BOSSCO TGS 1100 Operating instructions

PUSHING THE EDGE TGS10987-1
BOSS PRODUCTS
A Division of Northern Star Industries, Inc.
P.O. Box 787 Iron Mountain MI 49801-0787
www.bossplow.com
TGS 1100 & TGS 600
TAILGATE SPREADER
INSTALLATION & OWNER’S MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WARNINGS & CAUTIONS............................................................................................................ 2
INTRODUCTIONS ........................................................................................................................ 4
SLIDE-IN & RT3 ATTACHMENT WIRING INSTALLATION PROCEDURE................................. 6
SLIDE-IN ATTACHMENT INSTALLATION PROCEDURE........................................................... 9
SLIDE-IN ATTACHMENT MOUNTING PROCEDURE................................................................. 10
SLIDE-IN ATTACHMENT REMOVAL PROCEDURE................................................................... 11
RT3 ATTACHMENT INSTALLATION PROCEDURE ................................................................... 12
RT3 ATTACHMENT MOUNTING PROCEDURE ......................................................................... 13
TAILGATE SPREADER ASSEMBLY DRAWING AND PARTS LIST........................................... 14
RT3 ATTACHMENT REMOVAL PROCEDURE ........................................................................... 17
MATERIAL LOADING PROCEDURE ........................................................................................... 18
IN-CAB CONTROLLER INSTALLATION PROCEDURE.............................................................. 19
IN-CAB CONTROLLER OPERATION .......................................................................................... 20
DEFLECTOR ADJUSTMENT ....................................................................................................... 21
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE...................................................................................................... 22
RECOMMENDED BOLT TORQUE .............................................................................................. 23
WARRANTY.................................................................................................................................. 24
BOSS Products / Northern Star Industries, Inc. reserves the right under its continuous product improvement policy to change construction or
design details and furnish equipment when so altered without reference to illustrations or specifications used herein.
Patents Pending

2
Serious injury or death can result if you do not follow these instructions and procedures which are
outlined further within your owner’s manual.
Many newer trucks are equipped with air bags. DO NOT under any circumstances
disable or remove or relocate any sensors or other components related to the operation
of the air bags.
Overloading could result in an accident or damage. Never exceed the vehicle’s Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating or the Front or Rear Gross Axle Weight Ratings.
TGS 1100 Spreaders with Slide-In or RT3 Attachments MUST ONLY be used with a
minimum Class IV Receiver Hitch. TGS 600 Spreaders with Slide-In or RT3 Attachments
MUST ONLY be used with a minimum Class III Receiver Hitch. DO NOT exceed the
Vehicle Hitch Rating.
This spreader is restricted to the use of salt only. Never run other materials through the
spreader.
Maximum weight of salt that can be loaded into the TGS 1100 spreader is 800 pounds.
Maximum weight of salt that can be loaded into the TGS 600 spreader is 400 pounds.
Never exceed this weight.
DO NOT attempt to mount or remove the spreader with material in it.
Turn spreader off before filling, mounting, removing, servicing, or cleaning.
DO NOT operate spreader within 25 feet of bystanders.
DO NOT climb into or ride on spreader.
Keep hands, feet, and clothing away from moving parts and mounting points.
Spreader must be mounted to vehicle when loading material.
The Slide-In Attachment must be fully engaged and pinned into the vehicle 2” Receiver
Hitch.

3
Serious injury or death can result if you do not follow these instructions and procedures which are
outlined further within your owner’s manual.
The upper and lower pins of the RT3 Attachment must be fully engaged and the slide-in
hook must be fully engaged and pinned into the vehicle 2” Receiver Hitch.
Ratchet Straps must be installed and properly tightened with the Slide-In and RT3
Attachment.
Read owner’s manual before operating or servicing spreader.
DO NOT store material in hopper.

4
A REVOLUTION AGAINST SNOW
Congratulations on purchasing the finest tailgate spreader made! The BOSS sets the
standard for quality, reliability, craftsmanship, and performance. Our products are
designed, built, and proven in Michigan’s rugged Upper Peninsula, where winter is a
way of life. And we back it all up with exceptional customer service and satisfaction.
We’re not just setting the standard. We’re leading the way.
The BOSS TAILGATE SPREADER has been carefully designed and built for years of
carefree performance. With its simple attaching system, the BOSS Tailgate Spreader
can be attached or removed in seconds.
To keep your BOSS TAILGATE SPREADER in top shape, take a few minutes to study
this manual. It will show you how to use and service the BOSS Tailgate Spreader,
familiarize you with all of its parts, and give you helpful tips on spreading salt.
If you have further questions or concerns please contact your local BOSS DEALER.

5

Slide-In & RT3 Attachment Wiring Installation Procedure
6
Slide-In & RT3 Attachment
Wiring Installation
Procedure
Before starting any Electrical Wiring Procedure
make sure that the engine is not running and that
the engine has had sufficient time to cool down.
Failure to do so may result in serious bodily injury
or death.
Before starting any Electrical Wiring Procedure
make sure to disconnect the battery. Failure to
do so may result in serious bodily injury or
death.
Note: This Wiring Installation Procedure is
intended for use with the Slide-In
Attachment (TGS10950) and the RT3
Attachment (TGS10945) for TGS 600 and
TGS 1100 spreaders.
1. Refer to Figure 1. Begin at the rear of
the vehicle. Secure the Molded
Connector #2 near the center of the rear
bumper using Cable Ties (MSC04088).
2. Route the harness along the driver side
frame rail and into the engine
compartment. Keep harness away from
hot or moving parts. Secure using Cable
Ties (MSC04088).
3. Feed the 4-pin connector (Male
Connector #1) through the firewall, into
the cab, and to a location near the
spreader control.
4. Secure using Cable Ties (MSC04088).
5. Connect the ring connector on the
BLACK WIRE to the NEGATIVE battery
terminal.
6. Connect the ring connector on the RED
WIRE to the POSITIVE battery terminal.
7. Wrap all excess wire and secure in the
engine compartment.
8. Secure all wiring to the frame and inside
of the cab using Cable Ties (MSC04088)

Slide-In & RT3 Attachment Wiring Installation Procedure
7
Figure 1. Vehicle Side Harness Diagram (TGS06085) G10673

Slide-In & RT3 Attachment Wiring Installation Procedure
8
Figure 2. Spreader Side Harness Diagram (TGS06084) G10674

Slide-In Attachment Installation Procedure
9
Slide-In Attachment
Installation Procedure
ITEM #
QTY.
PART #
DESCRIPTION
1
1
TGS06051
SLIDE-IN ATTACHMENT
2
1
TGS06254
SPINNER PROTECTOR
3
1
TGS10981
DRIVER SIDE STABILIZER ARM
4
1
TGS10976
PASSENGER SIDE STABILIZER ARM
5
2
TGS10986
RATCHET STRAP
6
1
HDW06291
5/8” X 2-1/2” CLEVIS PIN
7
1
HDW05544
#16 COTTER HAIRPIN
8
8
HDW05853
3/8”-16 X 1” ST-ST HEX HEAD BOLT
9
6
HDW01728
½”-13 X 1-1/2” HEX HEAD BOLT
10
8
HDW05854
3/8”-16 ST-ST NYLON LOCK NUT
11
6
HDW01748
½”-13 NYLON LOCK NUT
12
2
HDW10982
½” FENDER WASHER
Note: This Installation Procedure covers
the Slide-In Attachment (TGS10950) for
TGS 600 and TGS 1100 spreaders.
1. Refer to Figure 3. Mount Slide-In
Attachment (1) to Spreader using four
½”-13 X 1-1/2” Hex Head Bolts (9), four
½”-13 Nylon Lock Nuts (11), one 5/8” X
2-1/2” Clevis Pin (6), and one #16 Cotter
Hairpin (7).
2. Mount Spinner Protector (2) using
existing 3/8”-16 X 1” Hex Head Bolts and
3/8”-16 Nylon Lock Nuts as shown in
Figure 3.
Figure 3. Slide-In Attachment Installation Procedure G10385

Slide-In Attachment Mounting Procedure
10
Slide-In Attachment
Mounting Procedure
In order to prevent injury or damage to the
product, the spreader must be completely empty
when attaching or detaching it from the vehicle.
1. The In-Cab Controller must be turned
OFF before proceeding. Back the truck
into position.
2. Refer to Figure 4. Insert the spreader’s
Standard Hitch into the 2” Receiver Hitch
on the vehicle and line up the second
hole.
3. Pin Spreader using provided Hitch Pin
and Cotter Hairpin.
4. Assemble Driver Side Stabilizer Arm (3)
using four 3/8”-16 X 1” Hex Head Bolts
(8) and four 3/8”-16 Nylon Lock Nuts
(10). Repeat for Passenger Side
Stabilizer Arm (4).
5. Attach Ratchet Strap (5) to outside of the
upper hole of spreader frame using the
“D” ring end of Ratchet Strap (5). Secure
using one ½”-13 X 1-½” Hex Head Bolt
(9), one ½”-13 Nylon Lock Nut (11), and
one ½” Fender Washer (12). Repeat on
opposite side of spreader.
Note: The previous two steps are only
required for new installations. Stabilizer
Arms and Ratchet Straps will remain bolted
to the spreader.
6. Tighten both Driver Side and Passenger
Side Stabilizer Arms by rotating pad until
tight. Tighten the Jam Nut to secure.
7. Slide the hook end of Ratchet Strap (5)
between the bumper and tailgate of the
truck. Secure to a solid point on the truck
frame rail (this may require drilling a hole
for attachment on the truck frame).
Repeat for second Ratchet Strap (5).
8. Plug Spreader Side Harness into Vehicle
Side Harness.
Figure 4. Slide-In Attachment Mounting Procedure G10387
“NOTICE”
Always check clearance between vehicle bumper
and spreader when attached. If spreader
contacts bumper, use first attachment hole to
move spreader away from vehicle.

Slide-In Attachment Removal Procedure
11
Slide-In Attachment
Removal Procedure
1. The In-Cab Controller must be turned
OFF before proceeding. Back the truck
into position.
2. Refer to Figure 5. Unplug Spreader Side
Harness from Vehicle Side Harness and
install both the vehicle and spreader side
weather caps.
3. Loosen Ratchet Straps (5).
4. Loosen Stabilizer Arms (3) & (4).
5. Remove Cotter Hairpin and Hitch Pin
from vehicle.
6. Slide spreader out of 2” Receiver Hitch.
7. Move spreader to storage area.
Figure 5. Slide-In Attachment Removal Procedure G10477

RT3 Attachment Installation Procedure
12
RT3 Attachment
Installation Procedure
ITEM #
QTY.
PART #
DESCRIPTION
1
1
TGS10915
RT3 ATTACHMENT
2
1
TGS10900
LEG ASSEMBLY
3
1
TGS10981
DRIVER SIDE STABILIZER ARM
4
1
TGS10976
PASSENGER SIDE STABILIZER ARM
5
2
TGS10986
RATCHET STRAP
6
1
HDW06291
5/8” X 2-1/2” CLEVIS PIN
7
1
HDW05544
#16 COTTER HAIRPIN
8
8
HDW05853
3/8”-16 X 1” ST-ST HEX HEAD BOLT
9
6
HDW01728
½”-13 X 1-1/2” HEX HEAD BOLT
10
8
HDW05854
3/8”-16 ST-ST NYLON LOCK NUT
11
6
HDW01748
½”-13 NYLON LOCK NUT
12
2
HDW10982
½” FENDER WASHER
Note: This Installation Procedure covers
the RT3 Attachment (TGS10955) for TGS
600 and TGS 1100 spreaders.
1. Refer to Figure 6. Mount RT3
Attachment (1) to Spreader using four
½”-13 X 1-1/2” Hex Head Bolts (9), four
½”-13 Nylon Lock Nuts (11), one 5/8” X
2-1/2” Clevis Pin (6), and one #16 Cotter
Hairpin (7).
2. Mount Leg Assembly (2) to bottom of
Spreader using four existing 3/8”-16 X 1”
Hex Head Bolts and four existing 3/8”-16
Nylon Lock Nuts.
Figure 6. RT3 Attachment Installation Procedure G10386

RT3 Attachment Mounting Procedure
13
RT3 Attachment
Mounting Procedure
In order to prevent injury or damage to the
product, the spreader must be completely empty
when attaching or detaching it from the vehicle.
Keep hands, feet, and clothing away from
attachment points.
1. Insert RT3 Attachment Hook into 2”
Receiver Hitch, refer to Figure 7.
2. Line up second hole on RT3 Attachment
Hook with hole in 2” Receiver Hitch and
pin using provided Hitch Pin and Cotter
Hairpin.
Figure 7. RT3 Attachment Hook G10388
3. The In-Cab Controller must be turned
OFF before proceeding. Back the truck
into position.
4. Rotate attachment lever counter-
clockwise to the “ON” position, refer to
Figure 8.
Figure 8. Lever Rotation G10389
5. Grip Spreader firmly, step on Leg
Assembly, and rotate back until Bottom
Pin is high enough to clear RT3
Attachment Hook Jaw, refer to Figure 9.
6. Push Spreader forward and seat Lower
Pin in Jaw of RT3 Attachment Hook.
7. Rotate Spreader upward until RT3
Upper Pin locks into place.
The Upper Pin must fully engage the top hole on
the RT3 Attachment and the safety latch must
be down. Failure to do so may result in
personal injury or property damage.
“NOTICE”
Always check clearance between vehicle bumper
and spreader when attached. If spreader
contacts bumper, use first attachment hole to
move spreader away from vehicle.

14
(POSTER PAGE)

15
(POSTER PAGE)

RT3 Attachment Mounting Procedure
16
Figure 9. RT3 Attachment Mounting Procedure G10390
8. Assemble Driver Side Stabilizer Arm (3)
using four 3/8”-16 X 1” Hex Head Bolts
(8) and four 3/8”-16 Nylon Lock Nuts
(10). Repeat for Passenger Side
Stabilizer Arm (4).
9. Attach Ratchet Strap (5) to outside of the
upper hole of spreader frame using the
“D” ring end of Ratchet Strap (5). Secure
using one ½”-13 X 1-½” Hex Head Bolt
(9), one ½”-13 Nylon Lock Nut (11), and
one ½” Fender Washer (12). Repeat on
opposite side of spreader.
Note: The previous two steps are only
required for new installations. Stabilizer
Arms and Ratchet Straps will remain bolted
to the spreader.
10. Tighten both Driver Side and Passenger
Side Stabilizer Arms by rotating pad until
tight. Tighten the Jam Nut to secure.
11. Slide the hook end of Ratchet Strap (5)
between the bumper and tailgate of the
truck. Secure to a solid point on the truck
frame rail (this may require drilling a hole
for attachment on the truck frame).
Repeat for second Ratchet Strap (5).
12. Plug Spreader Side Harness into Vehicle
Side Harness.
Figure 10. Stabilizer Arm Adjustment G10392

RT3 Attachment Removal Procedure
17
RT3 Attachment
Removal Procedure
In order to prevent injury or damage to the
product, the spreader must be completely empty
when attaching or detaching it from the vehicle.
Keep hands, feet, and clothing away from
attachment points.
1. The In-Cab Controller must be turned
OFF before proceeding. Back the truck
into position.
2. Loosen Ratchet Straps (5).
3. Loosen Stabilizer Arms (3) & (4).
4. Unplug Spreader Side Harness from
Vehicle Side Harness and install both
the vehicle and spreader side weather
caps.
5. Rotate the release lever clockwise to the
“OFF” position, refer to Figure 11.
Figure 11. Lever Rotation G10393
6. Push forward on the spreader to release
the Upper Pin.
7. Rotate spreader to ground.
8. Grip spreader firmly, step on Leg
Assembly and rotate spreader off Lower
Pin, refer to Figure 12.
9. Roll spreader to storage area.
Figure 12. RT3 Attachment Removal Procedure G10394

Power Attachment Mounting Procedure
18

Material Loading Procedure
19
Material Loading
Procedure
This spreader is restricted to the use of dry salt
only. Never run other materials through the
spreader.
The spreader must be mounted to the vehicle
before loading. Never attempt to mount a
spreader with material in the hopper.
1. The spreader must be mounted to the
vehicle before loading. Never attempt to
mount a spreader with salt in the hopper.
2. Refer to Figure 13. If using bagged salt,
place bag onto Top Screen Bag Splitter.
Work bag back and forth on teeth of
splitter until the bag has split open.
Continue to manipulate and shake bag
until empty.
3. If using dry bulk salt, load the dry salt
with the Top Screen installed. This will
prevent large, impassable, chunks of salt
or other materials from becoming
clogged in the spreader auger or spout.
Figure 13.G10480
Failure to use top screen may result in personal
injury or property damage.

In-Cab Controller Installation Procedure
20
In-Cab Controller
Installation Procedure
1. Mount In-Cab Controller (TGS05811) to
an easily accessible position in the cab.
Begin by removing the pre-assembled
bracket from the controller.
2. The controller can be mounted either
above or below the mounting bracket,
refer to Figure 14. Choose the best
position that will not interfere with
operation of the vehicle or visibility. DO
NOT mount in a location that an
occupant could contact during a crash.
3. Mount the bracket using two supplied
Sheet Metal Screws (HDW05953).
4. Re-assemble the controller into the
mounting bracket with the supplied
hardware.
Figure 14.In-Cab Controller Installation Procedure G10290