trail boss, pros vs cons?

[mightyjeep]

I have a chance to trade for a 1970 Trail Boss. I have read the other threads on the trail boss. But I am still curious about the reliability of them. In normal trail riding situation's. I read that the trannys are the week point and the nose is to far out for steep up hill activity's.

The cash price is 1250.00 or trade.

It is a running, driving, working machine that he has put a lot of time rebuilding and replacing the bad with good.

The ? is, Is this a fare price for this kind of a machine.

Thanks for your input

[micmac]

MJ,

I'll throw my 2¢ out. If you are looking for a machine to trail ride and use for more utilitarian purposes I'd pass on the Trail Boss. I'll be honest I don't much about the mechanical workings of the TB but the small tires and the extended nose really limit it's effectiveness as a trail machine. A better option might to be to try and find a Hustler in descent shape. They can be found for about the same price and (the non fiberglass ones 950 or 980) came with a t-20 transmission still made today. You can fit 25" tires of the 950 and can carry 4 passengers if it has the back seat. Now if you think the TB is a neat machine and want to use it to have some fun then take a look at the TB. I think that $1200 might be high for it though

Mike

[Dirty Harry]

Unless that Sierra Trail Boss is showroom new and has never seen dirt then $1250 is a very high asking price. Heck, that's about what they went for brand new, maybe even more. And they are not a "collector's item" or whatnot. Obviously a seller can ask whatever they want, but anything over $750 for even a decent TB is too much, IMHO. You could buy a very nice used Max II or older Argo for that kind of money that would be better-suited for your needs and be far less of an upkeep nightmare, if only because both Max & Argo are still in production and all parts for each are readily available from their respective makers. The TB hasn't been made in well over 30+ years, so if any major problems arrise your options will be:
1) pray you can find reasonably priced original TB part in decent shape and hope that it doesn't break, too
2) try to locate machine shop to make you a new part from scratch - and pay out the nose
3) sell it or trash it

My advice is pass on the Trail Boos and look for an Argo or Max. Ebay or Cragslist should net you something. Seems there's almost always a few up for sale at any given time. Resist temptation and keep searching.

My $.02

[mightyjeep]

Thanks for all the reasons to pass on the trail boss. I have not been looking for a 6x6 for to long so longer will not hurt. What are the 6x6's that have seating for passengers? That might be the best option for me.

Thanks Brian

[Dirty Harry]

I believe ALL of the amphibious ATVs that have been made since the mid-70's can carry at least 1 passenger. If you're looking for 3 or more to go with you have several options many Argo models can carry 4 passengers. They are pricey rigs, but very well-made. The only model that Recreatives Industries' has that can carry 4 people is the Max IV; this AATV is probably your least-expensive option. The Mudd-Ox machines are also 4 passenger-capable. The company is essentially brand-new and they are very expensive but they're also built like a tank and have hydro steering, which makes them super-maneuverable.

Good luck in your search!

[Jeff t-boss]

I have a chance to trade for a 1970 Trail Boss. I have read the other threads on the trail boss. But I am still curious about the reliability of them. In normal trail riding situation's. I read that the trannys are the week point and the nose is to far out for steep up hill activity's.

The cash price is 1250.00 or trade.

It is a running, driving, working machine that he has put a lot of time rebuilding and replacing the bad with good.

The ? is, Is this a fare price for this kind of a machine.

Thanks for your input

As a T-boss owner, and after reading the responses, I feel it is my obligation to post MY 2 cents on the topic. I'll start with my opinion of the pros. 1 They simply just look cool. (There is no order of importance here.) Contrary to the comments about the extended nose, it has no effect on maneuverability as it simply amounts to looks and about the weight of some plastic. The weight of the occupants is actually seated BEHIND the front axle. Because of the angle of the nose and the pliable plastic material of the hull, it can (At least I have with mine) climb an 18 inch verticle obstacle. It can do an ABSOLUTE neutral steer meaning it will change directions 180 degrees and leave in the exact samee tracks it came in on. Although they (As stated) are not collectors, they are pretty rare. Again, contrary to the comments about the trannys being weak points, they ARE kind of bullet-proof like any other tranny out there. It's a matter of neglect, abuse, and maintenance. They are quite the "Rock-Crushers" when you break them down and take a look inside. AND quite simple at that. Keep in mind that there were 2 designs, and the second (With the "Cam-Style" band actuator) being the better/tougher and more dependable of the 2. Electrical system was simple. And with the top removeable by one person without any tools, the entire works are easily accessible. NOW FOR THE CONS; Because of the shape/design of the hull, one cannot run tracks. (And none were ever MADE for this) One could add wheel extensions, but there still aren't any tracks available unless they are home-made. I've also been told that the motor didn't have enough power (On a side note about power, I literally stood mi TB up against a tree by accident because I mis-judged path width.) to use tracks. But then again, I was also told (By that same "Expert" that the motor I am useing would fit by his installation instructions. I won't elaborate) I do agree that the price being asked is too steep. Because of the smaller (19 inch) wheel diameter, yes, ground clearance is only 6 inches. Makes it risky in snow operations. I've seen pics of what I believe to be 20 inchers, but that isn't much. There is no forum on this website dedicated to the Trail Boss like there is the attex, max, amphicat, etc. (Had to throw that in. LOL) I agree, parts are hard to find. BUT, they are out there. At 57 inches wide, they are alittle wider that most AATVs. (But that is a wash, cause it actually can be on the PRO side for addind stability.) It all comes down to what you fully intend to do with it. If you want to venture into the unexplored, I wouldn't suggest the TB. Nor would I any other AATV for that matter, simply because anything can happen with even the best preperation and equipment in the unexplored. If you have a dedicated use in mind, than the TB may be in line for you. I have taken some serious terrain with my Boss, and have no complaints AS I USE it. When it comes down to brass tacs, it's just like buying a car. You pick what you want based on what you want to do with it, and then add what THE REST OF US think to your decision. Whatever you decide, I'm behind you, and if you need someone down the road on this, I'm here. Good luck, have fun, be safe.

[chazz79]

Do you have any info on how the trail boss compares to other 6x6's. They looked pretty quick in stock form when you look at the youtube videos. I am also curious as to how much power the stock transmissions can take. I have one that's been upgraded to @40hp (double stock) and the chains/bands have suffered. I haven't cracked the transmissions but this sierra doesn't go in either direction very well. I'm sure a PO too the added power to extremes and tore up most everything else down the line. The retrofit was well engineered and that's the main reason I got it. I'll post pics when I get the thing home. I appreciate any help you can offer, I'll have probobly double what it's worth in it and need to fix it cheap as possible.