Eskimo Sierra Thermal review and some modifications

[hardwater diehard]

I recently made a purchase through Scheels for an Eskimo Sierra Thermal ..It shipped fast but had a weather delay from a snowstorm and another Fed Ex delay . Assembly was pretty straight forward ..just need to plan out where I wanted to place the self tapping hoop support pieces screws. I reviewed a video prior to arrival which helped a lot. 7/16 socket/wrench and a Phillips screwdriver is all the tool required for the most part adding a power tool to the mix will speed things up .Over the summer I bought a set of Frabill Hyfax via the Amazon Warehouse ,installing them first is very important for the ease of it all ...had a friend help with that went easier with two people for sure.Now for the modifications I added some Bondex iron on patches and some 1/2" grommets to the skirting for Eskimo ice anchors ( I seen that the Eskimo 2400,2600 and 2800 have these I liked the idea so much I added them to my non insulated Frabill Adventure two man prior to the Sierra) I recommend the iron on patches as opposed to the shelf stick ...I have no luck with self-stick product to fabric other than Gear Aide products which may work for this application as they have in the past for me for small jobs . I then added grommets ..I like the kit from Home Depot as it has smaller grommets that I used for another modification ..I also had some extra 1/2" grommets from another kit ,which did not work as well but the grommets were just fine .

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Bondex-Fabric-Iron-On-Patches-Dark-Black-5-x-7-Iron-On-Patches-Used-to-Mend-Rips-and-Holes-on-Apparel-2-Pieces/285731724

https://www.homedepot.com/p/General-Tools-Brass-Grommet-Fastening-Kit-with-Case-Includes-6-1-2-in-and-6-3-8-in-Grommets-81264/204763455

Optional method

https://www.gearaid.com/products/tenacious-tape-patch-gore-tex

https://www.gearaid.com/products/tenacious-tape-patch-repair

I added  some Husky 1-1 2 in. Steel Wire Ring Anchor Point/D-rings  ( Black)  to the rear of the shelters tub

https://www.homedepot.com/b/Husky/N-5yc1vZrd/Ntk-EnrichedProductInfo/Ntt-husky%2Bd%2Bring?NCNI-5&sortby=bestmatch&sortorder=none

I also modified some Husky 18 in. x 1-1/4 in. Soft Loop Strap and added a grommet for tie downs to the rear D-Rings

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-18-in-x-1-1-4-in-Soft-Loop-Strap-1-Pack-FH1084T/312994390?MERCH=REC-_-searchViewed-_-NA-_-312994390-_-N

I added some eye bolts and fender washers to the front and rear of the  shelters tub..helps with towing when choo choo train using several sleds on the ice.

I had some strapping/lashing laying around so added a 3/8" grommet as well as a 1/2" grommet and placed that onto the tugs existing tub support bolt ..I also added a eye bolt to that just in case...but that my be replaced with the original bolt.

[hardwater diehard]

As for my review ..overall I love the sled ..good size fits in my SUV 82 lbs so I can manage it empty with seats installed ..comfortable seating ..easy up and down tent and a true easy windbreak posistion ..no poles to mess around with and easy deployment . the gray interior makes it seem larger than my Frabill and brighter.  Windows are very clear and seem to be in the right place/height My maiden voyage was a bit of a disaster..brought lots of gear but forgot bait and rods ..but it did give me time to set up relax and ponder the modifications and add ons .After doing the modifications and its second voyage w/bait and rods I love it even more . I will be adding a piece of iron on Velcro to the front window cover as my Portable Mr. Buddy Heater puts the flap/cover in harms way when I put it atop a small Gorilla stool . I used my LED lights with my knock off Milwaukee power supply and CP 3ah battery very bright at night .

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Gorilla-Ladders-1-Step-Plastic-Stool-with-300-lbs-Load-Capacity-GLP-1S/206618097

https://www.amazon.com/Dust2Oasis-Camping-Portable-Outdoor-Emergencies/dp/B08G1D8CLZ?th=1&psc=1















Rod holder options


Catch cover shelf w/rod holder(discontinued)




Cold Snap Regular Size

https://www.coldsnapcover.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=100/category_id=100/mode=prod/prd100.htm

C-Clamp Multi Flex Rod Holder

https://catchcover.com/products/Multi-Flex-Rod-Holder-Portable-Fish-Houses.html







Windbreak Position

[Adironzach]

sweet looking setup youve crafted

[hardwater diehard]

sweet looking setup youve crafted

Thank you . I haven't really landed on the rod holders as of yet ..I need short term rod storage for switching up/ at the ready rods/lures..as well as a pole holder to keep the rod "fishing" as I exit the tent to mess with tip downs etc. The 1" upper and the smaller lower poles square tubing although strong is hampering my options . The Cold Snap regular rod holders fit the bottom pole ..supposedly the Large CS holers will fit the upper tubing. I am still working on a center console for between the seats ...that solution is a little bit of a head scratcher..as the tubs supports tubing/bar prevents anything from laying level.

[Angola Fish]

Love the Sierra.  i also removed the second seat.  Much room for one person.  I can fish 4-5 holes inside.  I added a smitty and it is a breeze to pull.

[hardwater diehard]

I have since added some Otter rod holders as well as the Otter mini side kick.

[4Buck]

How do you like the mini side kick for the Sierra? I just ordered one for mine, hope it works on the sled?

[hardwater diehard]

How do you like the mini side kick for the Sierra? I just ordered one for mine, hope it works on the sled?

I have not tried it out yet ...but some folks on FB have ...pictures below..they may have modified it some with an extra nut and bolt to not allow the swing bar to move so much . I am in the process of spray painting the mini ..a Rustoleum winter gray with some black accents ....may add an IceShanty decal to boot .I am hoping that I can get it to work facing into the tub .

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1400020790922833&set=p.1400020790922833&type=3