MH I think thats a fine Idea! Infact I have had similar thoughts rolling around in my head for my 900. It would be a lot less labor and should be way more affordable for the average guy.
NEW TUNNEL CONCEPT FOR THE 2007 -2010 RMK'S w/pics... WHAT DO YOU THINK?
- Thread starter mountainhorse
- Start date
Yes!!!!
KREG LETS DO IT, lol
i would be in for 2 set for sure...
MH..that doe look incrediable..very nice..i wish
KREG LETS DO IT, lol
i would be in for 2 set for sure...MH..that doe look incrediable..very nice..i wish
N
I would definitely be game for one if it fit the 900's! If Sean is getting one I have to too! Can't let you out do me on everything can I lol
-Nolan
-Nolan
H
Use a U-cooler to eliminate the runningboard and rear coolers...then we could use it right?
Have been considering a VE-tunnel for my IQR mountain build,....i would buy one for my IQR
This would be only for the RAW RMK'S... The other sleds would be better off with a full tunnel ... The RAW RMK's are unique in their fully extruded, structural tunnel roof with integrated coolers and no running board edge coolers. The IQR's dont have the roof of the tunnel going aft at length nor do they have the needed cooler length for a long track. In this case... IMO... you would be better off with a new tunnel as well... at least for this kind of concept.
For a complete, new, full-tunnel, with the labor involved to strip a stock sled down to the bare bulkhead....compared to this concept with only minor removals (heck... the track, drivetrain, fuel tank, stock tunnel etc stay in place) there is no comparison in the effort involved in contrast to a full tunnel replacement.
Good point, if it became an issue... simple 1/8" HDPE shields could back up the cut-outs and give a great contrasting look.
The price of full VE Boondocker Tunnel is $1900 - $2350, to your door... I don't see your Price point, Half of the cost of full tunnel, being a major issue. This would of course have to be worked out by Mike and make sense in his business model.
This would be only for the RAW Chassis RMK's from 2007 - 2009.... NO other models or brands are in the works...That being said, the XP... with its integrated tunnel/bulkhead and built in cooler might be a cantidate as well
Price is everyones concern these days... which is good. With full replacement BD tunnels at around $2000 plus $500 - $1000 for install... (12 - 14 hrs + for the average Joe in his garage) this becomes attractive. I think that the price on this would be "north" of $500 though.
This concept is still a major portion of the fab involved in a full BD tunnel... Much more so than a set of running boards and edges. With a good set of snow shedding running boards at around $200 these days... this is a pretty good option IMO.
A bolt on bumper/tunnel close-off/flap hanger is already part of the concept outlined in the first post.
At that point... better to go to a full replacement tunnel. Pre RAW tunnels (includes 05/06 IQ-RMK's) are a completley different design and this would not be cost effective on those models.
MH.. where do i sign up for one..
C
I think this is a great idea. Hopefully it works out, and will be available for the Doo's as well.
I Want one of these! I would buy one in a heartbeat if Mike makes them. I'd preorder one whatever it takes to get one. I think the main reason guys don't go with aftermarket tunnels is the work it takes to do it. This kit will eliminate all the work and give you that awesome Van Amburg look!
Rett
Rett
S
Looks great. This would be much easier than replacing the whole tunnel, and get the benny's of the BD tunnel. Pricing is gonna be the key thing here. Keep it in that $700'ish price range, and sign me up.
S
i like it, ive always wanted the VE tunnel but not wanted to take my whole sled apart.
I like your design but i think it needs to be like the signature boondocker tunnel and have the arced rear like the assault
I like your design but i think it needs to be like the signature boondocker tunnel and have the arced rear like the assault
Nice... I agree that the full VE boondocker replacement tunnels are sweet... Though with this application... not enough support from the factory tunnel roof/cooler extrusion which is retained for this concept.
...Too thin at the rear section. The stock cooler/tunnel roof extends down about 2" on its own which adds cross section to this area and is not super rigid compared to a full blown Boondocker.
The Assault shown above has a "kick up" built into the tunnel... not possible with this concept, only with a full $2000 tunnel.
Are you going to plunk down some cash on a tunnel mod this year?
I think that this design gives a Fresh look...but still keeps the signature Boondocker "feel" to the tunnel.
This design would have more strength to the rear, using the stock tunnel roof and sides.
It also seperates the "add on" kits from the full blown tunnel kits
...Too thin at the rear section. The stock cooler/tunnel roof extends down about 2" on its own which adds cross section to this area and is not super rigid compared to a full blown Boondocker.
The Assault shown above has a "kick up" built into the tunnel... not possible with this concept, only with a full $2000 tunnel.
Are you going to plunk down some cash on a tunnel mod this year?
I think that this design gives a Fresh look...but still keeps the signature Boondocker "feel" to the tunnel.
This design would have more strength to the rear, using the stock tunnel roof and sides.
It also seperates the "add on" kits from the full blown tunnel kits
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S
at first glance i was thinking that the extra bracing is because the boondocker shape probably wasnt strong enough
P
looks good. I'm considering a D8 for my next sled, and if the kit is priced within reach, I'd be interested.
I did a similar looking mod to the tail of my M7s last fall, and it made a nice difference in the riding.
I did a similar looking mod to the tail of my M7s last fall, and it made a nice difference in the riding.
W
I'm waiting......
I need better board anyway, this would be that would make it that much better.
Style and function. Keep us posted.
I need better board anyway, this would be that would make it that much better.
Style and function. Keep us posted.
Very Sharp!!!
I'm with AKSNOWRIDER on elevating the forward brace so it follows the line of the tunnel's upper edge. The additional weight would be maybe a pound. Not significant to me.
I'm looking to buy an 09/10 poo this year. This is a mod I would do depending on cost.
What about a "core charge" type of arrangement. Swapping a stock tunnel for a VE mod?
I'm with AKSNOWRIDER on elevating the forward brace so it follows the line of the tunnel's upper edge. The additional weight would be maybe a pound. Not significant to me.
I'm looking to buy an 09/10 poo this year. This is a mod I would do depending on cost.
What about a "core charge" type of arrangement. Swapping a stock tunnel for a VE mod?
C'mon... are you serious?... did you read the entire description.??
YOUR STOCK TUNNEL DOES NOT COME OFF FOR THIS CONCEPT.
If you were pulling the entire tunnel... A full replacement tunnel/cooler is the way to go.
C
i would buy that in a heart beat if that comes out into production.
my question is, im ordering the VE wider running board kit, once that is installed will the other parts work with the board kit?
my question is, im ordering the VE wider running board kit, once that is installed will the other parts work with the board kit?
???
Sorry if I missed it but have you came up with a "test" price???
I've been noticing that people with other sleds, even other brands, have been asking about this mod,,,,,,,,,,,,, that's huge dude,,, good job!
Sorry if I missed it but have you came up with a "test" price???
I've been noticing that people with other sleds, even other brands, have been asking about this mod,,,,,,,,,,,,, that's huge dude,,, good job!
P
MH, the "concept" mod tunnel is an awesome idea. I like the version you drew up in paint. A full replacement tunnel is an expensive and labor intensive project to undertake. This cheaper easier version with most of the benefits will easily be appealing to a much broader spectrum of riders.
