In this Video, we talk about how to set up an ATV vs. Snowmobile for Ice fishing. Deep dive on the Otter Monster box, The Humminbird Helix 7 Ice Shuttle, Digger Auger Holder and more.
The best and cheapest way I've come up with for traction, all the way back from when I used to ride my sport atv on the ice, I would go buy a pint container full of sheet metal screws and I would screw them into the knobbies. You could pull wheelies on the ice with this method and it only cost like 5 bucks and at the end of the season you could pull them out and save for the next year.
I see that you have a RAM mount for your Helix that mounts to the handlebar of the ATV. Can you share where you got the RAM ball that mounts to a handlebar and what it’s called?
I tow my sled, all electrical devices carried on the 4 wheeler. Check out Deep Freeze EZ auger connection. Adjust your spring setting. I run almost the same machine, 💯 happy with it.
I will check that out. I did adjust the springs but it didn't stop the squat completely. I just added the Kolpin 85200 Universal ATV Independent Rear Suspension Lockout kit. Works great. No more squat. Will do a video on it soon
I just baught a 2020 rubicon deluxe, it doesn’t have a receiver hitch so your back rack to hold your shack wouldn’t work, what I do is I have a 6’-12’ trailer and I load that up and hook it up to my wheeler and go sometimes you get slow if you hit slush but my wheeler sits level and tows it like a dream!
Very tough call. This year, a sled would be better with all this deep snow. Or get tracks. Good luck and let us know what you do. Really depends on your situation.
The rear shocks are probably on the weakest setting from the factory. Turn the adjustment to the strongest setting to work with the distance of the shanty sticking out back.
I got the spanner wrench from Polaris and cranked it up. Helped some but still squats. I just installed the Kolpin 85200 Universal ATV Independent Rear Suspension Lockout kit and will do a video on it soon. No Squat at all now.
I did the same thing with my shanty carrying it off the ice, but eventually the weight of the shanty broke the welds of my hitch. I would suggest reinforcing the welds on your hitch. I decided to get a tow bar and tow mine
I would love to try a Honda at some point. I will say, this Polaris has been really good. Very surprised at what it has gone through for snow and slush. Chains help a lot and 4x4 is pretty solid seems.
Hey , just landed on your channel. Great job with your presentation. Nice rig, I have a foreman and I love it . I bought it in 2012 new and it has never missed a beet. It doesn't have a receiver hitch , oh well. I do have everything but the kitchen sink on the extended back rack and she is also a bit bow light. I used to have a monster Jiffy up front to keep the wheels on the ground , replaced that with a Strikemaster elec. Anyways , Great job with the build and the videos. Thanks
great video and awesome setup. I picked up a '22 Sportsman and have already added the auger carrier to the front. I have yet to had my Helix and extra battery as you did and I'm on the hunt for the ideal cargo box.
Awesome setup !! I found a 2008 750 Suzuki King Quad in 2013 with 3 hours on it and have it setup just like yours. I also have the squatting issue which make s turning on ice interesting but I’m going to try the sheet metal screw idea this winter. My Otter Cottage fits perfectly in my back rack without reversing it. The Monster Box is incredible I have the rod case and bucket holder for it. Great idea on the lithium battery which also could save your butt if your starter battery fails. I had the Digger mount but switched to a Koplin because it fit my Kdrill bit better but I’ve since switched to a Lite Flite bit. I also have a windshield and heated grips which are a must have for sure. Great video I sub’s 👍
Love it. I think I have found a good solution for the Squat and will make a video on it soon. Check out the Kolpin 85200 Universal ATV Independent Rear Suspension Lockout kit. Just put it on. Zero squat now.
I'm waiting for a good price on that Otter box,but I made storage out of old milk crates.I thought about the hitch carrier,I have the same shelter and was worried about heat from exhaust.So I just tow it with a hitch,put on hyfax and put stainless steel strips on bottom of hyfax,almost bulletproof on hard surfaces.I also have a Snowdog,can't avoid the gravel/hard surface trips to the ice.Rather have the snowdog vs snowmobile,a lot cheaper/easier to use.
Thanks for the note. I have had no issues with the exhaust so far. Pros and cons to using the hitch carrier vs towing. I think the snow dog is a great tool. I am looking at getting one as well.
The other thing. You. Could do instead of chains is use 1/4 20 self tapping hex head screws that is what my late father did for traction out on the ice just a suggestion
Very nice and clean setup. Im currently setting my machine up now. A 2021 cforce 800 atv. Monster box, otter rod case, otter bucket holder, jaws of ice, and led light bar, but im trying to find a handle bar ram mount for my helix 7 GPS
Love the four wheeler want to get one myself but there's times when you need both you're not going to pull a sled with a four-wheeler through 18 in of snow same can be said with a snowmobile if it's totally ice
Yes I think you are correct. We just got more snow. I have been surprised what this machine will go though. Chains work good in slush. I hope to test it to failure and film it so everyone knows what wheels and chains will do. At some point, a track is needed for the deep stuff.
Yes, if you have a bigger shack, you need to tow. Just be aware that lakes get very bumpy and electronics won't survive a 4 mile ride at high speed. Best to get gear up on machine and suspension. Lots of ways to do this. Just showing what works for me.
I just posted an update video. I tried setting the springs to stiffest setting. Helped some but now I have a suspension lock out kit on and that is working well.
I missed it at first too, its called the Digger Ice Auger mount. I thought he was talking about the actual auger but its the mount that is called the digger
What handle bar mount are you running for your Helix? I would love something like that for mine. Great video very informative. Going to cost me a lot of $ but opened my eyes to products I didn't know existed.
Nice video, TT. would like to see more of the product line up links. Also, how you attached your Digger to the front of the machine. What rack did you buy in order to attache the Digger and how is it attached? Also, how is the Otter box attached? That Polaris has the Lock and Ride rear platform, which, IMHO, is a piece of junk. Does the Otter allow for that? Thanks!
The front rack was bought off of eBay and the digger is bolted to that. I didn't want to drill holes in the plastic box on the front. I am using the lock and ride to attach the otter box. Agree, not a great system. You could just use U bolts. I has seen guys to that instead of lock and ride.
Hahaha. Yes I went way over board on this one. I like to be organized but all this stuff did add up. So far, this machine has worked better than expected.
So far, the chains have worked well but yes it will have its limits for sure. We just got more snow so will test it and maybe shoot a video. The chains actually did great in slush. We have a lot of it this year. Its the deep drifts that will be a problem for the ATV. Would love some tracks. It also makes a big difference if you are not pulling a sled. That drag really limits an ATV in bad conditions.
Yes, I can't disagree with that one. Its more about the fun of being outside and as you can probably tell, I am a gear junkie. The machine will be used in the summer too.
koplin makes a bracket that will stop it from sagging like that in the back.
One other thing about tracks....they can fill up with slush and freeze. Then your dead on the water.
You can swap the rear springs out for the springs on a sportsman two seater.....same size springs but stiffer ratting
I am trying out a rear suspension lock out kit. Working so far. Just posted a vid on that.
I recognize that boat landing, that hole on West is always packed! Great video!
Haha. Yes, its a popular lake for Crappies. Not a big secret. Was a fun day filming and fishing.
What was your method for attaching the box with the lock and ride?
Hi there, where did you purchase the netting for the monster box? Any info apperciated.
Gosh, hard to remember but I think Fleet Farm has them.
The best and cheapest way I've come up with for traction, all the way back from when I used to ride my sport atv on the ice, I would go buy a pint container full of sheet metal screws and I would screw them into the knobbies. You could pull wheelies on the ice with this method and it only cost like 5 bucks and at the end of the season you could pull them out and save for the next year.
Good tip.
with the otter monster box store all the high cost gear in it, then in the sled store like propane, chairs or non breakable stuff and tow it.
Yes, that is what I will do too if I every get a larger flip over shack. Fish On!
With my 3 man flip over that’s exactly how I’d do it.
Is that jeep a manual or automatic transition?
Nice set up!
That is a awesome setup!
Wow u have a great channel !!! Just subbed thx for sharing
Thanks for the sub! Trying to keep the content well done and value add.
I see that you have a RAM mount for your Helix that mounts to the handlebar of the ATV. Can you share where you got the RAM ball that mounts to a handlebar and what it’s called?
Amazon has them. Just google ram handle bar ball mount. You will many options
Great setup, You’ve inspired me to post a new video on my set up
Cool. Glad you like it.
I tow my sled, all electrical devices carried on the 4 wheeler. Check out Deep Freeze EZ auger connection. Adjust your spring setting. I run almost the same machine, 💯 happy with it.
I will check that out. I did adjust the springs but it didn't stop the squat completely. I just added the Kolpin 85200 Universal ATV Independent Rear Suspension Lockout kit. Works great. No more squat. Will do a video on it soon
I just baught a 2020 rubicon deluxe, it doesn’t have a receiver hitch so your back rack to hold your shack wouldn’t work, what I do is I have a 6’-12’ trailer and I load that up and hook it up to my wheeler and go sometimes you get slow if you hit slush but my wheeler sits level and tows it like a dream!
The Rubicon is a great machine. I think you can get an after market receiver hitch installed.
Awesome setup!
Trying to decide between upgrading to a more reliable atv or snowmobile at the moment
Very tough call. This year, a sled would be better with all this deep snow. Or get tracks. Good luck and let us know what you do. Really depends on your situation.
The rear shocks are probably on the weakest setting from the factory. Turn the adjustment to the strongest setting to work with the distance of the shanty sticking out back.
I got the spanner wrench from Polaris and cranked it up. Helped some but still squats. I just installed the Kolpin 85200 Universal ATV Independent Rear Suspension Lockout kit and will do a video on it soon. No Squat at all now.
There are spring spacers you can add also. Doesn’t do quite the same thing. I put them in when I added the plow to help with squatting up front.
I did the same thing with my shanty carrying it off the ice, but eventually the weight of the shanty broke the welds of my hitch. I would suggest reinforcing the welds on your hitch.
I decided to get a tow bar and tow mine
I do strap it up to the back rack for added support and take it slow when its bumpy.
Another main reason I like the Honda, is the shaft drive, belts slip and break
I would love to try a Honda at some point. I will say, this Polaris has been really good. Very surprised at what it has gone through for snow and slush. Chains help a lot and 4x4 is pretty solid seems.
Hey , just landed on your channel. Great job with your presentation. Nice rig, I have a foreman and I love it . I bought it in 2012 new and it has never missed a beet. It doesn't have a receiver hitch , oh well. I do have everything but the kitchen sink on the extended back rack and she is also a bit bow light. I used to have a monster Jiffy up front to keep the wheels on the ground , replaced that with a Strikemaster elec. Anyways , Great job with the build and the videos. Thanks
Thanks. So far this ATV has worked will. Nothing more reliable than a Honda as you know. Fish On!
great video and awesome setup. I picked up a '22 Sportsman and have already added the auger carrier to the front. I have yet to had my Helix and extra battery as you did and I'm on the hunt for the ideal cargo box.
I do like the Otter Monster Box but it is expensive and a bit Heavy
They don’t make the perfect box. Tom Bolly (sp) has a good setup on his snowmobile that’s cheap and large.
Awesome setup !! I found a 2008 750 Suzuki King Quad in 2013 with 3 hours on it and have it setup just like yours. I also have the squatting issue which make s turning on ice interesting but I’m going to try the sheet metal screw idea this winter. My Otter Cottage fits perfectly in my back rack without reversing it. The Monster Box is incredible I have the rod case and bucket holder for it. Great idea on the lithium battery which also could save your butt if your starter battery fails. I had the Digger mount but switched to a Koplin because it fit my Kdrill bit better but I’ve since switched to a Lite Flite bit. I also have a windshield and heated grips which are a must have for sure. Great video I sub’s 👍
Love it. I think I have found a good solution for the Squat and will make a video on it soon. Check out the Kolpin 85200 Universal ATV Independent Rear Suspension Lockout kit. Just put it on. Zero squat now.
@@timbertimeoutdoors9836 Awesome I’ll check it out for sure !
How much ground clearance do you loose?
I'm waiting for a good price on that Otter box,but I made storage out of old milk crates.I thought about the hitch carrier,I have the same shelter and was worried about heat from exhaust.So I just tow it with a hitch,put on hyfax and put stainless steel strips on bottom of hyfax,almost bulletproof on hard surfaces.I also have a Snowdog,can't avoid the gravel/hard surface trips to the ice.Rather have the snowdog vs snowmobile,a lot cheaper/easier to use.
Thanks for the note. I have had no issues with the exhaust so far. Pros and cons to using the hitch carrier vs towing. I think the snow dog is a great tool. I am looking at getting one as well.
The other thing. You. Could do instead of chains is use 1/4 20 self tapping hex head screws that is what my late father did for traction out on the ice just a suggestion
Very nice and clean setup. Im currently setting my machine up now. A 2021 cforce 800 atv. Monster box, otter rod case, otter bucket holder, jaws of ice, and led light bar, but im trying to find a handle bar ram mount for my helix 7 GPS
Nice. You will love having an ATV for ice fishing. I has really made this faster and easier.
Highlifter and EPI make HD springs for the sportsman
Great idea. I just made a video on a rear suspension lock out kit. Working well so far.
@@timbertimeoutdoors9836 I will check it out!
Love the four wheeler want to get one myself but there's times when you need both you're not going to pull a sled with a four-wheeler through 18 in of snow same can be said with a snowmobile if it's totally ice
Yes I think you are correct. We just got more snow. I have been surprised what this machine will go though. Chains work good in slush. I hope to test it to failure and film it so everyone knows what wheels and chains will do. At some point, a track is needed for the deep stuff.
buy some uhmw runners for your shanty.. use your shanty to store your gear.. buy a solid hitch bar..
Yes, if you have a bigger shack, you need to tow. Just be aware that lakes get very bumpy and electronics won't survive a 4 mile ride at high speed. Best to get gear up on machine and suspension. Lots of ways to do this. Just showing what works for me.
You can put stiffer springs on the shock first of all. Second, why do you have the shocks set to the softest setting if you don’t want it to sag?
I just posted an update video. I tried setting the springs to stiffest setting. Helped some but now I have a suspension lock out kit on and that is working well.
Awesome set up!! What auger holder is that? I love that style and am in the market for one. Thanks.
I missed it at first too, its called the Digger Ice Auger mount. I thought he was talking about the actual auger but its the mount that is called the digger
What is the cover that you put over your dewalt drill?
Clam makes it. Its actually designed for this purpose. Search Clam battery cover. www.amazon.com/CLAM-Corporation-15529-Battery-Cover/dp/B08F2YHPBS
What handle bar mount are you running for your Helix? I would love something like that for mine. Great video very informative. Going to cost me a lot of $ but opened my eyes to products I didn't know existed.
its just a standard 1.5 Ram mount
Nice video, TT. would like to see more of the product line up links. Also, how you attached your Digger to the front of the machine. What rack did you buy in order to attache the Digger and how is it attached? Also, how is the Otter box attached? That Polaris has the Lock and Ride rear platform, which, IMHO, is a piece of junk. Does the Otter allow for that? Thanks!
If you have your stock rack up front the digger comes with a mounting plate.
The front rack was bought off of eBay and the digger is bolted to that. I didn't want to drill holes in the plastic box on the front. I am using the lock and ride to attach the otter box. Agree, not a great system. You could just use U bolts. I has seen guys to that instead of lock and ride.
Good Lord, do you work for an ice fishing ATV outfitter?! Is there a catalog?😆
Hahaha. Yes I went way over board on this one. I like to be organized but all this stuff did add up. So far, this machine has worked better than expected.
put the otter box on the front and auger on the back
I just put out a video showing the Kolpin rear suspension lock out kit. working well and has eliminated the squat so far.
Is a polaris 300 good enough?
Better than walking. Depends on how you set up the machine. If the snow isn’t deep and you tow the sled it should work.
I am not familiar with a Polaris 300. Any ATV is better than walking. hahaha.
Until it snows or there is slush. Atv is useless in the winter sometimes
So far, the chains have worked well but yes it will have its limits for sure. We just got more snow so will test it and maybe shoot a video. The chains actually did great in slush. We have a lot of it this year. Its the deep drifts that will be a problem for the ATV. Would love some tracks. It also makes a big difference if you are not pulling a sled. That drag really limits an ATV in bad conditions.
You got to much stuff. Just need poles, heat, bait, lures, and propane and finder.
That is what my wife says... Hahaha. This set up was worked very well so far. Fish On!
Agreed, way too complicated, all to fool a fish with a brain the size of a corn kernel...unless thats what trips your trigger.
you cant chain the front wheels of a Polaris ATV.. because it a on demand 4 wheel drive.. it will ruin the front wheel drive system.
I have heard this too. We just got more snow and will take it out and test to failure. So far, these chains have really exceeded expectations.
15k spent to go catch fish if you catch fish.Could have bought a lot of fish with 15k.Idea is to keep it inexpensive and simple
Yes, I can't disagree with that one. Its more about the fun of being outside and as you can probably tell, I am a gear junkie. The machine will be used in the summer too.
Or get what you want because life is short.
@@markthebldr6834 hell yeah!
It takes all that gear just to ice fish now.?
Lmfao
You got that right. Too much stuff for sure. I am a gear junkie as you may have noticed. hahaha.
Great video
Thanks you. Machine is working well so far but just got a lot more snow. We test and film in some deep stuff.