Author Archives: charlie

About charlie

I started riding when I bought my first ATV, a new '95 Yamaha Timberwolf, at age 14. Now enjoy it as a family and friends affair. My ride: 2014 Honda Rancher 4x4 DCT, RAM Mounts Aqua Box Pro, No Limit Wheels, Maxxis Bighorn 2.0. charlie(at)weekendatv.com

REVIEW: Quadboss Weekender Storage Trunk

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Nowadays you can’t have enough storage when riding long distances. ATV manufacturers have been increasing the amount of dry storage found on most units but sometimes you just need more. There is no limit to the things a rider could or should take. Smart carry-ons include first aid kits, air compressors and tire kits, belts, a jacket, snacks and drinks, tools and any number of items specific to your riding environment and conditions. With the adventures we tend to get into we decided it was time to get one ourselves. We picked up a couple of Quadboss Weekender Trunks at Halls Motorsports in Mobile, Alabama. The Quadboss Weekender is a hard plastic storage trunk. It has a large amount of storage space internally and a shelf on which to strap a small cooler or fuel can. The Weekender also adds a comfortable cushioned seat.

Quadboss Weekender Trunk. Quadboss stock photo.

Mounting the trunk is accomplished using four U bolts and wing nuts. It’s designed to be pretty universal so you’ll have to drill your own mounting holes in the trunk. You may find it’s best to remove the rear rack to help make marking the mounting holes easier. We found that mounting it to our Polaris rear rack was a bit of a pain thanks to the Polaris rack design, but it is quite secure once in place. Installation on the Yamaha Grizzly was much easier. Remember to frequently check the wing nuts and tighten them up as needed.

Be sure to check the fit with the driver in place to make sure the trunk is not mounted too far forward. Unfortunately, the Weekender is so long that is can be hard to get proper placement for the driver without modification to the rear rack. In both our Grizzly and Hawkeye installs we found that placing the trunk in front of the lip on the back of the rear rack placed it too far forward to be comfortable for long rides. We cut the plastic lip off the Hawkeye rack. On the other hand, the bottom seat cushion is removable, held in place by just velcro.

Looking at the Weekender you would expect it to serve as a passenger seat. Afterall, it has plush back and bottom cushions, comfortable hand holds and sits back too far to be used by the driver. However, Quadboss disclaims that it is “not for passenger use while operating vehicle.” I would imagine this is for their own protection from mis-use, improper installation and driver stupidity. Most parks will probably enforce their passenger rules against this seat as well, too. However, there is some level of expectation that it will serve as a passenger seat at times. In controlled tests it worked well, but it certainly pushes a single passenger ATV beyond its designed limits, especially on inclines and sidehills. It makes a comfortable spot for a small passenger, but if your need is to have a place for a constant second rider, there are plenty of 2-up ATV’s that will accomplish this much easier and safer.

Most comfortable seat in the house for sure! Disclaimer: Neither Quadboss nor WeekendATV.com condone using the Weekender as a passenger seat. Always heed manufacturer warnings.

The Weekender opens up on both sides. It opens from the rear so access while seated is a bit difficult. The elastic cords work well for holding the trunk doors closed. The openings measure (get measurements). It’s not quite big enough for most adult sized helmets, but youth helmets will fit inside nicely. It would have been nice if they had included padlock holes so you could lock the trunk. The design of the openings is pretty water-resistant thanks to the lip it has. It would be easy to add a little foam water-proofing strip to the edge if you need.

The Weekender has a textured finish that helps keep scratches from being too visible. This is especially good on tight trails. The size of the Weekender makes it as wide or wider on some ATVs, and you may find that it gets hung up on branches and vines that the ATV itself easily clears.

Overall, the Quadboss Weekender Trunk is a solid accessory. An MSRP of $333.99 may be a little steep for a plastic box, but its pretty well inline with other industry-specific offerings. Dealers should also be able to provide a full line of replacements parts. This may come in handy if you forget to remove the seat cushion before heading down the highway. And no, we haven’t had that happen yet.

To find a Quadboss dealer near you or to see other trunks they offer check out the Quadboss website at http://www.quadboss.com. If you are on the Gulf Coast check out the Hall’s Motorsports locations at http://www.visithalls.com.

PREVIEW: 2013 John Deere RSX850i Side-by-Side

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For over a decade now, John Deere has been on the cusp of the ORV industry. A legend in the agricultural and landscape industry and with their Gator utility vehicle sitting just outside the powersports realm, there was never any doubt whether or not they could do it. It was just a question of when they finally would. With the growing popularity of the side-by-side world encroaching on them they finally decided it was time to make their entrance. Introducing the John Deere RSX850i.

The 2013 John Deere Gator RSX850i Line Up. John Deere stock photo.

The RSX850i enters the power sports world showing it knows what it takes to be considered. It’s powered by a 839cc v-twin that produces 62 hp and 59.5 lb-ft of torque according to Deere. It tops out at 53 mph and reaches 30 mph in 3 seconds. It has fully locking four-wheel drive and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. It’s up for any task with 400 lbs of capacity in the dumping cargo box. The base model RSX850i carries an MSRP if $12,999 and is available in three color schemes including traditional John Deere green/yellow, olive/black and REALTREE HARDWOODS HD camo.

The Gator RSX850i Sport with FOX 2.0 suspension. John Deere stock photo.

For added excitement the Gator RSX850i can be picked up in Sport or Trail packages. The Sport model upgrades the steel wheels to alloy wheels and Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires. You’ll also get a pre-runner front bumper, a sport steering wheel, 35.5 inch sport seats and cargo box rails. To balance out the sport use you’ll get FOX 2.0 Perormance Series shocks on the corners. MSRP on the Sport model is $15,499. The Trail package also has the alloy wheel upgrade, sport seats and cargo box rails. You get an aggressive front brushguard with a Warn winch up front and a rear bumper but lose the FOX suspension. The FOX suspension is an available add-on for the base and Trail models. MSRP on the Trail package is $14,999. John Deere has a full line of accessories available for each model including a huge selection of HELLA lights, cab enclosures, storage, etc.

The WARN equipped Gator RSX850i Trail model. John Deere Stock photo.

Deere tags the RSX850i as “a whole new species of Gator” and it certainly is. And while it may not be revolutionary against the existing competition it doesn’t come in behind either. So next time you’re on the trail don’t be surprised to see a Deere. Get more information on the Gator RSX850i at http://www.deere.com.

PREVIEW: 2013 Polaris Sport ATV Lineup

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Big news is out from Polaris Industries as they introduce their 2013 Sport ATV Lineup with the new Scrambler 850 poster child. The Scrambler enters the market as the only  challenger to the Can-Am Renegade and it certainly looks ready for the fight.

Introducing the 2013 Polaris Scrambler 850 base model. Stock Polaris photo.

The Scrambler 850 replaces the previous Scrambler 500. The 850 is powered by a high-output SOHC engine with twin electronic fuel injectors (EFI). Expect 77 horsepower from this rocket. The new Scrambler also has all new styling and on-demand four-wheel drive that engages when the rear tires lose traction and disengages when it’s not needed. The Scrambler has 12 inches of ground clearance and 10/25 inches of IRS travel. It also has 75 pounds of rack capacity to help make a full day out of your riding adventure. The basic model is found in white and has an MSRP of $9,499.

The 2013 Polaris Scrambler 850 EPS LE. Stock Polaris photo.

The 2013 Polaris Scrambler 850 is also available in an EPS Stealth Black LE with proven FOX Podium 1.0 shocks and Electronic Power Steering. The LE model also adds a digital dash, LED lights, handguards and black cast aluminum wheels. MSRP on the LE is $11,999.

The 2013 Polaris Trail Boss 330. Stock Polaris photo.

Returning for 2013 are the Trail Boss 330, Trail Blazer 330 and Phoenix 200 models. Virtually unchanged from 2012 the Trail Boss and Trail Blazer are basically the same unit simply with or without racks. Both two-wheel drive units carry and MSRP of $4,399. The Phoenix 200 continues to be a stable mid-model for youths too big for entry units but not yet age appropriate for full size. It carries an MSRP of $3,599.

See more details on the Scrambler 850 and other Polaris models at http://www.polaris.com/en-us/atv-quad/sport-atvs.

REVIEW: Dee Zee Specialty Series Narrow Tool Box

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Truck tool boxes are a way of life for many truck owners. Having secured storage for tools, straps, tow ropes and other items is often more necessity than desire. Unfortunately a tool box can take up valuable bed space. For several years manufacturers have worked to overcome this issue with specialty boxes that limit the amount of space they take up. One such example is the Specialty Series Narrow Tool Box by Dee Zee. The box is only 12 inches wide compared to the 20 inch average width of other commonly found tool boxes.

Time to move up the WeekendATV.com logo!

Most of the remaining features are standard. Construction is made from .056 brite-tread aluminum and can also be ordered in black powder-coat. The .056 is a little on the thin side and may not hold up well to heavy abuse. The front, bottom and back of the unit are bent from a single piece of aluminum like heavy-duty origami. Closed cell foam across the lid keeps the 5 to 5.75 cubic feet of storage space dry. The locking lid is controlled by a single gas strut to add to the longevity of the unit. But the real seller is the price tag. The MSRP is $301.95 but you can find it online for under $250 shipped.

I ordered the DZ6170NB through an online retailer and in two days it was delivered. At only 35 pounds the package was easily maneuvered. I noticed a couple marks on the shipping box but nothing of concern. Once I opened the box I realized there was no padding whatsoever and my new toolbox had suffered some small dings and scratches from the shipping process. A higher end tool box with thicker metal and without the black painted finish would probably have held up better, but a budget unit like this should really be packaged a bit better. I also noticed that one of the latch rivets was poorly done. The latch is firm and it’s really only a blemish close up.

Shipping damage.

Weak rivet.

Installation is simple. The box comes with a pair of J-hooks used to catch the lip of the bed and hold it tight. Once you have the box centered between the bed rails a pair of holes need to be drilled to insert the bolts through. Overall installation is only about a 10 minute process. The provided instructions are weak. They appear to have been photocopied several times and are very blurry. There were duplicated pages and some instructions were apparently in error. It recommends drilling 1/4″ holes to insert the blunt 3/8″ J-hooks into.

A tool box with room to spare.

Overall this is a prime example of “you get what you pay for.” If you have a smaller budget or don’t expect heavy abuse to the tool box, this unit is probably enough for you. If money isn’t an issue or you plan to really push the durability of your tool box there are thicker units on the market that will probably hold up much better.

PREVIEW: 2013 Honda ATV and Side-by-Side Lineup

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Honda fans don’t have much news to be excited about in the 2013 model year. Honda released details and specs on the 2013 models in the utility, sport and side-by-side class with more changes to the price tags then anything else. Some units MSRP for 2013 have not yet been published but, so far, every model has a higher MSRP except for the entry youth TRX90X which stays at $2,999.

New paint on the 2013 Honda TRX450R. Honda stock photo.

The only other mentionable changes for Honda’s offroad line is the seat height on most Rancher units goes up a half inch and the sport lineup will see some changes in color options. It seems that Honda is vastly ignoring the ATV industry due to its declined sales. Honda will have a good bit of catching up to do when they decide to get back in the game.

PREVIEW: 2013 Yamaha Sport Lineup

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Now assembled in the USA! 2013 Yamaha Raptor 700 with the Patriot graphics. Yamaha stock photo.

Yamaha continues a tradition of thrills with their announcement of the 2013 sport ATV lineup, including the redesigned Raptor 700’s. The 2013 Yamaha sport line features a total of 10 different machines, the largest offering in the industry. Only Can-Am even comes close with their 8 sport models.

2013 Yamaha Raptor 700R SE. Yamaha stock photo.

The Raptor 700’s are sporting a new style thanks to resculptured plastics. New stopping power is backed by twin piston rear braker calipers and Maxxis rubber replaces the Dunlop tires that have served previous Raptor models. The all-new base 700 model starts at $7,699. The Raptor 700R gets new piggyback shocks all around and an adjustable front brake lever to tune to your desires for $8,099. The 700R Special Edition (SE) also adds custom graphics and a GYTR front grab bar and heel guards all for $8,799, a $200 drop from last years model. Perhaps the biggest news is the Raptor 700’s are now assembled right here in the USA.

2013 Yamaha Raptor 700R with the Yamaha Sport Front Grab Bar. Yamaha stock photo.

The race ready YFZ450, YFZ450R and YFZ450R Special Edition units return this year virtually unchanged. On the otherhand, is there much you can really improve on in the YFZ line?  The YFZ450R SE and YFZ450R pricetags stay firm at $8,949 and $8,599 respectively while the YFZ450 goes up $100 to $6,899.

2013 Yamaha YFZ450R. Yamaha stock photo.

The Raptor 350, 250, 125 and 90 also go unchanged for 2013 continuing to capitalize on the proven recipe. The Raptor 250 and 90 keep the same price point as last year at $4,599 and $2,699 while the Raptor 350 and 125 each add $100 for $5,599 and $3,499.

2013 Yamaha Raptor 250 with Nebula graphics. Yamaha stock photo.

Last year Yamaha introduced custom graphics packages for certain units that were available in white. That trend continues with new graphics for the YFZ450R, YFZ450, and Raptor 350, 250, 125 and 90.

2013 Yamaha Raptor 350 with skulls and flames graphics. Yamaha stock photo.

Trail Review: Desoto National Forest Bethel ATV Trail – Saucier, MS

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Mississippi may be near the bottom on some prestigious lists of states, but when it comes to the great outdoors it is a top-level paradise. One example is the great riding opportunities found throughout the state. One of the most south-eastern options is the Bethel ATV Trail in Desoto National Forest.

Bethel ATV Trail is one of two ATV trails found in Desoto National Forest. As such, the trails are overseen by the US Forestry Department. The trailhead is not staffed but there is a $5 per person entry fee on an honor system. $5 is more than reasonable for the ride. The staging area is found at the end of a long, dirt road. There is plenty of parking and a primitive camping area with room for RVs. There is also a bathroom at the staging area though it’s really more of a nice outhouse.

Bethel consists of two separate ATV trails. The north trail is an 18 mile loop and the south trail is a 19 mile loop. For the most part the trails are wide open and fairly amateur in difficulty. This is a nice place for a ride but you likely won’t be challenged. You also aren’t likely to get very muddy, but it does get very dusty when dry. Bring googles (always!) and a change of clothes unless you are at the front of the group. There is a thick pine forest section on the South trail that leaves only about 48 inches of width. Our Suzuki KingQuad 500AXi scraped both side trying to squeeze between trees a few times. Wide ATV’s and UTVs are definitely not going to work here. Side by sides might be okay on the North trail. The trails are quite bumpy and covered with shallow roots. It’s a great place to dial in your suspension. Some sections of the trail are quite sandy and some have rock that has been brought in to prevent washouts.

You are highly encouraged to “call before you haul” as the park is usually closed for several days following rain. The trail does not close during hunting season, but it is recommended that you ride on Sunday’s as there is no hunting allowed then. You can get the most current park status 24 hours a day by calling the Desoto Ranger District Recreation Office at 601-528-6180 or 601-928-5291.

Bethel ATV Trail - Saucier, MS

Trail Review: Rosita Creek Flats – Amarillo, Texas

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The Texas Panhandle is generally a vast cropland, except for the area carved out by the Canadian River. US Highway 87/287 runs north out of Amarillo, Texas, across this expansive flat land. As it crosses the Canadian River, a small dirt road (aptly named Canadian River Road) turns off to the east into a wide, sandy, staging area surrounded by narrow trail ruts. Welcome to Rosita Creek Flats National Park OHV Recreation Area.

Highway 87/287 crossing the Canadian River and the entrance to the Rosita Creek Flats staging area.

Rosita Creek Flats (also called Rosita Flats) is one of two OHV riding areas at the Lake Meredith National Recreation Area. The Blue Creek Bridge OHV area can be found on the north side of Lake Meredith a few remote miles away. Combined, they provide over 2,000 acres of OHV riding area, 80% of which is at the Rosita Creek location. From the top of the plateaus you can see the dirt playground stretch for miles.

Rosita offers a little of everything in regards to terrain and difficulty. There are wide open roads and sand banks, steep hills, rock climbs and even mud. In fact, you can ride right out into the river itself. Fording the Canadian River is usually easy. It is a dam controlled river that never seemed more than a foot deep and has a pretty solid bottom to it. You can, however, get into some tread-clogging, southern-style mud on the banks and we got a chance to test our winching abilities there.

Rosita offers primitive camping but there are no restrooms or picnic tables as a result of repeat issues with vandalism. There have been threats to close the park, but thanks to the Texas Off-Roaders Association that hasn’t happened yet. TORA works hard with the legislators and corporate sponsors to keep the Canadian River parks available to riders. They also host events like sand drags to help raise funds and awareness.

Park officials do enforce the use of helmets and eye protection and Texas requires an OHV decal while riding on public lands such as this. The decals are $16 and are good through August 31st of the purchase year. When you consider most parks are about $20 per vehicle per day, $16 for a year is great with the many public riding areas offered by Texas. The decal fees are put back into the states OHV program. Decals can be purchased in advance from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department or from retailers throughout the state. We found B&R Motorsports to be the closest retailer and easily obtained our decals there for a same day ride. They also had plenty of riding gear and accessories to serve your needs.

If you are going to be in the Amarillo area and are looking for a place to ride, Rosita Creek Flats is a great stop. You’ll probably never be alone there and we met several local riders on our weekday evening ride. Weekends are even more popular, especially on TORA’s event weekends.

Rosita Creek Flats ORV Area – www.nps.gov/lamr/planyourvisit/ohv-off-highway-vehicles.htm

Texas Off Highway Vehicle Program – www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/ohv/index.phtml

Texas Off-Roaders Association – www.texasoffroaders.com

B&R Motorsports – www.brgokarts.com

Rosita Creek Flats - Amarillo, TX

REVIEW: DU-HA Truck Storage Systems

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Several months ago I switched from an SUV to my Ford F250 Crew Cab truck. The transition has been very well enjoyed but I was quickly reminded of the vast difference in enclosed storage space between an SUV and a truck. I have room for six passengers and as a primary family transportation system I need to keep the seating space available. Sure, you can add a toolbox but that exterior storage isn’t always appropriate. Plus you can lose valuable ATV space in the truck bed by adding a toolbox.

DU-HA stock before photo.

During my search for an alternative I came across DU-HA Inc. and their storage solutions for pickup trucks. DU-HA offers storage systems to fit behind and/or under the seats of most full size trucks. The DU-HA storage boxes are significant upgrades to the stock storage options (or lack thereof) and provide a great deal

DU-HA stock after photo.

of hidden space. The units are even capable of safely carrying rifles and are considered legal gun cases in most states.

The factory behind-the-seat storage versus the DU-HA. DU-HA stock photo.

I picked up both the Underseat and Behind-the-seat models for my Ford F250 Crew Cab. The amount of space added was incredible. The space is secure and out of the sight of prying eyes, removing any temptation that toolboxes and bed covers often give. Peering through the windows the boxes aren’t noticable at all. They do not interfere with the functions of the seats or the passengers in them.

The storage boxes come in several colors to match most interiors. The boxes average about $199 for understeat models and $179 for behind-the-seat models. Boxes are available for full-size trucks from Ford, Chevrolet/GMC, Dodge, Nissan, Toyota and the Honda Ridgeline. They come with a 30 day money-back gurantee and a lifetime warranty. Installation is easy and takes only moments using a couple of tools and existing hardware. Accessories include anti-theft locks and subwoofer boxes for some models. Since my own purchase I have recommended these to others who have bought them and been equally pleased. For more information see www.DU-HA.com.

The storage systems make a great place for my first responder gear. My radio and lighting controls are mounted in the box to keep them safe.

Trail Review: Red River, NM

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Red River, New Mexico, is a quaint, semi-famous ski resort town. The town is void of any recognizable commercialization, instead filled with mom-and-pop shops and gold-mining history. Signs of the snow-life are everywhere, but during the warm months it becomes a totally different outdoor paradise with fishing, hiking, and of course, off-roading. With one long winding road in and one long winding road out, Red River is nestled in the heart of the Carson National Forest.

Red River has eleven off-road trails overseen by the United States Forestry Service and they vary greatly in difficulty. Old Red River Pass is like a fairly well-maintained gravel road that most consumer vehicles could handle, whereas 4th of July Canyon is a tight trail with large loose rocks and deep wash-outs. Trail details, descriptions, directions and maps are available at the town Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center or the USFS Questa Ranger Station.

Red River sits at around 9,000 feet and the trails go as high as about 11,600 feet. Some of our carbureted quads did suffer from altitude sickness at around 11,000 feet and had a noticeable loss of power the entire time. Fuel injected units shouldn’t have this concern and there are products for re-jetting or adjusting carbureted engines to help them breathe more naturally.

In town, you’ll see plenty of horses on the streets as well as the touristy 3-wheeled cars, but keep your ATVs off the asphalt. Red River has a strict regulation against ATVs being on the roads. You can cross the road from staging area to trail but running parallel to the roads will get you a ticket from the town Marshall. This was perhaps my biggest complaint about Red River. In the news it seems to be a debated topic and may change in the near future. Until then no enthusiast likes to see “NO ATVs” signs around.

For those not wanting to haul your ORVs to Red River, there are rentals available in town. Red River Offroad offers custom Kawasaki Teryx units for rent as well as guided Jeep tours. If you are hauling, New Mexico requires registration of ATVs and side-by-sides. $18 per ATV will get you a 3 month out-of-state registration sticker. You can register online and print a temporary permit right away. Your registration fees go back into the state’s ORV program keeping trails like these open. ATV pilots under 18 must pass an ORV safety course. These can be completed online and are well worth the small price for the lessons learned. Our young riders took the ATVCourse.com lessons and I was impressed at the quality of the exam and the riding technique comments made by my daughter in the ride following her taking the exam. As we packed for the trip she named off a full list of emergency survival gear that we should be packing for our rides; all learned through her course. You can see full state requirements and course details at the New Mexico Game and Fish OHV site.

No matter what type of ride you choose or who the owner is, you will see some of the most beautiful views you can reach on four wheels.The riding is great for any level of rider and the panoramic views are spectacular. Red River and all that it offers is a great offroading, family destination.

Red River Chamber of Commerce – www.redrivernewmex.com

Red River Offroad – www.redriveroffroad.com

New Mexico Game & Fish OHV Program – www.b4uride.com

ATV Course – www.ATVCourse.com