I have lurking here for about 6 months and have read with great appreciation everyones knowledge and insights.
I currently own two honda 300's and have decided to add new AC 500 to it.
I live in Southern Utah. The machine will be used for recreation riding , archery elk and deer hunting, and waterfowl hunting.
Therefore hauling animals out when harvested etc.
Terrain will be from level to 70% vertical with elevations from 6,000 feet to 10,500 feet.
My question is with this type of senerio would you go with a automatic or a manuel tranny.
I am leaning towards the auto but will it slip going up-hill with a heavy load and hold me back when coming down such steep inclines?
Any help or suggestions would be gr8ly appreciated.

 

I've never had either of my autos slip under <u>any</u> conditions. They are rated to tow and haul the same as the manual. I'd base it on driving preferences. Pick the one that suits you best. Both are excellent mechanically and are reliable. I tow things all the time with mine, including my ATV trailer, and it does just fine on both machines.

My preference is the auto because I want my focus on the terrain. I don't relish the idea of going up a hill and finding myself in the wrong gear. That won't happen with the auto. (It probably wouldn't have much of a chance of happening with an experienced rider of manual trannys, but I chose it for me and my abilities, not for anyone else.)

Like I said, drive 'em both, make your choice based on your own preferences. They are both excellent trannys.

 

DuckCrazy,

I have a 2002 500i auto and it seems to be very strong. This is my first automatic trans in any vehicle, car or pickup. Pulling heavy loads or on steep uphills or downhills it works fine, with no sign of slipping. The auto is very convenient. However, I don't know how important gas mileage is to you, but I believe that there is a major loss in mileage with the auto. At a cruising speed the engine seems to rev higher than necessary - not due to slipping, it just seems to be geared lower. I'd guess that the auto gets 25% less mileage than a manual, which is considerable to me.

So, in my opinion it's a trade-off between the convenience of being able to just give it the gas and go, and the sacrifice in gas mileage. I don't think there is any noticeable slipping or loss of pulling power with the auto.

Bob

 

DuckCrzy-
Where in S. Utah are you? I am over in Las Vegas and looking to get an AC from a dealer over there. I have been talking with a dealer in Panguitch and looking to buy from him. Who have you been dealing with? I am looking to get a 400 auto, 2 or 4 wheel doesn't matter to me for the type of riding I will be doing. Let me know when you get a chance.
Thanks
Marla

 

I'm in Cedar City
What kind of prices are you getting quoted?
I have a vendor that I deal with at work that sales AC.
I do not know if he is selling the machines to everyone at the
price he quoted me, or if he is giving me a break since I purchase alot of
other equipment from him.

 

DuckCrzy
I was quoted for an 04 400 2x4 auto $4650, 4x4 was $5300. Over here they are $5245 for a 2by out the door. Now you know why everyone from Vegas goes to Utah to buy!!! What kind do you ride? I was doing some research on the Polaris, do you know much about those? Seems like that is the only other one with IRS without getting into the big daddies of the quads like a Honda Rubicon 600, don't need that big of a bike, not for me anyway. I think I checked in Cedar City but they didn't have too much. I have been talking with a guy in Panguitch who is going to be opening up a shop in Leeds. Also he has some used ones that he used for a season or two of rentals. They are 02 375 2x4 auto with 100-200 miles on them. He has 7 of them he selling off 4 and keeping 3 for himself. He would let me have the pick of the litter for $3400 and he's firm on that price. What do you think? Are you getting a better deal? If he can match that or if he gets used ones in even could you let me know or give me his contact #?
Thanks for the feedback
Marla