I've been thinking of getting a new ATV, and it would be nice to have gobs of power, but overall, there is so much more that is important, such as pulling power, transmission/options, braking, engine braking, ride etc. I tend to tow very heavy loads at times in the range of 1200 lbs plus, both on trails and through mud holes, steep rocky/muddy trails which often need the use of a winch (with a 1200 lb trailer in tow) and with all that has been said, need to come up with the best ATV to do the job. With all that said, I also belong to an ATV Club, and will do a fair bit of ordinary mountain riding with the group....so that is in the mix as well. Anyone I've talked to about my useage for an ATV comes up with the Honda Rubicon! Is it the mightiest with regard to overall "utility" use, also with the ability to play when wanted?
Apparently, you can get a "locker" for the front of a Rubicon, and with a winch I would think it would be pretty well unstoppable? I currently own an old '89 350 - Fourtrax Honda, which basically has done the job of all that has been said above, but in reality I know I've overworked it, but it still runs as good as the day I bought it back in '89. With stock tires, it's had it's problem on the slippery rock/mud hills with the super heavy load in tow, but my winch got me to the top of course.
Now that I'm in my later 40's I'm wondering if the Rubicon will give me a rough ride for those days that I'm riding for the fun of it with the club? I'd probably own it for 10 years plus, so making the right choice is paramount for me, so I thought you fellows might have some comments/advice to help me make a decision!

Most mud I encounter is along the Alaska highway, which is much more like "thick grease" than mud. I've seen a circumstance where the mud just would not come off the tires, and it just balled up (mud and leaves) under the fender to where the tire would not turn any more. Possibly the ITP 589's would have been a better suiting than the stock tires, but even with the 589's I would think it would take "SPEED" for them to clear? Having to stop and dig mud out from under 4 fenders is just not an enjoyable part of the day, especially if it's pouring rain, so having an ATV/ tire combination is another thing I would like some comment/advice on.

How about stock guages, does one have a large advantage over another with regard to showing you all the information of the unit your riding on?

Thanks guys...

Powerstroke95