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Operation, Hauling cargo – Polaris Sportsman 550 Touring EPS User Manual

Page 76

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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, which can result in

serious injury or death. Always follow these precautions when hauling cargo:
Never carry cargo on the rear rack when operating the ATV in the 2-up mode

with a passenger.
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.
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.
DO NOT BLOCK THE FRONT HEADLIGHT BEAM when carrying loads on the

front rack.
DO NOT TRAVEL FASTER THAN THE RECOMMENDED SPEEDS. The

vehicle should never exceed 10 mph (16 kph) while towing a load on a level

surface. Vehicle speed should never exceed 5 mph (8 kph) when towing loads in

rough terrain, while cornering, or while ascending or descending a hill.

WARNING