Any smitty sleds this year?

[twincities86]

It's more of a prototype for me to get ideas for next year to figure out how to build it better and how I can utilize the space needed for my gear. For now it's simple and works. My friend is making one this weekend now.

[slamer58]

This is what I'm pulling my trekker with this season.

[Corndog]

This is what I'm pulling my trekker with this season.

Nice! Lightweight.. Box aluminum?

[slamer58]

Yea its aluminum.....light and strong and best of all free.

[Corndog]

Yea its aluminum.....light and strong and best of all free.

Nice! If it's free, it's for me!

[twincities86]

Yea its aluminum.....light and strong and best of all free.

How wide did you go?

[wiredstone]

I like alum. too Made this one earlier this year. very strong.

[Corndog]

I like alum. too Made this one earlier this year. very strong.

Nice!

[toddhunter]

Smitty et al,
Is there any consensus on downhill vs. x-country skis? Skis closer vs farther apart? Wood vs pipe? Also, I'm thinking of using a dove tail to connect the runners and cross pieces. The 2x4 flat rails would have pins that would fit into tails on the 2x6 runners. This would avoid hardware, the pegs/bolts. Has anyone tried this and found it sufficient to prevent racking? Might need to double up on the runner at the dovetail for strength.

[jethro]

While the Smitty sled is awesome, I've learned one thing... I would much rather pull with a machine!

[ASATMillerbluegill]

While the Smitty sled is awesome, I've learned one thing... I would much rather pull with a machine!

me too; I just bought a 4 wheeler this year, for bow hunting on a missouri farm, so I rigged a conduit/cable hitch w caribiners; to my otter lodge. I still have my smitty for thin ice w my clam scout or quick fish6 setup. One can not have just one ice shelter/sled setup to meet all needs

[Corndog]

. One can not have just one ice shelter/sled setup to meet all needs

Variety is the spice of life..and some of us hit location where sadly we are not permitted wheelers or snowmobiles(darn laws,lol). I think the OP was more into seeing whos been doing what with the idea and what variations have been created. Plus, I need to shed some "good living" lb's..so walking i will go..
Good luck to you both!

[rabbittrapper]

Do you guys cut the skis down? I have a old set of skis that are about 6 feet long , and I want to make a smitty sled.

[Corndog]

Do you guys cut the skis down? I have a old set of skis that are about 6 feet long , and I want to make a smitty sled.

I did..I could measure them if you want, but I believe most just go with their needs. As far as vehicle size, equipment etc. But in my opinion 6 feet seems a bit long. What will you be monting on the sled? Shack, flip..etc..

[tomturkey]

impressive out fits
got about half way threw the main thread and loaded with ideas 
just gota figger out a platform for our jeep wrangler using the Reese hitch
the F250 eats too much gas

SnoHam13

Just get a hitch haul and a good tight travel cover for the shanty. I had to put extensions to widen my hitch haul to accommodate the with  of my smitty skis. I do not go very far with mine but I would not be concerned traveling with it back there

[rabbittrapper]

I did..I could measure them if you want, but I believe most just go with their needs. As far as vehicle size, equipment etc. But in my opinion 6 feet seems a bit long. What will you be monting on the sled? Shack, flip..etc..

A otter sled that will have my tip ups in, bait, and auger.

[Beets]

[tomturkey]

(Image removed from quote.)

You gonna put a harness on the lab and train it to pull it. My buddy's sled dogs were 1/2 GSP so a lab could sure do better at pulling.

[Corndog]

A otter sled that will have my tip ups in, bait, and auger.

Check out Beets sled in the post above. Looks like he went about 6-8" on the front and rear of his otter.

Nice sled Beets! I second the sled dog idea!

[kc_]

Smitty et al,
Is there any consensus on downhill vs. x-country skis? Skis closer vs farther apart? Wood vs pipe? Also, I'm thinking of using a dove tail to connect the runners and cross pieces. The 2x4 flat rails would have pins that would fit into tails on the 2x6 runners. This would avoid hardware, the pegs/bolts. Has anyone tried this and found it sufficient to prevent racking? Might need to double up on the runner at the dovetail for strength.

This my version before finishing it off. No fasteners in the cross rails, just notched, similar to your idea of a dove tail. People said it wouldn't be strong enough, but it is. Easy to take apart and transport.

[IceNeck9292]

My question is what hardware do u use to attach the brackets to the skis? I imagine through the bottom do u just counter sink em or ar u just using carrage bolts and letting the round head be on the surface of the bottom of the ski? I would think u wouldnt have enoigh material to counter sink a good size bolt.... or are u guys going througb the top

[Joe Wayne]

My question is what hardware do u use to attach the brackets to the skis? I imagine through the bottom do u just counter sink em or ar u just using carrage bolts and letting the round head be on the surface of the bottom of the ski? I would think u wouldnt have enoigh material to counter sink a good size bolt.... or are u guys going througb the top

I use stainless flat bolts and counter sink them through the bottom.

[bee]

This works for me.

[Beets]

My question is what hardware do u use to attach the brackets to the skis? I imagine through the bottom do u just counter sink em or ar u just using carrage bolts and letting the round head be on the surface of the bottom of the ski? I would think u wouldnt have enoigh material to counter sink a good size bolt.... or are u guys going througb the top

Yes, I counter sunk deck screws, eye screws on the sides so you can ratchet strap your stuff down. Drilled holes for Carriage bolts to fit tightly thru cross members down to uprights as to pull apart easily and store in small space.

[Nightbird]

While the Smitty sled is awesome, I've learned one thing... I would much rather pull with a machine!

So would I, but I haven't figured out how to get a snowmobile into the trunk of my small car, like I can with my smitty.

[da man cave shack]

My dad built a flip over portable on a smutty sled base. Looks great.

[jiggalo]

My dad built a flip over portable on a smutty sled base. Looks great.

Boy would I like to see some pictures of the smutty sled! lol!

[da man cave shack]

Boy would I like to see some pictures of the smutty sled! lol!

Sorry I don't get along well with touch screens and can't spell worth a dang so that happens a lot.

[kc_]

anybody build a smitty with the ability to tip down so you do not have to take the flip over off the smitty?

[Rizzman]

I have made two different styles of retractable skis. The problem is ice builds up in the joints and freezes tight. this happens on both the conduit and downhill skis. nothing worse than having to drag a broke down shanty which is loaded off the ice.