Towing and Hauling with the 2024 RANGER XD 1500

Driving with extra passengers or cargo – and therefore an increased payload –  or when towing loads requires extra precautions to be taken when operating your Polaris RANGER XD 1500. 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. 

For more information the features of the RANGER XD 1500, read 2024 RANGER XD 1500 Overview. For more information about what to expect when driving the vehicle and how to use the transmission neutral disconnect to tow it, read 2024 RANGER XD 1500 Operation.

Tow/Haul Mode
Tow/Haul Mode is the primary driving range for the RANGER. Whenever the vehicle is left unattended, always place the transmission in PARK.

Press the Tow/Haul knob to disengage or engage this mode. Always engage Tow/Haul Mode for any of the following conditions:

• Payload greater than 500 lbs. (226 kg)
• Operating in rough terrain or over obstacles
• Plowing snow
• Loading the vehicle onto a trailer
• Towing heavy loads greater than 500 lbs. (226 kg)
• Driving slowly - under 10 MPH (16 km/h)
• Climbing hills

Towing Loads
Towing improperly can alter vehicle handling and may cause loss of control or brake instability.

Always follow these precautions when towing:

• Never load more than 350 lbs. (159 kg) tongue weight on the towing bracket.
• 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.
• Towing a trailer increases braking distance. Do not operate the vehicle faster than 10 MPH (16 km/h) when towing.
• Do not tow more than the recommended weight for the vehicle.
• 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.
• The total load (operator, accessories, cargo and weight on hitch) must not exceed the maximum weight capacity of the vehicle.

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:

• Never exceed the stated load capacity for this vehicle.
• Always operate the vehicle with extreme care when hauling or towing loads. If the vehicle is capable, never exceed 30 MPH (48 km/h) if total payload exceeds 500 lbs. (226 kg). Reduce speed, allow greater distances for braking and drive in the lowest gear available. 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 a hill. Avoid terrain or situations that may require backing downhill. Use extreme caution when applying brakes with a loaded vehicle.
• Never exceed the maximum weight capacity. 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. 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. Stability and maneuverability may be adversely affected, causing vehicle rollover.
• Always attach the tow load to the hitch point designated for your vehicle.
• Carrying a passenger in the cargo box could result in a fall from the vehicle or contact with moving components. Never allow a passenger to ride in the cargo box.

Use Tow/Haul function when towing, hauling or exceeding a payload of 500 lbs. (227 kg).

Torque Limiting and Torque Boost
Under high load, slow speed driving scenarios (towing heavy loads, operating at high altitudes, driving in deep snow/mud or hauling heavy material in the cargo box) your XD 1500 is working hard to stay at optimal performance levels. The STEELDRIVE transmission uses a wet clutch to engage and disengage the driveline and, as it slips, it can generate heat. When the transmission reaches a certain temperature, it begins to limit torque delivered to the wheels to prevent overheating. This is known as Torque Limiting. This feature is designed to maximize longevity of the transmission. However, you may experience a decrease in performance levels during this situation and/or may see this warning on your display during this scenario. If the Clutch Overtemp warning does not display, please contact your local authorized Polaris Dealer.

Operating at slower speeds and high load can increase the risk of the transmission overheating. To minimize or prevent Torque Limiting:
1. Always operate in Tow/Haul mode in high load scenarios.

2. Apply the appropriate amount of throttle while operating in high load scenarios.

In some high-load and low RPM traction conditions, Torque Limiting may be initiated without an overheat. In these situations, the STEELDRIVE transmission is equipped with a feature called Torque Boost, which momentarily provides a burst of torque to the wheels to fully engage the hydraulic clutch and prevent Torque Limiting. Warning: Do not apply Torque Boost if there are bystanders or obstacles nearby. To engage Torque Boost:
1. Turn Tow/Haul mode ON.

2. Shift into DRIVE (D).

3. Apply maximum throttle for 2-3 seconds. Applying maximum throttle for 2-3 seconds will command the engine to rev up to approximately 5,000 RPM and rapidly engages the wet clutch for the STEELDRIVE transmission. The purpose of this sequence is to quickly get the vehicle moving in scenarios requiring high torque while minimizing additional heat input into the wet clutch and transmission.   

If you see the Overtemp warning message, let the vehicle sit idle for 20-30 seconds to allow the transmission clutch packs to cool down. Follow the steps above for preventing Torque Limiting and resume normal operation.

Cargo Box
The cargo box carrying capacity is 1500 lbs. (680 kg).

The maximum payload for the cargo box on your vehicle depends on the trim level and tire pressure. See the chart below or the Tire Pressure Warning label on your vehicle for specifications. 

* Includes operator, passenger, cargo and accessories.

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 passengers in the cargo box or with the cargo box in the raised position.

1. Cargo Box Load Securing Points
2. Lock and Ride Rail
3. 12V Power Outlet (if equipped)

Dumping the Cargo Box (Non-Electric Models Only)
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 PARK.

4. Turn the key to the off position.

5. Dismount vehicle.

6. Open the tailgate.

7. Stand clear and pull up on the cargo box release lever.

8. Lift the front of the cargo box to dump the cargo.

9. Lower the cargo box and push down securely to latch.

10. Close the tailgate.

Dumping the Cargo Box (Electric Models Only)
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 PARK.

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.

For more information, see your authorized Polaris Dealer. Find a dealer near you with the Dealer Locator.
Maintenance tips, procedures and specifications can be found in your Owner's Manual.
To find diagrams and replacement part numbers, use the online parts catalog.

Unless noted, trademarks are the property of Polaris Industries Inc.
© 2023 Polaris Industries Inc.