Driving with extra passengers or cargo – and therefore an increased payload – requires extra precautions when operating your Polaris RANGER.
Payload includes all passengers, accessories and cargo in the vehicle. Always be sure that the total weight of passengers, accessories and cargo does not exceed the stated weight capacity listed later in this article.
Operating with a Load on the Vehicle
The weight of the cargo, operator and passengers impacts vehicle operation and stability. For your safety and the safety of others, carefully consider how your vehicle is loaded and how to safely operate the vehicle.
Do not exceed vehicle weight capacities. The vehicle’s maximum weight capacity is listed in the specifications section of your Owner’s Manual and on the safety labels on the vehicle.
When determining the weight you are adding to the vehicle, include the weight of the operator, passengers, accessories, loads in the rack or box and the load on the trailer tongue. The combined weight of these items must not exceed the maximum weight capacity.
The recommended tire pressures are listed in the specifications section of your Owner’s Manual and on a label on the vehicle.
Hauling Cargo
Overloading the vehicle and carrying or towing cargo improperly can alter vehicle handling and may cause loss of control or brake instability.
Always follow these precautions when hauling cargo:
- Never exceed the stated load capacity for this vehicle.
- Reduce speed and allow greater distances for braking when hauling cargo.
- Never exceed the maximum weight capacity of the vehicle. When determining the weight you are adding to the vehicle, include the weight of the operator, passenger, accessories, loads in the rack or box and the load on the trailer tongue.
- The combined weight of these items must not exceed the maximum weight capacity.
- Always load the cargo box with the load as far forward and as low as possible. When operating over rough or hilly terrain, reduce speed and cargo to maintain stable driving conditions.
- Always operate the vehicle with extreme care when hauling or towing loads. Slow down and drive in the lowest gear available.
- Secure all loads before operating. Unsecured loads can create unstable operating conditions, which could result in loss of control of the vehicle.
- Operate only with stable and safely arranged loads. When handling off-centered loads that cannot be centered, securely fasten the load and operate with extra caution.
- Always attach the tow load to the hitch point designated for your vehicle. Heavy loads can cause braking and control problems. Use extreme caution when applying brakes with a loaded vehicle. Avoid terrain or situations that may require backing downhill.
- Use extreme caution when operating with loads that extend over the rack sides. Stability and maneuverability may be adversely affected, causing vehicle rollover.
- Do not travel faster than the recommended speeds.
- The vehicle should never exceed 10 mph (16 km/h) while towing a load on a level grass surface.
- The vehicle speed should never exceed 5 mph (8 km/h) when towing loads in rough terrain, while cornering or while ascending or descending a hill.
- Never allow a passenger to ride in the cargo box. Carrying a passenger in the cargo box could result in a fall from the vehicle or contact with moving components.
- A passenger must always be seated in a passenger seat with seat belt secured.
- Carrying more passengers than there are passenger seats in your vehicle can affect the operator’s ability to steer and operate the controls, which increases the risk of loss of control and accident or rollover. Never carry more passengers than there are passenger seats in your vehicle unless specified otherwise.
Towing a Load
Always follow these precautions when towing:
1. Never load more than 250 lb (113 kg) tongue weight (350 lb (159 kg) for the RANGER XD 1500) on the towing bracket. To extend belt life, use a low gear when towing a heavy load.
2. When towing a disabled vehicle, place the disabled vehicle’s transmission in neutral. Do not operate the vehicle faster than 10 mph (16 km/h) when towing.
3. Towing a trailer increases braking distance. Do not operate the vehicle faster than 10 mph (16 km/h) when towing.
4. Do not tow more than the recommended weight for the vehicle.
5. Attach a trailer to the trailer hitch bracket only. Do not attach a trailer to any other location, which could result in loss of control of the vehicle.
6. The total load (operator, accessories, cargo and weight on hitch) must not exceed the maximum weight capacity of the vehicle.
Dumping the Cargo Box
To dump the cargo box, do the following:
1. Select a level site to dump the cargo box. Do not attempt to dump or unload the vehicle while parked on an incline.
2. Apply the brakes.
3. Shift the gear selector to the PARK position.
4. Turn the key to the OFF position.
5. Dismount vehicle.
6. Ensure that the cargo is positioned evenly or toward the front of the cargo box.
7. Open the tailgate.
8. Stand clear and pull up on the cargo box release lever.
9. Lift the front of the cargo box to dump the cargo.
10. Lower the cargo box and push down securely to latch.
11. Close the tailgate.
To dump the cargo box on a vehicle with an electric cargo box, do the following:
1. Select a level site to dump the cargo box. Do not attempt to dump or unload the vehicle while parked on an incline.
2. Apply the brakes.
3. Shift the gear selector to the PARK position.
4. Open the tailgate.
5. Stand clear of the cargo box.
6. Press the raise button on the cargo box switch. Warning: Ensure the area between the cargo box and the vehicle frame is clear before lowering the cargo box. Serious injury may occur.
7. Press the lower button on the cargo box switch to lower the box back to its original position.
8. Close the tailgate.
Warning: Operating the vehicle while the cargo box is raised could result in severe injury. The box could close unexpectedly and cause injury to the driver or passenger. The rear tires will also catch the rear of a raised box, damaging the vehicle and creating hazardous driving conditions. Never operate this vehicle with the cargo box in the raised position.
Safety Labels and Locations
Warning labels have been placed on the vehicle for your protection and can offer important information that relates to hauling and towing. Read and follow the instructions of the labels on the vehicle carefully.
- The Load/Passenger/Tire Pressure Warning and Fuel Transport Warning can be found in the rear cargo box.
- The Maximum Payload Warning can be found on the passenger’s side dashboard on RANGER 570 models.
If an informational or graphic label becomes illegible or comes off, contact your Polaris Dealer to purchase a replacement. Replacement safety labels are provided by Polaris at no charge. The part number is printed on the label.
If any of the labels depicted in the Owner's Manual differ from the labels on your vehicle, always read and follow the instructions of the labels on the vehicle.
Warning: Never carry fuel or other flammable liquids on this vehicle. Failure to follow this instruction could lead to serious burn injuries or death.
See the Operation section of your Owner's Manual for more information and specifications for your vehicle.
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