Thanks Jim, its kinda funny. This was my first day of hunting Turkey, the second Tom I called in. Well the first was a Jake at 40 yards and I wasnt taking that shot on a Jake. No blind just a small pine tree for cover and I didnt have time to worry about being spotted. He came running in to the call, stopped at 35 yards and started struttin. I didnt realize how nice he was till he was dead, I just thought its a mature bird he's gonna die. Would have never thought Turkey hunting would be so exciting.

 

I've looked at all the major UTV's...Gators,Rhino's,etc. I have a Ranger XP on order. 'Tweren't cheap,but it is for my stepson, who always wanted his own truck.He's mentally impaired (20 going on 5),and has Cystic Fibrosis.Chances are he won't make 30,so we wanted to get him the best Utility vehicle that is easy to start and run.There will always be an adult with him (so someone doesn't knock him out of it and steal the UTV);not because he's a risk-taker (he put-puts around on his quad and snowmobile).This thing's a truck,700EFI,40 HP.,will tow 1750 Lbs.,or haul 1500 Lbs. occupants and box.

It is sooo smooth riding, the IRS rear susp,11" of ground clearance,Radials;all combine to make it an "OFF-Road Truck". Got him the Deluxe Cab and HD Snowplow w/lift, Heater, Front Reciever, dual mount hitch (front or rear),dual wipers....And all the Brush guards/nerf bars/whatever .

This thing is in a league all by itself.It's not a hotrod, it's a Hummer H-4!

Anyone know why the polaris literature says 40 HP. is "The most allowed by law"?

 

Yeah, what they already said. You’re comparing a truck (Ranger) to a sports car (Rhino). I have a 700 EFI Ranger (4x4) with automotive glass windshield, metal top and rear window. The rear suspension is cranked up, 2” lift on the front, 28” Mud Lites on wheel spacers all around. It pulls trailers, hauls firewood either in the box or pulls a sled, goes through about 30” of water and handles just about whatever I throw at it. It also fits three people on the seat on the rare occasion I need to do that. Lots of power, choice of 1, 2, or AWD so you don’t have to tear up the turf in the yard and good skid plate under-body protection. Although I do “play with it” occasionally I bought it for more serious applications and it’s a fine machine. I’d like to put Gorilla’s 5” lift kit on it and tracks on all four corners for snow travel but for the $6000 that would cost I’ll stay with what I have for a while.

A friend of mine has a Rhino. I haven’t spent much time in or around it but it looks about half the size of my Ranger. Even with its smaller package you get a big motor (although I'm not real fond of single cylinder engines above 500cc) and IRS. The machine looks like it would be a blast for play but it would come up short for my utility needs. I will say the axles look like toothpicks compared to my Ranger.

This is a heads-up for quitronics and everyone else who owns a Ranger XP. The few people I know who own these (myself included) find that the ergonomics of the accelerator pedal is awful. It makes the machine very difficult to control because you have to have your ankle bent in a very uncomfortable and unnatural angle to apply throttle. I’m concerned this may be difficult for your stepson. However there is an easy cure and you can try this without installing anything to see if you like it. get yourself a one foot long 2x4, lift the accelerator pedal and slip the wood underneath so that it’s parallel to the center line of the machine. The bottom edge of the pedal will rest on the 2x4. this will flatten out it’s sharp angle and your heel will rest on the back part of the 2x4 so it raise your whole foot. This little trick results in a huge improvement in comfort and control. You can make this mod yourself or purchase it here.

Another thing I've done for comfort is I bought one of these contoured lumbar support cushions and wrapped a Velcro strap around the cushion and seat back to secure it in place where I sit. This provides comfort, back support and it gets me a little closer to the steering wheel which I found was a little to far away to be comfortable for my reach. The Velcro makes it easily removable when I want to hose down the machine. These inexpensive little mods make a big difference in comfort and controllability.

 

Floodrunner: So you have a ranger? What does the "Reverse Lockout override" do? I assume that in reverse, the ranger is 2 wheel drive only? You carry the extra gas can on your ranger? Finally, where did you get the "Custom front CV joint protectors? Did you make 'em?

I know some of this stuff is self-evident, but I thought I'd ask anyways.

Thanks.

 

Yup, I have a 2005 Ranger XP but it isn’t all dressed up like the one you’ve ordered. The only Polaris accessories I put on it are the automotive glass windshield, the metal top and the front bumper extensions. It has a Ramsey winch on the front, 2” lift kit and 28” Mud Lites. I mounted a pair of halogen back-up lights under the rear of the roof and another set in front for auxiliary lights. The back-up lights come on automatically when I shift into reverse and I installed a diode pack between the low and high beams so when the switch is on low just the low beams light but when the switch is on high it lights the lows, highs and the two front halogen beams. All the wiring for the lights is buried inside the roll cage and I’m tellin’ ya, it was a bitch of a job to do. I had a rear “window” made by a tent and awning maker but I like the sides open. That’s about it, the mods you see in my signature are on a 700EFI Sportsman.

No, I don’t carry spare fuel because I don’t go that far from home with it, although I did run out of gas once. The needle on the gauge stuck at ¼ tank.

 

Floodrunner: It sounds to me like you have a really nice setup.My stepson always wanted a truck,like any boy he likes to haul things,he wanted the snowplow to push snow around (like the big boys),the box on back to haul stuff....He's really gonna flip over the winch.He's also gonna want to pull stuff with the front and rear 2" recievers.....Maybe a good boat trailer 'launcher'.

I hear ya on the Temp guage,when that radiator gets packed with mud or dirt,not good.I really appreciate your taking the time to comment on these questions....It's cheaper to learn from another person with experience than your own mistakes!Haha.

I have the lumbar supports on order, they stay on the seat,and can be tied on horizontally for buckets, or vertically for bench seats.The 2 x 4 is a great idea....will do. I've been to the Quadavator site, will continue to check them out....

Is it true that the 700 engine fires both cylinders at once? That's my take on it.

I'm interested in the 4WD Reverse lockout override....apparently Rangers don't have 4WD in reverse? I'm being a pest here, but:You installed all four Halogen's (Front and reverse) inside the roll bar, right?

I like the idea of the High beam switch putting all forward facing lights on at once....

Thanks a bunch,Floodrunner! The Wisconsin River turns into the Mississippi river further south,Right?

 

My buddy just got an '06 Ranger XP and I was fortunate enough to get some ride time on the beast. The Ranger surprised me with its capabilities. He claims he went for the Ranger over the Rhino because the Rhino was too puny. I'm sold if I'm ever in the market for one.

 

Has anyone ever compared the Ranger with the Prowler? I would be interested to know the true results, not just: "brand A is King and brand B is junk".

 

Dee Dawg: Hats off to ya.You are putting it on the line so U.S. citizens can have our rights.I wish you all the best;and all respect.

mike

 

Thanks Mike, I appreciate it.