Argo Outfitter - Full aluminum cab

[@troykatwyk9919]

We here at Alumilite Armor would like to thank Carl for a fantastic video and for his input through out the design and fabrication process. We feel that we have designed a versatile, functioning, and tough hard cab that he and those that get one will enjoy for many years.

[@carlrichey1]

Thanks for your amazing work, Troy! I am really enjoying this cab and am hope you see strong interest and ongoing success with it. Well deserved!

[@louisbabycos106]

Make one lined with kevlar or ultra high density plastic weave . Some side skirts to protect the tracks and either plexiglass or transparent aluminum ceramic windows please .

[@бредлит]

👋👍👏

[@audreymeschkuleit3466]

Mine got stuck everywhere. Zero ground clearance. Nice cab but a useless contraption.

[@carlrichey1]

For what it’s worth, ODG has been around since 1962. If everyone had the same experience with their vehicles, I hardly think they would still be in business. Sorry yours didn’t work out for you though.

[@donaldmatthies6026]

Wow! Very nice setup! I'll have to look into something like that. Thank you for taking time to film, edit and post this video.

[@carlrichey1]

Thanks for the kind words! I’m glad you enjoyed seeing my setup!

[@westernskiesargollc1002]

Western Skies Argo would like to send out a heart felt thanks to Carl Richey for giving us the opportunity to be involved in such an amazing project and having the confidence in us to take this machine to another level. It is so true in the fact that "If you need to depend on your Argo, Depend on Western Skies Argo". Thanks Carl!

[@carlrichey1]

Loving your contribution on this Outfitter build, Chris! The webasto heater install is so clean and works flawlessly. Now if we could only get some more snow here in Utah we can see what this beast can do!

[@acourtneyification]

Awesome!!! Looks like a baby Sherp.

[@carlrichey1]

Haha, thanks! Those Sherps are beasts. Maybe someday!

[@criticalevent]

@@carlrichey1 Is that setup actually cheaper than a Sherp?

[@carlrichey1]

For sure. By about half I’d guess.

[@jjt1093]

pretty cool, looks like a land rover squished to fit the argo :)

[@carlrichey1]

Thanks! I will have to start calling it my 8 wheel drive rover. 😄

[@Slipryrok]

Gorgeous, nicely done. Some beaver dam tracks would be another level. Love it

[@carlrichey1]

Thank you very much! I'd really like to try some beaver dam tracks. If I ever get to where I want to float it with tracks on, I understand it's about the only way to go. The Argo rubber tracks are decent all purpose but I've really never tried anything else. Thanks for watching and your message!!

[@gf3803]

@@carlrichey1 when you say float it with tracks on, do you mean the regularly rubber tracks don't offer much propulsion in the water? Have you considered an electric motor or some other device by chance? Those beaver dam tracks look awesome but I wonder how much they would rip up a trail.

[@mikeeihusen5194]

I assumed he'd be super bad ass scary.. he's like, "Good Morning".... 😂

[@carlrichey1]

Haha this one made me laugh out loud. Thanks for commenting!!

[@josephphelps5696]

Nice outfit, my wife says , I can’t sell the house to buy one!😪😪😪. Do they all come with squeaky doors? Ha. Ha. (A one shot WD-40 !! ) Good job boys!!! Joe Bush Out! Hiding in northern Saskatchewan Canada!

[@carlrichey1]

Haha, thanks! I do need to squirt a little WD-40 on those hinges!

[@klaus-rogerbenuar3687]

DEAM , herzlichen Glückwunsch zu diesem Auto , super gemacht und vor allem der ist nicht zu groß das spart Maut und andere Gebühren die man mit einem der Riesen Wohnmobile einkalkulieren muss . Weiter so .. ich bin begeistert...... DEAM, поздравляю с этой машиной, она великолепна и, прежде всего, не слишком велика, что позволяет сэкономить на дорожных сборах и других сборах, которые необходимо учитывать при использовании одного из гигантских автодомов. Продолжай в том же духе... я в восторге DEAM, pozdravlyayu s etoy mashinoy, ona velikolepna i, prezhde vsego, ne slishkom velika, chto pozvolyayet sekonomit' na dorozhnykh sborakh i drugikh sborakh, kotoryye neobkhodimo uchityvat' pri ispol'zovanii odnogo iz gigantskikh avtodomov. Prodolzhay v tom zhe dukhe... ya v vostorge

[@carlrichey1]

Thank you!

[@jonx1313]

Great setup; I had a Webasco in my VW Iltis Type 183 Jeep

[@plaid13]

Those webasto heaters absolutely can be used while running. They are designed for it.

[@carlrichey1]

I am slowly getting more comfortable running the heat while rolling. I can sometimes tell it’s struggling when the trail gets rough. These Argos have zero suspension so hitting whoops or aggressive terrain can make for a rough ride. It’s a trade off for light weight and flotation. I don’t know if the webasto engineers considered those kinds of stresses so I play it safe. Thanks so much for your comment and for watching!

[@plaid13]

@@carlrichey1 They were designed to be used in commercial vehicles and equipment. if its doing weird stuff when bouncing around it might be a fuel feed issue depending on how it was installed. The gasoline ones are not as smooth running as the diesel versions but it should be fine. These things are made for boats and construction equipment that have no suspension. A argo bouncing along at 20mph will be fine as long as its installed correctly. Of course if there is any doubt in your mind just call webasto and ask them.

[@Zircon_215]

Hey, Carl, great videos … this one and the Aurora one I saw a couple of years ago. I’m up here in Canada … Newfoundland, actually. I have an Argo Avenger (2009) but thinking about getting a new Aurora. If I ordered one of those cabs, does it ship in pieces and how hard would it be to install it on the Aurora myself? Thanks again for the video!

[@KHATABYCH-c4u]

Золотые руки ! 👍👍👍

[@zrider3704]

Now that is so cool 😎😎🆒🆒

[@carlrichey1]

Thanks!

[@dvbulatov]

Очень хорошо сделанно.

[@louisbabycos106]

Line the cab with kevlar. Replace the windows with thick plexiglass.

[@carlrichey1]

Hehe that would definitely complete the tank persona!

[@doublestack8686]

Looks good

[@carlrichey1]

Thanks!

[@Keller615]

This thing is sweet. Can you get HVAC inside of it?

[@carlrichey1]

Thanks! You know, I’ve never heard of anyone trying to add A/C to one. Since we mainly just use it as a snowcat in the winter the webasto heater is all we need and even then it’s not super often. For more summer use I suspect we would pull all the windows and doors and just use the rest as a shade cover. Would be lighter for floating the lake that way too.

[@wendyharbon7290]

Can you buy an Argo with a similar front and rear enclosed cab, or is this custom order only? As could you install cab roof twin small size bar light units, plus front left and right turning signal light? With a rear bar large size light unit, plus rear left and right turning signal lights, as well as left and right medium size bar light units? Equally front left and rear right mounted, rotating flashing Amber light units and a public address megaphone speaker system too? Equally fitted to the roof of the front cab a 360-degree Turret dual Daylight and Infrared Digital Camera system, with cab display screen and hard drive unit too? As well as CB Radio system, Satellite Telephone modem system, lastly marine aviation radio and GPS unit too? Also this Aluminium Armour Cab having internal external ful body roll over safety cage, with rear roof rack and storage cage too? Along with this Aluminium Armour Cab, having both a diesel fuelled heating system, plus a separate air conditioning system too? Though inside this Aluminium Armour Cab, having a front bench seat with safety belts, plus two rear inward facing bench seats each with seat belts too. While the Aluminium Armour Cab opening windscreen, door windows and rear side windows, having protective guards and front and rear wipers / washer systems too. Lastly the argos fitted with front and rear wrap around bumpers, plus mounted onto front and rear bumpers pair of driving lights and a pair of fog lights, equally both breaking and reserving lights too? As well as remote controlled recovery winch (at the front) and towing hitch and electrics for a trailer (at the rear) too? Then supplied an Agro so fitted out, to the UK, for use on both UK roads and off road in all weathers too? Look forwards to any responsive too?

[@carlrichey1]

Wow, lots of questions. I’m not the manufacturer of the Argo or the cab so I’m not able to answer with authority. I can say that Alumilite Armor is able to do just about anything I’ve ever asked them to do so it might be worth checking with them. I think bolting that much onto a machine designed to be amphibious would certainly reduce or eliminate the ability to ford water.

[@2artactical55]

Will it still float and swim?

[@carlrichey1]

The XTI line isn’t especially good at the amphibious side to begin with so while it will float with the cab after removing doors and windows I would suggest the Aurora line and the Alumilite cab for it if you plan large water crossings. None of them do well on the water with the Argo rubber tracks but there are track systems that do well.

[@posdos6677]

if i live out there i would put bed in that thing for snow fishing and camping

[@carlrichey1]

That’s a really great idea! Overlanding extreme terrain. 😄

[@gf3803]

Wondering if the wife and I could sleep in that back cab if we rigged up a small mattress in there. Looks a bit tight, hard to tell, maybe that divider makes that a no go. Thoughts?

[@RoryV7]

All I can say is yes... I want one 😂😅 hahaha

[@crazyfoxxx]

THE doors upside are handy if you are too deep in the snow and cannot open the side doors.

[@carlrichey1]

Or.. escape hatch when sinking into the lake. Man I sure hope that doesn’t happen.. again…

[@donaldoyler2092]

That's cool

[@carlrichey1]

Thanks!

[@kevincampiou4056]

Kool ride man.lol

[@carlrichey1]

Thanks!

[@fretchenxxl3624]

Is it not to heavy for swimming?

[@SuperRogers2000]

I am curious if they have solved the problem of when operating in wet snow, after a turn the snow gets between wheel and track, does not squeeze out and causes a shaft to break. You also are stuck where ever this happened and have to get your machine back to fix it. It is a nightmare of time and money.

[@carlrichey1]

I’ve never broken an axle shaft. I did break a chain on an Aurora when a bearing bound up but the machine was still quite drivable once we pulled the chain. We always travel with 2 machines because anything can break or get stuck. Sounds like you had a bad day in the back country. I hope everyone got out ok!

[@weels1886]

$$$ how much $$$ ??

[@marioforget2773]

👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@carlrichey1]

Thanks for taking the time to give those thumbs up!! 😄

[@dennismiller6823]

That's good

[@carlrichey1]

Thanks!

[@Wildkat-1]

I hate cold weather.....!

[@Harikarikillboy-fs5vl]

That’s why I live in south Louisiana! But these tracked argos are amazing down here in the squish. Atv/utv are beast, no question, but the performance and usability of a tracked Argo type vehicle has no equals where flotation is key to either being supper or getting supper lol.

[@carlrichey1]

I just saw your comment - sorry for not acknowledging you sooner! One of my best friends lives in Thibodaux. Maybe one day we'll pull the machine out of the snow and go play in the "squish"!

[@foivosapostolos1211]

Very useful vehicl😊

[@carlrichey1]

Thanks 🙂

[@ultra9693]

I was in one of those and my ass and back said get the hell out of it.

[@carlrichey1]

Haha, they aren't known for their comfort, that's for sure. We lead through the deep stuff with the Argo and follow with a traditional SxS with tracks and more importantly, suspension. Thanks for your comment!

[@louisbabycos106]

Can you get a heater or ac for this ?

[@carlrichey1]

I showed the webasto heater setup. This one is air cooled so a traditional heat exchanger isn’t an option. We only use it in the winter so ac is just sliding a window or popping the windshield open when it gets too hot. 😄

[@Zzus321]

Aluminum and Steel don't like each other. How long will the cab last?

[@carlrichey1]

That’s a good observation. The aluminum is isolated from the steel. I think it will last a very long time.

[@troykatwyk9919]

With the steel metal tube frame on the conquest being powder coated and the aluminum mounting plates also being powder coated, they are not in direct contact with each other. This will greatly reduce any galvanic corrosion that may result from them being in direct contact with each other.

[@Vandrock]

Does it come without the cab divider.

[@carlrichey1]

It doesn’t. I suspect Alumilite could make one with a much larger opening and skip the window tho. He designed it this way because a lot of people will just want the front cab.

[@showaltermicro]

super bad ass

[@carlrichey1]

Thanks!

[@chadwedul1787]

Is there an electric version coming?

[@carlrichey1]

One became available this year. Search for Argo Atlas EV. A quiet version of this beast would be welcome, but man range anxiety takes on new meaning where they can go. 😄

[@gf3803]

@@carlrichey1 I've seen that Atlas has been around for a bit, even had it listed on the Argo website. But I could only find one tiny video of anybody with one and it almost seemed like it was just a pamphlet product to tout "we do electric!" Still has chains unfortunately. If it were a real electric with at least four electric motors the chains could be dispensed with making maintenance much easier and I imagine control would be increased. Would love to see a real electric version but even better would be a PHEV model where you could choose between electric or gas to get rid of that range anxiety.

[@g4do]

I wwwooonderrrr 🤔 can you fit a LS in it ? Nice n/a V8 power...

[@carlrichey1]

That would be quite the trick. The V Twin that it comes with fills the space pretty well. More horsepower is always welcome but don’t forget this thing is supposed to float so weight is key. If you wanted something just for power, a V8 in a bombi makes the most sense. Some fun videos about that out there! 😀

[@frozencanuck6764]

We used to use Argos back in the day working up north...but they were famous for breaking down and leaving guys stranded in the bush. Perhaps newer machines are better..no idea cause we quit using them due to reliability issues.

[@carlrichey1]

I think they have gotten better, but they need different kinds of maintenance than folks are used to. All those drive chains and bearings, and brakes... You can't treat it like a 4 wheel drive because it's double the components. I went to this Outfitter version which is built for heavier duty cycles and so far so good. The Aurora's I had before were also solid, but I did have to replace a couple of bearings and had a broken chain. Any machine can break down - we never travel with less than 2 machines. Thanks for sharing!

[@gf3803]

​@@carlrichey1 this is what I wanted to hear. My wife and I live off grid and bought an Aurora as our daily driver for the mile commute to our homestead from the nearest dirt road. We knew we had to lube the chains every ten hours and grumbled through doing that, but we had no idea about the need to grease the bearings and the multiple and hard to get to zircs. So we've replaced a bunch of bearings. Now we're looking at a Conquest to cut that maintenance down and to get sealed bearings. How often do you have to do regular maintenance on yours? We also noticed newer models have FINALLY gotten a system to make greasing bearings easier although not sure if the system greases all the bearings or just some. Having to go zirc hunting every 150 hours is doable, but that every 25 hours is just too much for such a job in my mind.

[@dennismiller6823]

Is it still amphibious with the cab

[@carlrichey1]

It is still amphibious but the cab does weigh about 300 lbs so your capacity is impacted significantly. I wouldn’t hesitate to cross a river or small pond but I think I’d pull the doors and windshield before I’d go fishing in a big lake. Most of the weight is in the glass so pulling doors and windshield lightens it up considerably. I’ve found that most any cab, even the Argo soft cabs kind of act like a sail which can make for an unnerving boat ride.

[@robertcallahan4065]

No taillights???

[@carlrichey1]

Argos don’t come with tail lights as they aren’t intended to be road legal. It wouldn’t be hard to add them.

[@inseiin]

8x8 G wagon :D

[@carlrichey1]

Maybe not quite as posh inside but tough enough for the moniker!

[@inseiin]

The back of it instantly reminded me of a G wagon :D@@carlrichey1

[@timpottenburgh5407]

How much would this hole outfit cost?

[@carlrichey1]

This is not a budget setup. I don’t know where Alumilite has landed on cab cost but the Outfitter and tracks alone gets you right close to $50k. I think you’d be north of $60k.

[@timpottenburgh5407]

@@carlrichey1 I've got that into my side by side...and I would rather have your exact setup! Beautiful machine bud👍

[@carlrichey1]

I’m sure your machine is a beast with that much into it! I guess I’m old but I remember houses costing as much as these things do now! I guess you gotta pay to play. Thanks for your comments!

[@powderriver2424]

​@@carlrichey1 Yes you are correct I bought my first house for $50K my pickup cost me $40K. It is very hard to reconcile that, but outfitting or trying to get into the back country requires specialty vehicles and that is not cheap.

[@maxsparks5183]

So how many hundred thousand is that toy?

[@carlrichey1]

It sure seems like everything costs crazy money these days, doesn’t it! The Outfitter runs about $42k which is up 10% over what I paid last year. Cab and tracks and whatnot would bring the machine into the high to mid 50’s so it’s not unlike other build side by sides, which is to say it’s more than it used to be!

[@charleskahl4494]

REMOVE THE CAB WALL MAKE IT 1 Area,ill buy one

[@blackkotenok]

0:16 Huemorgen

[@carlrichey1]

Hey thanks! Nobody else has said good morning back. 😄

[@blackkotenok]

​@@carlrichey1 Huemorgen in Russian sounds like "dick morning". Peculiarities of perception. Do not pay attention. :)

[@Mr880881]

So are you planning to take that off groomed and plowed trailers one day ?

[@carlrichey1]

We had a weak sauce start to the snow year when I recorded this. I didn’t make the video to show the vehicle capabilities as I was focused on the cab design for my friends at Alumilite. I have recorded some other videos in more difficult terrain. If I get the chance I will try to show better what they can do. They are loud, they are slow, they are uncomfortable…. But they will get you almost anywhere when equipped properly.

[@RandyBeretta-db5bg]

✳️⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐✳️👍

[@mortennefer2850]

Aluminium

[@carlrichey1]

Hehe ok. ‘Merican made sooo…. 😄

[@jeffhiatt4000]

You can have all the bells and whistles on That Argo, but you get caughtin 2 and a 1/2 to 3 feet of snow with those cheapargo tracks. And you're gonna spend a lot of time trying to get that thing unstuck. You better spend another Four thousand doll😂ars and by the Adair tracks. I enjoy Argo, but not when you get stuck.

[@carlrichey1]

All I’ve ever used is the Argo rubber tracks. I’ve never tried Adair or beaver dam tracks but I know folks swear by them. I know the Argo plastic “super” tracks are terrible but I’ve had really good luck with the rubber tracks. The Argo leads the pack in deep powder and all my other side by sides on camso tracks follow behind, or they would for sure get stuck in the stuff we float over in the Argo.

[@gf3803]

@@carlrichey1 we've had the rubber tracks on our Aurora for the past several years in snow country and we've not had a problem either.

[@leecowell8165]

Hopefully this guy is diesel powered, correct? I couldn't tell with that stupid music running through the entire time it was moving. LOT more economical with diesel plus a LOT more BTU per ounce of fuel burned plus you can idle a diesel forever (not so as a gasser). I wouldn't own a gas powered anything in that kinda weather.

[@carlrichey1]

It’s gasoline. Weight is important since the vehicle is amphibious. Even so, I think a diesel version would be cool even with the challenges keeping the fuel flowing in the cold.

[@бредлит]

👋👍👏

[@carlrichey1]

Thanks!!

[@ВасяКотов-х3в]

А зачем он нужен, если ездит только там, где может проехать автомобиль на моно приводе?

[@carlrichey1]

This video was more about the aluminum cab, not so much the capabilities of the Argo. The 8x8 is super capable. Here is another short video I made a few years ago after a trip into some pretty soft conditions that show a little better what they can do. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hanLfaGHlreLoJo

[@nayanjittilak2584]

Diese musik ist typisch Amerikaner "stuff" haha😅

[@S.V.TeFiti]

its only 75k

[@carlrichey1]

Canadian dollar? Machine and cab would be closer to 50k US, which is still expensive but not 75k.

[@S.V.TeFiti]

50k for basic model @@carlrichey1

[@carlrichey1]

The base model Argo frontier 6x6 is $13k USD. The base Argo frontier 8x8 is $16k. The Argo in the video is the Outfitter which is $43k. Obviously the cab and other modifications I’ve made rise above that but I sure didn’t spend $75k.

[@S.V.TeFiti]

48k for the top model with no top like this, so Imagine all the extras added on easy can total up to the price of 75k after taxes and delivery.@@carlrichey1

[@MrSalty-eg4zb]

The music too much rather hear that thing running then crappie music

[@carlrichey1]

The drone didn’t pick up any audio so I filled the silence but maybe should have just left it alone. Thanks for your feedback.

[@darrellroeters4951]

Chain drives are noisy

[@carlrichey1]

They are indeed. We definitely wear earplugs in the Argo. Air cooled engine and a bunch of chains. 😄

[@JohnSchiavoneJrBSEERN]

Nice scenery, nice Argo, useless music

[@iSheaMan]

bad audio!

[@carlrichey1]

Sorry about that! I don’t do this professionally.

[@ИльяКузнецов-ч4ж]

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