2003 Polaris Universal ATV Owners Manual - Page 64

OPERATION Hauling Cargo WARNING Hauling cargo improperly can alter vehicle handling and may cause loss of control or brake instability and result in serious injury or death. Always follow these precautions when hauling cargo: S REDUCE SPEED AND ALLOW GREATER DISTANCE FOR BRAKING WHEN HAULING CARGO. S 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 one rack only increases the possibility of vehicle overturn. S LOADS MUST BE CARRIED 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. When cargo loads are carried high on the racks, the weight of the loads must be reduced to maintain stable operating conditions. S ALL LOADS MUST BE SECURED BEFORE OPERATING. Unsecured loads can create unstable operating conditions, which could result in loss of control of the vehicle. S OPERATE ONLY WITH STABLE AND SAFELY ARRANGED LOADS. When handling off-centered loads that cannot be centered, securely fasten load and operate with extra caution. Always attach the tow load to the hitch point designated for your vehicle. S 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. S EXTREME CAUTION MUST BE USED when operating with loads extending over the rack sides. Stability and maneuverability may be adversely affected, causing the machine to overturn. S DO NOT BLOCK THE FRONT HEADLIGHT BEAM when carrying loads on the front rack. S DO NOT TRAVEL FASTER THAN THE RECOMMENDED SPEEDS. Vehicle should never exceed 10 mph (16 kph) while towing a load on a level grass 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. 62