Polaris Sportsman 550 2014 Owner's Manual page 67

OPERATION
Hauling Cargo
Overloading the vehicle or 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:
• Read and understand the load distribution warnings listed on the vehicle
warning labels.
• Never carry cargo on the rear rack when operating the vehicle in the 2-up
mode with a passenger.
• REDUCE SPEED AND ALLOW GREATER DISTANCES FOR BRAKING
WHEN HAULING CARGO.
• Never exceed the stated load capacity for this 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.
• CARGO WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION should be 1/3 on the front rack and 2/3 on
the rear rack. When operating over rough or hilly terrain, reduce speed and
cargo to maintain stable driving conditions. Carrying loads on only one rack
increases the possibility of vehicle overturn.
• CARRY LOADS AS LOW ON THE RACKS AS POSSIBLE. Carrying loads
high on the racks raises the center of gravity of the vehicle and creates a less
stable operating condition.
• 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
the vehicle to overturn.
• TOWING is approved OFF-ROAD ONLY.
• DO NOT BLOCK THE FRONT HEADLIGHT BEAM when carrying loads on
the front rack.
• NEVER exceed 50 MPH (80 km/h) when rear cargo loads are above 75 lbs.
(34 kg) and/or front cargo loads are above 37 lbs. (17 kg). NEVER exceed 50
MPH (80 km/h) while carrying a passenger. NEVER exceed 10 MPH (16 km/
h) when rear cargo loads are above 200 lbs. (91 kg) and/or front cargo loads
are above 100 lbs. (45 kg).
• TOWING SPEED should never exceed 16 km/h. Never exceed 8 km/h when
towing loads in rough terrain, while cornering, or while ascending or
descending hills.
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