Hey everybody,

I am considering getting a new or newer sled and the Tundra 300 and 550s seem like the right idea. I am hoping for some inside experience and/or advice before I fork over my cash.

I have been riding my parents' Ovation 340 and Safari Scout 377 for years and the weight and power are OK, but I want something with electric start AND reverse. I don't really care for more top end speed at all but more low end grunt and flotation would be nice. I mostly go up to our cottage in the winter on rough trails that see no grooming and often no sled traffic at all for weeks so being able to break trail and not get stuck is a big priority. I sometimes have to 2 up and/or pull a sled to bring in stuff as we often camp out overnight.

I am wondering if the 300 (no longer made) is too small and underpowered for what I want. I have seen guys on here refer to it as a great kids sled. Two trappers with cabins up the lake have the 300s and they seem OK with them.

For 2010 they only make the Tundra in a 550. I am thinking it is too heavy, but most of my stuck problems could probably be fixed by having reverse so maybe weight isn't as much of an issue?

Even though the 300 is discontinued I can probably find a new or barely used 09 for a good price. Or should I look for a Backcountry 550? New Tundra 550 (I want the SPort or LT with the rack - any thoughts on these?).

I hate getting stuck and anything much heavier than the 2 sled I use now will be immovable.

300? 550? What to do?

-Josh
Post here or email me at home: discostu AT sympatico DOT ca

my brother has a 08 300 tundra nice machine for its purpose. most conditions it pulls 35 to 40 comfortably at 3/4 to 7/8 throttle. if your speeds are this or slower it is a great sled. it is a great sled for breaking trail and deep snow woods rideing. I have a 08 tundra lt 550 that will pull 45 to 55 at 3/4 to 7/8 throttle comfortably. It will pull alot better than the 300 it backs up better because of the articulating rear suspension. In my opinion and experiance my 550 lt will go through more snow than my brothers 300.

I have an '06 Tundra 300. I ride alone at 8000' and up in soft deep stuff. I rarely am on anything resembling a trail, much less grooming. I got it 'cause it's so light. I can get it unstuck by myself always. I find it perfect for my needs, which are utilitarian. It is NOT fast. I have very pleasantly low fuel consumption. I would buy another just like it if I found one.

I should know by the end of this winter whether an 07 300F with 48T bottom sprocket and 1 primary weight set or the 09 550LT with track strap adjusted to let the track drop more and stock gearing is better in the powder, wind slab, breakable crust, depth hoar, etc. I do know based on riding the 09 550 LT last year that the 07 300F is much easier to get unstuck (but only one ride and the strap on the 09 was in the stock position causing it to trench and it felt like an anchor when stuck) and the 300 is considerably more agile. But, I was very impressed with the smoothness of the 550F on the trail - very comfortable. You cannot call a "winner" until you get both side x side in several different snow conditions which it sounds like you have done but guess I'll have to see for myself in SW Colorado snow conditions. Of course the other big factor is the rider which sometimes makes it difficult to compare machines.

One thing about the RF chassis is that it turns better than the 2010 Tundras if they turn like the pre-06 Tundras. The 300F is unique in light weight and agility and the stock 07 (with lower gearing for me) or modified 06 (clutching, 48T bottom sprocket and 07 track) is a great machine if you are not interested in lots of speed and like simplicity and reliability. The 2010 front end is definitely better when nose diving into the powder (I agree with Lshobie on that point to some extent although feel the track is more important) but the rev skid plate mods should help with that as well as considerably less weight on the same size front skis.

The 09 550F LT Tundra is a unique machine -- probably a very nice compromise between trail and powder performance but probably not as much powder performance as the 2010 LT due to its wider ski stance and front end design.

Dan

I can hardley wait for your heads up comparision. I fully agree that the 300 is more nimble that the 550 lt. and yes i have had my lt stuck in a couple of 15 foot ravines with bottomless powder and it was a bear to get out. I started looking for a 300 tundra 07 and later in my area but havent been able to find one yet. My 550 lt is going to spend the winter at the lake so i need another sled at home for brakeing and packing trails to get my skandic wt into the bush to pull wood out. I think the rf 300 tundra may be the last single a guy can buy and i want one.