Dan B

My opinion: There is no perfect ATV or UTV. They all have their + and -. You can find a lot of videos on YouTube where just about any brand will suffer some kind of failure on the trail, usually due to pushing the machine beyond its limits. The Renegade does not have a CVT but a automotive style clutch and 5-speed transmission. The CVT ride is easier because you don't have to manage the power going to the drive axles as much as you would with the Renegade especially on hilly terrain. I bought my Renegade on the used market and I like it. The 5-speed transmission is actually a 4-speed with a granny gear. Unless you're pulling a heavy load, climbing a steep hill or rock crawling, you actually treat 2nd gear as a 1st gear. The granny gear might come in handy when working the land. The Renegade, Trooper, both have the Chery 1100cc engine as you already know. That line of engine is relatively common in South America, Africa and of course Asia with the larger (>1100cc) engines used in automobiles. If any UTV has a gasoline powered 3-cyl (800cc) or 4-cyl (1100cc) engine, it might be the Chery engine. The John Deere 825i Gator has the 800cc version of this engine with a CVT. I bought mine because I couldn't see spending $15k and up for a machine that a $10k machine can do. You might have to do much of your own repairs if you can't find a dependable repair facility close to you. Would I buy another Renegade? Probably would. I don't need the CVT or fancy plastics that make other machines look sexy. Good luck on whatever decision you make. In any case, you'll like the ride.

There's one in Tahachapi, CA that was trying to drum up business. I don't know anything about them. If you search on this UTV board, you might find their posting. Search "southern ca" and you'll find a posting from WCF.

I think he's pretty much a one-man operation When I went there, there was him (I think his name was Jake) and a helper he hired about a month ago. But at least I got good service from him.

Disclaimer: My spell checker thinks it knows more of what words I want to use than I do. Typos are not my fault. This is a general comment on the support I received from Joyner-USA in Phoenix, AZ. I needed one headlight assembly for my Renegade because the mounting pin was broken. Duct tape and bailing wire held it in place for a few years. To my surprise, they had them IN STOCK. I bought two and kept one of my good old ones as a backup. They completed their move to a new address at 2415 S 18th Pl, Phoenix AZ from their former Riverside location. As a gift, Jake gave me two T-shirts. He said he as most of the parts for my 2014 Joyner Renegade. I looked at his yard and he has several engines and UTVs in stock, mostly the 1100cc engines and several Renegades. Maybe a Trooper or two was buried in there somewhere. Everything was crated and outdoors. I hope he moves his inventory indoors, out of the weather. Their website says their hours are 9:00AM - 5:00PM but their actual hours are 10:00AM - 5:00PM. I arrived at about 9:20AM and no one was there; place locked up. I was a little upset that with a 9:00AM opening, someone should have been there. I was concerned that I made a 70 mile round trip for nothing. Fortunately, one of his employees showed up and told me of their later hours. So, everything turned out fine. I got the parts I needed and two T-shirts. This is based upon a one time, 1st time experience. I hope future vists are just as good.

When an engine backfires through the intake or exhaust, the FIRST things I would check is compression. I would expect it to be low due to possible intake and/or exhaust valve not seating or the valve timing has skipped a tooth on the timing belt. A second possibility is ignition timing - firing before the intake valve has closed. Changing your own oil voids your warranty? They're looking for a scapegoat for their ineptness.

You could say it's China's answer to eBay or Amazon.com. It appears that it's businesses selling through Alibaba's website.

But nobody told there where the drain plug was going to be until after they put the skid plate on. I'll be looking for some U-nuts. They'll be better at reattaching my skid plate.

Well, I did get the skid plate off. Used a pry bar between the skid plate and the chassis. That kept enough friction on the nut so that my impact driver could remove the screw. Now I'll have to find a way to attach it to the frame since the nuts are not accessible. Probably will consider 6mm stove bolts and nuts if I can find any. There is a large hold that is off center. If the skid plate is installed incorrectly, that hole will not line up with the oil drain plug. That is why I couldn't access my oil drain plug.

Tried to remove my skid plate to access the engine oil drain plug. The plug isn't near an access hole but located between two holes. Can't get a wrench in to remove the plug. Short of drilling a new access hole (which I'm seriously considering), has any one been able to remove the skid plate? Seems to be a nut on the other end of the screw and there's no way I can access that nut. They must have bolted the skid plate on before putting the engine into the frame. Thanks in advance.

I had the same problem contacting one in Phx. There might be three repair shops in Las Cruces. This site: http://joyner-usa.com/find-a-dealer/ shows 83 dealerships and repair shops. I doubt the list is current. From the many postings on this UTV site, you might have to do much of your own service and repair work due to the long distances to repair centers (unless you live near one).

I can['t speak to any particular machine. I found on my machine that the engine oil drain plug is blocked by the skid plate. I'll have to cut an access hole to change the oil. That's something that no one would think to look at when evaluating any ATV, UTV or even a car. I would recommend that you go online (YouTube) or search for "problems with Sand Viper 1100" for others who have experience with these rides. I have, however, read that the differentials on the Joyner machines can be problematic. I haven't experienced any problems with my ride, yet.

My opinion and only my opinion: The Joyner Trooper, Joyner Renegade and the Joyner Sand Viper all come with 1100cc fuel injected engines. The Renegade originally had an 800cc engine until 2014. I have the Renegade with the 1100cc engine. All three are similar in many ways except for outward appearances and suspension (dual A-arm vs trailing beam). The engines are manufactured by Chery (a Chinese company). Those engines are popular in South America, Africa and of course Asia. If the UTV has a 3-cyl 800cc or 4-cyl 1100cc gasoline engine, then it is most likely the Chery engine. John Deere uses the 800cc engine with a CVT transmission in their Gator line. All three have a 5-speed transmission and clutch, not a CVT/belt drive system. I'm not a fan of CVT transmissions. With the manual transmission, you have to take a more active role in managing power to the drive axle(s). The Sand Viper is only a two-wheel drive (the Trooper and Renegade has selectable 2/4WD with open or locking differentials. I bought my used Renegade from a local Craigslist seller because I like the looks of it over the other two and it was for sale in my price range. I'm happy with it so far. As with any UTV, you have to know the limitations of the UTV and don't exceed them or your limitations either. The early versions of the Joyner line had issues with quality control but they've come a long way over the years. Support may not be as prevalent as the more expensive name brand UTVs and ATVs so be prepard to do some maintenance on your own. The Sand Viper is a light machine coming in at about 1300 lbs. My Renegade is just under 1800lbs. All three are about 60 in wide so don't consider putting it in the back of a pickup. You will need a trailer (5-1/2ft x10 ft bed size as a minimum). I would recommend you view some YouTube videos on the various UTVs you are considering and get other opinions. Good luck on your search and I hope you find the ride of your life - it will be fun.

People who repossess cars use them. They are wheeled platforms that are placed under the tires of one axle to lift it off the ground so that it can be towed. If the transmission is in park, for example, they place the dollies under the drive axle so that it can be towed. Another style that UHaul and others rent (you can buy them, too). You place the drive axle on the dolly and tow the vehicle with a standard ball hitch. Google "tow dolly" for more info.

Never ground tow or flat tow any ATV or UTV with a CVT transmission. The driven clutch can cause the belt to overheat trying to turn over the engine. One owner lost his ride because the belt caught fire and fully engulfed the machine. Put it on a trailer or in the back of a pickup. Alternately, you can raise the drive axle and place the other axle on dollies.

No simple answer; too many variables. The trailer you need depends heavily on the terrain you are going over, what you're going to haul (UTV and/or other cargo), trailer size, single or double axle. I have a single axle trailer that I haul my 1800 lb SxS. I'm about 800 lbs below gross. I doubt a Harbor Freight trailer would fit the bill unless you're only going to haul camping gear or other light weight cargo.

Without knowing what you swapped, you'll get a lot of suggestions to check things you've already done. Leaking fuel injector could cause the issue by flooding the cylinder(s) with excess fuel. Run the engine for about 20 minutes. Let it sit for about 1 hour. Remove the spark plugs to see if any are wet with fuel. That cylinder's injector will be the problem. This one is a stretch: Fuel pump electrical circuit. Turn on the ignition without cranking the engine. Can you hear the fuel pump run for about 5 seconds? If not, find out why. That time is priming the fuel system to the injectors. After the engine starts (from long cranking), a second circuit takes over supplying electrical power to the fuel pump. If you can, check the fuel pressure on the fuel rail. That pressure should build to about 40-50 psi from the time the ignition is turned on (before cranking the engine) through the engine start and run. Apply a little accelerator while trying to start the engine. If it starts fine, the throttle body needs cleaning or service. If the intake air temperature sensor or coolant temperature sensor is faulty, that can cause hard starting. One of them sends info to the ECU to tell it to add more fuel for starting (only if the engine is cold). After checking these, I'd be at a loss, too.

It doesn't really matter what anyone says. You'll find hardcore detractors and hardcore supporters of any machine. Joyner has made good progress in their quality control. I bought a used 2014 Renegade (the first year they put the 1100cc engine in that line). I like it. Same engine and transmission as the Trooper. The transmission is a 5-speed w/reverse. 1st gear is a "Granny Gear". John Deere Gator 825i uses the same engine as the 800cc Renegade uses. There are several other "off brand" UTVs using the same engine (Tomcar, Roketa GK-45, some models of the European Ford Escort to name a few). The Chery engine is widely used in South America, Africa and of course Asia. The Trooper and Renegade uses an automotive style drive train (clutch and pressure plate), not the CVT (with belt problems if abused). If the UTV you are considering has a 3-cyl 800cc (812cc) or 4-cyl 1100cc (1083cc) gas engine, it's most likely the Chery engine. I'm not a fan of the CVT transmission. I see a lot of YouTube videos where people have blown their CVT belt (always a good idea to have a spare belt with you at all times). You'll also find videos of well-known brand name UTVs and ATVs with blown belts, broken axles and other broken parts. You have to know the limitations of any machine you are considering buy.

Can you connect a fuel pressure gauge to see if it takes a long time to build fuel pressure? Could be a fuel pressure regulator leaking internally or the fuel pump itself not providing sufficient pressure soon enough (slow build up of pressure). On my Renegade (same engine as the Trooper), I have to wait about 5 seconds with the ignition on before I can start the engine. That gives time for the computer to boot up and the fuel pump time to build up pressure (I can hear the fuel pump run for about 4 secs, then turn off).

A public records search on the AZ Superior Court docket shows a person by the same name in Yuma is charged with some felonies involving weapons and disorderly conduct. That may explain why he's in jail now. I guess they couldn't find him until Jan.

Yes, you must have a battery isolator so that one battery, if it develops an internal short or a bad cell, it won't draw down the only good battery you have left. If I were to add a 2nd battery (which I am considering), it would be a deep cycle battery specifically for the winch. Buy a commercial one rated for your expected load. Easier to install.

FYI Information from the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) website on this company. Listed with the ACC in 2007 as located in Phoenix, AZ. Last annual report report filed in 2009. Company name is no longer active. If anyone wants to, they can start a new company with that same name but it comes with some baggage. Ricard Riccardo is listed as the owner. Johnaten (probably his brother) is also listed. At that time, their address was listed on W 31 Ave in Phoenix. Numbered streets in Phx are N/S, few, if any are E/W. They moved to Yuma sometime after 2009. They've had 4 different addresses in Yuma since that time (one a vacant farm field). Seems like this is more of a hobby than an income producing business. It might be a good idea to check with the ACC to see if a business or individual you want to do business with to see if they are listed and active. AZ law says you can't contract with a business and a business can't contract with you to do any work that is valued over $1,000 (may not apply to automotive work but it does apply to residential work on your home or property).

Your description of the end play also leads me to believe there is a snap ring or some kind of retainer that's missing. Pull that axle out and look for a groove around the shaft that goes into the transmission. If you go to this website: http://joyner-usa.com and click on the "Manuals" tab, you'll be presented with a list of some Joyner UTVs. Pick one closest to your model. There isn't too much difference between the year models or even between the Joyner Trooper & Renegade (with the 1100cc engine). The drive trains are fairly similar.

I can only recommend you contact the Joyner dealer in Phoenix, AZ. I haven't had any luck with them responding to my emails, but you may fair better. This is the number I've found (480) 882-9612. Don't know if it is still valid. You might search online for other dealers around the country. One blog site said that the Chery 1100cc engine is very similar to the Ford U.S. CVH motor. But without a thermostat housing, there's no way to know if they are the same as the CHV motor's housing. If you are near a John Deere dealership, they might be able to get you the housing. Here's why. The John Deere 825i Gator uses the same Chery 800cc engine that the early Renegades had. The 800cc engine is the same as the 1100cc engine with many of the same parts. the major difference is the extra cylinder. (3-cyl vs 4-cyl). There are some other brands of UTVs that use the same 800cc or 1100cc motor. Textron's Prowler Pro uses the 800cc Chery engine. The Reeper also uses the same engtine as does some other less well-known brnads. If the SxS is gas powered and is a 3-cyl 800cc or 4-cyl 1100cc engine, it's most likely the Chery engine. It's relatively common in South America, Africa and of course, Asia. Here are the part numbers for everything associated with the thermostat and housing that I've stumbled across a couple of years ago.: EPR# / PART # / NAME Quantity is one each for all parts except the flange bolt and the T-connection (2 req'd). 02.DLJ.GB50-18 / GB50-18 / 'O' RUBBER RING 02.DLJ.372-1306016 / 372-1306016 / SEAT-THERMOSTAT OUTER 02.DLJ.372-1306020 / 372-1306020 / THERMOSTAT ASSY 02.DLJ.372-1306001 / 372-1306001 / SEAT-THERMOSTAT 02.DLJ.Q1840850 / Q1840850 / HEXAGON FLANGE BOLT 02.DLJ.372-1306012 / 372-1306012 / SEAT-THERMOSTAT INNER 02.DLJ.372-1306018 / 372-1306018 / SEAT–THERMOSTAT 02.S650.04.02.02 / S650.04.02.02.00 / “T”connection Good luck in getting your ride back on the road.

My Renegade has the same 1100cc engine. So, I'm basing my response on comparing your images with my engine. The two larger holes are for connecting the cooling system. The one near the flywheel has about a 5" radiator hose going to a T-connector. One leg of the T-connector goes to the front of the engine and the other leg goes to the radiator. The two smaller holes in the third picture is for bolting an engine lift eye bracket (for lack of a better term).

This is my thought on it: Never needs oil may mean that the clearances are loose and it burns oil. Since there's no oil filter, all you have to do is check the oil level and add as necessary.