Otter hitch design BRILLIANT!!

These 3 minutes out of your day may very well save you countless hours on the ice this season. I like when the Ice fishing industry listens to anglers!! I ran across this little clip in which Chip Leer has showcased both Otters newly designed Hitch Pivot and rear hitch receiver system. Sometimes things simply make sense!! I don’t know about you, but I’ve started many of ice fishing days on my back trying to connect my hitch. I always have one extra thing to do before heading out on the ice. I also was just about to add a “Homemade” rear hitch system for connecting two of my Otter Portables. Glad I caught this clip!! BRILLIANT!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzHcWFOrndw&feature=player_embedded

No more I bolts and fender washers, This is one nice system I will have on my otters for this season.

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No more I bolts and fender washers, This is one nice system I will have on my otters for this season.

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Chris, Thanks for posting this video but I’ve got a question about the rear sled hitch? I have a Otter Cabin with the padded swivel seats. Running down the middle of the sled is a square aluminum tube that the seat base sits on. I’m guessing If I install the rear hitch the steel plate that is on the inside of the plastic tub would bump into the aluminum rail? I suppose I could compensate by mounting the rear hitch lower in the sled. If I do that would the second sled pull funny because of the hitch pointing down-word?

Thanks for any input.

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Chris, Thanks for posting this video but I’ve got a question about the rear sled hitch? I have a Otter Cabin with the padded swivel seats. Running down the middle of the sled is a square aluminum tube that the seat base sits on. I’m guessing If I install the rear hitch the steel plate that is on the inside of the plastic tub would bump into the aluminum rail? I suppose I could compensate by mounting the rear hitch lower in the sled. If I do that would the second sled pull funny because of the hitch pointing down-word?

Thanks for any input.

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Hi Woody,

I don’t believe a slight upward or downward location of the mounting plate will ultimately hinder the operation. Of course you should try keep things centered as possible Right/Left. On a sidnote; Load the heavier gear in your lead Otter sled. This will reduce impact on the caboose connection. I think you’ll be very happy with this connection system.

Looks like I will be making some mods to my hitch! I think they should of made the rear connection point extend further out from the sled to make it easier to connect, other than that a great idea!

And that’s why I’ll probably keep my plywood backed, extended eye bolt set-ups that I currently have. I like having the eye beyond the lip of my sled.

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And that’s why I’ll probably keep my plywood backed, extended eye bolt set-ups that I currently have. I like having the eye beyond the lip of my sled.

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I’m not sure if I’m following you here guys?? With the straight vertical nature on the backside of an Otter Sled how can this be tough to connect?? Is there something I’m missing? I’ve connected sleds with a simple eyebolt for a couple years that don’t extend beyond the lip, and it seems there is no issue. The plate or rear hitch from Otter simply gives you a solid protective add to the concept IMHO.

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And that’s why I’ll probably keep my plywood backed, extended eye bolt set-ups that I currently have. I like having the eye beyond the lip of my sled.

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Hey Chris…….WELCOME TO IDO!! Glad to have you here

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And that’s why I’ll probably keep my plywood backed, extended eye bolt set-ups that I currently have. I like having the eye beyond the lip of my sled.

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I’m not sure if I’m following you here guys?? With the straight vertical nature on the backside of an Otter Sled how can this be tough to connect?? Is there something I’m missing? I’ve connected sleds with a simple eyebolt for a couple years that don’t extend beyond the lip, and it seems there is no issue. The plate or rear hitch from Otter simply gives you a solid protective add to the concept IMHO.

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Maybe they changed molds or something but my Otters have an overturned lip (to the outside) that extends out 1-1/2″ – 2″ if I had to guess. It seems like the hitch plate, if it’s mounted higher on the sled, could be such that it’s directly under the lip. It just seemed as though it would be easier to attach the hitch pin (I always go top down in the event the clip releases) as I have my eye bolt extend past this lip so there isn’t any overhang. I backed the eyebolt up with a piece of 3/4″ plywood that is the full width and height of the back of the sled to distribute load…like a reinforced transom on a boat if you will. The Otter hitch plate certainly has a more finished look and maybe my thoughts are off base on the overhang.

Yes now I undertand your initial concern Chris. Your correct the Otter Sled Molds have a slight overhanging lip. Anglers are directed to mount this rear connection system pretty much in the middle of the sled. This will allow you to go PIN up or PIN down with little or no issue as far as access. Yes many of us have probably put together more than one homemade connection system. This just makes is a bit prettier, and likey a bit more efficient.