Light weight wheelhouse

Hello –

I know we have had a post like this somewhat before but here it goes again. I just sold my 6.5 x 12 foot King Crow fish house on wheels. Main reason because we are having a kid in June but I am hoping to puchase a new one in a year or 2. However, I want it make the purchase to exactly what I want.
My first thing I need is a light wheelhouse that can be pulled with a polaris 500 wheeler. The size I will be getting is 6.5 x 12 for sure maybe 6.5 x 14 depending on weight. I was able to pull the King Crow but want to expand my search a little when looking for the next house. What do you guys have and do you know the weight of your house? I have heard Ice Castles are heavy and almost impossible to pull with a wheeler? Anyone have that experience? Other options are Performance engineering out of Glencoe or Dandy out of Clearwater. Has anyone pulled these houses with a wheeler or know much about there weight. Some advice about a good quality fish house along with being light weight would be great. Thanks everyone.

Chad

Custom Cottages in Jordan, MN specializes in this type of lightweight house. All aluminum framing, spray foam insulation… and the weight savings seems to run about 40% less than comparable models from other manufacturers but they seem to be built to last. I’ve been down to their shop twice now and I’m heading there in the AM to talk about a mid-sized sleeper than can do exactly what you want out of your next sleeper… to be pulled behind a ATV or snowmobile.

http://customcottagesinc.com/index.php

Wow, I’d have to say those look really nice, I hesitate to say perfect (without seeing one in person…) How’s the wheel lift system? Hydraulic? if so, it’s going to the top of my short list, probably be a couple years until I realistically have the space.

those do look really nice and well built

They do look great but I too had questions of the wheel lift system & suspension? Their web site is not the best but their houses look very interesting.

I was able to meet the crew of Custom Cottages at the Saint Paul Ice Show this year.

I was impressed with the frame design. They brought in just the aluminum skeleton frame along with their house line up tot he show. Very well framed in terms of weight and strength

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How’s the wheel lift system? Hydraulic?

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I believe they use electric screw jacks (with manual back-up) like the one used in large RV’s for leveling. Very dependable.

Hey Chad,

Just wanted to add my two cents… I’ve been down to the Custom Cottages shop and I was impressed. Eric Bongard, the owner/builder, is a good guy. And if my memory serves me correctly, Eric’s background is in aviation. This is why his portable shelters can be bigger and yet weigh less. Eric knows how to build solid structures with lightweight materials. Plus, with his background, you know he’s gonna pay attention to the details.

Let me know if you have any more questions.

Thanks,
Erik Osberg
218-251-8306