Wheel House Fish House

[Wes Ellis]

If you were buying a fich house on wheels what would you buy? and why? thanks Wes

[mr hockeypuck]

Wes, There is a few major manufacturers out there. I think they all are good. It is more what you like in design. I know there is some good used ones out there. Just be careful of the some of the home builts. Do'nt make the mistake I made on first purchase with Alum studs. They were frosted all the time when turning on heat then dripped water all the time I was in it. Don't get me wrong on home builts just make sure you have good details of the construction materials.

Bobcat Jerry

[SomethingFishy*]

If cost wasn't a factor it would definetly be a Hydralic model Dreamshack.

[waterwolff]

Shop the frame by this I mean check the welds, make sure the spindles are rated for 5000lbs, Drop down hitch, 15" radial tires, zerks on the rotating portion of the lift arms, 30lb propane tanks, zero clearance tongue jack,

[Christopher Quast]

Shop the frame by this I mean check the welds, make sure the spindles are rated for 5000lbs, Drop down hitch, 15" radial tires, zerks on the rotating portion of the lift arms, 30lb propane tanks, zero clearance tongue jack,

Spindles rated for 5,000 seems like your asking for a little much there. 3,500 is great plenty for up to a 16-18 footer IMO mine is 14' and I have 2" stub axles.

[waterwolff]

Well the reason I would go with the 5000lb spindle is because I bent a 3500lb spindle last year. What happens is you take a factory house say a 12 or 14 footer that weighs in at 1800lbs and each year you trick it up just a bit. Maybe a cabinet here or there, one for the oven and cook top, a couple batteries, and all the additional equipment that time buys, next thing you know that 1800lb fishouse comes in at 3000lbs than what do we do next we overload it for a weekend on the ice Beer,food,gear, etc,etc,etc and bam we reach the limit and something is bound to give. So that is my reason for the heavier axles.

Mike

[Sprinter]

I have a grand lodge and have been more than happy with it. Very solid unit and pretty much all the comforts of home. They are a little spendy but very nice and extreamely well built. I did alot of looking around before I made a purchase and there is a very wide range of craftsmanship.

P.S. I have 6000# axles and I would not consider anything less than at least 4500#. When you get on rough ice these houses bounce around pretty good even at 5-7 mph and it doesn't take much of a bounce to double the axle load. I know there is one company out there that had some problems with their axles and I believe that they were using 3500# axles(dont know for sure but 3500 rings a bell). In the last couple years they have put heavier axles in them from what I hear. I just think a little extra strength cant hurt.

[Kylersk]

Just remember, if you plan on having a house over 3000#'s, you have to have brakes on it as well.

My house has 3500# axles on it. It weighs 2800#'s empty. And when I tow it, I tow it empty. Put everything in the back of my truck.

[Big Buck Buster]

Originally Posted By: waterwolff

Shop the frame by this I mean check the welds, make sure the spindles are rated for 5000lbs, Drop down hitch, 15" radial tires, zerks on the rotating portion of the lift arms, 30lb propane tanks, zero clearance tongue jack,

Spindles rated for 5,000 seems like your asking for a little much there. 3,500 is great plenty for up to a 16-18 footer IMO mine is 14' and I have 2" stub axles.

Are you talking total for both spindals, or just one side??? If you are talking about both sides added together, I have a 6000# system, with brakes, and wouldn't go with anything lighter.