BajaNomad - Crazy idea? South on a Rhino

Crazy idea? South on a Rhino

El Jefe - 11-26-2018 at 10:56 AM

I've been thinking of buying a used Yamaha Rhino for use at our place on the near east cape. My quad is getting tired and it would be nice to have something I could haul a couple grand kids around in.

So here is the crazy part. I'm fantasizing about driving it down from Tecate ( or ??) this winter on dirt roads as much as possible. Seems like it would be a great adventure to camp and hotel it along the way.

I'm pretty much done with highway 1 after about 100 trips over the years. These days we fly. But seeing some new dirt road stuff i haven't seen would make a trip down memorable.

Naturally I would have the rig checked out thoroughly before attempting this and would expect to take at least a week+ for the journey. A couple hundred miles a day, max. And I'd have a buddy with me to share the pain.

My destination is on the east cape road near La Fortuna between San Jose del and Cabo Pulmo. My Yamaha quad has worked flawlessly for 14 years, so I hope a Rhino would as well. But yes, it would be a drag to get stranded. What could possibly go wrong? :biggrin:

Route recommendations, advice and general comments welcome!

David K - 11-26-2018 at 11:00 AM

Tom, sounds like fun... Get an inReach or Spot so we can follow or at least get you help if needed. The inReach and newer Spots allow you to communicate messages rather than just send your location and SOS.
Why not use Hwy. 5 and avoid all those towns and cities on Hwy. 1? You are not afraid of dirt roads!

El Jefe - 11-26-2018 at 11:04 AM

Thanks David. Yes have driven Hwy 5 many times. Better way to go indeed.

RnR - 11-26-2018 at 11:10 AM

Follow the route (or selected parts) of the Baja 1000 from northern Baja to La Paz. Pretty much dirt the whole way.

And, you could mark one off of the bucket list, '"run the Baja 1000".

From La Paz to the East Cape is easy. The coast road from Los Planes to Barriles. From there, I am sure that you know the way.

Buen Suerte.

4x4abc - 11-26-2018 at 11:17 AM

great idea!

bkbend - 11-26-2018 at 11:47 AM

I was spending the night once in San Ignacio and some folks in the room next to us had arrived from San Felipe on Rzrs. They said they did only about 5 miles on pavement. That's half the way there.

bajatrailrider - 11-26-2018 at 12:00 PM

El Jefe little words of wisdom. Im a off road nut since late 60s to date. I did in fact buy a Rhino. Do NOT Buy one. Engine between driver and copilot seat. It makes so much racket it sounds like. Driving a passenger Van with engine cover off. Problem number two Engine heat to driver and copilot real bad. Pay more get the Razor only problem they have rubber belt drive in time breaks. So you need carry spare or change when worn.

bajatrailrider - 11-26-2018 at 12:05 PM

El Jefe little words of wisdom. Im a off road nut since late 60s to date. I did in fact buy a Rhino. Do NOT Buy one. Engine between driver and copilot seat. It makes so much racket it sounds like. Driving a passenger Van with engine cover off. Problem number two Engine heat to driver and copilot real bad. Pay more get the Razor only problem they have rubber belt drive in time breaks. So you need carry spare or change when worn.

ehall - 11-26-2018 at 12:11 PM

x2 on the rhino. Way too hot. I had an Arctic cat that was the same way too.

El Jefe - 11-26-2018 at 01:20 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bajatrailrider

El Jefe little words of wisdom. Im a off road nut since late 60s to date. I did in fact buy a Rhino. Do NOT Buy one. Engine between driver and copilot seat. It makes so much racket it sounds like. Driving a passenger Van with engine cover off. Problem number two Engine heat to driver and copilot real bad. Pay more get the Razor only problem they have rubber belt drive in time breaks. So you need carry spare or change when worn.

Thanks! This is the kind of feedback I need. Come to think of it I have a friend who has a Rhino and has to wear big ear protectors. OK, back to Craigslist.

bajatrailrider - 11-26-2018 at 01:24 PM

Yes ED engine in back no racket no heat. The rhino rest your arm normal thing to do on engine cover. You have burned yourself after many mods. I did for more cooling sound proofing. All did not help very happy it is gone.

ehall - 11-26-2018 at 01:48 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bajatrailrider

Yes ED engine in back no racket no heat. The rhino rest your arm normal thing to do on engine cover. You have burned yourself after many mods. I did for more cooling sound proofing. All did not help very happy it is gone.

I put in a big stereo. Only time I could hear it was when I was parked and engine off.

caj13 - 11-26-2018 at 02:04 PM

The Baja XL people say you can complete their whole event in a side by side (excluding the short USDA section)

advrider - 11-26-2018 at 05:29 PM

What a plan, go for it in a RZR as others have said! Had a rhino and they are way out dated, at least get an 800, or better a 1000 with power steering! The power steering is so nice and makes driving it much more fun. But whatever you get make the trip, with some planning you can do almost all dirt.

Russ - 11-26-2018 at 06:19 PM

I agree with the RZR being a better choice. However I like my Ranger it can more easily carry tools, spare parts camp gear and gas. For the spare tire make sure it will fit the front and rear.

advrider - 11-26-2018 at 07:03 PM

Nothing wrong with the rangers either, several guys I know have them and they hold up good. Rhinos are cheap but most have been beat pretty bad along with the other issues people pointed out.

basautter - 11-27-2018 at 04:54 AM

Sounds like a great trip! I agree with earlier posts that you need some type of communication device beyond a cell phone (SPOT, inReach or Sat phone). Also, I would find out if the Rhino has any inherent design issues, and bring spare parts accordingly. The most common issues I see with UTVs are flat tires and broken CVT belts. Otherwise, have fun!

El Jefe - 11-27-2018 at 09:09 AM

Great input Guys! An InReach will be used for sure. And as far as the rig goes the Rhino is out. RZR or Ranger most likely. I'm kind of leaning to Ranger at this moment because it looks more like what I need. Hauling folks, beach chairs, cooler, umbrella and surf boards down to the beach will be it's new mission in life. No dune jumping and race suspension needed. Prices on used Ranger four-seaters are closer to what I want to spend as well.

Craig B - 11-27-2018 at 09:17 AM

These machines are great fun down here. A great point was made about the mid engine machines being noisy but they are also a pain to get to service points. The 800 RZR is a good example, have to take the back apart just to check the oil, and most of these machines do use a bit so it's important to check every morning.
Changing the belt is the same issue, a pain....Sounds like a great adventure though, we love taking multi day rides...

motoged - 11-27-2018 at 10:06 AM

A trip like what you are considering for sure would be a great adventure. I have no experience owning Ranger/RZR type vehicles , but have about 26 years riding dirtbikes all over Baja on multi-day trips and day riding. Whatever rig you end up with, use it stateside in similar terrain for a several day trip (camping raises the demand for vehicle prep, etc) and see how it works for your needs and holds up mechanically before you set out on a Trans-Baja adventure. Work the kinks out before you rip out of Tecate or Mexicali....

I have witnessed a lot of folks coming up with a great idea for Baja adventuring and are woefully under-prepared/equipped....mechanically and strategically.

Hauling a cooler and a few lawnchairs to the beach is a whole different trip than pounding sand and rocks for days on end....

You have a dream that is worth operationalizing.....hope you do it.

AKgringo - 11-27-2018 at 10:30 AM

And if you want some back up, you could probably find some guy with a Kia Sportage to follow you around for a couple of days.

It worked for Ged!

[Edited on 11-27-2018 by AKgringo]

David K - 11-27-2018 at 10:38 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Russ

I agree with the RZR being a better choice. However I like my Ranger it can more easily carry tools, spare parts camp gear and gas. For the spare tire make sure it will fit the front and rear.

Russ's Ranger side-by-side is very comfortable to ride in :light:

willardguy - 11-27-2018 at 11:02 AM

I have no experience with new modern day golf carts, I did do a couple long trips (way too long) on a Rhino, beat the crap out of me

get a good one!

mtgoat666 - 11-27-2018 at 11:15 AM

I recommend a jeep wrangler soft top. Has heat/AC, more comfy, road legal so more versatile

motoged - 11-27-2018 at 11:29 AM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo

And if you want some back up, you could probably find some guy with a Kia Sportage to follow you around for a couple of days.

It worked for Ged!

[Edited on 11-27-2018 by AKgringo]

Gary,
You and your Sportage were impressive....especially in the 3 foot deep water crossings in San Raymundo wash....was sure you were going to drown it....

When are you in Baja....I have a Seven Sister ride planned Dec 6th for a few days....and a Nomad biker needs a support vehicle for 2-3 days....interested? U2 me if so.

Say hi to Bailey as well :coolup:

ehall - 11-27-2018 at 11:35 AM

Quote: Originally posted by motoged

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo

And if you want some back up, you could probably find some guy with a Kia Sportage to follow you around for a couple of days.

It worked for Ged!

[Edited on 11-27-2018 by AKgringo]

Who needs a support vehicle? I am bringing my bike on a small trailer. He can have whatever room is left.

DouglasP - 11-27-2018 at 11:35 AM

Maybe throw Honda Pioneer into you pool of consideration.

[Edited on 11-27-2018 by DouglasP]

bajatrailrider - 11-27-2018 at 02:08 PM

I have driven every bike off road truck jeep. For off road the modern Razor is the way to go it takes the bumps rocks square edge like no other.

El Jefe - 11-27-2018 at 03:35 PM

Quote: Originally posted by motoged

A trip like what you are considering for sure would be a great adventure. I have no experience owning Ranger/RZR type vehicles , but have about 26 years riding dirtbikes all over Baja on multi-day trips and day riding. Whatever rig you end up with, use it stateside in similar terrain for a several day trip (camping raises the demand for vehicle prep, etc) and see how it works for your needs and holds up mechanically before you set out on a Trans-Baja adventure. Work the kinks out before you rip out of Tecate or Mexicali....

I have witnessed a lot of folks coming up with a great idea for Baja adventuring and are woefully under-prepared/equipped....mechanically and strategically.

Hauling a cooler and a few lawnchairs to the beach is a whole different trip than pounding sand and rocks for days on end....

You have a dream that is worth operationalizing.....hope you do it.

I value your opinion here. A test run would be a very, very good idea. A thousand miles of bad road is not to be taken lightly. I currently have a 2000 Jeep Grand C that we use for the beach car and it works fine for what it is. We just kind of like the idea of the open side by sides for fun and just buzzing around.

Tomorrow I'm heading back south. Going to get re acquainted with Hwy 1 as I help drive my neighbor's vintage Spaceballs Winnebago down to the east cape. Now that should be an interesting journey!

LancairDriver - 11-27-2018 at 10:05 PM

Quote: Originally posted by DouglasP

Maybe throw Honda Pioneer into you pool of consideration.

[Edited on 11-27-2018 by DouglasP]

Agree on the Honda Pioneer. Great machine, I replaced my stolen Arctic Cat side by side with the Honda. Kind of a cross between a Jeep and a Rzr. I can launch my 5,000 lb boat with the Honda. Lots of power and room. Five people or all the junk you want to haul. Maybe a bit large for some of the rugged mountain trails however.

basautter - 11-28-2018 at 04:42 AM

From my experience, all UTVs (and quads) with CVT drive trains are susceptible to belt breakage. Not a huge deal as long as you have a spare

mxracer50 - 11-28-2018 at 06:47 AM

Most of the baja racers are using RZR and Can AM now for prerunning with very good results. A rhino would be fun for about a day. They are just too slow and have outdated suspension.

bajatrailrider - 11-28-2018 at 07:23 AM

A rhino is only good till engine warms up. Very poor choice .

volcano - 11-29-2018 at 08:00 AM

have a rzr...love it..but yes, they give off tremendous heat, and are very noisy....have done several 50 mile days.......100 I think would be miserable

Perceburzr - 12-1-2018 at 07:18 PM

RZR is a great choice for that trip . The radiator is in the front of the machine and the heat blows back on your feet , it gets pretty hot . Also if you want your drinks to stay cold do not put them in the cup holders in the tunnel in the floor . The radiator lines run right by the cup holders. take an extra belt and tools and tire repair kit and it should be a great trip, would love to go.

basautter - 12-3-2018 at 04:07 PM

I have done many miles in a RZR. Very comfy suspension! Wind noise can be an issue at higher speeds, but earplugs or a windshield can fix this. They are known to break belts, especially at higher speeds and in soft sand. Bring extra belts and the tools change one. Also, some past models have known reliability issues, all of which can be mitigated. Make sure you know what you have. There are online forums that can be very helpful. :cool:

advrider - 12-3-2018 at 06:05 PM

I've done a few 150 mile days in my Polaris 1000 no problem. I never broke a belt on my 800 in over 3K miles, changed the original belt at 1500 and kept the original for a spare. If you use low range in the rocks and big climbs your belt will last. Good luck and post a ride report,