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Slipping transmission

So that's something I noticed too. Based off revs, it's like it surges, revs up, then cuts power then repeats this over and over again any time the wheels begin to lose traction. When it does "surge" and rev up, I gain no additional speed or ground compared to when it cuts power.

I also just installed tune hoping it would change its characteristics a little and honestly think it made that effect worse. Maybe it's bc it has more torque and power causing it to break traction more. But I didn't make it as far as I did last time "pre tune" before having to break the winch out.

Either way I'm not able to get up the hill to my tree stands. Very frustrating. I've never had a problem on any portion of my trail regardless of condition on my ATV or Old Can-AM Maverick. All I can blame it on now is the Rangers weight. At first I blamed tires, but It became evident when I crossed the small creek section that Ive crossed hundreds of times before without issue. When I took the ranger across she sunk about a foot into the creek bed and I almost didn't get out. Then soon as I hit the muddy portions of the trail, it just starts sliding from side to side and in whatever direction the trail is pointed. Then once she stops sliding, she has created a deep enough rut/hole that she is a stuck in her tracks.

I no longer refer to it as my Ranger. I call it my Bobsled. She loves to just slide away like she is on ice. I just hold on and hope she stops somewhere where I can winch out.

Makes me wonder if an HD11 would have been better for my trails with the traditional belt, low range, and a little less weight. But all these full sized 2 door enclosed machines are obese and stubby, so who knows.

I do feel like the transmission and tuning doesn't know what to do when it starts slipping or sliding in soft and muddy terrain. Rev? Cut power? Shift? Hold gear?.... Just all over the place.

Otherwise She is a goat and very confident on the dry and rocky portions. One portion is steep, off camber, and washed out with about 14 in rock ledge. She crawled up and over that like it wasn't there. So I'm not sure what the answer or fix is, if there is one.

Admittedly I'm still learning and adjusting to the steel drive and trying to figure out what drive modes work best in which situation. My biggest struggle is trying to keep it from wanting to free wheel down the steep parts of my trails. No matter what mode I'm in, I can't keep the engine break engaged. It holds me back for the initial 10ft or so of decent then wants to let loose and free wheel.

Time will tell. I'm by no means bashing it or unhappy bc it's extremely comfortable on road and the HVAC is the best Ive come across. Just hope I can figure out how to reasonably overcome it's weaker points and quirks.
 
I can't speak to the creek crossings because I don't do much mud, but mine is the same on hill descents. Sometimes lets go at just the wrong time.
 
Either way I'm not able to get up the hill to my tree stands. Very frustrating. I've never had a problem on any portion of my trail regardless of condition on my ATV or Old Can-AM Maverick. All I can blame it on now is the Rangers weight. At first I blamed tires, but It became evident when I crossed the small creek section that Ive crossed hundreds of times before without issue. When I took the ranger across she sunk about a foot into the creek bed and I almost didn't get out. Then soon as I hit the muddy portions of the trail, it just starts sliding from side to side and in whatever direction the trail is pointed. Then once she stops sliding, she has created a deep enough rut/hole that she is a stuck in her tracks.

I no longer refer to it as my Ranger. I call it my Bobsled. She loves to just slide away like she is on ice. I just hold on and hope she stops somewhere where I can winch out.
Interesting comments from you and Dirtclod. I was watching a pretty informative review of a guy that was loaned a 1500 crew Ranger from Polaris for 6 months. He had a similar issue of getting stuck on his farm in one of the easier spots that he has taken other offroad vehicles countless times. I was thinking maybe tires, but really came to the conclusion that it is probably the sheer amount of weight of the 1500.

His issue starts at about the 18m20s mark.

WATCH BEFORE BUYING a POLARIS RANGER 1500 XD
 
So that's an easy trail where it's almost on it's side, lifting tires and it's ready to roll over. Maybe I have a different definition of an easy trail.
 
Yeah, when I was shopping around at different dealers, one of the salesman said he got to demo both the HD11 and Ranger 1500 back to back on same trails. He said he preferred the HD11 in every way over the Ranger 1500 on trails. He felt the weight of the Ranger was very apparent and made him feel very unsettled in certain spots of the trails where the HD11 just cruised through and was confidence inspiring.

At the time, I thought he was just trying to sale me a Can Am bc he didn't have nor could he get a Mountaineer 1500. But I'm starting to believe and agree with him.

However, I have a 37 mile one way commute to the farm and I chose the comfort and fit and finish of the 1500, knowing I'd prob sacrifice some off road capability vs the HD11. However, I may have slightly underestimated the amount of off road capability id be losing. But I do think the Ranger would be a slightly different animal if I didn't have the long hard road commute and could put a dedicated aggressive trail/mud tire on it.
 
Thanks, some good info there Mtneer82. We live in the mountains and hit steep stuff on most backcountry rides where we’re putting the General in low on a limited basis. So, I’ve already come to the conclusion that I’m limited to a Mountaineer model of the 1500 XD. Not super happy about the Mountaineer limited to 51mph but I’ll take that over not being able to crawl around on the trails when needed. Like you, the fit and finish is really nice and will make the wife happy. And it won’t be so bad on my elk hunts. :)
 
You will be happy with the Mountaineer! It's a great machine. Ave if that 51 mph limit gets on your nerves, just grab a Giloman tune and problem solved!
 
I have noticed that Sport mode seems more aggressive than Tow/Haul mode in those situations.
 
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