Snowmobile Ice Shanty/Cargo hauler elevated rack

[Jetjockrick]

Hello everyone, new member here and I need some help. I'm trying to find a company that makes a rack that I can mount on the back of my 2009 Ski-Doo GTX so I can haul my Otter Cottage on the back of the sled. I wanted something that is elevated, instead of pulling behind the sled so items won't get damaged. I can't seem to find a vender that makes something like this. If someone could point me in the right direction, company, Links on here, etc I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks !!!!

[bart]

I don't know of any manufactured shelter racks, most that I see are DIY or had done by a fabricator. I had mine made by a fabricator, a little bit more money but you get exactly what you want. Do a little research, search a few threads (ex. "Post your Ride") for ideas, what works, what doesn't. When you decide on what you want do some detailed drawings and contact a Fabricator or a Friend with the ability.

[BFTSkunkedAgain]

I used to try to haul stuff on the back of my snowmobile and it was worse than pulling it in the sled behind.  I'd recommend getting a good solid tow bar and then pack your stuff into packages that you can cushion.  I put my finder, drill, camera and everything that is fragile in a plastic remmington tote and then pack the free space with foam... knock on wood, but so far it's worked well and I remote fish some areas in the mountains of Utah that is most likely as rough as most areas would get.  When you put cargo on the back of the sled tunnel every bump you go over gets magnified by the lever arm of the length of the tunnel and if it's not tied down really tight it will tear your sled and gear apart...  I used to try back country skiing packing my gear on my snowmobile and it really was not a good thing.... Pulling the sleds with a good tow bar is much easier... and better on equipment in my experience.   Good luck... J

[Bucket Rump]

I recently spoke with the fabricator who made the Johnson's Cargo Rack and he has recently taken over the business of selling them. He reached out to me to ask about what changes/improvements I would recommend since I have a JCR mounted on my sled and he seemed genuinely interested in the ideas and comments I mentioned to him.  You can reach out to him via email to inquire about getting something made for your situation at [email protected] and just mention you got the info from Ice Shanty.

Edited to provide corrected email address...  BR

[dsupercat]

As Bart said find a local fabricator if you want one made.  The problem with mounting on the sled is that every sled is different.  Is the GTX sled a 120" or 137" track?  I would suggest at least a 137" track or longer to mount the shelter to the sled.  Shorter sleds with weight hanging far off the back can be difficult to steer.  I have done multiple ice shack mounts on sleds and would never go back to towing my shanty.  If you like to run and gun dragging your shack is not the way to go.  I have found I will use my shack more for storage then actually setting up unless the temperatures are unbearable.  I will post what I have done maybe bart will post his he has a very similar setup.

[winterbuddy]

Another option might be to bolt T-slot aluminum structural framing to the tunnel, then build a support platform up from that?  I've been considering going that route with my new sled.

A cottage, even empty, is a bit heavy to have off the back of most sleds. 

[tswoboda]

As Bart said find a local fabricator if you want one made.  The problem with mounting on the sled is that every sled is different.  Is the GTX sled a 120" or 137" track?  I would suggest at least a 137" track or longer to mount the shelter to the sled.  Shorter sleds with weight hanging far off the back can be difficult to steer.  I have done multiple ice shack mounts on sleds and would never go back to towing my shanty.  If you like to run and gun dragging your shack is not the way to go.  I have found I will use my shack more for storage then actually setting up unless the temperatures are unbearable.  I will post what I have done maybe bart will post his he has a very similar setup.

Nice clean set-up!  I know the bridge you're on and definitely would not tow a sled with gear over those trails.  At least not in recent years since the trail has gotten hammered with traffic.

[dsupercat]

Used to be a well kept secret until a fishing show was shot there.

[tswoboda]

Used to be a well kept secret until a fishing show was shot there.

Ughhh don't even get me started.  I think my first time there was 15 years ago so I've definitely seen the before and after effect.