Avenger or Frontier

[Roger S]

There won't be enough oil flow through an oil cooler to amout to any real heat on the briggs. There is however, plenty of hot air coming off the engine. I tapped into that. Worried about exhaust leaks, carbon monoxide? Fix any leaks, and mount a sensor.

[frank n]

I too live in Mich. U.P. Actualy. Like I said in my opening Im new to all this, and plan on fishing the hard to get at places. I plan on useing my minn kota trolling motor, but its a top mount and am not sure how Im gonna put it on yet.

[argohunter]

Liflod,

I do like the fact that the Frontier with its air cooled engine can be started with the recoil if the battery were to die at a remote trailhead in the Winter.

You could consider adding a second battery for cold temperature starting. If for some reason that is not practical for lack of room etc. you could always carry a full charged battery inside a plastic boat battery box as a backup. Tie down the box in your cargo area so it does not bounce around. I run two batteries year round. When it gets -20 or lower, I used to take along a third battery just in case I needed it. Now I find it easier to carry one of those compact jump start units with the attached cables, flood light and air compressor.

[Chewtoy]

All the batteries in the world won't do you any good if the starter craps out. It's one of the big deterrents preventing me from buying an Avenger over a Frontier right now. Frontier seems more user friendly for getting or keeping it going in the bush. It's just simpler and has backup things to keep it running... re-coil starter for one.

[mightymaxIV]

Extra three horsepower

Liflod,

I can get the 07 avenger (30 hours) for about the same price as the 08 Frontier (new). Just wondering if the extra 3hp on the avenger is going to make much of a difference. I do like the fact that the Frontier with its air cooled engine can be started with the recoil if the battery were to die at a remote trailhead in the Winter. However, I don't want to sacrifice performance (maybe the 3 extra hp doesn't effect performance).

If you live in Idaho that's means you are going to spend most of your time at altitudes over a mile high and this is where fuel injection becomes very important and a carburetor becomes a hindrance. The 31 horse Avenger has EFI. Roger is right about the frontier tires, they are very nice, get good traction in a varied amount of conditions, but if your new to this you probably don't want to start with modifications. Both are fine machines but for your conditions I would want EFI.

[argohunter]

Recoil starters break too. If not the cord, then the spring or the spring retainer(s) but usually when it is used a lot. It's nice to have one as a secondary method for starting though. Adapt a notched pully to that non-recoil start equipped engine and carry a rope with a t-handle and you have a rope pull start as backup.

[lewis]

I have the 8x8 avenger 2007 bought it in November of 2006. This unit is great. I do not have the EFI version, but i live in a milder winter climate(North Carolina). The manual choke works fine, but it is what it is. The EFI model was about 1,000 dollars more and you have computers to deal with. With the climate you live in this may make for quicker get aways if that is important to you. The EFI has a bit more horse power. My unit has the carb and has all the power that i have needed in every situation. Have had it loaded to the gills and she turns and pulls like a champ. (have 9.9 Mariner 4-stroke outboard)(very stable in water)

The best thrill that i have with mine is the children. They do not want to ride on the 4-wheelers, they want to ride the Argo. It is like a carnival ride to them. I give them quick turns, uphill adventures, mud madness and it floats. Once they are onboard the only thing they know to say is "go forward". I have them wear helmets due to the fact that when we turn and stop they bump their heads together sometimes(6 to 8 children in back). Sounds kinda bad but they love it because we can ride and turn harder. When making a hard left or right i say "bat turn" and they get ready.

My children are all grown now and i have though many times why did i not do this earlier. When we go to different locations where there is children involved you have to pry them out of this vehicle...

Ladies love it for the fact they do not get muddy or wet and can have fun just as well as the children.

One more thing that is important, when riding you have your children with you and not worrying about what they are doing or where they are at.

Hills are no problem for the standard engine, within reason. I can stop on a sand hill with full capacity, dead stop, in sand and crack the throttle and she will pull with no trouble. Your may want the EFI strictly for the colder climate. Hope i gave you some usefull info, good look on your decision. Either model will make for a lot of fun,laughs and you will enjoy.

I know you will have fun with this unit and its a blast.

Lewis Leazer(lewis)

[Robio_8x8]

Liquid cooled has or you can get a heater

The major differences between the 26hp 07 avenger and the 23hp 08 frontier is the frontier has smaller tires (24 inch vs 25 inch), the frontier weighs less (1050 lbs. vs. 1195 lbs), the frontier load is less (1000 lbs. vs. 1150 lbs), the frontier is air cooled vs liquid cooled and the frontier has a few cosmetic changes. My question is that with using the rubber tracks which are heavy, am I going to notice a substantial difference in driving capabilities between the two units?

If you are using this mainly for snow I would get the Liquid cooled and if it doesn't already have it add a heater.

You can create an oil heater from an air cooled four stroke by reversing an oil cooler but it is not as effective or convenient.

[kovac]

I have an 08 avenger and live in new hampshire. Not sure you need the heater unless you live in colder climate. I have been out in single didget temps and have only had a sweatshirt on. they stay very warm inside.

[lager99]

The best thrill that i have with mine is the children. They do not want to ride on the 4-wheelers, they want to ride the Argo. It is like a carnival ride to them. I give them quick turns, uphill adventures, mud madness and it floats. Once they are onboard the only thing they know to say is "go forward". I have them wear helmets due to the fact that when we turn and stop they bump their heads together sometimes(6 to 8 children in back). Sounds kinda bad but they love it because we can ride and turn harder. When making a hard left or right i say "bat turn" and they get ready.

My children are all grown now and i have though many times why did i not do this earlier. When we go to different locations where there is children involved you have to pry them out of this vehicle...

Ladies love it for the fact they do not get muddy or wet and can have fun just as well as the children.

One more thing that is important, when riding you have your children with you and not worrying about what they are doing or where they are at.

Hills are no problem for the standard engine, within reason. I can stop on a sand hill with full capacity, dead stop, in sand and crack the throttle and she will pull with no trouble. Your may want the EFI strictly for the colder climate. Hope i gave you some usefull info, good look on your decision. Either model will make for a lot of fun,laughs and you will enjoy.

I know you will have fun with this unit and its a blast.

Lewis Leazer(lewis)

So true!