Hi all,

Fairly new to ice fishing, or at least to do it regularly. I have a 6.5' bed (Chev full size short bed) and a standard topper. I had a buddies older portable (flip over style) that slides right in on 2x4 supports that sit on the rail of the topper, just above the bed rails. It leaves the entire bottom of the bed open and clear. It is an old blue one, not sure of brand.

This allows me to slide auger and everything else (just a bunch of normal stuff if I go to cabin, food, tools, water, etc. - heck even the dogs can lay under there on their blankets and have plenty of room) under it and still close up the tailgate and topper window.

Do any of you do this, and if you do, what newer portables would likely fit? I have not started to look and measure in stores yet, but what are some that you would recommend? When I use it at cabin, I will going up/down a pretty steep hill, so would like to keep it lightweight as possible.

I liked the flip over style, as it was so easy to drag everything out in one trip and simply flip the up in no time.

Thanks,
-Box

I'm not using the 2x4 supports, but my Otter Medium Cabin slides above the wheel wells into my pickup (same as yours, including topper) beautifully, and I can easily load it by myself.

I have a large storage box in the back of my p/u that the sled rests on when it's loaded.

My Fish Trap - Pro fits like that. Good Fishing -Bob

Thanks guys. I will be going and measuring some up, and checking them out. Main thing for me is to make things easy as possible, and keep enough room in the truck for "junk" so my wife has room for her stuff, and might actually come to the cabin in the winter. Maybe I can even leave it in truck at all times, and hit a lake whenever the mood strikes :)

Eyewinder, on the Otter Medium, is the top attached to the sled? I assume it is, but see you buy them seperate, so not sure. How do seats fit?

The fish trap guide seems like it would fit for a two person, and price isn't too bad at Reeds.

Thanks guys,
-Box

Box:

1) "On the Otter Medium, is the top attached to the sled?"
--Yes it is. I found a display model last year that included sled, skin, seats, and cover at a good price.

2) "How do seats fit?"
--The seats (2) that I have are on mounts that attach to both sides of the sled. They are the cushion bracket seats (they swivel), with minimal padding, and can be seen here:
http://www.otteroutdoors.com/fishhouseseats.html
The seats aren't as comfortable as I'd like, but do fit inside the sled during transport. I'd like to try the bench seat.

Both me and another wide-load friend of mine can fish comfortably in it (we both hover around three bills). So far, there's nothing about the setup that I don't like!

Thanks!

Anybody ever try/buy the Shappel Rover 2.0 DX? It has a price of $350-$400 retail, and it has higher height than others, and about the same closed up size.

It also has the bench seat. One site says it is 50 pounds (I can't believe that, but would be nice if it was) and one says it is 85 pounds.

Decisions, decisions... :) Then I have to decide what auger to get... And what locator (I used an fl-18, and WOW!). Man this ice fishing is expensive ;)

Thanks,
-Box

I have a suitcase style Frabil (Venture) and they fold down to 48"L x 34"W x 8"H and easily fits two people I found it on Frabills site for $229.99. Just my .02

Box, My friend has the Rover 2.0 and it definitely weighs 85#. Actually it isn't too tough to load by your self because you can set an end up on the tailgate then push the remainder up. With two people no problem. I have the Rover 1.0 that weighs 43#'s and have no trouble loading it by myself. But I just bought the Rover 1.5 and it weighs about 65# It's about a foot wider than my 1.0 but has all the same features of the 2.0. If you would like any additional firsthand info contact me. Idzojticl@Hotmail.com