Does Polaris General Have Heat – The Ultimate Guide To Staying Warm

There’s nothing worse than that biting cold creeping into the cab, forcing you to cut a perfect trail day short. You’ve geared up, hit the dirt, and then the sun dips, the temperature plummets, and suddenly you’re shivering more than you’re smiling.

We’ve all been there. It makes you wonder, does polaris general have heat straight from the factory, or are you doomed to freeze on those crisp fall and winter rides? The answer is more complex than a simple yes or no, and the solution can transform your off-road experience.

In this complete guide from FatBoysOffroad, we promise to clear the air. We’ll break down which General models come equipped with heat, dive into the best aftermarket options for those that don’t, provide an overview of the installation process, and share pro tips for keeping your system running flawlessly for years to come.

The Short Answer: Does Polaris General Have Heat from the Factory?

Let’s get straight to the point. Yes, some Polaris General models come with a factory-installed heater and defrost system, but it is not standard across the entire lineup. It’s a premium feature reserved for specific, higher-end trims.

Typically, you’ll find a fully integrated heater system on the Polaris General XP 1000 NorthStar Edition models. These are the top-of-the-line rigs designed for all-season comfort, featuring a full Pro-Fit cab enclosure and the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system as standard equipment.

For most other trims—including the Sport, Premium, and even some Ultimate models—a heater is an optional add-on or something you’ll need to source from the aftermarket. Don’t worry, though; that just means you have more control over the type and cost of the system you install.

Benefits of Having a Heater in Your Polaris General

Thinking a heater is just a luxury? Think again. Adding a reliable heat source to your General is one of the most practical upgrades you can make. Here are the real-world benefits of does polaris general have heat functionality.

Extended Riding Season: This is the big one. A good heater turns your General into a four-season machine, letting you comfortably hit the trails on those beautiful, crisp days in late fall, winter, and early spring when others have garaged their rigs.
Enhanced Comfort: Let’s be honest, being comfortable makes the ride more enjoyable. A warm cab means you and your passengers can focus on the adventure instead of on chattering teeth and numb fingers.
Improved Safety with Defrost: A heater isn’t just about warmth; it’s about visibility. Integrated defrost vents are crucial for clearing a fogged or frosted windshield, ensuring you have a clear line of sight on tricky terrain or in changing weather conditions.
Increased Resale Value: A professionally installed, functional heater is a highly desirable feature. When it comes time to sell or trade in your General, having a quality cab heater can make your machine stand out and command a better price.

Choosing the Right Heater: A Does Polaris General Have Heat Guide

So your General didn’t come with heat. No problem. You have two main paths: sourcing an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Polaris kit or diving into the robust world of aftermarket heaters. Each has its pros and cons.

Polaris Factory Heater Systems

You can often purchase the same heater kit that comes on the NorthStar editions directly from Polaris. This is an excellent, high-quality option.

Pros:

Perfect Integration: Designed specifically for the General, with dedicated mounting points and seamless integration with the dash and Ride Command system.
OEM Quality: You’re getting a part built to Polaris’s standards, which usually means high reliability and durability.
Potentially Simpler Install: Instructions are model-specific, and all the parts are guaranteed to fit without modification.

Cons:

Higher Cost: OEM kits are almost always the most expensive option on the market.
Limited Features: You get what Polaris offers, with little room for customization.

Popular Aftermarket Heater Kits

The aftermarket is where most DIYers turn. Companies like Inferno Cab Heaters, SuperATV, and Ice Crusher offer fantastic kits that are powerful and often more affordable.

Pros:

Cost-Effective: You can often get a high-output heater for a fraction of the price of an OEM kit.
Variety of Options: Choose from different BTU ratings, vent configurations, and features to match your specific needs and budget.
Strong Performance: Many aftermarket kits are known for pumping out serious heat, sometimes even outperforming stock units.

Cons:

Installation Can Be More Involved: While kits come with instructions, you might need to do some minor drilling or creative routing of hoses and vents.
Potential Warranty Concerns: Always check your vehicle’s warranty. While adding a heater shouldn’t void it, any damage caused by an improper installation might not be covered.

How to Install an Aftermarket Heater: A DIY Overview

Ready to tackle the job yourself? This is a very manageable project for the weekend mechanic. While every kit is different, this section covers the general process and answers the question of how to does polaris general have heat installed by a DIYer.

H3: Tools and Safety First

Before you start, gather your gear. You’ll likely need:

A good socket and ratchet set
Pliers (including hose clamp pliers)
A sharp utility knife or hose cutter
A drill with various bits
A coolant drain pan
Safety glasses and gloves
Extra coolant matching the Polaris spec

Safety Tip: Always work on a cool engine. Hot coolant can cause severe burns.

The Core Steps: Tapping into the Coolant System

The heart of the operation involves using your engine’s own heat. The heater works like a small radiator in your cab.

Mount the Heater Unit: Find a secure location under the dash. Most kits have brackets that use existing bolts, but you may need to drill mounting holes.
Splice into Coolant Lines: This is the most critical step. You’ll locate the main coolant lines running from the engine. Using the provided Y-fittings, you’ll carefully cut the lines and insert the fittings to divert hot coolant to your new heater core. Double-check your hose clamps for a tight seal!
Run New Hoses: Route the new heater hoses from the Y-fittings to the inlet and outlet ports on your heater unit. Avoid sharp kinks and keep them away from moving parts or hot exhaust components.
Install Vents and Ducting: Mount the defrost and floor vents in your dash. This usually requires using a hole saw. Then, connect the flexible ducting from the heater unit to the vents.

Wiring and Controls

The final step is powering the fan. Most Polaris Generals have a pre-wired accessory bus bar under the hood, which makes this part easy.

Connect the heater’s positive and negative wires to the bus bar. Run the wiring for the fan speed switch to your dash, mount it in a convenient location, and plug it in. That’s it!

After installation, you MUST properly bleed the air from the cooling system. Start the engine with the radiator cap off, let it get to temperature, and keep topping off the coolant until all air bubbles are gone. Check for leaks at every connection point.

Common Problems with Polaris General Heater Systems (And How to Fix Them)

Even the best systems can have issues. Here are some common problems with does polaris general have heat and some quick troubleshooting tips.

Heater Not Blowing Hot

This is the most frequent complaint. If the fan works but the air is cold, the issue is with coolant flow.

Air in the System: This is the #1 cause after an install. Re-bleed the cooling system thoroughly.
Low Coolant: Check your coolant reservoir and radiator. If it’s low, the heater core might not be getting fluid. Top it off and check for leaks.
Kinked Hoses: Inspect the heater hoses you installed. A sharp bend can completely stop the flow.
Stuck Thermostat: If the engine itself isn’t reaching operating temperature, the thermostat might be stuck open.

Weak Airflow

If the air is hot but barely trickling out, the problem is with the fan or ducting.

Check for Blockages: Make sure nothing is obstructing the heater’s intake or the vent outlets. Mud and debris can get everywhere.
Inspect Ducting: A crushed or disconnected ducting hose will kill your airflow.
Electrical Issue: The fan motor might not be getting full power. Check your wiring connections and the fan speed switch.

Heater Maintenance: Best Practices for Long-Lasting Warmth

A little preventative maintenance goes a long way. Follow these does polaris general have heat best practices to keep your cab toasty for years. This is your essential does polaris general have heat care guide.

First, make your heater part of your regular coolant system check. Ensure your coolant is always at the proper level and in good condition. Old, broken-down coolant is bad for your engine and your heater core.

At least once a season, give your heater hoses and clamps a once-over. Look for any signs of cracking, bulging, or wear. A loose clamp or failing hose is a leak waiting to happen on the trail.

Finally, keep the system clean. Clear any mud, leaves, or debris from the cab-side air intake for the heater. A clogged intake restricts airflow and makes the fan motor work harder than it needs to.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Heating? A Note on Efficiency

When we talk about a sustainable does polaris general have heat solution, we’re really talking about efficiency. The beauty of a standard UTV heater is that it’s a heat-recycling system.

Your engine produces a massive amount of waste heat as a byproduct of combustion. The cooling system’s job is to get rid of that heat. A cab heater simply borrows a small amount of that hot coolant, runs it through a little radiator (the heater core), and uses a fan to blow that recycled heat into your cab.

This is an incredibly eco-friendly does polaris general have heat method compared to alternatives like a separate propane heater. You’re using energy that is already being produced and would otherwise be vented into the atmosphere. A well-maintained cooling system that supports a cab heater ensures your engine runs at its optimal temperature, improving fuel efficiency and overall performance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Polaris General Heaters

Can I add a heater to my Polaris General Base model?

Absolutely! The base models are the most common recipients of aftermarket heater kits. The installation process is the same and it’s one of the best upgrades you can make to a base or Sport model General.

How much does it cost to add heat to a Polaris General?

Costs vary widely. A quality aftermarket kit from a reputable brand will typically run between $400 and $700. An OEM Polaris kit can be significantly more, often closer to $800-$1,000+. Professional installation can add a few hundred dollars on top of that.

Does installing an aftermarket heater void my Polaris warranty?

Generally, no. Legally, a manufacturer cannot void your entire vehicle warranty just because you installed an aftermarket part. However, if your installation directly causes a failure (e.g., you improperly splice a wire and cause an electrical short), the repair for that specific failure may not be covered. Always follow instructions carefully.

Will a cab heater work if my General doesn’t have a full cab enclosure?

Yes, it will still blow hot air, but its effectiveness will be dramatically reduced. Without doors and a full windshield, most of the heat will escape immediately. A heater is most effective when paired with at least a front and rear windshield and a roof.

Adding heat to your Polaris General is a game-changer, turning it from a fair-weather toy into a year-round adventure machine. Whether you opt for a factory system or a DIY aftermarket kit, the warmth and safety of a defrosted windshield are worth every penny.

Take your time with the installation, double-check your connections, and perform regular maintenance. You’ll be rewarded with a comfortable cab no matter what the weather throws at you. Stay warm, stay safe, and we’ll see you on the trail!

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Thomas Corle

Founder & Automobile expert at FatBoysOffroad

Automobile expert and off-road enthusiast, sharing in-depth knowledge of vehicles, gear, and adventures. Helping readers make smart decisions and enjoy the thrill of off-roading safely and confidently.