What am I missing UTV vs. Jeep

[jpc01101]

If I’d just win the powerball one of these days I’d just buy a new SxS but, as of right now, id rather spend that cash on hunts.

 

[Art Vandeley]

Think that’s because we are all too lazy to air down? When I used to jeep a bit I’d air down and things got WAY smoother.

I have and need a 1 ton diesel for a pickup so I don’t feel airing down is too practical

 

[mxracer317]

I have a Polaris general and it goes practically anywhere. Enclosed with heat as well.

 

[Dan O]

We have a Polaris Razor trail 900cc motor. It is the 50 inch model and is legal on ATV trails. Most SxS are wider and are not allowed on many of the trails. Plus they just don't fit on some trails. Anymore some of the SxS's are as big as a Jeep, about as expensive but not as road worthy. I'm also sure they won't have anywhere near the longevity as a Jeep. But they are both fun to drive.

 

[noharleyyet]

My Can Am Defender is a deer woods Swiss Army knife/motorized wheel barrow. The JL Rubicon is about as fun as it gets rubber ducky magnet on 87 octane

 

[Moserkr]

In certain states, those 50" trails really make it an easy choice between a jeep and sxs. I owned a nice TJ and it would go places most sxs's would only dream of - deep mud, big rocks. Its slower than a sxs on the trail, but can drive home on the road too.

Ive come to the conclusion that theres no one size fits all swiss army knife hunting vehicle, same goes for camp setups. Right now I have a big truck, dirt bike, and electric bike. A 50" sxs is on the list too, and that would be my pick over the jeep. At the same time, Id have a Jeep too if I had the money. While we are dreaming, throw a set of tracks on all the toys.

 

[rjthehunter]

I was thinking about this recently too. A little work to a jeep, and you have something that's plenty capable and still cheaper than a utv.

 

[Nick87]

Ideally I’d like to find an older Honda rancher in decent enough shape.

I had one when I was a kid. Have you seen the prices on those things?! should have kept it. They are bringing like 80% of what they went for new 25 to 30 years ago. Crazy. We've got a sxs. Don't really use it for hunting much. Its more for cruising the backroads with the kids and plowing the driveway. If I was buying something just for hunting id buy an atv. Dont need a trailer and you can get in tighter spots. For a hell of a lot less $$. Everybody here has a new one and decked out at that, I dont know where they get the money.

 

[Chingon]

Answer: you can cover rough terrain 2-3 times as fast as any Jeep/Truck/SUV

I've had multiple SXS's and Jeeps, trucks, etc. My Rubicon goes anywhere I would want to take my SXS's, but the SXS gets me through rough stuff at 15mph+ while I'd be having to crawl at 5mph in a heavy vehicle. Beats you up much less too.

Cons are getting SXS's to a trailhead, limited range (fuel tank), dust, carrying capacity, cost. For me, they are key to certain units I hunt and keeping the kids/wife/me warm and toasty. Especially when I haven't scouted before and need to bomb around finding where to hunt. For other units where I know where I'm going I take my time and Jeep/truck.

 

[Steiny77]

Some of the newer UTV's are huge and will take up as much or more room in your shop as a Jeep Wrangler.

 

[INMT]

I was thinking about this recently too. A little work to a jeep, and you have something that's plenty capable and still cheaper than a utv.

I still kick myself for selling my Black 2001 Cherokee Classic. It would’ve made a helluva hunting rig.

 

[Art Vandeley]

So for you guys that have them, would you go Polaris or Can Am?

 

[Chingon]

So for you guys that have them, would you go Polaris or Can Am?

That’s a Ford or Dodge question. Probably just a coin toss, pick the dealer you like best.

Buying today I would take a hard look at the Kawasaki Ridge. More sporty suspension yet similar creature comforts and an inline 4 cylinder which is much quieter and more more refined than twins…

The utilitarian suspension on my Ranger sucks compared to my old Wolverine X4.

 

[MTGomer]

So for you guys that have them, would you go Polaris or Can Am?

I know some of the generals burn through clutches and belts. Not sure if it’s been addressed or if it’s any better than the Can-Ams.

 

[mxracer317]

I know some of the generals burn through clutches and belts. Not sure if it’s been addressed or if it’s any better than the Can-Ams.

Never happened on mine and I run mine HARD. Do the regular maintenance and you’ll be fine.

 

[Cornell Cowboy]

I just switched from a Polaris Ranger this year to a Jeep Rubicon JL with 35s and a lift. For me it was the right choice. I can absolutely go anywhere my Ranger could go, even more actually. The deciding factor for me is that I don't have to deal with transporting the Ranger on a trailer. It's a 1 1/2 hour drive to my place, and not having to load/unload, find a place to park the trailer at work (or burn an hour driving home to pickup the trailer), or deal with my never-ending losing battle with trailer lights makes it very worth it to me. I add a fold up cargo carrier on the hitch to carry any game I shoot and it worked great this year! I'm hoping it will mean that I will actually be able to check my bear bait midweek this spring.

 

[F250]

3/4 ton truck, a set of ramps, and an ATV ( add a windshield and handwarmers if you need some creature comfort).

 

[Cornell Cowboy]

3/4 ton truck, a set of ramps, and an ATV ( add a windshield and handwarmers if you need some creature comfort).

Agreed, if you hunt by yourself, this is definitely the easiest approach.

 

[jpc01101]

That’s a Ford or Dodge question. Probably just a coin toss, pick the dealer you like best.

Buying today I would take a hard look at the Kawasaki Ridge. More sporty suspension yet similar creature comforts and an inline 4 cylinder which is much quieter and more more refined than twins…

The utilitarian suspension on my Ranger sucks compared to my old Wolverine X4.

Ridge has 3 yr warranty as well!

 

[Handlebar]

1966 bronco it is not much bigger than the newer utv