If you're out there scouting for a new tailgate spreader before the first big storm hits, you've probably noticed that the boss tgs 800 price can swing quite a bit depending on who you're talking to. It isn't like buying a pair of headphones where the price is the same on every website. With heavy-duty equipment like this, you're looking at a mix of MSRP, dealer markups, shipping fees, and whether or not you need the shop to actually bolt the thing onto your truck.
Generally speaking, if you're looking for a brand-new Boss TGS 800, you should expect to land somewhere in the ballpark of $1,900 to $2,500. I know, that's a decent spread, but there are a few reasons for that gap. Some dealers might include the truck-side wiring kit in that price, while others might list the spreader unit alone and then hit you with the "extras" later. It's always worth asking exactly what's included in the quote before you pull out the credit card.
Why the Price Varies So Much
One of the biggest factors that dictates what you'll pay is your location. If you're in a region that gets slammed with snow every winter, dealers usually have these in stock, but the demand is sky-high. Conversely, if you're buying in the off-season, you might find a deal, though Boss isn't exactly known for having "clearance sales." They know their gear is top-tier, and the pricing stays pretty firm.
Another thing to keep in mind is the shipping. These things aren't light. Shipping an 8-cubic-foot poly hopper across the country isn't cheap. If you're buying online, a "low" price might quickly get inflated by a $300 freight charge. That's why a lot of guys prefer to drive an hour or two to a local dealer and just slide it into the back of the truck themselves.
New vs. Used: Is it Worth Saving a Few Bucks?
When you see a used boss tgs 800 price on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, it's usually tempting. You might see them listed for $800 to $1,200. It sounds like a steal, right? Well, maybe.
The thing about salt spreaders is that they live a very hard life. Salt is literally designed to eat metal. When you buy used, you've got to check the motor and the spinner plate very closely. If the previous owner didn't wash it down after every storm, you might be buying a shiny plastic hopper with a motor that's about to seize up. If you have to spend $400 on a new motor and another $100 on a controller, you've basically reached the price of a new one but without the warranty.
If you do go the used route, bring a battery with you. Hook it up and make sure that motor hums without sounding like a coffee grinder full of rocks.
What Are You Actually Getting for the Money?
You might be wondering why you're paying over two grand for what looks like a big plastic bucket. It's a fair question. But the TGS 800 is kind of the "goldilocks" of the Boss lineup. It's big enough to handle serious parking lots—holding about 780 lbs of salt—but it's not so massive that it makes your 3/4-ton truck feel like it's going to wheelie down the road.
The price includes the variable speed controller, which is a huge deal. Being able to adjust how wide you're throwing the salt from inside the cab saves a ton of material. If you're doing a narrow sidewalk or a tight driveway, you can dial it down so you aren't wasting salt on the neighbor's lawn. When you're in a big open lot, you can crank it up. Over a couple of seasons, the salt savings alone can actually help offset that initial price tag.
The Vibrator Kit Factor
Here's a little secret: if you're planning on running anything other than bone-dry bagged salt, you're going to want the vibrator kit. Bulk salt has a tendency to "bridge"—meaning it sticks together and forms a hollow tunnel over the auger, so nothing actually drops down to the spinner.
The vibrator kit is often an add-on, and it can add another $200 to $300 to the total cost. It's annoying to spend more money, but honestly, getting out of your warm truck in the middle of a blizzard to poke the salt with a shovel is even more annoying. Most pros consider the vibrator kit a mandatory part of the setup.
Mounting Options and Labor
Don't forget the hitch. The TGS 800 usually slides into a Class IV receiver. If your truck is already set up, great. But if you need a specific swing-away mount—which allows you to move the spreader out of the way so you can open your tailgate—that's going to cost extra. Those swing-away hitches are super convenient, but they aren't free. You're looking at another couple hundred bucks there.
If you aren't a "DIY" person, you'll also need to factor in labor. Wiring a spreader isn't rocket science, but it does involve running heavy-gauge wire from the battery all the way to the back of the truck and mounting the controller in the dash. A shop might charge you two or three hours of labor for a clean install.
Comparing the TGS 800 to its Siblings
Sometimes people look at the boss tgs 800 price and think, "Maybe I should just get the TGS 600." The 600 is definitely cheaper, usually by a few hundred dollars. But keep in mind the 600 only holds about 6 cubic feet of material. That might not seem like a big difference, but it means more trips back to the salt pile.
On the flip side, the TGS 1100 is the big brother. It's awesome, but it's heavy. Unless you've got a beefy one-ton truck, the 1100 can be a bit much once it's fully loaded. The 800 really hits that sweet spot for most residential and light commercial contractors. It's the "workhorse" for a reason.
Is the Investment Justifiable?
At the end of the day, looking at the price of equipment is always a bit painful. But in the snow business, downtime is what kills your profit. If your cheap, off-brand spreader breaks down at 3:00 AM on a Tuesday, you're losing money every hour you aren't salting.
The reason the Boss name carries a premium is the support. If a part breaks, almost every town in the "snow belt" has a dealer that stocks Boss parts. You aren't going to be waiting two weeks for a replacement part to ship from overseas. That peace of mind is factored into the price.
Final Thoughts on Buying
If you're ready to pull the trigger, my best advice is to call around. Don't just look at one website. Talk to three or four local power equipment dealers. Ask them about "out the door" pricing including the wiring kit and the controller.
Sometimes, if you buy a plow and a spreader at the same time, a dealer will cut you a package deal. It never hurts to ask. And hey, if you can wait until the spring, you might find a dealer who's tired of looking at the inventory and is willing to shave $100 off the price just to clear some floor space. But let's be real—most of us don't think about salt spreaders until the first frost is on the windshield, and by then, the boss tgs 800 price is usually pretty set in stone.
It's a big chunk of change, but it's a tool that should last you many, many winters if you take care of it. Just remember: wash it, grease it, and don't leave salt sitting in it all summer. If you do those three things, that price tag starts to look a lot more reasonable over the life of the machine.