Low Range & Transmission Concerns

[Zonearc]

I'm stuck deciding between an 1500 and an Xpedition. I like the fit & finish of the 1500 and how quiet it is. The ADV is loud, has an older engine design that I've already had and have mixed feelings about, but it does offer a low image which is nice for certain technical trails.
I've been told the 1500 has some issues with hill climbs, when a tire is up against a rock, and while a few tunes have come our from Polaris it's far from fixed. I'm curious how some of you feel that have offloaded with this vehicle. Is it really such an issue that I should avoid it? ThumperFab, HCR, Gilomen, all said it's a pain for a trail rig with the poor transmission it has and so I'm super concerned.

 

[oneal]

You ask very research driven intelligent questions and you are about to hear a very broad spectrum of answers. Some feel they have to defend the 1500, I love ours but will share the quirks I deal with.
Here is me $.02
The 1500 is a wonderful machine for folks like myself that have "been there, down that " and now enjoy a machine with a great ride and very very quiet.
The transmission is old technology in a new design rig, and for many of us is working well.
With the information you have shared this is probably not the right choice for you.
We trail ride ours and some of the opinions you mention could just be folks that don't spend enough time in a 1500 to understand it's mannerisms, it is an adjustment. For what I do I really wish it had a low range. Popping over a rock or log , turning and shooting up a steep hillside is just not as easy.

I have heard Polaris made strides in reducing the noise in the 2025 Xpedition, we will see. There is nothing wrong with rubber belted CVT'S, they also have been around forever. The proven 1000 Xpedition will eat our 1500s in a race.
My 32 year old next door neighbor has 2025 Xpedition coming soon so I could report back on the noise level.
Hope this helps

 

[Zonearc]

Thank you.
I'm 46 yes old and have had RZRs, Rangers etc. I've probably changed 50+ belts in my time. I'm very familiar with the 1000 engine and how loud it is. I was hoping for a quieter ride, but most of ehat we have in Central TX is rocks and rocky trails, meaning your going 15mph one second and then slow crawling over a ledge the next. The issues that people have been discussing around the hill stall, high elevation issues with the 1500 have me concerned as we would be towing this to CO CA and UT behind the RV for trips and so it needs to be able to get up and around rocky trails like Rubicon.

I'm concerned I'm going to dislike the Xpedition for it's noise. But, I bet I could dynamat and carpet the crap out of it and it would help.

 

[oneal]

Thank you.
I'm 46 yes old and have had RZRs, Rangers etc. I've probably changed 50+ belts in my time. I'm very familiar with the 1000 engine and how loud it is. I was hoping for a quieter ride, but most of ehat we have in Central TX is rocks and rocky trails, meaning your going 15mph one second and then slow crawling over a ledge the next. The issues that people have been discussing around the hill stall, high elevation issues with the 1500 have me concerned as we would be towing this to CO CA and UT behind the RV for trips and so it needs to be able to get up and around rocky trails like Rubicon.

I'm concerned I'm going to dislike the Xpedition for it's noise. But, I bet I could dynamat and carpet the crap out of it and it would help.

I am 20 years older but have been playing with utvs since rhinos set the standard.
The hill stall is real, our land has numerous quick change of direction with hill inclines you must take seriously. We also live at the edge of the glacier with 1000 pound rocks and rocks as big as a truck everywhere.
I have read others grumbling over the altitude issues which confuses me. I thought anything fuel injected adjusted on it's own, altitude wouldn't change tranny programming.
It would probably make sense for your decision to continue to read and explore some Xpedition forums.

 

[Mr.C]

I haven’t done to many rocky trails. Or super bad ones. But when I’m in a situation like that, I use the tow haul mode, as that’s supposed to be the 1500’s low range. I’ve only had one issue with it “revving” while climbing into my trailer. But after the latest TCU update, I haven’t had an issue.

 

[Big Red]

I'm a flatlander at low elevation so I can't speak about the areas of the country where people have had the biggest concerns. That said it doesn't mean I never have to climb over a rock or log that's in my way, and I have never had any issues with it not wanting to do it and have never experienced the issue some people have described. I really wish Polaris never came up with the "Tow/Haul" name, they should have just left it called "Low Range" then nobody would be confused about it. Tow/Haul acts like Low Range, so as far as I'm concerned you do have it. So, my advice would be to drive them both and pick the one that best fits your needs for the majority of the riding you do.