Did a search and didn't find my answer anywhere. Proud owner of a new 2004 Sportsman 500. No stranger to Polaris 4wd because I previously had a Scrambler 500. Problem is that I'm getting crap traction in ice......I know that would be the case for any machine. Anyway, does anyone know of any problem that would be caused to the 4wd system if I put chains on all 4 tires. I only ask because I usually only see the chains on the rear tires on various local machines. Not sure if those people were just trying to save a few bucks or if they knew something I didn't. Thanks.

 

Take a look at my pics....

Ice chains that get installed every december 1 and they stay on until @ mid april, and I've been doing this since I bought the bike .... in 1997.

I jack up back end, take air valve out to empty tire of air, install chains, then put 5 lbs air in tire, lower back end, jack front end, remove air, install chains as tight as possible, install bungees on exterior so chains don't move when turning (2 per side), inflate to 5 lbs, rotate to ensure they dont catch onto steering linkage and brake parts, lower front end. Job done...

No problems found yet, just make sure you install them tight....And you think a 4wd is capable, try one with 4 ice chains....Scaaaaary!!!!!

Hope this helps

Honcho

 

Honcho,

Thanks for the tips. I knew about deflating the tire. Glad to hear that you haven't had any problems with your set up. Gives me some piece of mind about what I want to do. (Exactly what you are doing). Nice pics. I like the trailer set up too.

 

Scott-

I recently asked this same question under the Polaris group. I've been running chains only on the rear (because I am cheap) and have experienced, or sensed, no problems yet with the Polaris AWD. I use them while plowing an icy area of the driveway. The front wheels rarely engage as the rear chains give me all I need.

 

Tire chains are being shipped as we speak. I have seen most quads have only chains on the rear. I figured it was most people just being "cheap" as you put it. I just wanted to make sure that I wouldn't be harming my AWD system by having so much "bite" on all four wheels. The main reason that I am going with chains on all four is because I may be doing some hauling of trailers this winter with the machine and may also be involved on some hills. I don't relish the idea of being in a precarious position with a trailer on the back pushing me around.....keywords....maximum traction.

I will of course report in the Polaris forum any problems that I encounter with my new experience in the utility class quads. Only "problem" thus far is that my trailer hitch is too high for the little lawn cart that I've used behind most other quads. Gotta love that ground clearance!

 

When I was in Alaska we ran chains on all 4 tires all the time, even in the summer. We went in places that gravity says your just not supposed to go in. When we were caribou hunting, we would put one on the front rack, one on the back and pull one with a tobogan. We went through some deep mud and without the chains we never would have made it in one trip.

 

If you do post any good/bad encounters in the Polaris group, be prepared for a barrage of "I don't have to use chains" reply's...

Where did you find chains for the front?

Honcho, I like the looks of your set. Lots of crosspieces on those.

 

www.ronnies.com

Front tires are skinnier and apparantly take a different size. I can let you know when they arrive exactly what the difference is. Price was the same, different part number.

 

Tire Chain Update:

Well, I went out tonight to put on the tire chains. First off, Ronnies sent me the wrong size for the rear tires....so I have to send them back. Next I went to the fronts and the chains were the right size. Unfortunately the chains will not work in the front because the strut suspension system is way too close to the tire to allow a chain to roll by. I attempted to pull the chains to the outside of the tire as a previous poster stated. Well, not only is the strut too close to the tire, the tie rod end is about 1/2 inch away from the rubber. In fact, I can't get my pinky finger in between them! So I will too join the club of people who only have tire chains on the rear tires....not because I am cheap though. I wish I could see the set up of the other poster who uses chains on all fours. If he reads this I want him to go to his local dealership and look at the front end of a 2004 Sportsman 500. I am confident he will see a big difference. Maybe his tie rod ends are lower and the struts at a different angle than the new Sportsmans. Oh well, I tried.

Class III hitch went on fairly simple.....had to modify the hitch slightly with a grinder (again a clearance problem) but it is on securely and rock solid.

Only other problem I encountered while doing the chains is the ground clearance. My jack has a lift range of 14 inches.....not enough to get my high ground clearance machine off the ground!!! Had to use blocks.

 

Scott
You could put 1" or 1.5" spacers between hub and wheels. That should give you plenty of clearance. I have them on my Vinson. If you do get the aluminum ones and not the graphite ones as they can crack.