Got my ice shack built last year and fine tuned this fall so I decided to build an "early and late ice" sled for when I can't get the wheeled shack or Ranger on the ice.
Basic dimensions are 24" wide x 60" long. Lower front area will be a seat with a slightly angle back rest. It will be going on XC skis "Smitty" style.
I have a few questions...
1. To me it seems like would be easier to push this like a shopping cart instead of pulling it. Provided my push handle on the back is far enough back to allow my feet to clear the back of the sled while walking, I think pushing should work pretty well. I have an '84 Big Red ATC that I may use to pull it for "in between" ice conditions. Any issues with pushing instead of pulling?
2. Sides front and back will be 1/4" Luan to keep the weight down. Short of buying small thin aluminum angle (pricey), does anyone have any suggestions about how best to protect the edges / corners of the Luan? It's not real durable but it's what I have in the garage.
3. Related to my "pushing" question... I was thinking about leaving the XC skis hang behind the sled a bit but would only do so if it would be (in low snow conditions) possible to put a foot on the ski and push with the other (dog sled musher style). Anyone tried this?
4. The main top will have some brackets to hold my gas auger. Was thinking about hinging it forward so it acted like a wind break while I was sitting on the front. My concerns are that it will become a "sail" if I'm not sitting on the sled (any suggestions about how to anchor a sled like this?). Also, I'm a big dude so I don't know if a 24" wide wind break without "wings" or any type of a top will do much good. I was thinking about putting Luan "wings" on for sides but not sure I want to get that complex.
5. Anyone have any suggestion for paint type? Gloss or more flat? Light color or dark?
6. Would like to put old lawn mower wheels on it for around the garage, bare parking lots, etc. I see some smitty sleds use these with a quick pin to remove them. What do folks use for axles. I guess I'm picturing something going through the 2x6 chunks that attach the sled to the skis... 4" long "axle" with a cross pin to prevent it from coming out of the 2x6.
7. As far as "accessories", I was thinking about a swing arm off the side to put the Vex on up off the ice. I see Genz and others attach it to their sleds right between their legs but that looks like a good way to get "Millenial neck" (i.e. always staring down at their phone). An external rod holder or two and a 5 or 6 spot "rod rack" underside of the top cover. Drink holder perhaps. Anything I'm missing?
8. Toying with the idea of welding up some 2" tube and make a rack for the sled to go in the receiver hitch of my truck or ranger... anyone done anything similar?
Look forward to your thoughts.