BOSS XT vs. DXT Snowplows: Which BOSS Tripping System Is Right for You?
XT vs. DXT: What's the Difference?
The primary difference between the BOSS XT and DXT V-plows is their tripping system. The XT uses a full moldboard trip, allowing the entire blade to rotate forward when it contacts larger obstacles like curbs or frozen snowbanks, helping reduce impact to the truck. The DXT combines trip-edge and full moldboard trip technology, allowing it to absorb both low-profile obstacles such as manhole covers and larger impacts like curbs. The best choice depends on the surfaces you plow, the obstacles you encounter, and the level of impact protection you need.
XT vs. DXT at a Glance
| Feature | XT | DXT |
| Tripping System | Full Moldboard Trip | Dual-Trip |
| Trips Over Low Obstacles | No | Yes |
| Trips Over Large Obstacles | Yes | Yes |
| Reduces Truck Impact | Excellent | Maximum Protection |
| Recommended Surface | Gravel, uneven terrain | Asphalt & concrete |
| Best For | Mixed terrain & rural routes | Commercial parking lots |
What is a Snowplow Tripping System?
A snowplow tripping system is a mechanism that allows part or all of the blade to move when it encounters an obstacle. Instead of transferring the full impact into the truck, the tripping system absorbs the force, helping reduce damage while keeping the operator in control.
The best tripping system depends on the surfaces you plow, the types of obstacles you encounter, and how you want the blade to react during an impact.
BOSS offers three different tripping technologies, each designed for different applications.
The Three Different BOSS Snowplow Tripping Systems
Trip-Edge Plows: Trip-Edge technology allows only the cutting edge of the plow to rotate backward when it strikes a low-profile obstacle. Because the moldboard remains upright, the blade continues carrying snow instead of spilling the load.
Full-Trip Plows: Full-Trip technology allows the entire moldboard to rotate forward when the plow contacts a larger obstacle. This movement helps absorb impact energy before it's transferred into the truck, reducing stress on the equipment and operator.
Dual-Trip Plows: Dual-Trip combines the benefits of Trip-Edge and Full-Trip technology into a single plow. For smaller obstacles, only the cutting edge trips, allowing the blade to continue carrying snow. For larger impacts, the entire moldboard rotates forward, helping reduce force transferred to the truck and plow.
This design provides versatile protection across a wide range of commercial plowing conditions.
Which Tripping System Is Right for You?
Trip-Edge
Asphalt
Concrete
Smooth pavement
Expansion joints
Speed bumps
Pavement cracks
Excellent scraping performance
Minimal interruption to plowing
Full Moldboard Trip
Uneven terrain
Rural properties
Mixed surface conditions
Frozen snowbanks
Storm drains
Large hidden obstacles
Handles unpredictable terrain
Ideal for gravel where the cutting edge may dig in
Dual-Trip
Parking lots
Asphalt
Concrete
Speed bumps
Pavement cracks
Frozen snowbanks
Storm drains
Maintains snow load over smaller obstacles
Helps absorb larger impacts before they reach the truck
Off-road applications
Which BOSS Tripping System Should You Choose?
| If you primarily plow... | Recommended System | Recommended BOSS Models |
| Commercial parking lots | Dual-Trip | DXT |
| Shopping centers | Dual-Trip | DXT |
| Asphalt drive lanes | Trip-Edge | TEV, Super-Duty Trip Edge |
| Residential driveways | Trip-Edge | TEV, Super-Duty Trip Edge |
| Gravel roads | Full-trip | XT, HTX, Super-Duty Full Trip, EXT, HD Straight |
| Rural properties | Full-Trip | XT, HTX, Super-Duty Full Trip, EXT, HD Straight |
| Mixed commercial properties | Dual-Trip | DXT |
| Uneven terrain | Full-Trip | XT, HTX, Super-Duty Full Trip, EXT, HD Straight |
IN SUMMARY
Choose the Tripping System That Matches the Job
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the DXT worth the additional investment?
For contractors who regularly encounter curbs, manhole covers, loading docks, and other hidden obstacles, the DXT's Dual-Trip technology provides additional protection while maintaining snow carry on smaller impacts. For primarily gravel or uneven terrain, an XT may be the better fit.
Is Full-Trip better than Trip-Edge?
Neither system is universally better. Full-Trip performs exceptionally well on uneven terrain and gravel, while Trip-Edge excels on smooth pavement where maintaining snow carry is important.
Can I use a DXT on gravel?
BOSS generally recommends Full-Trip plows like the XT for gravel or off-road applications because the full moldboard trip better accommodates uneven surfaces.
What happens when a snowplow hits a curb?
The response depends on the tripping system. A Full-Trip plow rotates the entire moldboard forward, while a Trip-Edge plow rotates only the cutting edge. A Dual-Trip plow can do either, depending on the size and type of obstacle encountered.