]

The beauty of Road King fish houses are that they are built heavy duty to last for many years with light weight materials. Quality is built in at every step, from the trailer to the flooring material to the ceiling design. Hidden features that make a big difference in durability and at re-sale time.

You can move it on new ice with a 4 wheeler and it tracks down the road like a king

http://RoadKingOutdoors.com

[ultrashack2003]

Quality built retractables are priceless in ease and mobility. Trailers that are aligned and balanced correctly pull like they are not even there. Mine is light weight and pulls straight on highway without any walking side to side at all.

On the lake common sense plays a role as you need to judge what you can and cant try to pull through, but generally any adequate clearance will not stop you.

[waterwolff]

I love mine a 6'6"x12 King Crow it goes down the road great but I have to make sure to load most of the weight up toward the tongue or it starts to dog track as far as pulling around on the lake I use my 4 wheeler with no problem but than we haven't had any snow for a few years to have to deal with I weighed the fishouse loaded for the weekend and it came in at 2640 pounds and that surprised me a bit the truck and house together was 9789 pounds

[pj4]

having any problems crossing the island out from wigwam with the trailers?

[JRS]

No problems pulling them on the lake, however I do carry a set of cables (the newer version of tire chains). I used them once when I was really stuck--I won't go on the lake without them.

[jmh]

Thanks for all the responses. Sounds like everyone is happy with their setup. My idea of mobility is fishing LOW shallow in the morning / evening, than heading out deep mid day. Sounds like a wheeled house should be the ticket. Thanks again for the responses...

Rick, will there be a Road King booth at the ice fishing show?

jmh

[big_fish_guy]

I think I remember rick answering that once before and the answer was no. Booth not big enough.