getting my new portable shelter set up

It was rainy and wet this morning (got up at 4:15am) so I went out to my garage and started installing wear strips on the bottom of my new ice shelter. Late last season I purchased a Clam Thermal XL and was unable to find a runner kit for it at the time. So I made up my own kit.

I purchased strips of UHMW .375×1.25×48.00 inches. Also bought some stainless steel hardware to fasten it all down to the sled. I was able to purchase my materials thru my employer, at wholesale pricing and ended up with $95.00 invested. That’s more than what Clam is asking for their kit but I think I’m still ahead. The material type and the thickness I choose, should give me a very extended service life before needing replacement.

I installed the wears strip to the tub and still have the actually shelter assembly to do yet. Hope to get on that later today. Then I can start to accessorize and customize all the details. Come on ice!

I have some left over materials from my AZEK PVC deck I’m planning on using to make some runner kits. In the winter time if there’s a light powder on the deck it can be tough to stay on your feet…hoping that translates to a slick runner kit.

Mike Oak wrote:

I have some left over materials from my AZEK PVC deck I’m planning on using to make some runner kits. In the winter time if there’s a light powder on the deck it can be tough to stay on your feet…hoping that translates to a slick runner kit.

I’ve heard of others talking about using that type of material, not sure how well it has worked out for them. I question the durability and resistance to abrasion, especially if pulled behind an ATV over bare spots, gravel, asphalt, etc.. I do know the UHMW holds up very well over time.

I have one spot where I have to travel about a half mile of gravel road and then a short trail to the lake. No way to get the truck and trailer any closer because no place to park. Can’t park on the ice because one cannot run down the trail (thru some woods) with the truck. The UHMW holds up pretty well under this abuse.

I used pvc trim from Menards and it works great. It doesn’t bend like the hyfax does so, I used a heat gun to soften it and molded it to the tub. $25 total.

Well that’s certainly a cheaper alternative.

I managed to get everything assembled and the tent shell is hanging over the support bows. I have the lower edge secured with the “C” channel but have not installed any screws yet. The fabric has already stretched a bit and I’ve readjusted the channel. If it looks good in the morning, I’ll nail it down with the screws.

Yeah, I’ll be curious to see how it holds up too. If they burn up quick, I’m out nothing. Just some waste material taking up space in the garage and a little time.

Here’s what I’m going to try this season. If it fails, I’m out $8 worth of hardware.

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