Custom built Polaris RZR, Expedition Style (1 Viewer)

[bmzero]

I have always wanted to build a RZR specifically for expedition trips and extended camping trips. Polaris finally gave me the opportunity to do so and sponsored the vehicle in their build off competition.

If you like the build, please cast a vote here - Polaris RZR Facebook Page

I would like to hear what you guys think about the RZR as an expedition/sport machine. There are some obvious hurdles with making it street legal, but for some trips, that might not be an issue at all. Please let me know what you think.

We custom built the back roof setup to add extra dry storage.

I used a ton of LED lights on it so we could still operate effectively at night.

I customized a Mig Apex Ultra trailer to haul the heavy cargo. It opens up to very comfortably sleep driver and passenger.

I also built a custom roof rack for the trailer. It is removable once you setup camp to serve as a camp table.

If you guys have any questions or concerns, please let me know. I'm looking forward to hearing your feedback.

 

[maxamillion2345]

Spare belt?

 

[streetroamer]

That looks great man!

 

[bmzero]

Spare belt?

Never leave home without it.

That looks great man!

Thanks.

More photos at Project XPD - Polaris RZR XP Turbo Expedition Build - Expedition UTV.

 

[Mace]

Good job!

out west they have limitations on the widths of rigs on UTV trails. Any concern with that? It looks like you are almost as wide as a 40

 

[Gumby]

your first post is that you're soliciting votes for your sponsored RZR build on a Toyota site?

How is this not spam?

 

[bmzero]

your first post is that you're soliciting votes for your sponsored RZR build on a Toyota site?

How is this not spam?

Being a Moderator, I would have expected you to be open to a post about a custom build in a forum with the tagline "Hybrid, Buggy and Fab-from-Scratch creations...for those "out of the box" projects." I'm pretty sure the business model behind this site would not agree that only Toyota topics should be discussed.

As far as soliciting votes, if you didn't want to click on the vote link, you didn't have to.

I have never understood the concept of getting onto someone who comes to a forum to share relevant content. I am sorry I offended you so badly.

 

[bmzero]

Good job!

out west they have limitations on the widths of rigs on UTV trails. Any concern with that? It looks like you are almost as wide as a 40

It would definitely be a concern for a trip planned for those trails. However, the portals are creating the extra width. They are simple bolt on parts and could be removed easily for a specific trip.

 

[maxamillion2345]

How many miles do you figure you can put on it before needing an engine?

Pretty interesting rig, haven't seen anything quite like it.

Any thoughts on a track system for the off season?

 

[maxamillion2345]

I can't tell for sure but it almost looks to me as if you're not running a front windshield. Is that right? Why not?

 

[bmzero]

How many miles do you figure you can put on it before needing an engine?

Pretty interesting rig, haven't seen anything quite like it.

Any thoughts on a track system for the off season?

That's a good question. This being a Turbo model, there isn't enough data out there to determine the affect the extra internal pressure will have on the engine. I don't see very many high mileage RZR's out there. Most are used for trail riding. I have seen quite a few running as new well over 5000 miles, though. To you point, this is definitely a different use than intended for the drivetrain on this. It is something we will be monitoring closely.

Tracks would be cool in the Winter. They're pretty popular on these vehicles already.

I can't tell for sure but it almost looks to me as if you're not running a front windshield. Is that right? Why not?

The original build plan called for a windshield, but frankly, I just ran out of time. It will have one.

 

[mr jits]

For the money invested, a person can build a pretty bad ass multi-purpose and street legal FJ40 based vehicle.
I've always thought the RZR's pretty cool, but realistically I find them more suited to the brodozer on the dunes crowd.

 

[bmzero]

For the money invested, a person can build a pretty bad ass multi-purpose and street legal FJ40 based vehicle.
I've always thought the RZR's pretty cool, but realistically I find them more suited to the brodozer on the dunes crowd.

I would never suggest that this vehicle compete with a FJ. They're two completely different animals, each having their strengths. However, UTV's do very well on terrain outside of the dunes. The asphalt, on the other hand, is definitely a legal limitation.

 

[CreeperSleeper]

I think this is awesome! There is just on thing I can't wrap my head around. Where are you taking it? Without it being street legal, you would have to trailer it to a trailhead. Then you would have to not cross pavement and get back to your tow rig. Wouldn't it have been more beneficial to build an off-road capable expedition style tow rig that is street legal and bring the Razor to play/explore around camp? I'm not knocking your idea or build, just trying to figure out what I haven't thought of.

 

[mr jits]

I would never suggest that this vehicle compete with a FJ. They're two completely different animals, each having their strengths. However, UTV's do very well on terrain outside of the dunes. The asphalt, on the other hand, is definitely a legal limitation.

UTV'S are fun, and if that's your thing great. In all honesty though, a mildly built FJ or heep is far more capable (and more reliable, even in the case of the jeep) in too many facets to, in my mind, waste the time and money on something that's realistically nothing more than a toy.
I'm sorry, but what's the point of your build? You have to trailer the toy to the trail, so that you can pull a trailer around the trail? You seem to have created a solution to a problem that doesn't exist (and create other logistic issues in the process), that's done just for something to do. It's cool, and I appreciate the work of the build, but it doesn't seem to make a lot of sense.

 

[Mace]

A RZR is much more capable off road than a mildly built FJ or jeep. It's amazing how far (and how fast) you can get from A to B in one.

Wanna run the con in a couple hours. Get a side by side.

 

[mr jits]

A RZR is much more capable off road than a mildly built FJ or jeep. It's amazing how far (and how fast) you can get from A to B in one.

Wanna run the con in a couple hours. Get a side by side.

Sure, wanna run the con, bring the dog and the kids, a canoe, and drive straight home? Certainly, in a 40.
I'm not saying the RZR isn't capable, I see them on the trails up here all the time, but I'd rather have the comfort and capabilities of a true multipurpose rig than have to trailer this whole setup to the con just to have an interesting build.

 

[White Stripe]

I think its a super cool setup, but being that you can't drive it on the street is a real bummer. Also, how does the egt temps do with pulling a trailer and all that gear?

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

I think that a RZR or Wildcat could be an interesting build on Extreme. Heck, I will buy one in the near future.

That said, everything here is built by the people blogging them - not bought. I saw your blurb on expo forum where you said you bought your trailer because you didn't have time to do it yourself, does it have some place here on 'mud, sure, in extreme?... while I get that it takes an intercooler for your checkbook - tires, a lift and a body kit really aren't extreme in any sense of the word nor is the fact that most of the work was done by others.

 

[maxamillion2345]

Well I've seen a few Can Am Commanders come through with 10k and running strong, I don't ever deal with Polaris so I can't really comment but some of these high mile UTVs are doing pretty well. Not so much the Arctic Cats though. I'd stay away from the Wild Cats, whoever was interested in those. With the higher mileage Arctic Cats you see a lot of wheel bearings, seals, etc etc They tend to eat parts. Those Wild Cats eat engines too. Though the suspension is impressive. The Can Ams with 10k have a little bit of slop and maybe wear through a few parts but are holding up pretty damn well. If I ventured a guess, I'd say the rzr chassis will hold up pretty similarly. Either way... I was just curious, as you can put a lot of off road miles on a side by side in a hurry.