Tripping Systems Explained: Trip-Edge vs Full-Trip vs Dual Trip

When you're pushing through a snow-covered lot, it's not just the snow you're dealing with—it's the hidden obstacles underneath. From manholes and curbs to frozen banks and storm drains, these hazards can seriously impact your plow, your truck, and your bottom line.

That’s where plow tripping systems come in. They’re designed to absorb impact, reduce damage, and keep you in control. But not all tripping systems are the same.

Here’s a breakdown of the three tripping systems BOSS Snowplow offers: Trip-Edge, Full-Trip, and Dual Trip—so you can choose the best setup for your job.

What Is a Plow Tripping System?

A tripping system is designed to reduce the impact when your plow hits hidden or solid objects. Instead of stopping abruptly—or damaging your equipment—the plow blade “trips,” or gives way, to absorb the force.

There are two main components in most tripping systems:

• Tripping mechanisms (which allow part or all of the blade to move)

• Pressure relief valves, which help reduce stress on the hydraulics and frame

These systems don’t just protect your plow—they help keep operators safer and reduce long-term repair costs.

Trip-Edge: Low-Level Obstacle Protection

Trip-edge plows are built to handle smaller obstructions—anything under about six inches. When the lower edge of the blade encounters things like:

• Manhole covers

• Large cracks

• Speed bumps

…it pivots forward, allowing the plow to glide over the obstacle without jolting the entire moldboard or truck.

Benefits:

• Maintains your snow load (the upper blade stays rigid)

• Reduces operator shock

• Customizable trip-return springs for different conditions

• Perfect for narrow streets, parking lots, and older pavement

Full-Trip: Total Moldboard Cushioning

When the hazards are bigger, full-trip plows offer more complete protection. With this design, the entire moldboard trips forward when you strike something taller—like:

• Frozen snowbanks

• Storm drains

• Curbs

This motion spreads out the impact force, helping protect both your plow and truck.

Used On:

• BOSS V XT plows (with high-flared wings for max snow throw)

• Super-Duty straight blade plows (designed for durability and rigidity)

Benefits:

• Best for wide-open areas with less visibility to ground hazards

• Full moldboard trip provides more cushioning on bigger impacts

• Durable for commercial-grade plowing

Dual Trip: The Best of Both Worlds

BOSS is the only brand offering a true Dual Trip system—available on the DXT plow. This system features both trip-edge and full-trip protection, giving you layered defense for any type of obstacle.

When you hit a low obstacle, the trip-edge absorbs the force. If that’s not enough, the full moldboard also trips, giving you a second layer of impact reduction.

Features:

• Heavy-duty base cutting edge (with replaceable wear edge)

• Ideal for mixed terrain and unpredictable conditions

• Maximum protection in both light-duty and high-impact plowing

Best For:

• Contractors clearing a wide range of environments

• High-volume snow management

• Anyone who doesn’t want to choose between trip systems

Choosing the Right Tripping System

When comparing trip-edge plow vs full-trip plow, it really comes down to what kind of snow removal you’re doing:

• Stick with Trip-Edge for low-profile hazards and snow load retention

• Go Full-Trip if you’re dealing with larger obstructions or wide-open sites

• Choose Dual Trip (DXT) when you need maximum, all-around protection

No matter the system, BOSS tripping technology is designed to help you do Whatever It Takes—without damaging your equipment in the process.