Attn: Shappell 3000 DX owners

[Penguin]

I saw this year's 3000 DX on display, and it has a new roof support system. If yours is anything like mine, it has a couple patches around the corner of the shanty where the roof tube went through. This uses two 2-pc tubes instead of one, with plastic clips that hold onto the end tubes, and two plastic bows across them that give an arc to the roof, more headroom, better drainage. I called Shappell at 1-888-571-1144, and they sent me the whole kit, with shipping, came to $29.50 (CNY delivery). It came in three days. I just unpacked it, looks great. I'll probably set it up in my driveway today. Ask for the new roof tubes for the 3000 DX. You have two order 4 tubes (two 2-pc) and two bows.

[jemmick]

Penguin,
Im new to ice fishing and I just got one and it looks great .It seems to have the roof supports that you speak of . How does it work for you?Where you at in CNY??

[Penguin]

Jemmick;

I'm in Liverpool. I like my Shappell when I'm gonna be in mostly one place, or moving it short distances. I use my Frabill Ranger Solo a lot more, it's more portable. I built a ski-sled to tow the Shappell with my snowmobile, it doesn't drag real easy.

[Shaggy]

I just bought the 3000 and the bows make a big difference compared to my friends without the bows.

Has anyone had any problems with the windows??  they are single stitched and it looks kinda weak.

[Penguin]

I haven't had a problem with the stitching, but the plastic cracked in bitter cold temps. I set it up in my kitchen and put sealing tape on them, using a hair dryer. It held up all last season. Be careful how you fold the windows when temps are in single digits.

[fishinnut]

If anyone is interested, I just ordered a set for my S4000($30.00 delivered). They said with the S3000 or S4000 to only go with one bow, the material doesn't stretch as much as the canvas on the DX models.

[Mark Barlow]

 Penguin, is your Shappell3000dx the old style that you just bought the new roof kit for? The new roof systemfits the old shantys?

[fishinnut]

Yes, the roof system fits the old model Shappells.

[Penguin]

Mine's the old one, but they're the same size. I'm gonna go set it up in a little while, I'll let you know how it goes.

[Flash_King]

I bought my shappell3000dx last year and it has the system you explained. I changed the roof support poles to shower curtain rods-beveled at the rubber caps- thanks to info on the Maine board about the plastic clips tending to break.

[Penguin]

I just set it up. I can see how the clips might break in the cold. It sure went up a lot easier, though. One bow is plenty. I tried two, but they pushed the poles apart and leveled off. One stays in place nicely. A tip for first-time users: set it up endwise to the wind, with the end away from you mostly closed. Often the wind just helps pop it right up.

[Flash_King]

Yep -" the wind will help it pop right up" and sailing we will go,and sailing we will go. Been there - done that!!

[Hoppes]

I've had my DX4000 going on 4 years.  The material is very durable.  Never had a problem with the windows, even in below 0 temps but I am careful.  I think the spreaders add a lot to the roof.  I did break one of my little end clips in super cold weather but I'll take the blame, in too much of a rush breaking camp.  I called Shappell just this week and a gentleman said he'd said 2 or 3 right out to me no cost.  Genuine to talk to and very pleasant.  This in my mind is good customer service.  I'd buy another one if needed.  I will carry the shack on top of my XL Shappell JetSled this year.  Broke a ski towing the shack behind my 4 wheeler with too much weight on top.  ie., auger, bait, heater and 25 gallon tank etc......  I should have known better but you have to take necessities on the ice!     I'd say most of the portable shacks on the market today are pretty high quality.
Hoppes

[Penguin]

Yeah, a heavy wind can be brutal, especially on glare ice. When there's snow I shovel out an area and pack the base in before opening it. I usually use my Frabill Ranger Solo if it's slick or if I need to be more mobile.