My wife has a 99 300 2x4.She has turned it over at least twice in the past climbing steep rocky hills.Now I know she lacks the experience for some of the areas I go.But,I do have to give her credit for giving it a try.I have told her she must ride within her abilities,however you no how far that go's.
Last weekend she was following me ,and before I could tell her not to follow me up this very difficult climb,she again,turned it over.Thank God she was not hurt.Well,not to bad.She rolled twice down a rocky hill before a tree stoped her. (I about never got that 300 un-wraped from that tree)Amazingly no damage to the AC other that a few scratches.
My question is for those who have gone from a 2x4 to a 4x4. Would this help her have a more stable and safer climb? I have used the 300 2x4 to climb, and it will climb about anything,however you must keep it moving pretty fast or it will stall on large rocks and stuff.This is where I just slowly walk my 500 up and over.(SLOW)Also I think this is where she has the problems.The 300 is light in the front,and when going up a steep grade with large obstacles,the front end will just come up and over, with the back wheels still spinning.
I was thinking of trading her 2x4 for a 300 4x4.She is only 5' and 100lbs.So,anything larger she would not like or enjoy.
She really loves the 300 AC due to the great suspension,ride,and turning abilities.
I am not sure what a 99 300 2x4 is worth on trade.I was told a 2001 300 4x4 is around $4,600.
Anyone have some ideas?

 

It is not your wife's fault. As you decribed the 300s are light in the front end, especially the 2wd units.

The 300s are also low in power, a dangerous combination.

If one of these units stalls on a steep hill, catastrophy can follow shortly in the form of a loop out. Believe me I know, it happened to me and numerous other riders. I was on a King Quad with the heavier front end and it still happened.

Because these engines are so low in torque it is difficult for even an experienced rider to guess which gear is needed to complete the climb.

I hope this doesn't start a rash of defenses for these agile rock climbers when in the correctly anticipated gear. But... we don't all use super low gear with the front end locked while riding.

Rapid changes in terrain are where these low powered Cat/Suzukis are at their worst.

Knowing what I know now, I wouldn't let my wife drive one, nor any other rider under my authority.

These same two riding situations which you described had me on crutches etc. for six months.
Your wife is an adventerous and lucky lady. Do her a favor and trade that machine in before she gets hurt. IMHO

 

I should clear up or maybe re-word what I called stall before I get to many replys.What I was trying say,is when this 2x4 encounters an obstacle on a steep up hill climb it comes to a stop.You have to force it over.This engine still seems to have the rpm and power but with the light front end, and all the power to only the back wheels, it can get to be a hand full....real fast.
I think I understand and have experienced what you are talking about Thor.The 300 in some cases just lacks the torque and power required to climb very rough terrain.However I did leave the part out that she was in low range, and after all the rider is only 100lbs with no extra stuff on the racks.I would think a 300 size machine with only 100lb rider would have the needed power...in most situations.
I feel if she had the 300 in a 4x4,that she could walk it(slowly) over most obstacles instead of forcing it up and over.
Anyway,I do appreciate your advise and your experience.

 

Winston:
While I have never ridden the smaller 300's, I have tried climbing hills on my 500 Auto in 2wd, and have experienced the same thing you are talking about. It has only happened once or twice, as I've got a lot of weight on the front, and I'm a fairly big guy. But, like you describe, when climbing a very steep hill, then approaching a rock or tree root, the machine will stop. As a result, you'll have to gas it a little more to "pop" the front over the obstacle, which as a result, will tend to want to overturn the machine. Mine has never got that far, as it weighs so much, but on the 300 2x4, there is nothing up there, so it will go over very easily.

I would have to say your wife is a very lucky lady, and I admire her willingness to ride and keep getting after it. I think that is great you have such an awesome riding partner. Most people I know would shy away from riding steep stuff after rolling even once, my hat's off to her! To the point though, I would say yes, trade in the 2wd for a 4wd.

If you want to keep the weight low, the '01 300 4x4 is weighing in at 585 lbs., which is only 35 lbs. more than the 2wd version. If you think she needs more power, the new 400 4wd weighs in at 624 lbs.-75 more than what she has now. If you decide to go bigger, I'd have to recommend the 500 over the 400 due to all the added features. Though, I'm sure that machine is way to large for her, so I think your best bet would be the 300 4x4.

Will the 4wd give her that extra edge? Yes, I believe it will. Those same hills that I referred to earlier, I can stop at the tree root and put it in four wheel drive, low range, and instead of "popping" the front up and over, it will just crawl up, the tires grab and it pulls it's self over with ease, thus keeping the front on the ground where you want it. One of the main advantages to having the 4wd is that with a 2wd machine, you have to get a little speed going up steep stuff to maintain a forward momentum, as the fronts are not pulling, just steering. Now, with a 4wd and the front engaged, you've now got front wheel drive aiding by pulling you up the hill, or through the mud, whatever else there is. As a result, you can now crawl at very slow speeds, working on technical situations rather than getting speed and hoping for the best.

Anyway, not sure if I made sense or not, but I think she would like the 4wd much better than the 2wd. Just my opinion though.

Best of luck to you guys!

Mike

 

Hey Winston,
my wife is also 5' 110lbs. She loves to ride but she does not like the heavy steering of the 4X4 and she has a hard time with it on tighter trails. She is a strong little lady but she tires very quickly if we aren't riding in open area's. I think this issue would be my first concern with your wife. Take care...

 

The 2001 300 4x4 I just bought my wife doesn't seem hard to steer at all. The wife has put about 50 miles on it herself and loves it so far. I have about another 80 miles on it and it definately steers easier than the 500 I bought. I wouldn't think the front differential weight would be enough to cause steering problems while in 2wd, and she probably wouldn't need 4wd all the time to make her tired. Just my opinion.