If you’re into off-roading, chances are you already have or are thinking about getting an ATV or UTV. It can be difficult to know which ATV or side-by-side to get, though, especially if you’re new to the sport.
You’ve probably heard of the Polaris Xpedition, which has become a super popular choice for off-roading enthusiasts. This UTV is designed to handle challenging terrain and has plenty of space for both gear and passengers, so it’s not hard to see why it’s gained so much popularity.
Of course, if you’re thinking about getting a Polaris Xpedition (or already own one, for that matter), there are a few things you’ll want to take into consideration before hitting the trails.
One of the most common questions people have, for example, is: “How much does the Polaris Xpedition weigh?” We’ll be covering everything you need to know about the Polaris Xpedition below.
Standard Features of the Polaris Xpedition
Let’s start off by talking about the features of this awesome side-by-side. After all, the Polaris Xpedition is more than just its weight. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this off-roading vehicle stand out below:
Adaptable Design
The Xpedition has flat floors and a flat roof, which means it can accommodate a roof rack. It also has adjustable bucket seats. You’ll also be able to carry lots of compatible accessories —like a tent, awning, or recovery gear—because the configurable cab and rear cargo bed box allow for customizable storage options.
Hauling Capabilities and Towing Capacity
The Polaris Xpedition has a 600 lb. dumping cargo box and 2,000 lb. towing capacity. This means you can easily pack and transport your gear, just like with road vehicles (no matter what you need to carry). Whether you're hauling additional gear for a camping trip or equipment for a job, the Xpedition’s hauling capabilities are quite impressive (not to mention versatile).
Customization
The really great thing about the Polaris Xpedition is that it’s basically designed to be customized. Depending on what you intend on using this UTV for, you can customize it however you like. Thumper Fab has plenty of customization options available, including winches, cargo racks, factory accessories, and heavy-duty accessories.
Strong Performance
The Xpedition has a 200+ mile fuel range. This means you’ll be able to go for long rides and explore off-the-grid trails without worrying too much about having to refuel constantly. It also has high-mount air intakes, a sealed electrical system, and 14 inches of ground clearance.
This means that you’ll be able to ride through pretty much any type of terrain (not just mud and water, but snow, too!). Not only that, but the Polaris HD 4,500 LB Winch should give you some peace of mind when it comes to getting over obstacles.
Comfortable Ride
The Polaris Xpedition uses a FOX® plush suspension system, which means you’ll be able to enjoy a smooth ride (even when going over lumps, bumps, and tree roots). How does it work, you might ask? Well, put simply, this advanced suspension absorbs any shocks and bumps while you’re riding.
Also, the 64-inch width of the Xpedition provides a lot of stability without sacrificing agility. In other words, it makes it a lot easier to navigate tight, curvy trails. The Xpedition will protect you from the elements, too, since it has a standard roof and an enclosed cab. You can even adjust the heat and AC settings!
Limitless Storage
Okay, so no storage is “limitless,” but the Polaris Xpedition’s storage capabilities come pretty darn close. The reason for this is that it uses a specific system that allows you to quickly customize your UTV's cargo space for different types of adventures (with accessories and attachments).
For example, let’s say you’re heading out for a day of trail riding or a weekend camping trip with your friends. Depending on what your needs are, you’ll be able to customize your Xpedition’s storage space. The Xpedition’s attachment system will keep your gear safe (i.e., you won’t have to worry about anything falling off).
Ride Command Technology
Polaris’s Ride Command cutting-edge technology features are a huge reason why a lot of off-roading enthusiasts have grown to love the Xpedition. Ride Command is great because it makes communication (and navigation in general) a lot easier. It also comes with advanced features that are definitely worth mentioning:
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Discover New Trails: The Xpedition’s Ride Command technology includes pre-loaded maps and waypoints, so you can explore new trails confidently (even if you don’t have cellular coverage). As you can probably imagine, this feature is especially useful in remote areas.
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Group Ride: You can easily stay connected with your group through the connectivity on Ride Command. The Group Ride function, for example, allows you to share your location and communicate with other riders.
- Route Planning: You can also plan out your routes with Ride Command technology (by setting waypoints, for example). This is a great way to avoid getting lost, especially if you’re off-roading in an unfamiliar location.
How Much Does the Polaris Xpedition Weigh? Understanding the Weight Terminology
Before we get into the exact numbers, let’s talk about the different terms that are typically used when discussing vehicle weight. The more you know about the weight of your Polaris Xpedition (which will honestly depend on a few different factors), the better.
Dry Weight
This is the weight of the vehicle without any fluids (like fuel, oil, or coolant). It gives you a baseline of how much the vehicle itself weighs without any additional parts or liquids. This measurement tends to be quite useful in cases where you have to consider the weight capacity of a trailer or when calculating the payload.
Curb Weight
The curb weight includes all of the fluids necessary for operation of the UTV (full fuel tank, oil, coolant, etc.). It’s a more realistic measurement of how much the vehicle weighs when it’s ready to drive.
Payload Capacity
The payload capacity is the maximum weight that the vehicle can carry, including passengers and cargo. When you’re planning out longer off-roading or camping trips, you’ll definitely want to take payload capacity into consideration. After all, the last thing you want to do is overload your UTV.
Towing Capacity
Finally, the towing capacity is the maximum weight that the UTV can tow behind it. If you plan on bringing extra equipment or a trailer, you’ll want to know your vehicle’s towing capacity for sure. As mentioned previously, the Polaris Xpedition has a towing capacity of 2,000 lbs.
Weight of the Polaris Xpedition
The weight of your Polaris Xpedition will depend on the exact model you have, as well as how many different attachments and accessories you’ve used to customize your ride. However, in general, the dry weight and curb weight of your Xpedition will be close to these numbers:
- Dry Weight - 2041 lbs. (926 kg)
- Curb Weight - 2162 lbs. (980 kg)
Why Weight Matters
You might be wondering why the weight of your Polaris Xpedition even matters in the first place. Not a lot of people know this, but knowing the weight of your UTV (especially if you’re going to be using it frequently) is super important. Here’s why:
Transporting the Vehicle
If you need to transport your Xpedition on a trailer, you’ll have to make sure that your trailer and towing vehicle can handle the weight. Exceeding the weight capacity can be dangerous and illegal. For example, an overloaded trailer can lead to tire blowouts and braking issues. It can also make it a lot more difficult to handle.
Fuel Efficiency
Heavier vehicles generally consume more fuel. As long as you know your vehicle’s weight, though, you’ll be able to estimate how much fuel it will need for long trips. If you’re exploring remote areas where fuel sources might be scarce, having this knowledge on hand will be particularly useful.
Performance
The weight of your UTV will affect its performance, especially if you’re off-roading. Heavier vehicles might have a bit more stability, but they can also be harder to maneuver. For example, while a heavier vehicle can provide a more planted feel on rough terrain, it might struggle with quick turns or steep hills.
By knowing the weight of your Xpedition, you’ll be able to anticipate how it might behave in different situations. You might have to go through some trial and error, but that’s what off-roading is all about!
What About Wheel Weight?
Let's talk about how wheel weight affects a UTVs performance and overall feel. The total weight of a UTV (like the Polaris Xpedition) includes all of its parts and impacts how well it can accelerate, brake, and turn. By reducing the total weight, the vehicle's performance improves because there's less mass to move, so it needs less energy to control.
Unsprung weight refers to the parts of the UTV under the springs (like wheels and brakes) that move up and down when driving over bumps or leaning into corners. Lowering unsprung weight makes the springs and shock absorbers work better. This means your UTV will be a little bit easier to handle.
Rotational weight includes all of the parts that spin, such as the engine's crankshaft, wheels, and tires. This weight affects how much energy is needed to speed up or slow down the UTV. Reducing the weight of these spinning parts actually improves the UTV’s performance, since less energy is needed to change its speed.
The Bottom Line
As you can see, weight matters more than most people realize when it comes to UTVs and other types of Can-Ams. Needless to say, the Polaris Xpedition (Dry - 2,041 lbs) is no exception. Whether you need to haul a bunch of heavy camping gear around, or want to use your Xpedition to pull a trailer, knowing the dry weight and curb weight will be very helpful.
Don’t forget to factor in the extra weight that your attachments and accessories will add to your Polaris Xpedition, either. If you decide to install an adjustable bed rack, for example, that’s going to give you a lot of extra storage space, but it’ll increase the weight of the UTV as well.
Don’t hesitate to check out Thumper Fab’s website if you want to learn more about adventure-ready customization.
