BOSS Snowplow Tripping Systems: Trip-Edge vs. Full-Trip vs. Dual-Trip

QUICK ANSWER: Which tripping system is best for you?

At a glance, the right tripping system depends on the surfaces you plow and the obstacles you commonly encounter.

TRIP-EDGE

The cutting edge trips over low-profile obstacles while the snow load stays intact.

Best for: Cement and asphalt surfaces with obstacles such as manhole covers, pavement cracks and speed bumps.

FULL-TRIP

The entire moldboard trips forward when the plow encounters an obstacle.

Best for: Uneven terrain, gravel and properties with larger or high-profile obstacles.

DUAL-TRIP

Combines trip-edge and full-moldboard trip technology to respond to different obstacles.

Best for: Cement and asphalt surfaces where operators encounter both low-profile and larger obstacles.

When you’re pushing snow, obstacles are part of the job. Manhole covers, pavement cracks, speed bumps, curbs, storm drains, frozen snowbanks and uneven surfaces can all put stress on a plow and truck.

That’s why BOSS Snowplow uses engineered tripping systems to help manage impacts when a plow encounters an obstacle. The right tripping system depends largely on the type of obstacles you encounter and the surfaces you plow.

BOSS snowplows use three primary tripping systems: Trip-Edge, Full-Trip and Dual-Trip. Understanding how each system works can help you choose a plow that matches the conditions you face.

What is a snowplow tripping system?

A snowplow tripping system is a mechanical safety feature that allows part or all of a plow to move forward when it encounters an obstacle. This movement helps manage the impact rather than transferring the full force into the plow and truck.

The three BOSS tripping systems differ primarily in which part of the plow trips, what type of obstacle it is designed to handle, and the surfaces where it is best suited.

Why Tripping Systems Matter

TRIP-EDGE SNOWPLOWS

A Trip-Edge system allows the cutting edge of the plow to trip over low-profile obstacles while keeping the snow load intact.

This makes Trip-Edge plows particularly well suited for paved surfaces where obstacles such as manhole covers, pavement cracks and speed bumps are common. When the cutting edge encounters an obstacle, it gives way to help manage the impact while the moldboard remains in position.

BOSS Trip-Edge models include:

• TEV
• Super-Duty Trip Edge

The TEV uses adjustable torsion springs to control trip action, allowing operators to adjust the system for their application.

Best for:

• Cement and asphalt surfaces
• Parking lots and paved properties
• Areas with frequent low-profile obstacles
• Applications where maintaining the snow load when the cutting edge encounters an obstacle is important

FULL-TRIP SNOWPLOWS

A Full-Trip system allows the entire moldboard to trip forward when the plow encounters an obstacle.

Instead of only the cutting edge moving, the full moldboard gives way. This helps manage impact forces when working around larger or higher-profile obstacles such as curbs, storm drains and frozen snowbanks.

Full-Trip plows are also well suited for uneven terrain, gravel and properties where obstacles may not be limited to smooth, paved surfaces.

BOSS Full-Trip models include:

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

Best for:

• Gravel and loose surfaces
• Uneven terrain
• Properties with larger or high-profile obstacles
• Curbs, frozen banks and storm drains
• Applications where full-moldboard trip protection is preferred

DUAL-TRIP SNOWPLOWS

The Dual-Trip system combines trip-edge and full-moldboard trip technology in the same plow.

The BOSS DXT and 10' DXT can respond differently depending on the obstacle encountered.

When the plow encounters a low-profile obstacle such as a manhole cover, pavement crack or speed bump, the trip edge gives way while the snow load stays intact.

When the plow encounters a larger obstacle such as a curb or frozen snowbank, the entire moldboard can trip forward to help absorb the impact.

This combination is designed to reduce impact forces transferred to the plow and truck while providing protection against both low-profile and larger obstacles.

BOSS Dual-Trip models include:

• DXT
• 10' DXT

Best for:

• Cement and asphalt surfaces
• Parking lots and paved commercial properties
• Applications with a mix of low-profile and larger obstacles
• Operators who want both trip-edge and full-moldboard trip protection

Important: Dual-Trip plows are designed for cement and asphalt applications and are not recommended for gravel or off-road use.

BOSS Snowplow Tripping Systems Summary

How to Choose the Right BOSS Tripping System

The goal isn't simply to choose the most complex tripping system. It is to match the plow's tripping design to the conditions your operation actually faces. Identify what kind of work you'll be doing, and match that to the plow in the table above.

Frequently Asked Questions