idea : Stretching a Max IV tub to run larger tires OR run tracks over the OEM 26"

[smog]

reading the "Dear Recreative Industries this is my wish list for you" thread made me think about an easy way to stretch the lower tub on my 2008 Max IV.

I want to run tracks over the large tires like the newer Argo. The Frontier and Avengers are just incredible with tracks over deep snow as they can ride the tracks over the 24 and 25 inches tires.

so what about removing the engine,seats and battery,*built a rack to support the Max iv under the wheel wells, jack it up 4 inches off the ground (no wheels) and stretch down the lower tub by putting 2 electric heater (jobsite type with bypassed safety and thermostat) and heat the hdpe until it stretch. May be it will need a little heat from outside of the tub and a couple layers of fiberglass insulation on top the the wheel wells so this part stays colder and as it was from the factory. I could also add a couple of concrete blocks over the frame just to help it stretch... with the roll cage still on the upper body, it would keep the plastic from folding or go "banana" style like the older argo...

[Ronaldlewis]

i don't think you could get the heat even enough, those tubs are molded at 350 degrees for about 1/2 hr so that it stretches easy and even, to stretch 4" you would have to heat at least 12" of the tub to get it to stretch that far and then you would end up with a tub only about 1/16" thick at the thin part, i think we're just going to have to wait for RI to get on it and produce a taller tub, i've thought about that one alot and just can't come up with something that will work

[trebmaster]

mike did it to his.

[LarryW]

What about adding a frame the maxIV sits on top of and running a sprocket from one of the original axles to outside axles that run underneath. It would look something like the ratcliffe. ratciffe 6x6

I know it would be better to keep it all inside but would be a easy way to run 25"-44" tires.

[smog]

i don't think you could get the heat even enough, those tubs are molded at 350 degrees for about 1/2 hr so that it stretches easy and even, to stretch 4" you would have to heat at least 12" of the tub to get it to stretch that far and then you would end up with a tub only about 1/16" thick at the thin part, i think we're just going to have to wait for RI to get on it and produce a taller tub, i've thought about that one alot and just can't come up with something that will work

may be you are right but I really only need +2" to run the 1.5" rubber tracks over the Goodyear 26" tires

[Robinhood02]

You could get the tracks on 22" or maybe 23" (very maybe) just by pushing up the bump that sticks down under the front seat in a Max IV , ive looked at that one several times and it may be do-able , it is a section that is about 18" long or so and sticks down about 1.5" or so, it would definatly give the room for tracks on 22s but you may have to raise the front seat stand as well.
But to stretch the entire tub, well , that would be a serious undertaking, spidering happens sooo quick and once you blow a hole then what, you may have to sit out the season unless you got about 900 bucks to get a new tub from RI, and for me that would be catastrophic .
If i were even to attempt something like that i would lean more to cutting 2 tubs and welding them back together , but even that would not address the situation of the slope at the front, but if i had a spare tub i might go for it and see what happens (stretching it that is)
good luck

[smog]

I already run the Argo supertracks over 22" tires and it just hit the bump when ice build up in the rigid plastic tracks.