Snow Plow Tripping: A Comparison of the BOSS XT vs DXT

BOSS XT vs. DXT Snowplows: Which BOSS Tripping System Is Right for You?

Updated On: 07/09/26

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

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

Found On

• TEV
• Super-Duty Trip Edge

How It Works

Only the cutting edge rotates backward when it contacts low-profile obstacles. Because the moldboard stays upright, the plow continues carrying snow with minimal interruption.

Best For

• Commercial parking lots
• Asphalt
• Concrete
• Smooth pavement

Best if you regularly deal with these obstacles:

• Manhole covers
• Expansion joints
• Speed bumps
• Pavement cracks

Advantages

• Maintains snow load after minor impacts
• Excellent scraping performance
• Minimal interruption to plowing

Full Moldboard Trip

Found On

• XT
• EXT
• Super-Duty Full-Trip
• HTX
• HD Straight Blade

How It Works

When the plow encounters a significant obstacle, the entire moldboard rotates forward. This helps absorb impact forces before they're transferred to the truck.

Best For

• Gravel
• Uneven terrain
• Rural properties
• Mixed surface conditions

Best if you regularly deal with these obstacles:

• Curbs
• Frozen snowbanks
• Storm drains
• Large hidden obstacles

Advantages

• Reduces stress on the truck
• Handles unpredictable terrain
• Ideal for gravel where the cutting edge may dig in

Dual-Trip

Found On

• DXT
• 10' DXT

How It Works

Dual-Trip combines both technologies into one plow.

For smaller impacts, only the cutting edge trips.

For larger impacts, the entire moldboard trips forward.

This provides protection across a wider range of operating conditions.

Best For

• Commercial contractors
• Parking lots
• Asphalt
• Concrete

Best if you regularly deal with these obstacles:

Low-profile

• Manhole covers
• Speed bumps
• Cracks

High-profile

• Curbs
• Frozen snowbanks
• Storm drains

Advantages

• Maximum protection for both truck and plow
• Maintains snow load over smaller obstacles
• Helps absorb larger impacts before they reach the truck

Not Recommended For

• Gravel roads

Off-road applications 

Which BOSS Tripping System Should You Choose?

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.

In Summary

Choosing the right snowplow isn't just about blade size—it's about selecting the tripping system that matches the conditions you face every storm. If you primarily clear gravel roads, uneven terrain, or rural properties, a Full-Trip plow like the XT offers dependable protection against larger obstacles. If your routes consist of commercial parking lots, loading docks, and paved surfaces with a mix of manhole covers, curbs, and speed bumps, the DXT's Dual-Trip will give you a wide range of obstacle protection.