2 x 4 vs 4 x 4 for pulling your sled/shanty

Looking for thoughts on pulling your sled/shanty with a 2 x 4 ATV. Will it work or do you need a 4 x 4. I have a 250 2 x 4 Kawasaki and I am just not sure if it will be enough. If you think that I stand half a chance, do I need chains? If I need a 4 x 4 how much power do I need?

I am a new owner of a 400 honda rancher that can go from 2x4 to 4x4 at a touch of a switch.  First....get chains for the rear.  Amazing difference in snow.  I don't switch to 4x4 until snow over 6 inches.  You do turn better in loose snow and slush with 4x4.  Tows small portable Shack easily.  Don't even know it's there.

 2x4 with chains should be fine until snow gets over 6 inches or too much slush.

I own a 2007 Honda Rancher ES 2x4, 420cc. 

I purchased it from a family member in 2008 for $2,300. It was the remaining balance of what was owed on their loan. It's primary duty is my bow hunting transportation. On dry land 4WD shines climbing slick hills and thru deeper mud/water and snow over 8 inches. Now I won't tell you it's not good for ice fishing but it's not ideal. 

1~  To reiterate what everyone else has told you snow and slush are it's kryptonite. Be smart and you'll be fine but if you think pulling a flip over by foot is annoying wait until you do it after you've put your machine back on the trailer because it's more of a hassel than it is help.

2~  This is the one that annoys me the most, others may have a different opinion or experience. 2WD quads turn like crap on bare ice or fluffy snow that is 2-3 inches or less. Chains are helpful in deeper snow but I prefer ITP Mud Lite tires with Kold Kutters, which are also better for glare ice than chains.

In conclusion my advice would be to just take it out and gather your own opinion on it. However, be aware it's NOT ideal ALL the time but they can be made to work. Don't make your maiden voyage 2 miles from your launch site.

I'd go 4x4,better have than have not in deeper snow or slush pockets. Chains on back tires are a real plus.

I just sold my 4x4 fourtrax. Was a great machine. Just needed more room. The best part about them is they are pretty bullet proof. Also parts are readily available and inexpensive. 

Gone, what do you have mounted on the back of your rack for the extension box?  Looks nice

what kind of shack?  a sturgeon shack or a frabil type flip over? 

Your sled should be fine for most early ice conditions until you start to get bigger snow falls and slush.  Too much snow and slush will even slow down the biggest of ATV's on the market.  

You could pull a sturgeon shack with no issues with chains and no snow,  even a couple inches of snow your 2 wheel would work.  

I'd pick up a set of chains,  that's for sure and 95% of the time time your machine will get you where you need to be assuming you are talking a small portable shack.

I've seen winnebago and poygan get pretty nasty though...that chain i personally would not feel great crossing cracks and such with a machine that won't have the power to help if I need to move quickly.

I have a 350 Yammy bruin 4x4,  I have no issues whatsoever anywhere i've taking it.  I also haven't been stupid enough to take it anywhere with a lot of snow or snow/slush mix.

If the lakes that you fish commonly develope slush pockets, 2 wheel drive will be a big problem. If you fish down in the south central Wi. area you may be ok with chains.Mrt.

You could do it some of the time, but not all the time. Make suse you have chains and a shovel if you go with a 2x4

I have a 2x4 Polaris 250 and can go through a lot more snow than I was told and expected pulling my flip over.  Rear chains are a must have though.  It's not always the fastest but when you get tire spin the chains will eventually hook up and you'll move.

4x4

4X4 , Chains on rear or both , 500cc