ATV Florida Forum

I was told by a ranger (Mike Adams)Sat. that when the new trail system goes into effect that Rhinos would not be allowed. He said only machines that had to be straddled would be allowed. This really upsets me because I bought our Rhino specifically for Ocala. I will be checking up on this and I hope it was bad info.

that sucks. I'm sure you could still ride it on the fire roads.

well, we all know how reliable the information that the rangers have is.

I wouldn't be too worried at this point, but if you find out anything, please let us know.

Id@

i think its a fine line between a rhino/jeep/sandrail
they are allowed in the forest..... so whats the problem?

yeah, how much do those things weigh?

I remember the law says something about 900lbs?

Id@

Now that I am a volunteer for the Forest Service.  Let me tell you what the plans are. Mike Adams (another volunteer) is right in one sense.  In the area that they are currently working on developing the trail system And this system is only under development from rt 316 north to Rodman rev and from Rt 19 on the east to the Ocklawa River on the west.

In this area there are going to be 150 miles of marked, maintained trails.  Part of these trails will be for all offroad vehicles and part will be for ATV's and dirt bikes.  These trails are being funded by a grant that specifically says ATV's, and there classification of ATV's is a 4 wheeler that you straddle, less then 50" in width.  Both Mark Turck and I have complained that you need UTV to go on these trails for safty reasons (last Eureka ride) but so far we have gotten no where.  They will be putting posts 50" apart at all trail heads that are for ATV's only.  

Remember, this is only in the northern most part of the forest.

I have studied the trail maps, and while it may appear we are loosing trails, we are really only loosing duplicate trails.  In addition, due to the maintenance of the trails they will be more ridable. (no longer will there be miles of whoops from Lake Delancy to Rodman pit.)  There will be 6 trailheads with parting for cars and trailers and pit toilets at the trailheads.

If you have any more questions, post they here and I will try to get you the correct answers.

Terry

I really think that exceptions should be made or the definition of ATV should be changed to accomodate these new machines. I was told to E-mail bbush@fs.fed.us with my complaint. I hope others will too. I know after the last Eureka ride a lot of people were impressed with how my Rhino kept up and how usefull it was. I know of at least one that was bought after seeing it and is planning on bringing it to the next ride.

Its  great  for  hauling  the  beer  coolers !!! ;) ;D ;D

I will send an e-mail also, That thing was amazing. Very Impressive and Useful. :)

wtf 50 inchs that sux  what happins if our atv is wider then 50 inch like if we have a coustem irs on the way  ;) 

my wheel base is 48 in. on a warrior i dont know how utes are going to fit

mine is like 40 sum thinking all stock

my vinson is 46 overall width. so i think the utes will be ok

your wheelbase is 48" but your width is less(around 43")

dang, if I widen the front any more, I might have to learn how to get it on the two side wheels ;-)

Id@

is there where two poles 46 in apart i couldnt fit   :)

Just so you understand the problem Rhino is 53" wide

this is the Yamaha spec page;http://www.yamaha-motor.com/outdoor/products/modelspecs/486/0/specs.aspx

They are designing the trails to NOT allow UTV's  It is Bret Bush at the Lake George Ranger Station that needs to know our feeling and maybe he can help.

Terry

Thanks Terry, I emailed him and I will try to call him. 3 inches shouldnt be enough to exclude a machine.

At the beginning of the year I was told the same thing about my Rhino and Pilot, the Ranger also told me that it will an area for Jeeps and 4X4 trucks, but nether the Rhino or the Pilot will also be allowed in this area ether because they don't have a license plate, Some one inform me that the Rhino fall into the agriculture vehicle qualification  and you can have an special permit to drive it on the streets with a SLOW sing just like the tractors, But in my case the pilot still OUT... I will be sending 2 e-mails to this guys…

my 2 cent's


 ;)dykid

I am with you chillin!, remember my DS is also WIDE!!, I would just barely make it through those post settings.
 I dont think the utv`s should be seperated from the atv`s, they are the same power plants as atv`s, and are not plated(license), they are sold @ the same dealerships as atv`s, so WHAT gives???,
 They are also a great way to extract someone @ an accident scene in the middle of nowhere.
                    Just my 2 cents
                    Chillin pm me if you need anymore help with this thing, I will do all I can ;)

 I have talked with the right people and have it on good authority that UTV's (utility vehicles like mules and rhinos) may be allowed on about 80 miles of mixed use roads on the Ocala National Forest.  Check out :  http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/florida/news/index.shtml  to see where these mixed use roads are.  UTV's will not be allowed on ATV trails as they do not meet the definition of an ATV as defined by state law and by USDA Forest Service regulations.

I also had a long talk today with Bret Bush and its not going to be completly closed to the utility vehicles. It still is going to be very restricted compared to what we have now. My family usually rides with me in front and then my three kids with my wife in the rear on the Rhino with extra gas food and drinks etc. We wont be able to do that any more :(. It will only get worse because they wont stop until it is completly close to off road use. I also asked why they dont designate small mudding areas or pit areas. He said they would NEVER designate "play" areas. In other words, ride in the forest, on the few designated trails that we leave you, but try not to have fun while doing it.

Bret said that because the biologists have the most input in that regard, and any mud play is considered to be habitat destruction. Bret is the most pro-atv Rec. Director in any of the US Forests. He is truly on our side, but he has a HUGE beauracracy(sp?) to deal with. Don't blame him. If it wasn't for him, we wouldn't have nearly this much trail left to ride.

I know, Kurt. Bret was a nice guy. I dont even care about mudding, I ride a sport bike most of the time. The biologist call it habitat destuction but it could be considered natural habitat for 4x4s ;D.

Chillin--------FFFRRRREEEEEE BBBBUUUUMMMMPPPP ;D

Thanks Don. I think we'll all have to get one of those dual purpose 2 wheelers. Then you can leave your house on it, ride to the forest and then ride any dam where you want. Problem is I would bust my royal azz on a 2 wheeler in that sand.

hey guys found this website and rules, check it out.

http://www.fl-dof.com/forest_recreation/ohv_laws.html

Section 316.2074
F.S. All-terrain vehicles
(1) It is the intent of the Legislature through the adoption of this section to provide safety protection for minors while operating an all-terrain vehicle in this state.

(2) As used in this section, the term "all-terrain vehicle" means any motorized off-highway vehicle 50 inches or less in width, having a dry weight of 900 pounds or less, designed to travel on three or more low-pressure tires, having a seat designed to be straddled by the operator and handlebars for steering control, and intended for use by a single operator with no passenger.

(3) No person under 16 years of age shall operate, ride, or be otherwise propelled on an all-terrain vehicle unless the person wears a safety helmet meeting United States Department of Transportation standards and eye protection.

(4) If a crash results in the death of any person or in the injury of any person which results in treatment of the person by a physician, the operator of each all-terrain vehicle involved in the crash shall give notice of the crash pursuant to s. 316.066.

(5) Except as provided in this section, an all-terrain vehicle may not be operated upon the public roads, streets, or highways of this state, except as otherwise permitted by the managing state or federal agency.

(6) An all-terrain vehicle having four wheels may be used by police officers on public beaches designated as public roadways for the purpose of enforcing the traffic laws of the state. All-terrain vehicles may also be used by the police to travel on public roadways within 5 miles of beach access only when getting to and from the beach.

(7) An all-terrain vehicle having four wheels may be used by law enforcement officers on public roads within public lands while in the course and scope of their duties.

(8) A violation of this section is a non-criminal traffic infraction, punishable as a non-moving violation as provided in chapter 318.

That won't help the case on the Rhino, because you steer with a steering wheel and sit in a seat not straddle. They also weigh just over 1,000 pounds.