My first Argo configuration advice and questions.

[mowbizz]

Just my opinion here.
If I would go to a F&G, I believe I would ride a bit out of my way so as to not put the locals "on the look out" for your Argo should your answers be disappointing.

Haha...NH F&G (officers/wardens) is a relatively, small group...word would get out fairly quickly.

[ARGOJIM]

Just my opinion here.
If I would go to a F&G, I believe I would ride a bit out of my way so as to not put the locals "on the look out" for your Argo should your answers be disappointing.

[scimanstev]

I plan to have the plastic windows just zip down, with the screen on the inside. Think how a tent is constructed. If the new model I choose has the USB ports, then that is great. If not, then they can be added. As long as I can charge my phone, and perhaps a bluetooth speaker, I will be happy. I have topo maps in my phone, which will come in handy. My biggest fear is where I will be allowed to ride it in New Hampshire. From what I have read, the rules are contradictory and confusing. That is why I will visit the New Hampshire Fish and Game on Friday, before I finalize the configuration. At worst case, I am prepared to trailer it to different states, and register it according to local state laws. If it gets registered as a boat, that registration transfers to every state. ATV laws change with the wind......

Once I get the beast in my possession, and registered as whatever is required, I will be looking for others to ride with. I may well end up with 2 sets of tracks, depending on conditions. I am getting the idea that many of the New Hampshire trails won't require tracks, as they are closed during the mud season.
I will be prepared for anything. I will be naming my toy "Juggernaut ". It will be as unstoppable as I can make it. Of course it will have the winch, extra cable, and land anchor just in case.

Steve

[argojosh]

I originally went to the Argo website, and requested a contact, with a few questions I had that had different answers here. They forwarded the request to Barrows. After speaking with Bob for 45 minutes, his answers confirmed a lot of my previous home work. When he assured me that he could deliver exactly what I wanted, in a trailer to my drive way, it didn't matter that he is a small dealership. I certainly don't mind helping a small dealer if I can get what I want. He even told me that if the Argo breaks in a way I can't fix it, he would come to my house and fix it. To me that was perfect. He is also only an hour and 45 minutes away. I can hardly wait to see an actual Argo for the first time. I will visit New Hampshire Fish and Game on Friday, to learn more about rules and registration. From what I was reading, I may have to add a ROPS to drive on the northern trails. This I don't want to do, because it weighs 155 lbs. I need to clear that up before deciding on the final configuration.

I definitely want the 2018 models, as since they are just a few weeks away. I have read some conflicting information, so I am going by the following guidelines. "I would rather not need it and have it, than need it and not have it." This way I will be able to experiment and further refine my Argo based on what I learn from experience. Bob Barrows will also install USB ports, which will be most helpful. Also, he may know someone that can sew screens behind the plastic windows like a tent. I could let air in, and keep bugs out. That would be really cool. He also agreed with much of what all of you have told me, which gave me even more confidence. This Argo will be very customized, and based on all the research and answers I have gotten. I am only prepared to do this once, so I need to make it count.

I can't wait to post pictures here when I finally get it. I will get a GoPro Hero 5 Black with a 128 Gig SD card, so I can post videos. I even have the life jackets picked out. Nothing will be ordered before August 1st, as all the pieces are not in place yet, and of course the Argo itself won't be ordered until at least August 13th.

Steve

Sounds perfect for you then! I'm confused with the USB thing, which model are you getting finally? because an ST or LX has the USB factory installed. The new models and product line will be out on the 13th, orders will be accepted shortly afterwards. The screens are a really good idea! what about during the winter? will you still be able to put the windows?

[mowbizz]

I originally went to the Argo website, and requested a contact, with a few questions I had that had different answers here. They forwarded the request to Barrows. After speaking with Bob for 45 minutes, his answers confirmed a lot of my previous home work. When he assured me that he could deliver exactly what I wanted, in a trailer to my drive way, it didn't matter that he is a small dealership. I certainly don't mind helping a small dealer if I can get what I want. He even told me that if the Argo breaks in a way I can't fix it, he would come to my house and fix it. To me that was perfect. He is also only an hour and 45 minutes away. I can hardly wait to see an actual Argo for the first time. I will visit New Hampshire Fish and Game on Friday, to learn more about rules and registration. From what I was reading, I may have to add a ROPS to drive on the northern trails. This I don't want to do, because it weighs 155 lbs. I need to clear that up before deciding on the final configuration.

I definitely want the 2018 models, as since they are just a few weeks away. I have read some conflicting information, so I am going by the following guidelines. "I would rather not need it and have it, than need it and not have it." This way I will be able to experiment and further refine my Argo based on what I learn from experience. Bob Barrows will also install USB ports, which will be most helpful. Also, he may know someone that can sew screens behind the plastic windows like a tent. I could let air in, and keep bugs out. That would be really cool. He also agreed with much of what all of you have told me, which gave me even more confidence. This Argo will be very customized, and based on all the research and answers I have gotten. I am only prepared to do this once, so I need to make it count.

I can't wait to post pictures here when I finally get it. I will get a GoPro Hero 5 Black with a 128 Gig SD card, so I can post videos. I even have the life jackets picked out. Nothing will be ordered before August 1st, as all the pieces are not in place yet, and of course the Argo itself won't be ordered until at least August 13th.

Steve

Good luck with your Argo purchase! Please share the NH registration info when you get it.
I haven't registered my Scout yet so I would be interested in what F&G has to say.
(Although you can get differing answers from different officers!)

[radar]

Looks like you have all your bases covered
Can't wait to see some pics and video

[scimanstev]

I originally went to the Argo website, and requested a contact, with a few questions I had that had different answers here. They forwarded the request to Barrows. After speaking with Bob for 45 minutes, his answers confirmed a lot of my previous home work. When he assured me that he could deliver exactly what I wanted, in a trailer to my drive way, it didn't matter that he is a small dealership. I certainly don't mind helping a small dealer if I can get what I want. He even told me that if the Argo breaks in a way I can't fix it, he would come to my house and fix it. To me that was perfect. He is also only an hour and 45 minutes away. I can hardly wait to see an actual Argo for the first time. I will visit New Hampshire Fish and Game on Friday, to learn more about rules and registration. From what I was reading, I may have to add a ROPS to drive on the northern trails. This I don't want to do, because it weighs 155 lbs. I need to clear that up before deciding on the final configuration.

I definitely want the 2018 models, as since they are just a few weeks away. I have read some conflicting information, so I am going by the following guidelines. "I would rather not need it and have it, than need it and not have it." This way I will be able to experiment and further refine my Argo based on what I learn from experience. Bob Barrows will also install USB ports, which will be most helpful. Also, he may know someone that can sew screens behind the plastic windows like a tent. I could let air in, and keep bugs out. That would be really cool. He also agreed with much of what all of you have told me, which gave me even more confidence. This Argo will be very customized, and based on all the research and answers I have gotten. I am only prepared to do this once, so I need to make it count.

I can't wait to post pictures here when I finally get it. I will get a GoPro Hero 5 Black with a 128 Gig SD card, so I can post videos. I even have the life jackets picked out. Nothing will be ordered before August 1st, as all the pieces are not in place yet, and of course the Argo itself won't be ordered until at least August 13th.

Steve

[argojosh]

Bob Barrows is one of the smallest ARGO dealers... Go to Dalton Mountain Motor Sports in Lancaster or Higgins in Barre.

[scimanstev]

Bob Barrows Argo. I think the city was a small part of Windsor. From Google Maps, it looked like a house, but I saw an Argo sign in the window.

Steve

[mowbizz]

I spoke with an Argo dealer in Vermont today. I will wait until August 13th when the 2018 models are released before making a purchase, but I will drive 1:45 on Saturday to visit the dealer. He said I could even drive one a little bit, and he can deliver the fully configured red Argo inside a covered trailer to my drive way. The excitement is building beyond my expectations. The information you all have given me, plus what I have read in other threads has been exceptional. There is a part of me that just wants to drive my Jeep to the Argo dealer, jump in an Argo and drive back home cross country, hopefully with lakes, and mud in the way. I am already planning on driving into my first lake.

Steve

Who is the dealer in VT if I may ask?
I'm in NH too and trying to locate all the New England dealers for them.
They all don't advertise much and I don't understand why...they could probably sell more units.

[scimanstev]

I have to say, it would be horrible if I sank my first trip out. So putting the plugs in is now written in stone. I have watched as many water videos as I could find, so I have a pretty good idea how much chop the Argo can take. It's not much, and I'm glad it will have a bilge pump.

Steve

[philipatmaxfour]

my first argo

Put the plugs in!

Good advice.

[ARGOJIM]

I am already planning on driving into my first lake.

Steve

Put the plugs in!

[scimanstev]

I spoke with an Argo dealer in Vermont today. I will wait until August 13th when the 2018 models are released before making a purchase, but I will drive 1:45 on Saturday to visit the dealer. He said I could even drive one a little bit, and he can deliver the fully configured red Argo inside a covered trailer to my drive way. The excitement is building beyond my expectations. The information you all have given me, plus what I have read in other threads has been exceptional. There is a part of me that just wants to drive my Jeep to the Argo dealer, jump in an Argo and drive back home cross country, hopefully with lakes, and mud in the way. I am already planning on driving into my first lake.

Steve

[AlaskaGrizzly]

If I was you I'd hold off on buying a set of tracks up front unless you are offered a good discount. Learn the new machine and more about your options. It will come to you as you learn more about the different track options. Sounds like you want a track for the snow so stay focused on those.

I've never run the elevated belt track like the Escargo brand but had the gentleman that builds a similar track in Alaska explain the principles of why the track tuners are a good ideal when running them. You might find a better description on here but in short and sweet terms, with the elevated belt and the way it rolls around the front and back tires the track speed is different than the speed of the outside diameter of the middle tires. The difference in relative speed between the track and middle tires can bind them up. Tuners keep them from binding by letting the middle tires turn at the speed of the track.

I've seen rubber tracks not installed correctly with regards to the tire size and pressures. The chains on that particular machine were so tight it was scary! So, that's why it seems like track tuners would be good on rubber tracks. I helped that guy with sizing the tires and putting them on in the order they were recommended and he said it helped a lot. So, if you get rubber tracks follow Argo's instructions. Again, I think track tuners could help keep the chains from getting over stressed.

I am not sure about how this all relates to breaking axles as I've never broken one since I started running Argos in the mid 90's. I think that probably depends a lot on the driver. Tracks have to be a lot more stressful on the axles so you probably need to keep in mind that you shouldn't drive like you just stole your Argo from the neighbor. I know someone that has broken 5 of the 6 axles on a six wheeler. I'm not even sure what I'd have to do to break one let alone understand how they pulled it off
.