Content Source: 2021 GENERAL 4 1000 Owner’s Manual (9939898 R01) > Operation Chapter

IMPORTANT

The Owner's Manual for this vehicle contains warnings, instructions and other information you must read and fully understand before safely riding or performing maintenance on this vehicle.Always follow the warnings and instructions in Owner's Manual.

Click the CONTENTS link above for the Table Of Contents, or download a full PDF of the Owner Manual in the Owner Support area of Polaris.com

Hauling Cargo

WARNING
Hauling cargo improperly can alter vehicle handling and may cause loss of control or brake instability, which can result in serious injury or death.
WARNING
Always follow these precautions 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, passengers, non-factory installed 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.
  • REDUCE SPEED AND ALLOW GREATER DISTANCES FOR BRAKING WHEN HAULING CARGO.
  • 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. When transporting heavy loads and/or when towing, always operate the vehicle in low gear and have ADC activated (if equipped).
WARNING
  • 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. Vehicle should never exceed 10 MPH (16 km/h) while towing a load on a level grass surface. Vehicle speed should never exceed 5 MPH (8 km/h) when towing loads in rough terrain, while cornering, or while ascending or descending an incline.
Your POLARIS vehicle has been designed to carry or tow specific capacities. Always read and understand the load distribution warnings listed on the warning labels. The total load (operator, passengers, non-factory installed accessories, cargo and weight on hitch) must not exceed the maximum weight capacity of the vehicle. See the Safety chapter for details.
WARNING
Driving with passengers in the cargo box can result in severe injury or death. Never allow passengers to ride in the cargo box. Passengers must always ride in the cab with seat belts fastened securely.

Towing Loads

Towing improperly can alter vehicle handling and may cause loss of control or brake instability. Always follow these precautions when towing:
  1. Never load more than 150 lbs. (68.1 kg) tongue weight on the towing bracket.
  2. When transporting heavy loads and/or when towing, always operate the vehicle in low gear and have ADC activated (if equipped).
  3. Do not operate the vehicle faster than 10 MPH (16 km/h) when towing. Towing a trailer increases braking distance.
  4. Do not tow more than the recommended weight for the vehicle. See the towing capacity chart below and the Specifications section for towing values.
  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. Avoid towing loads on an incline. If it’s unavoidable, choose the smallest incline available, operate with extreme caution, and drive straight up or down the incline.
Total Towed Load Weight (Level Ground) Total Hitch Vertical Weight Maximum Towing Speed
1,500 lbs.
(680 kg)
150 lbs.
(68.1 kg)
10 MPH
(16 km/h)
NOTE
To extend belt life, use low gear when hauling or towing heavy cargo.

Dumping the Cargo Box

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  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. Place the transmission in PARK and engage parking brake.
  3. Ensure that the cargo is positioned evenly or toward the front of the cargo box.
  4. Release the tailgate by pulling up on the tailgate latch.
    WARNING
    If the weight distribution on the box is located toward the rear of the box when the release lever is pulled forward, the box may dump unexpectedly and cause serious injury to the operator or bystanders. Never operate the dump lever without ensuring that the load is positioned evenly or at the front of the box.
  5. Stand clear and pull one of the cargo box release levers upward. Lift the front of the cargo box to dump the cargo.
  6. Lower the cargo box and push down securely to latch.
    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 could 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.

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