RTV vs. Ranger vs. Rhino

[Rip]

Check out www.utilityoffroad.com "Staging Area" and "Rhino Tech" sections and look back the past several months for a number of first hand reports of Rhino roll overs and injuries. Other ATV sites have reported them as well and the Rhino stands out above any of the other side-by-sides models for this issue.

The machine itself usually survives with minimal damage, it is the flying limbs (or bodies if not wearing the seatbelt) that suffer, and legs and feet seem the most prone.

There are also several owner-built leg guards described and shown and one of their site sponsors ( www.atvoutfitters.com ) now sells a set of "half doors" that looks like a viable solution as well.

Tailgate webbing or similar would be inexpensive and pretty easy to rig up without welding and only a few screw holes to drill. Could do it as a half door only or even full up to keep everything inside where it belongs.

The Mules, Gators, RUVs, and similar are not in the same catagory as the Rhino in terms of Center of Gravity, width, and tires. With the emphasis on "recreation" the Rhino is much more "sporty" and nimble, but unfortunately also prone to roll over. Don't forget the Rhino will also do 40 MPH.

The Rangers (I have a Ranger 6x6) fall in between the Rhino and the other true utility vehicles with much better suspension and more ground clearance than the Uts but less than the Rhino and are 7" wider wheel track (60" overall) as well.

While the Rhino has about 53" wheel track, it is more top heavy in proportion to a regular ATV with only 48" wide tire track. This is not to say they all roll over, but that even when aware of the tendency, a disproportionate number seem to catch their driver (or passenger) by surprise with serious injury resulting.

A decent leg guard should minimize this risk to a great extent and allow everyone to enjoy what is undisputedly a fun and capable machine.

Take care and have a fun ride!!

 

[Dargo]

Hey Rip, thanks for the thoughtful post. When you had mentioned this earlier, I was thinking about some sort of webbing for the feet and legs. I had this side webbing on one of my Honda Pilots. I've taken some wild flips, including end over ends, in it and walked away uninjured; a little dizzy and shaken, but uninjured. If the Rhino will go over easier than the others I was just thinking that a "step over" webbing for a half door would work?

It is odd, in that I cannot place what I personally do not care for about the Ranger 6X6. It was my first choice because I had a Gator 6X6 and thought that if only it had suspension and all 6 wheels were driven, it would be perfect. I've likely worn out my local Polaris guy driving the 6X6, but for some reason it just doesn't "feel" right for me. Does that sound odd? I don't have any one particular thing about it, but it just doesn't have that feel I want.

Are the new 700cc fuel injected models out yet? Maybe I'll test drive one of those. I guess the 6X6 seems like a good idea, but again, for some reason it just didn't seem to fit for me. Thanks again for your informative post. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[moeh1]

I didn't get a catalog this year but the last one I got from SurplusCenter had some nice webbing in there. Might be worth a look.
Marty

 

[Rip]

Dargo,

I know what you mean in terms of certain machines just not being what you need or are looking for at the time. I also was not trying to imply that what I chose is what you or anyone else should choose. Different folks have different wants and needs.

I was only trying to avoid a perhaps preventable injury to anyone riding in a Rhino who may otherwise not have been aware of how they can handle under seemingly "normal" circumstances.

A webbing or bar-type half door would be a big safety improvement for most people with a Rhino, with full side webbing being better still. Surplus cargo netting should work as well.

By the way, the new '05 Ranger 4x4s have IRS, and should have a smoother ride compared to previous models. The 700 EFI will be out in limited quantities by November/December, and in full production by spring of '05. It should be be a real nice machine.

We previously had an ARGO 8x8 AATV equipped with snow tracks and enclosed cab that was like a mini snowcat and could carry up to 6 people. I sold it to get the Ranger because it was not a pleasent dry-land ATV with its skid steering and no suspension.

In addition to the three-up front seating, I am rigging up a rear bench seat with seat belts and additional roll cage/top in the back so we can still take up to 6 people around our ranch and elsewhere. Check out www.theoutbacksafari.com to see a similar set up by an Arizona tour operator.

So for us, the Ranger 6x6 is a fun yet practical way to take folks around the remote areas without having a fleet of ATVs plus being able to accomodate those who could not drive an ATV themselves.

 

[skippy]

I really liked the Ranger...and I know in the past they did come with bucket seats. I already ordered the half doors from www.atvoutfitters.net and also ordered the digital meter for the dash. I am really enjoying driving around the properts and carring a few tools to different locaations on the property...it is great for going and getting the empty garabage cans from the curb...quarter mile drive /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Thanks to all of ya for the tips and suggestions...let me know how th '05 rhino is and how your rear seating comes along.

 

[Rip]

Glad to hear you are getting the half doors for your Rhino..... I hope you never have to put them to the test, but it is real good insurance. The recreational side-by-sides have really opened up a new class of machine that is long overdue in my opinion.

I'll let you know when my seat and top are done. Some folks have done rear seats in Rhinos, but I would be conserned unless they also added wheel spacers, kept to stock diameter tires, and fabricated some sort of rear roll cage as well.

Take a look at the photo gallery of the Ranger set-up on www.theoutbacksafari.com for some good ideas. Since the Rhino rear box is quite a bit smaller than the Ranger it would be mostly suitable for kids, but that may be all one needs anyway.

Have safe fun!