Ranger/UTV versus Suzuki Samarai

[txjustin]

For those that have gone from a UTV to a samurai style vehicle, how does it compare in damage they do to roads? How about their capabilities versus one another?
my landowner is worried about a Samurai tearing up the road more than a ranger.

[fish4food]

In my limited experience, with a Tacoma, if it’s wet enough I cut ruts in it, my buggy Mule Pro FXR will as well.

My Tacoma gets stuck less than my buggy does.. my buggy is stock height, factory tires.

[bowhntrmatt]

If your lease is all fairly nice roads that are smooth, I would go Samurai/jeep/tacoma. If they are rough/rocky/ lots of off-road, go UTV. As far as damage to wet roads, UTV is going to be better as generally tires are just as wide as regular vehicles but they weigh less, so more floatation and less rutting. If that is a concern I would definitely opt for a wider tire and try to stay off the roads altogether if it is real bad.

[J-5]

I went from a Ranger to a Jeep. Was a great decision for us. If the roads are too nasty, I don’t want to drive the Jeep too much in it anyway so I drag my old four wheeler and the little trailer. But of course we only hunt 10 miles from home on average.

[Sackett]

Need details on the property first. Is it limestone, Rocky roads in the hill country/West Texas, Sandy roads in South Texas, Heavy Clay in SE Coastal or red clay in East Texas? UTV’s are typically lighter and have a much larger footprint (wider tire) that helps disperse the vehicle load on the soil/road.

[txjustin]

Need details on the property first. Is it limestone, Rocky roads in the hill country/West Texas, Sandy roads in South Texas, Heavy Clay in SE Coastal or red clay in East Texas? UTV’s are typically lighter and have a much larger footprint (wider tire) that helps disperse the vehicle load on the soil/road.

Nope, southwest Texas black farm fields

[Dale Moser]

Those super aggresive UTV tires are awful on muddy roads, but with more sensible tires I don't think there will be much difference.

[Big pig]

My Sammi was not bad at rutting/tearing up roads but it was a mostly sandy deer lease in Atascosa county
Sounds like wider tires with less aggressive tread might be easier on his roads.

[Dejashoot]

My 4Runner will leave deeper ruts on wet roads than my wife’s Mule Pro-FXT.

[Sackett]

Nope, southwest Texas black farm fields

I think your answer is in the first post: “My landowner is worried……..”. First Rule of leasing a property; Don’t **** off the landowner.

[txjustin]

I think your answer is in the first post: “My landowner is worried……..”. First Rule of leasing a property; Don’t **** off the landowner.

I feel like you’re my conscience