The 7 Best Fish House RVs for Ice Fishing (2023)

While traditional camper vans prepare their coaches for off-season storage, there is a group that takes winter camping very seriously. As you drive past some of the best lakes in the Midwest, you'll see a small community of RVs settled on the lake with a party atmosphere. If you stop to investigate, you'll find it's a collection of ice fishermen in some of the best fish RVs.

Ice shacks have come a long way since the first Native American animal skin tents. Join us as we explore how modern manufacturers have applied RV technology to today's aluminum fish houses. We'll show you how deep they're anchored in the best ice fishing lakesMinnesota.

What is a Fish House RV?

De Ice Shanty a Fish House RV

In order to survive the winter months over 2000 years ago, the ancient Native American peoples were the first to start ice fishing. Early fishermen used wooden lures in the form of small fish in holes in lake or river ice to spear fish. Anglers looking for a real challenge still try this "dark angling" technique.

The first fish shacks, known as ice shacks, were homemade structures built to be towed or installed on frozen lakes to keep warm. As ice fishing became a popular sport, people grouped their structures and formed slums on the ice. The term "slum" has been reinvented from its original meaning, dating back to Ohio's working-class towns of the 1820's. Like any sport, ice fishing developed its own culture and traditions. People would decorate their shacks with humor to avoid the sentiment , how dangerous ice fishing can be.Participants hang toilets, jackalopes and other nonsensical objects for good luck indoors and outdoors.

In states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan (both peninsulars) and Canada, families pass the sport on from generation to generation. When asked why they freeze fish, many will tell you how their parents and grandparents ate it as children. It's become such a part of their culture that every year there are professional competitions with corporate sponsors, huge cash prizes and equipment.

RV technologies of the late 20th and 21st centuries inspired ice fishing entrepreneurs to redesign ice cabins into the aluminum frame RVs we see today. The heart of Minnesota has becomeElkhart, Indiana,of the fish house RV industry. The various manufacturers are not as centralized as traditional RV manufacturers, but virtually all fly their flag within state borders.

Standard equipment in a Fish House motorhome

The simplest fish house RVs can be as simple as four walls, a roof, and a floor. Anyone who buys the shell usually intends to customize the interior themselves. The new owner may have special needs and desires that are unique to them, which is why they choose to finish the interiorhomemadeRuta.

Otherwise, when you buy a fish house, manufacturers add components to enjoy itcamper lifewhile trying to hook the big one. Underbody, sidewalls, and roof insulation allow the 40,000 BTU heater to maintain a comfortable temperature. You can put away your snow pants and parka and sit comfortably on the sofa. When you get tired or spend the weekend, the sofa turns into a bed.

Manufacturers have different philosophies when it comes to insulating materials. Some use fiberglass wadding, rigid foam, or spray foam. You will also find that the bubble wrap works in conjunction with the main insulation. Radiant isolation keeps this type of heater in check and minimizes the UV effects of the sun. This also helps with room temperature control in winter.

The bottom has between 4 and 8 holes to put your line with screw caps. Many fish house RVs offer blue LED lights around the holes. The lights allow you to see better, but they don't scare the fish because they can't see blue light. The units are also pre-wired for underwater cameras. Don't let your grandfather fool you. If he had had an underwater camera back then, he probably would have used it.

You'll also find countertops and kitchenettes in fish house plans. Two and three burner stoves work with propane gas connected (like heaters). Microwaves and sinks become standard once you enter the middle units. Huge closet spaces appear when you take your first step from the floor plan below. As you move up the scale from simple to luxurious, you'll find that these cabinets become bathrooms. A toilet appears and then a shower.

The popular interior design is wall paneling. Before you think of the 1970s version in older homes, it's all about cedar or oak slats that are shiny and transparent. You'll feel like you're in that cabin in the woods, away from people's things. If the neighbors are not very noisy, you have your own relaxation area.

Unless you're on the ice on a Sunday, in which case you can turn on the LED TV and stream the game through the built-in sound system. It doesn't matter if you're a viking, a packer, a lion, or someone you owe allegiance to, you can watch all the action. Before you yell at the referee, ask yourself: is it worth scaring the fish?

Whether you go to the RV dealer or order your custom unit directly from the manufacturer, you will find that the optional features match current and typical RV features. Here are some of the most requested optional features:

• Heated holding tanks
• Custom outer cases
• Air conditioners for year-round use
• Remote controlled awnings and wheel lifts
• Complete kitchen packages
• Full bathroom amenities
• Satellite and/or Internet Packages
• Improved Fish House Furniture
• Features of the luxurious interior design
• Additional sleeping space
• Fake LED fireplace with 5000 BTU heater
• Solar Panel Pack
• Access door for wheelchair users
• Outdoor propane quick connect for a BBQ

How thick does the ice have to be for a fish house?

The average weight of most fish house RVs is around 5,500 pounds. However, they can range from £900 to £10,000. The weight of a Ford F-350 ranges from 5,878 to 7,737 pounds. If we round up the heaviest version of the truck (probably a dual) to use simple numbers, it comes out to 7,800 pounds.

According to ice thickness weather experts, our example F-350 would be safe on ice between 12 and 15 inches thick. At 12 inches, the ice can hold over seven tons (14,000 pounds). Most ice fishermen like to go on ice when it's at least 15 inches tall. Being close together, any surface activity and allowance for solar radiation gives them a buffer as the top layer melts and reforms overnight.

When applying for your ice fishing license from the Federal Fish and Game Service or your state Department of Wildlife Conservation, be sure to get the information booklet on the ice fishing laws in your area. If there are problems with ice damage, melting or other issues, they will close the lake or river for safety reasons.

Types of Recreational Vehicles Fish House

With ice fish house manufacturers taking inspiration from traditional brands, the development of this sector has been rapidly innovated with the characteristics of the primary market. Because of this, Fish House RVs have four sub-types to suit your budget and style. Some serve multiple purposes and are great all year round. During the camping season, you can bring out your RV Edition ice house to capture or take home that 12-point buck on camera. Toy transporters with rear loading ramps allow you to take your motorized adventure toys to the best trails in the summer and your snowmobile on those fresh snow days.

Skate House

Skate houses, also called ice cabins, are aluminum or wooden structures with ski-shaped slats on the bottom. The two or three skids extend the length of the frame and curve up slightly to prevent them from sinking into snow, ice or dirt when being towed into place by a motorized vehicle.

Ray houses are the simplest of fish houses and are ultra-light in weight, typically less than 1,000 pounds. You can find them boxy or with a pointy front with the bare minimum of features. Manufacturers may offer RV amenities such as insulation, furniture, or other amenities as options. Otherwise you can customize your skate yourself. To verifydo it yourself rvfor some crossover inspiration.

Although they lack the typical comfortcamper life, are very affordable and excellent on ice between 10 and 12 inches thick. Many will use an ATV or snowmobile as a tow vehicle. These units are available in either 6.5 or 8 foot widths, making slider houses suitable for river ice fishing.

Standard size fish camper

If you are chatting to someone and they are talking about the best RVs for ice fishing, they are talking about modern RVs for fish. Standard size fish houses are between 12 and 16 feet long. Widths, like skate houses, are either 6.5 or 8 feet. If you compare floor plans, you will see that standard features are gradually being added.

When you place your wheelhouse on the ice, a mechanism lowers the bottom of the trailer onto the ice by pulling the axles up on the trailer. This action allows the trailer to create a seal around the ice, preventing wind or other outside elements from passing under the RV through the ice holes. The axles use manual, hydraulic or electric motor cranks. High-end models or optional features allow you to adjust the axes via wireless remote controls.

If you have a quarter ton truck like the Chevrolet Colorado (7,000 lb max towing capacity), you can tow most of them since their gross vehicle weight (GVWR) is 5,000 to 6,000 pounds. Consider the weight of the passengers and save enough horsepower to drive.

Deluxe Edition Fischhaus

In the traditional VR community, we don't emphasize the "mine is bigger than yours" mentality, but it inevitably happens. It's hard to determine who makes the best ice fish house when looking at the fish house VR editions as the manufacturers offer the size, the features, and the customizations.

These luxury, top-of-the-line 25- to 30-foot RVs have a gross vehicle weight rating of around 10,000 pounds or more. They have full kitchens, bathrooms, plenty of sleeping space and some of the best entertainment technology on the market. Of course there are also ice fishing holes with LED lights and pre-wiring for underwater cameras.

Toy tug fish house

Some ice fishermen like to take their adventure toys with them. You may want to take your drill and rod to drill some test holes in other parts of the lake. Attach them to your ATV or snowmobile, open the tailgate of your toy fish house and set off to explore. Toy Hauler ice fishing trailers are available in standard or deluxe versions. Many of them have dinettes that fold up on the side walls and electric bunks that hang from the ceiling. If you are towing a toy tractor, consider using a half-ton pickup truck or full-size SUV because of the weight of the adventure toy. Turn on the 40,000 BTU heater, too, because as soon as you open the tailgate, the hot air will rush out of your bus.

Ridgeline-SkateHouses

• Kategorie: Skidhouse
• Length: 10-12 feet
• Dry Weight: 775-850 pounds
• Insulation: Thermopanel windows
• Fishing Holes: Customized
• Sleep: Up to 4

If you're interested in fishing for that big walleye at Lake Mille Lacs (French for "a thousand lakes") and you're on State Highway 210, take a few minutes to visit North Pillager near County Road 1. Here is the headquarters of Ridgeline Manufacturing. Since 2007 their boats and caravans have made this small town famous.

Ridgeline RVs are available in lengths from 8 to 12 feet and widths from 6.5 to 8 feet. Their streamlined, pointed front ends make them fuel efficient when towing them to the lake. You have the choice between the rear entry door or the side entry with the toy carrier ramp.

On a busy morning at the lake, you don't have to queue at the boat launch to get your skate house on the ice. Once you've parked your Chevy Blazer, you can unlatch your trailer's sliding cover and pull your ATV out through the dual rear entry doors. With a set of chains, your ATV will easily pull your skids into position.

After unfolding the optional outrigger sofas and turning on the portable heater, you're ready to start fishing. To avoid fuel loss,100 or 200 watt solar panels on the roofYou can keep your solar generator running. Powerful electric auger augers are all you need to open your ice holes, and electric heaters require little energy.

Ice Fortresses Black Hole Ice Hut

• Kategorie: Softcase
• Length: 10-14 feet
• Weight: 900 pounds
• Insulation: Insulated canvas
• Fishing spots: 5
• sleeping: 2

(Brainerd – Mississippi River, Gilbert Lake, Rice Lake)

Continue east on State Highway 210 and you'll pass one of northern Minnesota's largest cities. Brainerd gained its popularity as a port city because it sits on the Mighty Mississippi River and was a station for the railroad. For outdoor enthusiasts, it is the supply center and gateway to anywhere in the geographic region.

If you are looking for the best ice fishing hut that is soft shell and versatile, stop by the Ice Forts in Brainerd. The Black Hole Ice Shack is an insulated canvas tent structure that installs on a drop axle frame. The tent is available in the standard solid black exterior or camo hunting/fishing exterior. The floor is made of Intelli-Core material, has six ice holes and boot covers.

When not using the ice cabin, the flatbed trailer has heavy-duty tie-down straps for use in the utility area. The Black Hole Trailer is available in 10, 12, or 14 foot lengths. It has a winch and can remove the rock guard for oversized cargo. The trailer has an axle load of 3,500 pounds.

Ice Castle Fischhaus Little Jigger

• Category: Default
• Length: 12 feet
• Seco Peso/ GVW: 1,920/ 4,000 pounds
• Insulation: fiberglass
• Fishing spots: 4
• sleeping: 2

The state park Lac Qui Parle (French: Talking Lake) is home to zander, pike and CoIce Castle Classic ice fishing tournament. The competition takes place in early February and awards the 50 best catches. Participants are not allowed to enter the lake before 8am. M. on the day of the event so if you are arriving early please check with the sponsor. Ice Castel Fish Houses has been building its wheelhouses in Montevideo, Minnesota since 1997.

The Little Jigger is Ice Castle's best-selling full-size recreational fishing vehicle. Once you manually raise the axles, the four-hole floor forms a reliable ice seal. The streamlined nose of the wheelhouse places the entry door on the passenger side and two propane tanks (with rigid cover) on the driver's side.

Inside, you can relax on the full-length sofa bed along the main wall on the driver's side. It is pre-wired above the fishing holes to connect to any size LED TV that you mount. The stereo above the couch shares its speakers with the TV, but remember those explosions in your action movies might scare the fish away. and enough storage space to work. All of this is paired with carpeting, cedar paneling and interior walls that hide the fiberglass cocoon that protects you from every angle.

forest river gray wolf fish house

• Kategorie: Big Four Standard, Toy Hauler, Deluxe
• Length: 25.6-32.2 feet
• Dry weight: 3,418-6,338 pounds
• GVWR Weight: 5,476-9,855 lbs
• Insulation: Rigid foam on side walls and underbody with bubble wrap
• Fishing spots: 8
• sleep: 4

If you need ice fishing off season, why not plan a trip to Topeka, Indiana? The city is on the eastern outskirts of the VR capital of the world. Here you'll find the only factory owned by one of Big Four RV's parent companies that makes fish house trainers. Cherokee RV, a division of Forest River Inc., offers six layouts in its Gray Wolf Fish House models. Tours are allowed to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays (stores allow photos but not video. Amish workers may not want their photo taken due to their religious beliefs).

You'll find the same quality construction and innovative features as the traditional Cherokee Gray Wolf, with the best handling characteristics. Regardless of size, each model features eight-tier connectors that are perfectly positioned throughout the tier. The rear of the motorhome features a U-shaped dinette that converts into a large queen-size bed. The Toy Hauler and Large 21GP feature electronic queen-size bunk beds that elevate to the ceiling when not in use.

Each unit, regardless of size, has a toilet in the front nose area. The wagons are also equipped with kitchen worktops with three-burner stoves. The water pipe works as follows:

• 16BF and 16GR: 5 gallon capacity cassette toilet

• 17BB, 17MP and 17TH: 15 gallons heated fresh water/12 gallons heated gray water for kitchen sink and shower/4.5 gallons heated black water for toilet

• 21GP: 15 gallon heated fresh water tank/23 gallon combination heated gray and black tank for kitchen sink, shower and toilet

Also standard are the long and narrow trunk cabinets for storing fishing rods. The 17 and 21 level models add seat cushions at the top. Electronic features include media systems, pre-wired TV/wall reinforcement, LED lighting around the fishing holes and pre-wired for an underwater camera. A soft top is optional for year-round use, but standard on the 17th and 21st GP models.

Yeti Outdoor Traxx Edition T612-DK

• Category: standard toy carrier
• Length: 12 feet
• Seco Peso/GVWR: 2475/4300 pounds
• Insulation: R-7 rigid foam board with anti-condensation foam tape
• Fishing spots: 5
• sleep: 3

According to fishery reports, Whiskey Lake in Douglas County, Minnesota is an excellent lake for black bullhead, black crappie and yellow perch. If you've ever caught Bluegill you know why you need a strong glove to protect your hands from its sharp spikes. Don't feel so bad while frying them in your pan; those spikes really hurt.

Before reaching the lake, make a stop in the town of Brandon to load up on bait and supplies. You will also find Yetti Outdoors. This fish trailer company takes full advantage of the year-round capabilities of these units. Yetti Outdoors has four editions to choose from: Angler, Grand Escape, Traxx, and Shell/Customs. The Traxx Edition is their toy transporter model. The T612-DX is a full size model with a fold out sofa on the passenger side. The company places the kitchenette in the bow area, giving you more room for your motorized adventure toys. The modern wood paneled interior offers you a comfortable living space while you ice fish in one of the five story harbors.

To make your ice fish house stand out from the rest of the slums, there are many exterior colors and features to choose from. When the season is over, make sure you winterize your fish RV so you can prepare for the fall hunting season.

ALUMAICE 824TAH- Tandemachse

• Category: Luxury
• Length: 24 feet
• Seco Peso/ GVW: 7,000/10,000 pounds
• Insulation: spray foam
• Fishing spots: 7
• Sleep: up to 6

The fishing opportunities in southern Minnesota are exceptional. Because of the high nutrition found in lakes and rivers, walleye, perch and other game fish quickly grow to prize-winning sizes. Mankato is about an hour and a half southwest of Minneapolis. This small city of 40,000 is the center of many of the best rivers and lakes southern Minnesota has to offer.

You'll also find AlumaIce, the manufacturer of premium ice fishing RVs. Most Fish RV manufacturers reserve the best features for the 30-foot deluxe units. Optional features become standard, and the interior design is more like an RV than an ice house. AlumaIce does not subscribe to this idea. Their standard fish house models are just as luxurious as their full length versions.

AlumaIce's tandem axle 824TAH is the flagship of the fleet. With a push of a button on the wireless remote control, hydraulic shafts lower the 30 amp wheelhouse into place. Between the three double pane windows, ambient LED lighting and low profile main interior lights, you'll find the perfect deluxe cabin design for your outdoor and ice fishing adventures.

All you need to power your mobile ice palace is a portable generator that allows you to connect the power cord to ground. Two propane bottles power the 40,000 BTU oven and three-burner stove. While you and your friends fish out of the seven portholes, you can enjoy the entertainment center with 32" LED TV, stereo and multi-input connections. Be careful who you invite; Otherwise, you'll be so busy showing off your fancy fish house to the whole slum that you won't have time to tend to that award-winning walleye.

Glacier 24. RV Explorer toy tractor

• Category: Deluxe Toy Transport
• Length: 24 feet
• Seco Peso/GVWR: 6,820/10,000 pounds
• R-value: R-16 insulation
• Fishing spots: 7
• sleep: 6

Lake Bemidji is located in northwest Minnesota. This 76 foot deep lake is known for Rock Bass, Musklung, Largemouth Bass and Northern Pike. Once the ice on Lake Bemidji reaches about 15 inches, check out Glacier Ice House's 24th Luxury Explorer Toy Tug since you're out of the way.

This luxurious seven seater (bedroom sleeps four) has a fishing hole for each seat and a full bathroom. The fully equipped kitchen with refrigerator has everything you need to feed everyone on those long weekends. The Glacier Fish House has tandem axles and an extended garage so you can take two snowmobiles with you. The RV is too heavy to tow with you, but whether you're using your adventure toys to get supplies or hit the trails, it's always great to go together.

Glacier gives you options when it comes to furniture. Choose from an L-shaped sofa, a standard sofa with a trundle bed, or a convertible dining area that seats four. Toy vans are equipped with fold-out sofas that fold up against the side wall at the rear of the car and a fold-out sofa in front of the kitchen. It is not a big problem to exchange the sofa for that of your favorite furniture. As you go through their sales lot, they may already have a finished design and are waiting for you.

How do I start ice fishing?

Some friends of the Camper Smarts website are avid fishermen in Florida. As the US is coping better with the COVID-19 pandemic, we were asked to plan a trip to Minnesota to try our hand at ice fishing. Being a transplanted Floridian ourselves (originally from the Detroit area), we had to think about how best to advise her (hence the inspiration for this discussion).

Our advice consists of several steps. Since the group of friends want to ride, the first step is to climb upRV-ezyWebsite and search for a fish house campervan rental near your destination. To test this idea, we conducted our search. Without limiting the criteria, three entries on the first page contained wheelhouse motorhomes. When negotiating the rental agreement, make sure that the tenant has other features. If they include your ice hole drill and some ice fishing rods, these additional costs can save you money instead of buying them yourself. The rental company can even point you in the right direction where to buy your bait and other fishing gear.

Another tip is to buy your winter clothes there. Florida's version of winter clothing isn't suited to Minnesota's sub-zero temperatures. They need thick parkas, long underwear and other winter outerwear to survive there. Floridians have adapted to triple-digit summer temperatures, not negative-number winters.

Finally move onsmarter CamperjVR LIFEto learn the many RV lifestyle tips and tricks that cross between traditional RVs and fish house RVs. Make sure you have the right fishing license and talk to as many people on the lake as possible. Be careful not to touch any of the funny shields hanging from other fish houses and avoid being accused of scaring the fish.

About the author

Despite being from Motown, Brian is a former RVer who grew up on I-75. He, his wife and three working-class fur babies have been enjoying the RV lifestyle full-time since 2017. Like John Madden, he hasn't "worked" in years because he can write about his passion. When not working, she supports her daughter's dog rescue efforts and disability causes. Find out more with him belowsmarter Camper.