I made a canvas cover with a bungie cord that runs through the edge it fits over the top of my sled and works pretty well. The only time I have problems is when I did not notice it poped off and had to back track to pick up my stuff. I was pulling it behind my three wheeler ice fishing moving too fast and not thinking, " Kids ".

If I would have used rope it would not have poped off.

The use of bungie cords over the top is a good idea to keep stuff in place. I have thought about using a Pickup truck tool box with ski's under it or maybe a sled. That way it is locked down and nothing is lost. Just a thought. Not sure how much abuse it would take though ??

Ft- I like the tarp idea with bungee stitched along inside of it, but bungees scare the shat outta me lol. Jus don't trust them lol. I use maybe 1-2 the whole winter one for the front of the gun case and the other for the snowshoes. Everything is strapped or tied on. I was thinking about ripping 1" X 3/4" strips of wood and bolting them to the sides of my sled and then putting those little push on snaps. So i can snap on my cover. Maybe i'll make one whole side permanently attacted so i only have to unsnap one side of the sled to access the totes. Seems like every trip i am hauling around snow in my sled, gets heavy after awhile. So i'd better get started on the next project.

Scared of bungies?? Have a bad experience? All bungies are not created equal. A good bungie is near impossible to find. I would be lost without them. They take up slack where rope doesn't. By the way the best bungies are at AIH. The big black ones. Not all rubber but nylon over rubber. They are the heaviest I have found and really work well in the winter. They have wanabees at Lowes and Home depot. Go AIH.

The snaps I think would be a bad idea. Go out in a freeze thaw or a little overflow and you will be toast. They will fill up with ice. I actually like to nest everything in a tarp and tie it down like in my photo. At least for big loads and long rides. The carabiners are the ticket when using rope. But bungies are the best when in and out of the sled a lot.
Well going to have some sweet bravo picts for you guys tomorrow. Too tire right now and have a few more finishing touches to do to my sons bravo. Your going to like it.

I too hate bungies. They are always snagged on something but it's the danger factor that I don't like. I saw a gal nearly have her eye ripped out when she was attaching the other end. A small ratchet strap would be my coice if I couldn't use rope.

Ft- i do use bungee's but very sparingly. There was a guy here who had a glass eye cause he was bungee his back pack on his sled, snapped back and took his eye. I Had one snap back and catch my fur hat. So now i jus don't trust them. The thought of losing my Shooting eye would be about all i can take. Small straps and ropes. Well i may try the snaps, if they freeze i'll use the torch on them. I am going to try bring mine this winter. Like the hot drink and noodles, and the option to make a fire and fast. GOnna be interesting what creation rolls outta your shop!!!

I got one of those spider web looking bungee things at "Fish Creek Sales" in Wasilla. It really works great, if one hook comes loose you don't have to worry because there are plenty more. The have different sizes, and don't cost that much either. I plan to buy more and maybe a big one for my new cross fox.

niteize.com - figure 9 tie downs. Pull once to tighten, lock rope into serrated vee and your done. Use over totes, tarps or whatever. Sold at REI, SBS, etc.

Pipeniner, I saw you mentioned these in my sled post. I looked them up but couldn't find a place that sold them, niteize wasn't showing them as for sale (might have been a glitch). Looks like a great product, thanks for the info.

Those figure 9 look good but I just tend to use my knots.

Does anyone have any idea for extending a short track to carry gear off the back ?

pull a sled instead. The short track undercarriage is a weak one. It won't stand much abuse without cracking up. I had one in 85 and in a couple years I was welding on it. You would be better off with a front rack for some things. Like the tundra on the previous posts.

OGS : They are sold on the site - just click on figure 9 rope tightener and it shows the product, product video demonstration, shopping cart, other online sellers, etc. They show a dozen or so venders. REI has them in Anc.

If your good with knots thats fine, but I like them because they have many uses and knots are a pain with overflow, different weather conditions and types of rope. Nothing magical - just another option.

Well were nearly finished for now.
Here is was earlier in the week.. Going to be a lynx killing machine I hope.



Here are some finished photos of it. Looks better than it did and is more functional for my son who is 6’6”.

Got carried away painting at 1 am. Couldn't stop. I wouldn't make it in an auto body paint shop but Hey the grit and dirt will help the traction on the floor boards. Reminded me of the new paint job you see on the 1930's tractors. They look real nice from a distance. ;0)





First was the seat project.
I made a mistake using 2 by 6. Should have used plywood. Next one. Missing from the photo is a wood strip to keep it snug.






Had some trouble attaching from the bottom. If you drill make sure you align your hold with that of a cleat cog hole in the track so you can see the hole.

Found some thin veneer at the dump. Thought it would keep the material from chafing.


Next step was the handle bar riser. Made from 3 by 2 rectangular Alum tubbing. There was plenty of cable length for it. I believe the handlebars came of a mongoose bicycle. ;0) They are about 2 inches wider than the stock bravo. A little short also. We just bought 5.5 inch bolts and squeezed it together.





Had to grind down the centerpost a bit on the shaft.






Next it was windshield. With the addition of lexan we needed to have the the existing one as vertical as I could get it. I opted to abandon the previous methods to attach the windshield and came up with my own invention. A little wood and some scrap aluminum and were set.









Cut out the windshield and were nearly ready. I like to clamp the windshield and drive it to hold it until adjusted.


Still dreaming. Should be handy.

Looking good FT!

FT...What areas should I check out to if this short track sled has any issues before purchase ? Or should I just forget buying it anyhow. I am kind of a heavy guy 230 and if a short track will not hold up no sense in buying.

Really liked your photos, no matter what I get those give me some ideas !

Morning, FT- thats pretty nice like how ya did the chair and bars. Does it have the oil tank under the hood? And the tool box where its used to be? I want to find an old style bravo and make the secondary tanks bigger and mount the oil tank behind the motor. well see, not much bravs around here. But good job!

On Call at 230 I would not even consider a short track. They are just small. The undercarriage will suffer cracking. A long track would be the smallest I would go and you might find that it is small as well.

It does still have the tool box and oil reservoir in the same spot. I am going to abandon the oil and start premixing. They are too old to trust the pump.

OAC, You don't have to limit yourself to a Bravo. I'm sure there are plenty of machines and most have suspension that will suit your needs. I found this gem on Craigslist for 2300 bucks. I'm sure there are tons of used machines that are barley broke in down there. You might even get the matching jacket and helmet.

OGS I wished I could find a gem like that down here....

I looked at a new Bravo last feb $3999. A freind has had one for years and seems like a nice rig for icefishing and beaver trapping but after I sat on it it seemed way to small for my pitete 280 lb frame. I steped up to a 2011 Bear Cat.
I must say thoe,had I found a good buy on a Bravo in good shape I would have bought it. But when the dealer offered me a 2 year warrentee on the new Bear Cat I took it. Its alot to spend unless you will use it allot and I will.

I am not too sure how much use it will have as I am south of the snow belt and have to drive 3 hours to find snow and beaver. But I do it, only once a week or two. So perhaps 8 days use.

However if I do find a good sled I will be happy. And I do want a light unit as we can have deep snow.

Thanks guys !