RTV vs. Ranger vs. Rhino

skippy · Sep 21, 2004

Thanks for all the input everyone. I made my decision and it was not an easy one...(drumroll)...

I bought the Rhino...I started to think more about what this would be used for...I decided its more fun than work. I got the Tc45 for the heavy duty stuff the pick-up for the large capaxity and the ATV for small and fun...now add the rhino and it makes a perfect fit with all the rest. I thought the RTV was super duper but a little on the heavy duty side for fun and games. Now I just need to find a little more room to store all this CRAP!

Thanks again!

Dargo · Sep 21, 2004

Skippy, Cool! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif Did you find an '05 somewhere?? If so, where?? I'm on hold until "October" for my Rhino. When in October is my big question! Be sure to tell us about it; ride, drive feel, stock tires or aftermarkets, winch, etc. I have cleared out a place on the opposite of my barn for the Rhino when it gets here so the RTV and Rhino don't fight at night! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Rip · Sep 21, 2004

Skippy,

Congratulations on your new Rhino.... it will be lots of fun.

Be advised however, that they are QUITE prone to roll over at the slightest provocation!! Broken legs, ankles and feet have been very common injuries with broken arms also.

Must wear seat belts and warn everyone to keep all limbs inside in event of imminent roll. This is hard to do however, as folks will instinctivly stick a leg or arm out as a roll over becomes evident.

Fabricate somesort of bar or strap leg guard 8 to 10" off the floor to keep legs inside. I would do this before the first ride, as many accidents have occured in the first few hours of ownership.

Stay with stock size (if not type) tires and add 1.5" wheel spacers to each side front and back to improve stability.

My wife and I were all set to buy a Rhino also, but chose a Ranger instead. We ride forest roads and trails in the West where width is usually not a limiting factor, as the Ranger is about 7" wider than a Rhino.

The new '05 Ranger 4x4 has IRS like the Rhino and will soon be available with a 700 EFI engine, but the power and ride with the '04 models is still very good in my opinion.

Good luck and stay in one piece!!

bczoom · Sep 22, 2004

Skippy

Congrats on your new toy. I very much concur with Rip about being careful on the Rhino and highly recommend the 1/2 doors to keep legs/feet in.
Although the RTV seems to be the predominent RUV discussed here at TBN, this forum is for ATV's and RUV's so keep us posted on how it works out for you. I'm thinking a Rhino may be next in my stable also but may have to part with a couple ATV's and go-carts first to make space.

Brian

Dargo · Sep 22, 2004

You have me thinking now...I wonder if there is any "webbing" type of material to use for the lower half doors on a Rhino? I like the open feel, but after flipping Pilots and Odysseys, the wrist restraints became a must. However, on those, the legs and feet were not an issue. Hmm /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif Since mine has not come in yet, I have time.

bczoom · Sep 22, 2004

Never heard of webbing material, but I like the idea. Would they be a little difficult to put on/off (lack of rigidity and can't hinge) or would you just jump over them to get in/out of the machine?
I know a couple places that make custom length tow-straps. If you gave them specs, they could probably make this as well.

Rip · Sep 22, 2004

I have not seen a commercial webbing-type product for this application, but one might look at the web tailgates for pickups that lots of places sell. You could probably custom make a pair of leg guards for a Rhino or Ranger from one mesh tailgate piece.

Remember, it does not have to be strong as such, just enough to keep flying limbs inside. You could even make it to protect the entire side opening like off-road race vehicles sometimes do and keep your arms and head in as well.

Most anything is better than nothing however.... ride safe!

markct · Sep 22, 2004

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Be advised however, that they are QUITE prone to roll over at the slightest provocation!! )</font>

how narrow are these rhinos ? my mule utility vehicle is the most stable thing i have ever driven off road, and thats even with a fairly heavy steel cab which is alot of weight up top. it has never felt even close to tipping, and i have driven it on sidehills that i get nervous with my pickup truck on, even turning sharp at nearly full speed it stays glued to the ground very well, only time it ever felt tippy was when i had hay stacked about 8ft high in the bed and held down with ratchet straps. even then i think it was more of just the rocking feeling than the actual chance of tipping over. im just surprised to hear the rhinos are so tippy, my mule and the jd gator i drove a few times all felt way more stable than any atv i was ever on.

Dargo · Sep 22, 2004

I've driven the Polaris Ranger 6X6, Ranger 4X4, Gator 6X4, Mule (forgot model #, but an '04 model), the RTV, the Gator HPX diesel, the Rhino, Honda Pilot, Honda Odyssey, and something from Cub Cadet that really looked like the Gator 6X4.
As far as stability, I think a person would have to really work hard at flipping the old style Gator 6X4. Otherwise, all of the others seemed pretty darn stable. With the power the Rhino had, I nailed it and spun a 180 around in their concrete lot and did not at all feel like I was going to flip. I'm confident that given the appropriate incentive I could likely flip any of the above mentioned machines, but I don't necessarily agree with the Rhino being unstable. Any other thoughts?

Thanks!

skippy · Sep 22, 2004

Well it arrived and I had a chance to drive it around...Im anything but a daredevil so the flipping thing was already in my head and I am carefull not to engage themachine to those capacities...however when I was young and a little stupider I di manage to role an Opel Manta /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

This thing rides like a dream and is pretty fast...but I get the feeling it is pretty stable...the thing is an '04 (got a deal on it) and stock. I have been looking for some roof ideas...I feel $300 bucks for a alluminum roof is a bit steep...but I do plan on buying the digital meter for the dash...I really liked all the machines I tested and did look into the 700efi ranger...but it comes in at a steep 10k...and for that kind of scratch I think I might go with an RTV. I was truely impressed by the RTV and the Ranger was nice but what really sold me was the bucket seats and the three point belts (saftey first)...I will let you all know how things go...and what options I add as the weeks progress...THANKS A TON!! for all the input and feedback!!!