Four Wheeler do you need 4x4 for on the lake?

[Agronomist_at_IA]

I'm looking at picking up a good used 4 wheeler just for pulling around my Fish trap. Since I'm in Iowa and like to fish the great lakes, I don't like to take my pickup out on the ice. To many worries for me, and the great lakes always seem to have some really thin spots of ice on it.

Last year I used a Honda 400cc foremann 4x4 and it did the job great. Even had some spots that I though I was going to get stuck in but it went through it no problem.

So, My question is does one really need a 4 wheeler with 4x4 to get around on the lake? Or will a 4 wheeler that is 2x4 be good enough for 90% of the time

[mn_bowhunter]

2 x 4 will be good enough 10% of the time. Get a 4x4.

[knoppers]

in most cases when the snow gets deeper, not only do you need 4 x 4, but a good set of snow tires also. they are labeled mud/snow.

[fishandshroom]

yeah gonna need 4 wheel mho

[Big Buck Buster]

Even if there isn't any snow on the lake, the 4x4 will aid in stopping, that is if you use chains or studs.

[wplatehunter]

I would not buy one without 4x4.

[BobT]

The first time we went riding our ATVs on snow we decided to try switching to 2x4 just to see if it was needed. The snow was about 6" deep and we had already broken trail. When we switched to 2x4 we couldn't move. Yes, 4x4 for sure.

[PerchJerker]

Yup, you'll need 4x4 if there's any snow, any slush, or if you're pulling much weight in your house.

[crappiebuster]

I have an 08 rubicon and in 4wheel drive its almost unstoppable. Ive used it in 2 wheel and it gets stuck in like 5 inches of snow. Definetly 4 wheel! It may be a grand or so more but you wont be kicking yourself or trying to get rid of a 4wheeler mid winter.

[Agronomist_at_IA]

Well, here is what I found....

1989 Kawasaki KLF300-C1 Bayou 300 4x4

1-Cylinders

4-Stroke

300cc

Suggested Retail Value $1275

The Kelley Blue Book Suggested Retail Value is representative of dealers' asking prices and is the starting point for negotiation between a consumer and a dealer.

I'm thinking if it is in good shape I'll get it. Anyone know if this is a good 4 wheeler or not?

[S.D. Ice Angular]

I would ONLY go 4X4.

I run chains on all 4 tires as well.

[gunmunky]

4 years using a 2wd with chains. Only needed 4wd once. I've gone thru 12 inches on snow with no problems. Deep slush with snow on top is where I need 4wd.

[slurpie]

A 2 wheel drive will go threw alot with chains and pull alot also. But 4 wheel sure helps to turn, and more comfortable knowing you have it when the snow gets deep. Not to jump the thread but what do you guys do with the newer wheelers and independent rear suspension? When I put our stationary on the wheeler it squats right out. Never had that problem with a solid rear axle. Problem being I lose all ground clearance. Does anyone else have this problem?

[BucksnDucks]

I wish I could take a picture and show you, but Im thinkn your referring to Polaris? What I seen one of my buddies did was to some how strap the rear suspension up some how so with the upper and lower a-arms. Again I cant explain it nething like I remember seeing it, but hopefully some one else that has seen this knows alittle bit more of how to explain it, but yes I understand completly what your referring to and yes there is a way to stop it. Sorry I am not more help. I'll ask him next time I see him what exactly he did.

[Dave S]

There was talk of a system in the ATV forum last year about this, but no pictures were provided. I've heard of them, just never seen them.

If weight on the back end is going to be an issue, then I would consider one of teh smaller class UTVs. You have a box to carry your gear in for not much more money spent on a Class 1 ATV.

Both Polaris and Yamaha have smaller displacement UTVs (450 class)that fit into the back of a full size truck.

[harvey lee]

I have chains ony AC 400 and next to never use the 4x4. With that being said, I don't use it when the snow depth is over say 12-14 inches of snow on the lake. Pulls my Otter Lodge loaded very well without the 4x4.

It would be nice to have it but I rarely use it.

[Big Buck Buster]

There is a bracket that you can purchase that gets put on the rear suspension to keep it from squatting while pulling the larger drop down fish houses.

[Phred52]

Definitely... 4X4, You will never regret it. I use a Sportsman 500 to pull my 2 wheel trailer, othertimes my Trap, and yet other times my 6.5'X16' dropdown. The 4 wheel makes the job SO much easier! Phred52

[hondarider550]

I have a Suzuki King Quad with 4 wheel drive and I will never go back to 2 x 4 ever!!! I use my quad for farm work as well and with snow the 4x4 is used alot for added traction as well as steering.

For ice fishing I like to place chains on all four wheels. Definitely adds traction to steering on plain ice. The 4WD is usually used when there is alot of snow or drifts that I need to break through.

I know a couple people with the 2wd version of the Kawasaki and they are great little machines for the money.

[BobT]

I'd second the chains. I forgot about that. I know that I have driven circles around 4x4 trucks with 2-wheel drive and chains. Especially on a lake where there's a solid bottom made of ice.

I have a 1999 Kawasaki Prairie 300 4x4. Maybe I'm wrong but I thought the Bayou was a 2x4 machine. Anyway, I am very pleaed with my Kawasaki and wouldn't have any problem getting another.

[Sonicrunch]

chains will make anything a beast 2X or 4X

[S.D. Ice Angular]

This is my Ice Rig,

Chains on all four tires

[SapperACE]

I'm from sw mn and I fish nw Iowa alot. We get some snow down here, but we also get the WIND!! The wind blows all the snow into drifts, which allows you to get around easily with a set of chains. Avoid the BIG drifts, and those chains bite like crazy, and will take you anywhere you want to go.

I pulled a wheel house around the lake with a 250cc 2x4 for years. With the weight on the back hitch of the wheeler, the front tires barely touch the ice anyway.

And for the make and model you mentioned.... Kawasaki has been making the Bayou forever. Those things are bulletproof. They also only weigh about 400 pounds so you can easily pick them up on either end when you get stuck. Try that with an 800 4x4. Your winch won't do you any good in the middle of the lake either.

Long story short. A Kawasaki Bayou with tire chains is an ice fishing machine. Go for it!

[trapperdirk]

I have no prob winching in the middle of winter in the middle of the lake if I'm stuck . I just use an icescreww that ice climbers use as an anchor point .

Although chains on the front will give you better traction they also can be hard on your steering components . I just run a set on the back if I need them . Sure 2x4 with chains will get the job done often but there is no replacement for 4x4 . All around the 4x4 when needed is easier on the gear in the long run .

Also if you ever wanted to add the pricey feature of tracks on a machine when you needed them all to spin, you couldn't on a 2x4 machine .

Your personal conditions where you fish will dictate what you require .

TD

[buddha]

I have 4X4 but chains work wonders with or without 4X4.