First AATV Purchase - 2016 Argo Scout

[Gman757]

Hey guys...

I just purchased an Argo Scout and I have no experience with this type of vehicle. I live in FL and I have never even seen one of these. I have to drive 4 hours to pick it up from the nearest dealer.

I bought it for hog hunting. I hunt hogs at night with thermal gear and I normally use a highly modified electric cart to get around the places I hunt quietly. I bought the Argo to use in the swampy lowlands and to have a nimble vehicle to use when searching for hog sign. Hogs usually head for the thick swamps to keep cool and I'm hoping the Scout will get me into these areas. I will also hunt out of it when needed.... I will just have go in early due to the noise and set up before dark.

I chose the 6x6 over the larger 8x8 because it's seems it will better suit my situation. I will trailer it every trip, I hunt alone and don't need to haul any cargo. I decided on an Argo over a standard 4x4 for its amphibious capability.

I ordered it with the skid plate, wheel bearing extensions, motor and brake cooling fans, motor bracket, and 25 inch tires.

My only concern is getting stuck in mud since I won't be running tracks. I am thinking that I should be good if I can install the rear winch mounting bracket. Does anybody know if it can be installed on the Scout?

Rear Receiver Winch | ARGO UTV

I am also interested in making it as quiet as possible so I'm considering some type of add on unit like the The Silent Rider exhaust silencer. Does anybody have any experience with these?

https://www.atvsilencer.com

Here's a short vid of a night hog hunt wth thermal for anyone that might like to like to see what it's all about.

http://youtu.be/ruXv4h5ibW4

[philipatmaxfour]

Hi Gman, Sounds like real fun to me. The Scout is a very new model,just out. Surely the most decked out 6x6 that Argo ever made. The new folding rear rack has two braces that pin to the receiver hitch opening. the rear hitch pins to the same place. May need a bit of adapting but should be easy. You will no doubt use the front rack. When you get used to driving it you will go through a lot of mud before you need the winch. Please post a video with a hog on each rack. Good luck.

[Mike]

Gman757, welcome to the forum and congratulations on picking up your Scount. That is one well-optioned 6x6 and should work great for what you are wanting to use it for. I would echo what philipatmaxfour said, once you get used to driving it, you will figure out how to go through mud without getting stuck and you shouldn't have to use your winch too much. Have fun and good luck on your hog hunts.

[Gman757]

Thanks Phil. I'll take a look at it when I get the unit in a few weeks. One of my concerns was whether extra bracing was needed with the rear winch setup on a Scout.

[Gman757]

Thanks for the welcome Mike. I figured I might need the winch to get me thru the learning curve having never owned a 6x6. I'm sure I'll get stuck a few times until I figure what the capabilities of the Scout are ..... especially as an inexperienced driver.

[Gman757]

I got the Scout about a week ago. Looks like I have a lot to learn with my dealer located 4 hours away. I had to adjust the idler chains after 3 hours. The dealer ordered 2 other Scout units with the standard 24 inch tires and after seeing the 25 inch tires on mine he wished he had ordered them on his.



I installed the rear winch kit this afternoon.

[Vance in AK]

Beautiful machine!! You will enjoy it :-)

[Rory_mcw]

Cracking looking Argo especially on the 25" tyres

[Mike]

It looks so good with the 25" tires. I like the step as well. That is a well-optioned 6x6.

[philipatmaxfour]

It looks so good with the 25" tires. I like the step as well. That is a well-optioned 6x6.

Is it pretty simple to put the winch back on the front and replace the rear rack and brace arms?

[Gman757]

It is easy to move the winch from front to rear. Just 2 pins and a plug. The rear kit is wired to the same controller so you just pin it and plug in and you are GTG.

I have a receiver riser setup that should be ready tomorrow that will raise the rear winch. I will post some pics when I get it installed and see how it fits with the rack braces.

This is the front mount.



Rear Riser Mount

[Gman757]

Almost done rigging and ready for some hunting. Gun rack and shooting rest installed.



Found this bag on Ebay for $95 and it was a perfect fit.

[Rock Doctor]

Very good looking machine, and that Hog Hunting looks to be a blast. Going to have to try that some time :-)

RD

[Gman757]

Very good looking machine, and that Hog Hunting looks to be a blast. Going to have to try that some time :-)

RD

Thanks RD. You are right.....night hog hunting with thermal is a ton of fun. We have quite a problem with them here and it is a never ending battle to try to keep them in check. I hope to cover a lot more territory with the Argo and get into those hard to reach areas.

[Gman757]

If anyone is looking for a battery charger I found this waterproof 4 amp unit that is rated as a charger and maintainer for all types of batteries including AGM. It is relatively small and came with long cords so it would be easy to find a mounting solution. (It did not come with the flush mount plug)