P500 Project RAMBO - upgrades and adventures...

[SouthwestORV]

Tires and wheels!

Haha! I know...I know. But, mirrors first. Then grab handles and shoulder belt pads. Then Rotopax tank. Then center mirror....probably cargo upgrades and much more before wheels/tires. Just giving you a fair warning.

 

[SouthwestORV]

Need ya some sand tires now that will sling it out there.

I was looking, and unfortunately there are no 24" or 25" paddle tires. They jump straight from 22" up to 26". And about the best option for this little machine is the 26" ITP Sand Star paddles, which I have a lot of experience with. But I don't hit the dunes often enough to justify the extra set of wheels/tires. Don't get me wrong, I would LOVE to try that out, with some 3/4" spacers all around.

 

[SouthwestORV]

Rear differential service. Upgraded to Royal Purple. In my case, I did NOT notice any difference in rear diff noise. Still sounds like something is wrong - but I keep telling myself nothing is wrong, because everybody on here says nothing is wrong. But I have the peace of mind that I already upgraded the fluid!

 

[SouthwestORV]

I paused during our ride this afternoon to provide an 130-mile owner review of our 2018 Honda Pioneer 500. Had a fun ride with my 6-year-old son. As Honda says, life is better SxS.

 

[SouthwestORV]

I posted this video elsewhere - as it may help more than just 500 owners. But it belongs in the RAMBO build thread as well...so here it is - SIDE MIRRORS by Maverick Advantage:

 

[SouthwestORV]

This video falls in the adventures category. My son and I were out exploring this past Saturday, and we came across these tall/steep/loose climbs. I was nervous about traction, but the little Pioneer did awesome! The climb in this video was accomplished in 3rd gear, 4-wheel-drive. It's taller and steeper when you're there in person. This little Pioneer is a blast.

 

[oldfokker]

Enjoying your thread and interested what Rambo’s future holds. My Run-A-MUCK is it’s twin but as I live in a wet rainy climate our direction for mods will be a bit different. Right now I’m working on figuring out how to install a cheap windshield defroster and of course how to sneak some 26” Bighorns into the garage.

 

[SouthwestORV]

Enjoying your thread and interested what Rambo’s future holds. My Run-A-MUCK is it’s twin but as I live in a wet rainy climate our direction for mods will be a bit different. Right now I’m working on figuring out how to install a cheap windshield defroster and of course how to sneak some 26” Bighorns into the garage.

Funny, I’m trying to figure out how to sneak some 26” tires into the garage also!

 

[Montecresto]

Enjoying your thread and interested what Rambo’s future holds. My Run-A-MUCK is it’s twin but as I live in a wet rainy climate our direction for mods will be a bit different. Right now I’m working on figuring out how to install a cheap windshield defroster and of course how to sneak some 26” Bighorns into the garage.

Good tire choice, and so hard to hide from mama. Good luck with your defroster.

 

[Montecresto]

Funny, I’m trying to figure out how to sneak some 26” tires into the garage also!

You guys are real villains

 

[Chooglin]

Enjoying your thread and interested what Rambo’s future holds. My Run-A-MUCK is it’s twin but as I live in a wet rainy climate our direction for mods will be a bit different. Right now I’m working on figuring out how to install a cheap windshield defroster and of course how to sneak some 26” Bighorns into the garage.

Window defroster

 

[SouthwestORV]

You guys are real villains

I may end up going with the SunF AO43: SunF A043 Tires

 

[Montecresto]

I may end up going with the SunF AO43: SunF A043 Tires

That’s a good looking tire, very similar pattern to what I run, mine are DOT, can’t tell if those are. Not sure how those would be for your sand dunes. Good price too.

 

[SouthwestORV]

That’s a good looking tire, very similar pattern to what I run, mine are DOT, can’t tell if those are. Not sure how those would be for your sand dunes. Good price too.

Not sure if DOT, but being of the radial variety I imagine they’ll be great on the many roads I ride here in AZ. I only “dune” about once a year. The rest of the year is mixed terrain. I’m seriously considering the rally on the rocks at Moab this year.

 

[Montecresto]

I’m seriously considering the rally on the rocks at Moab this year.

I hope you’re able to do that. You’re going up so I assume you’ll do wider tires too, maybe some spacers??

 

[Backwoods]

Funny, I’m trying to figure out how to sneak some 26” tires into the garage also!

Forgiveness is way easier than permission. I recommend just do it besides the dog will enjoy the company.

 

[Montecresto]

Forgiveness is way easier than permission.

You’re right of course, but then mama will start doing that too lol.

 

[Backwoods]

She already does. It's called Amazon ups has a trail worn into my concrete.

 

[SouthwestORV]

You’re right of course, but then mama will start doing that too lol.

There’s the REAL concern!

 

[SouthwestORV]

When we rode the sand dunes during Thanksgiving, I was doubtful the little Pioneer 500 would see the top of Sand Mountain. After all, it's 500 feet tall, and it's loose/deep sand. However, the easiest access point is on the North side. While still challenging, we made it! I was very proud of Rambo. Here's a little clip from the top of Sand Mountain.