Biggest Ice Fishing Sleds In 2023 (Maximize Load Capacity)
UPDATED 17 MAY 2023
by Robert Ceran
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Are you frustrated by the small size of the majority conventional ice fishing sleds? In that case read on!
My team and I tested the largest ice fishing sleds currently available on the market, and evaluated them on their size, capacity, weight, and overall performance.
Based on our testing, here is our pick of the best big ice fishing sleds in 2023:
- Best extra large: Otter Pro Sled Large
- Best large option: Otter Pro Sled Magnum
- Best budget large option: Shappell Jet Sled Magnum
- Best large option with hitch forks: Pelican Trek Sport 94 Utility Sled
- Best medium sized option: Pelican Trek Sport 75 Utility Sled
What are the biggest ice fishing sleds on the market in 2023?
| Model | Image | Price | Dimensions | Volume | Capacity | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Otter Pro Sled Large |  |  | 85” x 44” x 17” | 510 L | 740 lbs | 75 lbs |
| Pelican Trek Sport 94 Utility Sled |  | | 94” x 37” x 17” | 480 L | 700 lbs | 50 lbs |
| Shappell Jet Sled Magnum |  | | 70" x 44" x 15" | 410 L | 600 lbs | 39 lbs |
| Otter Pro Sled Magnum | | | 75” x 38” x 15” | 350 L | 510 lbs | 42 lbs |
| Pelican Trek Sport 75 Utility Sled | | | 75” x 31” x 15” | 300 L | 500 lbs | 33 lbs |
The table above shows the key specs of the 5 largest ice fishing sleds on the market that we tested.
All of these sleds have a maximal cargo load capacity of over 500 pounds, which means you need to tow the sled behind a motorized ice fishing vehicle when it is fully loaded.
Now let’s take a closer look at each of these ice fishing sleds.
Otter Pro Sled Large
This is the largest sled made by Otter, and similar to the other models on this list it needs to be towed by a motorized vehicle when fully loaded.
This means it’s a great option if you have a snowmobile or ATV to tow your ice fishing sled on the ice.
And while the Otter Pro Sled Large has the largest load capacity of all the ice sleds covered in this article, it’s actually a bit shorter than the Pelican Trek Sport 94 (though it makes up for this with its greater width).
When we put it to the test, we found that this sled can easily hold an ice auger, bucket, rod holders, and all the other ice fishing gear needed for a successful hardwater fishing trip.
When buying a super sized sled like this, you also need to consider how you will transport it on land.
In most cases this means stowing it on the back of a pick up truck, since these models are too large to fit inside a car.
During our testing we found that depending on the size of your pickup truck, either the Otter Pro Sled Large, or the Pelican Trek Sport 94 could be a better choice for you.
Based on our testing, you’ll probably want a pickup truck with an 8 foot bed in order to be able to transport them.
This sled is made of hardened Polyethylene resin, and comes with a raised front, which helps with snow resistance.
It doesn’t come with a tow bar, which you’ll need to buy separately, but has built-in hitch pockets. The warranty is 2 years.
Dimensions: 85″ L x 44″ W x 17″ H
Weight: 75 lbs
Pelican Trek Sport 94 Utility Sled
The Pelican Trek Sport 94 Utility Sled is the largest model manufactured by Pelican.
It comes close to the Otter Pro Sled Large in its capacity, but has the added advantage that it also comes with a tow hitch included in the package. The tow hitch can be folded back over the sled during transportation.
But keep in mind that with 94 inches of length, this is the longest sled covered in this article, which means you need to make sure your truck is big enough to carry it.
With a width of 37 inches the Pelican Trek 94 is narrower than the Otter Pro Sled Large, and weighing in at 50 lbs, it is also significantly lighter than the Otter.
In terms of build material, this ice sled comes with hardened RAM-X polyethylene construction, and during our testing we found that this is extremely durable, and ensures that it can have a lifetime of many seasons (assuming normal usage).
It also comes with divider templates that fit into molded divider slots, and when we tested it we found that this means you can subdivide it into compartments as you see fit.
It has a slightly raised front for snow resistance, and the runners are made of HDPE, which have low maintenance and an extended lifespan compared to other models.
Since this model is built to be towed by a motorized vehicle, it comes with rear deflectors on the back of the sled.
Finally, the Pelican Trek Sport 94 comes with a travel cover, and while testing it we found that this allows you to protect it during transport.
Dimensions: 94″ L x 37″ W x 17″ H
Weight: 50 lbs
Shappell Jet Sled Magnum
While the Shappell Jet Sled Magnum is slightly smaller than the two previously discussed models, it still comes with a capacity of 600 lbs, which is enough to handle most angler’s ice fishing equipment.
During our testing we found that a key advantage of this sled model is that, due to its slightly smaller dimensions, it fits on the back of a 6 foot pickup truck.
And given that the majority of pickup trucks have 6 foot beds, our testing revealed that this gives the Shappell Jet Sled Magnum and edge over the competition in terms of portability.
Weighing in at 39 lbs, it is significantly lighter than the two previous models.
This sled is made of hardened Polyethylene, and comes with molded runners. A tow hitch or tow rope is not included, and so needs to be purchased separately.
Dimensions: 70″ L x 44″ W x 15″ H
Weight: 39 lbs
Otter Pro Sled Magnum
This is a slightly smaller version of the Otter Pro Sled, and comes with the key advantage that it fits comfortably on the bed of a standard pickup truck.
During our testing we found that together with the Shappell Jet ice fishing sled (reviewed above) and the Pelican Trek Sport 75 (reviewed below), these 3 models are the top choices for most ice anglers due to their size compatibility with a standard truck.
Apart from its size, it comes with the same build and features as the Otter Pro Sled Large, and is one of the top models on the market.
Dimensions: 75″ L x 38″ W x 15″ H
Weight: 42 lbs
Pelican Trek Sport 75 Utility Sled
While this is still a very large sled, the Pelican Trek Sport 75 is the smallest model covered in this review.
And with 33 lbs The Pelican Trek 75 is also considerably lighter than the other models.
But similar to the two previous models, our testing revealed that it comes with the advantage of fitting comfortably on the back of a standard pickup truck, which is crucial for most people.
Dimensions: 75″ L x 31″ W x 15″ H
Weight: 33 lbs
How to choose the best ice fishing sled
Now that you’ve seen our list of the most spacious ice fishing sleds on the market, how do you choose the right one for your purposes?
Based on our testing, let’s take a quick look at the most crucial factors that you should take into account.
Towing
When buying an extra large ice fishing sled you’ll need a motorized vehicle to tow it on the ice.
So if you want to be able to use one of these sled models, you either need a snowmobile or an ATV that can haul heavy loads around on the ice (especially if you plan to use your sled fully loaded).
And because of this, you also need to make sure that you get a compatible hitch with your ice sled in order to tow it behind a snowmobile.
The Pelican sleds covered in this review come with a hitch included, while the others do not, which means you have to purchase one separately.
Transport
If you’re getting a super-sized ice fishing sled you also need to make sure that it fits on the bed of your pickup truck.
The two largest models covered in this review (the Otter Pro Sled Large and the Pelican Trek Sport 94) are both too long to fit on a standard pickup truck, which means you’ll need a pickup truck with an 8-foot bed to transport them.
The other three models, however, do fit on a standard pickup truck (though not on a short one). In any case, make sure that you choose a compatible size with your vehicle.
Durability
Ice sleds are expensive, so investing in one that will endure for many years is essential.
So make sure the sled you choose will survive for many ice fishing seasons as long as it doesn’t get too much abuse.
Polyethylene sleds with a reinforced bottom are typically the strongest and most rugged, as well as being relatively lightweight.
If you’re in the process of assembling your ice fishing gear, check out our article on what drills to use for an ice auger.
Gear and methods used for testing
For consistent testing results we tested all of the ice fishing sleds reviewed in this article over a period of three days on Leech Lake in mid February. Ice thickness was 13 to 16 inches, and we tested the sleds by loading them with a full set of ice fishing gear, and towing them behind a Polaris Sportsman 570 ATV.