I have a 2009 Sportsman 500HO. I have an otter box on the back, so I mounted the digger up front. The front of the 2009s don’t have the lock and ride. They have the little (almost worthless) storage area with lid. The lid has two very small metal strips that run across the box. I removed one of those strips and found the bolt pattern is the exact spacing the digger has. So, I used the metal brace that came with the digger inside the lid, and the digger right on top on the outside. No extra holes drilled and works well.

I have a Triton ATV88, so I load mine sideways on the front, with portable sled behind it. I ordered ratchet straps online that have a have a full loop (like a carabiner spring), not just the hook because I was worried it might bounce and come loose. I use 4 of them. One on each side hooked to the back hitch area, and two around a front bar just below the winch. I ratchet the house down with regular hooks though and that’s never come loose either.

I made up something very similar to the pics in this post. I didn’t use the u bolts, but I see no reason you couldn’t if you needed to, with the knobs holding them on. It is very easy to now remove. The only thing I don’t like is that the knobs stick up inside the box. Either way though, you’re going to either have knobs or bolt/nuts sticking up inside, but this makes removal pretty slick. Like the OP, I have a Sportsman without the metal racks, so I made these to fit the lock and ride holes.

https://www.in-depthoutdoors.com/community/forums/topic/ice-is-coming-time-for-some-atvsled-and-shelter-mods/

I’m going to line the inside with some kind of foam or carpet (to cover the knobs), and put some lights in the box.

I have an 09 Sportsman with the plastic front rack/lid. Trying to figure out how to mount an auger mount on the front. The Otter/Rhino tube might take up too much room hanging off the side. We’ll see.

It’s over a year late, but I wanted to say thanks for this post. I just received a monster box last week. After an exhaustive online search on mounting this via the lock and ride holes, I went with this type of mount. I just didn’t trust the rubber pressure mounts to haul this box and everything I plan to put in it. Seems to be a solid mount. This is on a 2009 Sportsman 500 HO. My rack is a little different, but has a similar pattern for the lock and ride holes.

Now, I need to add some of your other mods. Again, thanks for the info!

I went from the old, grey Frabill suit to a Striker Climate at the end of last year. The climate suit is awesome. Flexibility with liners in both and adjustable legs, warmest thing out there with the liners in. I usually don’t use the bib liners, but wear the two layers on top, separated, so I can lose the outer jacket when warmer.

You have the house, so I would get a flasher before a power auger if budget is a concern. I started with a friend’s FL-8 and it got me hooked. As others have stated, it won’t be fun for either of you if you aren’t marking fish. Also, if you go out on early, clear ice, you can use the flasher to shoot through the ice to find fish before you start drilling, by hand if necessary.

I would also echo the recommendation of finding a good panfish spot or something that will keep your kid busy. For my son, walleye fishing is too slow, and he loses interest. However, continually reeling in pannies (even small ones) keeps his interest for a few hours.

Also, if you go out to a local hole with others around, someone SHOULD be nice enough to drill you a couple holes if they see you with a kid and a hand auger. I’ve always tried to take the time to offer if I see a family out with a hand auger. Take 2 minutes of my time, and usually saves that person a lot of time. It’s all about getting your kids hooked early, right?

I’ve read (no first hand experience) that if you get the regular box, you can get the attachment direct from Otter. So, if you find a case without the mount, you can still convert it.

Good luck finding one used. I’ve been looking for one of their ATV boxes used. Haven’t seen either the atv box or the rod case for sale that often in any classifieds.

I have a resort. Tons of space. My first thermal of any kind. For as much space as you get, pretty easy heating with a big buddy. One of the poles did come out of the center hub. Contacted Otter and they replaced the whole shelter. New one is still in the box. As others have stated, get the Eskimo drill adapter for the anchors. I haven’t put nets in there yet, but I do use some old Frabil velcro hangers, which work fine for jackets.

I’ve fished in non-insulated clams and eskimos, and this is a better made product overall, despite my issue above (nice to see Otter stand behind their product). The bag isn’t oversized, it’s right sized. It is bigger than the storage bags that the older Clams/Eskimos come in. With two guys, I have never had an issue. Again, not oversized, but with two guys (mind you this is a 6-8 person shelter), we can get it packed up and zipped in the dark after a full day of fishing.

Overall, I’m impressed with the hub. Great multi person shelter with tons of space. I’d give them a look.

If you have any slight thought of networking/linking together, make sure you think about trolling motor brand in your decision. I started with ipilot, which “forced” me to a Bird 999. I know Motor Guide and Lowrance now have similar capabilities. Personally, I don’t know how I lived without some of the features like follow the contour. They all have pros and cons, but stick with one family of products to maximize capabilities.

Everything I’ve read is that they are identical guts. The CGI is plastic, the 6061 is metal. They are related companies. Similar to the plastic and metal Eagle Claw “Tony Roach” inlines.

I have an aluminum Roach inline. Not horrible for the price. I bought a CGI and a Frabill 371 this year, but they are still waiting for ice to get their first use.

Am I the only one who needs a case like these, but one that will fit about 14 rods? Or do people use multiple cases depending on the water/species they are targeting. Yes, I have issues, but I can’t be the only one on these boards.

I got the bigger striker bag that holds 5 rods. The top compartments is more than big enough for two 3600 boxes (spoons and darters/rippin raps), 2 smaller jig boxes, bait pucks and odds and ends (pliers, headlamp, clippers, etc). The rod tubes offer decent protection for rods, but I don’t run miles on a sled/wheeler. I just wish it held more rods!