Hey gang! I have a question for all you utility riders out there. Up by my cabin there is a trail that crosses a river than goes up a steep hill on the other side. My problem is that you cannot go through the river fast just really slow (rocks and other crap to drive over). Once you get to the other side the hill is really steep (about 20' high). Tell me what the best way to drive through this thing. I will be riding all weekend long and want to conquer this river/hill. We pasted on it 2 weeks ago because the water was rushing so fast with all of the melted snow. Remember I drive a Big Bear 4x4 which is geared really low. I can get through the water is 2nd gear but is that gear enough to get up the hill. I will not have the roam to accelarate into 3rd. I thinking I can climb right up there in 2nd with 4x4. What do you guys think?

 

it depends on the hill such as steepness and if it has any obstacles on it like turns or rocks or logs i would suggest finding a new way around it if you think you will flip or something

 

I'm thinking you should buy a TwinPeaks. Cross the river, then hammer the throttle for 5 feet of air off the top of the hill.

 

Lock in 4wd and hit it in 1st gear. It sounds like slow and steady may be the way to conquer this hill. If you are sure you can make it in 2nd w/o downshifting, then go for 2nd, but if the hill is that steep, and you have to downshift you could lose enough forward momentum that you won't make it. This doesn't sound like a hill you want to have to roll backwards down!

 

roll up it a little ways, then back down it, keep doing this until you get higher on the hill letting you get used to it. I would hit it in 4x4 (theres a wolverine here that climbs hills good cause of 4x4) in 1st gear. How fast can your big bear go in 1st? you may not have enough momentum if speed in 1st is low.

 

There's a hill where I ride that's the same as his. The hill starts in the river. The only problem w/ your idea is by going up, down, up, down... is that you have now made the hill muddy! Def. don't go this route. We made the mistake once and won't do it again.

 

Thanks for all the advice guys! The problem with first gear of a Big Bear is top speed is about 5 mph. I mean I could pull a house over in this gear but will I have enough juice to get up the hill at this speed. 2nd gear on a BB is like first gears on most ATVs. I can start in 2nd from a stop without a problem. Well boys, 1st or 2nd gear?

 

My vote goes for 2nd then.

 

I take my big bear up extremely steep s*** and i say go in 2nd and if you need more power, hit the front brake and shift to first//// also if u shift to first, take off slowly because the big bear can do some big wheelies up hill

 

Are you spinning out in 1st?