How to Replace Snowplow Trip Springs: Signs, Steps, and Proper Adjustment

Trip springs are one of the hardest-working components on a snowplow. Every time your blade encounters a hidden obstacle like a curb, manhole cover, speed bump, or even stacking snow, the trip springs allow the blade to absorb the impact instead of transferring the force to the plow or truck.

Over time, these springs can stretch, wear out, or even break, reducing plowing performance and increasing stress on other components. If your plow trips too easily, the blade sags, or you notice damaged springs during your preseason inspection, it's time for a replacement.

This guide explains what snowplow trip springs do, how to tell when they need replacement, and how to properly install and adjust new BOSS trip springs.

What Are Snowplow Trip Springs?

Trip springs are heavy-duty coil springs mounted behind the moldboard on Super Duty and HTX straight-blade snowplows, heavy-duty coil springs mounted between the pushframe and center section on XT and DXT plows, as well as heavy duty torsion springs mounted between the base angle and mold board on TEV, DXT, and Super Duty Trip Edge plows. Their purpose is to absorb impacts when the cutting edge strikes a fixed object. Rather than stopping the truck abruptly or damaging the plow, the blade trips forward over the obstacle before returning to its normal operating position.

Properly functioning trip springs help:

• • Protect the plow and truck from impact damage

  • Reduce stress on the moldboard and A-frame

  • Maintain consistent scraping performance

  • Improve operator confidence when plowing unfamiliar lots

Because trip springs compress and extend thousands of times during a season, they're considered a normal wear item that should be inspected regularly.

Signs Your Snowplow Trip Springs Need Replacement

During routine maintenance, inspect each trip spring for signs of wear or damage. Replacing worn springs before winter can help prevent downtime during a storm.

Common signs include:

• • The blade trips too easily when pushing snow

  • One or more springs are broken or missing

  • Springs appear stretched or uneven

  • The blade doesn't return smoothly after tripping

  • Visible rust, cracking, or damaged coils

  • Uneven spring tension across the moldboard

If one spring has failed, inspect the remaining springs closely. Replacing the complete set often provides more consistent blade performance and spring tension.

Tools and Materials You'll Need

Before starting, gather the following:

• • Replacement BOSS trip springs

  • Correct replacement hardware kit

  • Appropriate sockets and hand tools

  • Jack and/or jack stands (if needed)

  • Safety glasses

  • Heavy-duty work gloves

Always verify the correct replacement parts for your specific BOSS plow model before beginning the repair.

Safety Tips Before Replacing Trip Springs

Before removing any hardware:

• • Park the vehicle on a level surface.

  • Lower the plow completely.

  • Turn off the vehicle and remove the ignition key.

  • Wear eye protection and gloves.

  • Inspect surrounding hardware for damage and replace worn components as needed.

Taking a few extra minutes to prepare can help make the repair safer and easier.

How to Replace Snowplow Trip Springs

The replacement process varies slightly depending on your BOSS plow model. Follow the instructions below for your equipment.

Straight-Blade Plows

Applicable Models

Remove the Existing Trip Springs

1. 1. Remove the ½-inch nylon lock nut from the eye bolt securing each trip spring. If your plow has multiple springs, remove the outer springs first before moving to the inner springs.

   2. Lower the eye bolt until it clears the mounting hole at the top of the plow. If additional clearance is needed, safely support the coupler tower with a jack, raise the kickstand, and carefully lower the coupler tower until the springs can be removed.

   3. Rotate each spring out of the Push Frame Attachment Bar. Once the outer springs have been removed, repeat the process for the remaining springs.

Tip: Since the hardware experiences the same wear as the springs, replacing the affected hardware during installation is recommended.

Install the New Trip Springs

1. 1. Install the eye bolt onto the end of each new spring.

   2. Install the push nut retainer on the eye bolt with the tabs facing away from the eye bolt.

   3. Hook the spring into the Push Frame Attachment Bar and rotate it upward until the eye bolt can be inserted through the top of the plow.

   4. Install the flat washer and nylon lock nut.

   5. Adjust Spring Tension

Tighten each spring evenly until a standard business card fits snugly between the coils. This indicates the proper amount of preload—enough to prevent unnecessary blade tripping while still allowing the moldboard to trip safely when it encounters an obstacle.

HTX V-Plows

Applicable Models

Remove the Existing Trip Springs

1. 1. Support the coupler tower using a jack or jack stands.

   2. Remove the two ½-inch nylon lock nuts from the eye bolts holding the trip springs in place.

   3. Slide the eye bolts out of the push frame.

   4. Rotate each spring out of the center section.

Install the New Trip Springs

1. 1. Install the eye bolt onto each replacement spring.

   2. Install the push nut retainer with the tabs facing away from the eye bolt.

   3. Hook each spring into the center section.

   4. Align the eye bolts with the holes in the push frame.

   5. Secure the eye bolts using the flat washers and nylon lock nuts.

   6. Adjust Spring Tension

Tighten each spring evenly until a business card fits snugly between the coils. Proper adjustment helps maintain plowing performance while allowing the blade to trip as designed.

XT & DXT Plows

Applicable Models

Remove the Existing Trip Springs

1. 1. Support the coupler tower with a jack or jack stands.

   2. Remove the four 5/8-inch top lock nuts from the trip springs.

   3. Slide the eye bolts out through the back of the push frame. If necessary, carefully lower the coupler tower to provide additional clearance.

   4. Rotate each spring out of the trip spring yoke.

Install the New Trip Springs

1. 1. Install each new spring onto the trip spring yoke.

   2. Attach an eye bolt to the end of each spring.

   3. Pass the eye bolts through the rear of the push frame.

   4. Secure each eye bolt using the flat washers and top lock nuts.

   5. Adjust Spring Tension

Tighten each spring evenly until a standard business card fits snugly between the coils. Equal spring tension across all four springs helps maintain proper blade performance and consistent tripping action.

Final Inspection

Before putting your plow back into service:

• • Verify all hardware is tightened securely.

  • Confirm each spring has equal tension.

  • Inspect the mounting points for damage or excessive wear.

  • Raise and lower the plow to verify normal operation.

  • Perform a final visual inspection before heading into the next storm.

Properly adjusted trip springs protect your plow, improve scraping performance, and help reduce unnecessary wear throughout the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do trip springs do on a snowplow?

Trip springs allow the blade to trip forward when it strikes an obstacle, helping protect both the plow and truck from impact damage while maintaining safe operation.

How do I know if my trip springs need replacing?

Signs include broken or stretched springs, uneven blade performance, excessive blade tripping, visible corrosion, or damaged coils.

Should I replace all of my trip springs at the same time?

While it's possible to replace a single damaged spring, replacing the complete set helps maintain even spring tension and consistent plow performance.

How tight should snowplow trip springs be?

For most applicable BOSS plows, proper adjustment is achieved when a standard business card fits snugly between the spring coils. Always verify adjustment specifications for your specific plow model.

Can I continue plowing with a broken trip spring?

It's not recommended. A damaged spring can affect blade performance, place additional stress on other components, and reduce the plow's ability to trip properly over obstacles.

How often should trip springs be inspected?

Trip springs should be inspected before each snow season and periodically throughout the winter, especially if the plow regularly encounters hidden obstacles.

Ready for the Next Storm

Routine maintenance is one of the easiest ways to extend the life of your snowplow and reduce unexpected downtime during the season. Inspecting wear components like trip springs before winter helps ensure your plow performs the way it's designed to when conditions are at their worst.

For genuine replacement trip springs, hardware kits, and additional maintenance resources, contact your local BOSS dealer.