My girlfriend is starting to get interested in 4 wheeling..I have thought about getting her a Rancher 4x4. She is small, around 5ft 4 I guess and around 120 lbs. Do you think the 4wd would be too much of a wrestling match for her to handle trail riding and such? I know on my Foreman when in 4wd mode is a handful after a short while. Just trying to figure out what would be best for her..Most places we ride a 4wd is needed at times.

 

The Rancher is a great wheeler. You could try her on it and if she finds the 4x4 too much you could install a warn 424 so she would have the 2x4 option available and she could switch to the 4x4 when needed.

 

I have put many of my friends' girlfriends and wives on the rancher FE and they all felt comfortable and in control. Some even got up enough courage to do a little sliding and mud bogging.

 

My Rancher was previously owned by a woman. When my wife rides, it's a little heavy on the steering for her, but the Warn 424 wasn't available then. I would opt for the Rancher knowing that you may want to add the 424 for her convenience and comfort. If she's pretty adventursome and is taking an interest in four-wheeling on her own, she may really like the Rancher.

 

We bought ours for our daughters. I actually like it being in 4-wd all the time, it keeps them from getting into trouble. We bought them the 4X4 ES. We have 4 daughters from 20 to 30 and they are all weigh less than your girlfriend. They all love it. If I bought them one today, it would be the 400 AT.

 

yes i agree that the rancher AT might be the better wheeler for this. my wife is about 100lbs and 5' 1". she loves the auto trany on my 05. and steering is light in 2wd and she always has 4wd at the flip of a switch. also you or she can ride allittle harder while in es mode if you want. but auto mode is still a blast on the trails,
good luck tynes

 

My wife is about 120 lbs. also and she loves our Ranchers. Not too much for her at all.

 

A 424 is a great upgrade on the Rancher that isn't selectable. Makes steering much easier. However for kids it's a 2 edged sword. In 2wd my Rancher can get a bit squrrely at times. Fun but if your not watching out you can get in trouble.

But my wife doesn't get much over 3 gear. Just a ride from one place to another.

 

It isnt too much to handle, my aunt has a 2x4 and we go trailridinig with her and it is a fun machine. My grandma has a 4x4 rancher and she tends to complain abiut hard steering after a good day of riding but she likes hers too. I would say go for it they are good machines.