SxS for elk hunting

Ilelkhntr

Member
Jun 1, 2019
63
First off, it’s not for sitting in and shooting an elk.
Looking at one for running back roads to TH, hauling camp back in and not beating the crap out of my truck.
Thinking about a RZR 570 or 800 because they fit the 50” rule. Anyone use one of these or something different I should look at.
Have 3 quads at the house, looking for something more stable.
 
I don’t have any experience with a side by side but if they make one less than 50” I can see the benefit to one. I have a 4 wheeler for riding trails that I rarely use. If you are looking for something to ride back roads without tearing up your truck I use a small suv. I have a 98 Kia Sportage that I take everywhere. I bought it for 6k 15 years ago. My cousin has a side by side that he paid 32k for and he can’t take it anywhere that I can’t go. At least not legally. His will climb trees but it’s too wide for the trails around here so he can only ride the roads. My suv has a windshield and AC and heat and I can go 70 down the freeway. His doesn’t have any of that. And I don’t care if I scrape the paint up on my suv.
 
My issue with a small suv is license, insurance and trailering to different states.
I agree that the suv is more comfortable, but I’m hunting, not heading to the grocery store. Plus my wife can putter around the place with the SxS.
 
I would have to license and insure a side by side to ride roads in Idaho too. I’m not sure what the OHV license costs. Probably less than registering a vehicle. I use my little car for hunting and pretty much everything that I don’t want to drive my truck for. The side by side would be nice around your property. My dad is considering getting one so he can ride roads around here with my mom and they are together instead of on separate 4 wheelers. My uncle has one called a wildcat. I’m not sure who makes it. He went grouse hunting with my dad on 4 wheelers last fall and he said he wouldn’t do that again. The side by side is apparently a lot more comfortable than a 4 wheeler.
 
A SxS is covered under my homeowners policy. No registration in Illinois. I believe it’s $25 in Colorado and Wyoming.
Top heavy and tipsy are the biggest issues with a 50” SxS. Not into hot rodding anymore more.
Pretty much decided to pick one up, now it’s just a matter of which one. Leaning towards a Honda Pioneer. Solid unit that’s shaft driven.
 
If you've got the funds, I think it's a great idea. I'd lean towards the 800 just to have that extra power in the mountains. Those RZR's are nice for sure. No experience with the Pioneer.
 
Stopped at a shop today and looked at a few models. Was not impressed with the bed size of the Rzr. Not sure if it’ll be big enough for what I’m wanting it for.
 
Yeah, the bed size in the RZR isn't great, especially in those 50" width models. Question for you: are there a lot of trails you plan on riding that require the 50" rule? The only reason I ask is I think any 50" model isn't going to have very sufficient bed space. It makes me think you could consider a couple of other options:

1. Get a 50" model and use the trailer you tow it on to haul stuff into your camp using your 50" rig to tow it. Trailers can take a decent beating, and it will significantly cut down on the number of trips you'll have to make.
2. Get a full-size rig, like the Pioneer or a Ranger, to haul your camp in as they have a much larger bed. Then, if you need to have access to 50" trails, you could drive that back out and grab one of your ATV's. Granted, you'd have to trailer two rigs out for your hunt, but that would give you the most flexibility.
 
Pretty much have decided against a SxS. Have 2 quads in the barn that have worked fine for the past 20 years. If I’m going to have to haul a trailer, I’m thinking I’m going to get an atv trailer I can pull behind when needed. The quad and a Yutrax trailer will easily fit on my 14’ trailer and it tows great.
Going to build a permanent ramp/tailgate and spend the money saved on elk tags.
 

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