Viking Ice fishing Shanites

[gunrod]

Anyone know if this company went out of business? I can't find anything on them.

I bought one there shanties a long time ago (almost 7 yrs now) and can't find a web site, address or phone number for them. I got on the ice today, opened my shanty and found I had lost the pole that goes across the top to hold it open. I thought it might have fallen out in the garage before I left but can't find it. I need to get a hold of them and order a new one.

I checked Cabela's but they only sell Frabill's, Clam's and one called Eskimo 'something or other'.

[sfw1960]

Yeah Gunrod - theyr'e around- I have a V400 (9yrs.old --
which they no longer make)
I emailed them about it {getting another} & thier CSR was pretty much an @$$hole about the whole thing....they told me I "had to contact a dealer in chicago"... that pretty much pissed me off.... I live 45 minutes from Muskegon , and they give me that attitude??? I'd be kissin' all my customer's @$$e$ with the economy the way it is... Makes ya wonder that nobody around locally sells their products for a reason!!!!
Here is a link to their website , maybe you want to dink with calling a dealer in chicago , I'll probably get a Shappel next time , I hear they treat you better....
http://www.klindustries.com/product.vml
Besides the V300 is too small for me anyways...
http://www.klindustries.com/viking7.vml

KL Industries, Inc. 1790 Sun Dolphin Drive Muskegon, MI 49444-1833 phone: 231.733.2725 fax: 231.739.4502
You'd be money ahead to buy some 1/2" conduit & a tubing cutter from Menard's , because that's all the poles are --- use the deburring tool to flare the ends a bit and grind them blunt.....
I hope this helps , man!!!!!! good luck :D :D :DRobert:D :D :D

[TrailFndr]

Gunrod, you can probaby make that pole cheaper than buying one from them, use two pieces of 1/2 inch conduit with a slip in connector on one end...you can prolly make it for under 5 bucks...

Just measure the distance between with some tension on the ends

[gunrod]

Thanks. I sent them an email anyways but I was thinking of making it myself. I'll see what they say but I'm on my way to Home Depot to get one built.

[gunrod]

No response from Viking (KL Ind) yet but I made one yesterday out of the conduit. There are knobs on the ends to hold the pole in place so all I had to do was cut it to the right size.

Thanks fellas. I'll post if I get a better response from them tan SFW did.

[sfw1960]

I'd be really surprised.....
They seem to be NOT very customer oriented.....
Shappel will be getting my next replacement shanty sale....:D :D :D

[gunrod]

I'm with you, my next will be a shappell or frabill. Large enough companies that would put customer service high on the list.

[gunrod]

Looks like I got a better response from KL Industries than SFW did. Here's the email I received.

You will actually need two parts for the center pole. The center support is $4.50 and the center support universal is also $4.50 (plus shipping). If you would like to order these parts please reply with your Visa or MasterCard number along with the expiration date, your shipping address and phone number. If you prefer you may call us direct at (231) 733-2725 and one of our sales representatives will be able to help you.

Customer Service
KL Industries


I fixed it with a piece of conduit but think I will order it anyways since it will only cost me $9. I'd like to get the right part then try to make a few extras should I lose it again. Yesterday I was walking across the parking lot at metro when I realized I dropped the new pole and almost lost that one too.

[sfw1960]

That's $9 PLUS shipping... which will be NO LESS than $6 -- I'm glad you got a positive response!!
I would stick with the conduit myself , since $15 buys about 80 feet of 1/2" conduit & a bag of couplers -- I could have made an @$$load of my own at that price - and I could afford to lose a set every other trip out for quite a while!!!!
Meijer's had regular Shappell 3000's for $169.00 - or -DX3000 $209 -- temping -- very tempting - I say......
:D :D Robert:D :D
BTW , GR you need to 'wrap' the poles into the tarp before you fold it over...they stay put better.:p