OK I'll start the snowmachine thread. I bought a new Tundra today. Only time will tell if it was a wise choice, but I done it. I'll start building the cadillac of trapping boxes tomorrow and figure out where to store everything. There is a little under seat storage and a good spot in the nose of the machine to make a storage box. I'll post more as I figure it out.

what happened clint? piston?

I had my first real ride on the new Tundra yesterday. I went cross country to open up a new line. It was real rough but only had about a foot of snow so it was not a real difficult test. Overall I was pleased. It has too much ski preasure and is already adjusted all the way out, when you get in soft stuff it is a little difficult to steer. It is a bit tippy but not as bad as expected. My only concern is damage because of the aluminum chasis, we'll see. I've started on the modifications, I'll take some pictures when I'm done.

There are many adjustments for the ski pressure, and each effects another one, it is tricky and time consuming to set one up right.
The manual should show how each effects the other and how to adjust for suspension changes.(front rear shock, rear shock, limiter straps, front shocks)

Do any of you use the Skandic Longtrac? I am torn between the SWT and the Longtrac, not real sure which one I want. I have driven a SWT twice and buried it both times and it is just a HOG to get unstuck. But I have never driven the Skandic Longtrac. My line is in alot of wooded rolling hills with deep and steep valleys and basins. It seems like when the wind really blows for a day or two all the snow from the surrounding hills blow into the basin and add an extra 3 to 5 feet of snow. I have even had to rebreak trail on snowshoes on trails already run five or six times.

Recondo,
I have the skandic SUV, 156", 20" wide, 600cc LC. I can ride alongside the superwide in the deepest of snow so far this year,about 3-4 ft at deepest, and the backcountry was burried. But, I can also go up alot steeper than the swt,and it is a blast on the trail with that 600. the 600 vs. the 550F is a HUGE difference. It also gets better mileage than the swt.
the down side is that it is just as heavy if not heavier than the SWT. I did get it stuck once, (rider error) and it was no fun.

Clint, that's an easy fix. You should be up and running in no time.

as far as the suspension, the suv has the SWT licked. There are plenty of adjustments, and on the bumpy trail, it handles superbly, I am also impressed with the amount of grease fittings they have provided..

I like to find things wrong with stuff, but I have a very hard time with this machine, the windshield is to tall, and the snow swirls back around onto my back and the dash, but that is a trade off. Changing belts isn't the easiest task, but I can not say anything else bad about it.

Hupurest, My tundra doesn't have any adjustment in the front suspension or springs and the limiter strap is loose. I'm still building the box for the back, when I get a little weight back there it should help. Thanks for the advice, keep it coming.

you can't adjust the springs on the front shocks??
You could decrease the center shock and that will help too.

Nope, the front springs are not adjustable, if the problem persists after I get some weight in the box I'll try the center spring, I hadn't thought of that. Thanks

SUV & SWT but no one runs a line on a Skandic longtrac? Any reasons?

Ah....I LOVE THE 440 LT!!!!! Can't say enough good things about it. Got 150 miles to a tank, goes anywhere and can be freed easily. Usually if it gets bogged down, you unhook the sled, give it gas, ride it back around and hook up the sled. It just GOES. Now, if you're running anything fast, and/or rough, its NOT the machine you want. I drove it bear hunting last year, ad while I made it out, its VERY tippy and made for a long few weekends. Other than that, I HIGHLY recommend it.

Alaskan-

Honestly, I am leaning more toward the LT than anything else simply for the reasons you cite. I am 45 years old, pretty much run a line all by myself out in the middle of absolutely no-friggen where and just can't see myself leaving my snogo and walking out anymore. (only happened once and man did that BLOW)

It only took that one instance for me to realize there are times when a snogo is TOO STUCK to recover by oneself. And this really sounds stupid but it was an RMK and I was a German U-boat commander in dive mode (incredibly freakish incident in about 6 foot of snow the consistency of confectioner sugar) It was also when I realized you don't go no-where on a snogo without SNOWSHOES especially when your scouting in January 20 miles off the Haul Road.

150 miles on a tank that pretty awesome.

Drove from Nome to White Mountain and back on that tank of gas. Had enough to double back and goof off as well, which gave me 151 when I pulled into my driveway (and it didn't stop then either, but I did fill it up).

I'm going to be taking my Renegade 600 up to my "new" area that I'm going to trap for a few months. I want to bring the Skandic up, but its a 40 mile ride and it tends to be rough going on that 440. It sure is reliable though, and I wish I was bringing it. Still torn on which one. Just like the comfort the 600 has. Definately not going to be making any trails though as I can't risk getting stuck in that heavier machine. IN the 440 I'd go anywhere, no question. EASY to get unstuck. AMAZINGLY easy.

Recondo: I have a warped sense of humor, as many on this forum have observed ( have to tolerate ? ) , so I really found the humor in your adventure. Almost had a similar experience today with some of the Alaskan ranges finest-deep powder on skis. Anyway, sounds like it would have been fun even with all the tools - snowshoes, bumper jack , Shovel rope along , anchor, etc. I know of several trappers up North who loved the 440 long track . But when the SUV came out , people went for the upgrades. I have a friend that just loves his SUV and says it's real good in those deep powder valleys you mentioned, but they can be a pain for sure if stuck. I don't think you can get a better critique than what Alaskan has offered. Like everything else, no one machine does everything so I guess it's what fits your overall needs best.

Pipe if you only knew of this transplants experiences in Alaska as a green horn I would have you doubled over puking in laughter for some of the stupiest stuff you'd ever get one to willfully acknowledge.

I really considered the 440 LT but I spend most of my time on real tight winding trails in the timber so I went with the Tundra.

a trick, or tip....

you drill a small hole in the throttle, like 3/32's, and get one of those little "S" hooks that will fit it, and tie a rope to it. If you are stuck by yourself you can put that hook in the hole, and use the string to pull on the throttle from wherever you are, in front, behind, next to. It makes a huge difference,
is easy and cheap.


CAUTION.... plan it out first, and do not drill through the THUMB WARMER....

Bearbait summed it up with the Tundra, however the 440 is the next in "narrowest". Its also got the "old" design of sealed front, with telescopic skis. Goes over everything. It turns well, in tight places too.

Hupe - I like that idea, but for everyone, also make a note to JUST hold the rope, as when it gets going, you're going to be giving it EVEN more gas as you'll be standing still. Need to be able to let go.

I bring that up, cause I'd attach it around my wrist or something dumb like that and snap off the thumb throttle.