Q
Hey everyone! New to posting on the forums, but spent hours on here researching before I recently bought a new 2017 Pioneer 500. I bought the machine to carry myself, my wife, and stuff down to the lake. Total load will generally be 300-400 lbs. I have a gravel driveway that runs about half way down to a flat landing. That slope is only about 20 degrees, and the pioneer handles that fine in 2wd.
The next slope is a bit steeper and not improved in any way. The hill is a smooth, constant 35-40 degree slope (70-84 percent grade). It's roughly a 50 foot elevation change from top to bottom.
I tried it out the other day when the ground was wet from a recent rain. It went down the hill just fine, but would not come back up. Power was not the problem, but traction was non-existent on the wet dirt and leaf-covered hill. The treads filled with mud instantly and wouldn't do anything but spin. I didn't have time to try dropping tire pressure, so I just went back up via my neighbor's paved pathway. I think it would *probably* have gone up the hill okay had it been dry. Also note that I don't have room to get a running start up the hill, nor would I want to. I want to go up the hill nice and easy so I don't tear it up or scare the wife.
Considering all that, I want to try new tires before I call an excavator to cut a trail. Main goals are: added traction on packed hard dirt wet and dry, added roll stability, not increasing width beyond 52-54 inches.
After much reading, here's what I'm considering:
Rear: Maxxis Bighorn Radial Tire 26x12-12 on 4/110 ITP SS212 Alloy Series Wheel 12x7 5.0 + 2.0
Front: Maxxis Bighorn Radial Tire 26x9-12 on 4/110 ITP SS212 Alloy Series Wheel 12x7 5.0 + 2.0
Is the 26x12x12 on the rear too much tire? I'm assuming the 12 inch wide tire will provide more traction and stability vs the 9 inch wide? I'm also assuming that I gain some width with the 5/2 offset wheels vs the stock wheels? Any idea how wide the machine will be with the 12 inch rear tire on the offset wheel? I'm also open to adding the SuperATV 1.5" spacers to the front, rear, or both if that would be beneficial.
So, what's everyone think? Will the new tires give me the added traction to make it up a 35-40 degree slope at a slow/comfortable speed? How wide will I be with just the 5/2 offset wheels and 12" rear tires and 9" fronts? Is there a better tire brand or size combination for what I'm trying to accomplish?
Thanks for any suggestions!
The next slope is a bit steeper and not improved in any way. The hill is a smooth, constant 35-40 degree slope (70-84 percent grade). It's roughly a 50 foot elevation change from top to bottom.
I tried it out the other day when the ground was wet from a recent rain. It went down the hill just fine, but would not come back up. Power was not the problem, but traction was non-existent on the wet dirt and leaf-covered hill. The treads filled with mud instantly and wouldn't do anything but spin. I didn't have time to try dropping tire pressure, so I just went back up via my neighbor's paved pathway. I think it would *probably* have gone up the hill okay had it been dry. Also note that I don't have room to get a running start up the hill, nor would I want to. I want to go up the hill nice and easy so I don't tear it up or scare the wife.
Considering all that, I want to try new tires before I call an excavator to cut a trail. Main goals are: added traction on packed hard dirt wet and dry, added roll stability, not increasing width beyond 52-54 inches.
After much reading, here's what I'm considering:
Rear: Maxxis Bighorn Radial Tire 26x12-12 on 4/110 ITP SS212 Alloy Series Wheel 12x7 5.0 + 2.0
Front: Maxxis Bighorn Radial Tire 26x9-12 on 4/110 ITP SS212 Alloy Series Wheel 12x7 5.0 + 2.0
Is the 26x12x12 on the rear too much tire? I'm assuming the 12 inch wide tire will provide more traction and stability vs the 9 inch wide? I'm also assuming that I gain some width with the 5/2 offset wheels vs the stock wheels? Any idea how wide the machine will be with the 12 inch rear tire on the offset wheel? I'm also open to adding the SuperATV 1.5" spacers to the front, rear, or both if that would be beneficial.
So, what's everyone think? Will the new tires give me the added traction to make it up a 35-40 degree slope at a slow/comfortable speed? How wide will I be with just the 5/2 offset wheels and 12" rear tires and 9" fronts? Is there a better tire brand or size combination for what I'm trying to accomplish?
Thanks for any suggestions!
