You’re closing in on buying that dream machine, the Polaris General XP 1000. You can already picture yourself conquering trails and exploring the backcountry. But a nagging, practical question keeps popping up: just how wide is it?
It’s a simple question with a surprisingly complex answer. You’re wondering if it will squeeze onto your trailer, fit through your local trail gates, or even make it into your garage. Getting this wrong can lead to a world of frustration, from a brand new UTV that won’t fit to being turned away at the trailhead.
We get it. Here at FatBoysOffroad, we’ve seen it all. That’s why we’ve built the definitive guide to answer not just “how wide is a polaris general xp 1000,” but what that width truly means for you.
In this post, we’ll break down the factory specs, show you how common modifications can drastically change your width, teach you how to measure your rig like a pro, and give you the real-world tips you need for trailering and trail riding. Let’s get you ready to ride.
The Official Spec: How Wide Is a Polaris General XP 1000 from the Factory?
Let’s start with the number straight from the manufacturer. From the factory, a Polaris General XP 1000, whether it’s the 2-seat or 4-seat model, has a specified width of 64 inches.
This measurement is taken from the outside bulge of one front tire to the outside bulge of the other. It’s the number you’ll see on the spec sheet and the baseline for everything we’ll discuss.
This 64-inch stance is a key feature of the “XP” (Xtreme Performance) package. It’s a deliberate engineering choice designed to give you a major advantage when the terrain gets rough. This is the foundation of our how wide is a polaris general xp 1000 guide.
Why 64 Inches? The Benefits of the General XP 1000’s Stance
That 64-inch width isn’t just a random number; it’s the sweet spot for a machine designed to do it all. It provides significant advantages over narrower side-by-sides, directly contributing to the General’s reputation as a stable and capable crossover UTV. Understanding the benefits of how wide is a polaris general xp 1000 is key to appreciating its design.
Unmatched Stability on Off-Camber Trails
The number one benefit of a wider stance is stability. When you’re driving across the side of a hill (an “off-camber” situation), a wider machine is far less likely to feel tippy. The wider track lowers the center of gravity relative to the track width, planting the vehicle firmly on the ground and giving you, the driver, a massive confidence boost.
Enhanced Suspension Performance
The XP package includes high-performance, long-travel suspension featuring Walker Evans Velocity Series shocks. To achieve that impressive wheel travel, the machine needs wider A-arms. This wider geometry allows the suspension to cycle more effectively, soaking up bumps, ruts, and rocks for a dramatically smoother ride at speed.
Superior Cornering and Control
Think of it like a sports car versus a delivery van. The wider stance minimizes body roll when you’re turning, allowing the tires to maintain better contact with the ground. This translates to more predictable handling and allows you to carry more speed through corners with confidence and control.
When Stock Isn’t Stock: How Mods Instantly Change Your General’s Width
Here’s where many owners get into trouble. That 64-inch number is for a bone-stock machine. The second you change wheels or tires, that number can go right out the window. This is one of the most common problems with how wide is a polaris general xp 1000—owners unknowingly making their machine too wide for their intended use.
Aftermarket Wheels and Wheel Offset
The most significant change comes from aftermarket wheels. Every wheel has an “offset,” which is the distance from the wheel’s mounting surface to its centerline. In simple terms:
- Stock Wheels: Have a high positive offset, tucking the wheel and tire assembly under the vehicle to maintain that 64-inch width.
- Aftermarket Wheels: Often have a lower positive or even a negative offset (a “deep dish” look). This pushes the entire wheel and tire assembly outward, sometimes adding 2-4 inches or more to your total width! A common aftermarket offset is 4+3, which will make your machine wider than stock.
Bigger and Wider Tires
Upgrading from the stock 30-inch Pro Armor Crawler XG tires to a wider, more aggressive mud or rock tire will also increase your width. Even if the wheel offset is the same, a fatter tire with a more aggressive sidewall can easily add an inch or two to your overall measurement.
Wheel Spacers
Wheel spacers are aluminum pucks that bolt to your hub, effectively pushing your stock wheels further out. While they can improve stability, they add directly to your width. A 1.5-inch spacer on each side will add a full 3 inches to your total track width, turning your 64-inch General into a 67-inch machine.
A Practical Guide to Measuring Your Rig’s True Width
Don’t guess, and don’t just trust the spec sheet, especially if you’ve made any modifications. Knowing your rig’s true width is essential. Follow these how wide is a polaris general xp 1000 best practices for an accurate measurement.
- Find Level Ground: Park your General on a flat, level surface like a concrete garage floor. This is critical for accuracy.
- Align the Wheels: Make sure your steering wheel is perfectly straight so the front tires are pointed directly forward.
- Use a Straight Edge: Get a long, rigid straight edge, like a 4-foot level or a piece of straight lumber. Place it vertically against the widest part of the tire’s sidewall on one side.
- Mark the Ground: Ensure the straight edge is perfectly plumb (straight up and down) and make a small, clear mark on the ground right at its base. A piece of chalk or masking tape works great.
- Repeat on the Other Side: Without moving the vehicle, repeat the process on the opposite side of the machine.
- Measure the Distance: Now, simply use a good quality tape measure to find the distance between your two marks. That number is your machine’s true, real-world width. Write it down and keep it handy!
Trailering and Storage: Real-World Width Considerations
Now that you know your true width, you can apply it to the real world. This is where a simple measurement can save you thousands of dollars and endless headaches.
Choosing the Right Trailer
Never assume your UTV will fit. Standard landscape trailer widths are often 5 feet (60 inches), 6 feet (72 inches), and 7 feet (84 inches). A 60-inch trailer is an absolute no-go. A 72-inch trailer gives you only 4 inches of clearance on each side with a stock machine—that’s a very tight squeeze, especially when loading on uneven ground. We strongly recommend a trailer that is at least 78 inches (6.5 feet) wide to give you a comfortable safety margin.
Navigating Trail Width Restrictions
This is the big one. Many state, federal, and private off-road park trail systems are restricted by width. Common restrictions are 50 inches (for ATVs) and 66 inches. A stock 64-inch General XP 1000 will fit on most 66-inch or wider trails. However, if you’ve added those cool offset wheels and now measure 67 inches wide, you will be “gated out” and unable to ride.
Adhering to these width limits is a core part of being a responsible rider. This is a key aspect of any sustainable how wide is a polaris general xp 1000 discussion. Sticking to designated trails prevents erosion and protects the natural environment for future generations, making it an eco-friendly how wide is a polaris general xp 1000 practice we should all follow.
Garage and Shed Fitment
Before you bring your new toy home, measure your door openings! A standard single-car garage door is usually 96 to 108 inches wide, offering plenty of room. However, shed doors or custom gate openings can be much narrower. Measure twice, buy once!
Common Problems and Your How Wide Is a Polaris General XP 1000 Care Guide
Modifying your General’s width can introduce a few new challenges. Here’s a quick how wide is a polaris general xp 1000 care guide to keep you on the trail.
Problem: Tires Rubbing on Fenders
When you add wider tires and offset wheels, you might experience rubbing against the fender wells, especially during sharp turns or when the suspension is compressed.
Solution: You can install “forward” A-arms that move the front hub forward slightly, or consider a modest lift kit for extra clearance.
Problem: Increased Stress on Components
Pushing the wheels further out increases the leverage on your hubs, wheel bearings, ball joints, and tie rods. This isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, but it does mean these parts will wear out faster than they would on a stock machine.
Solution: Be diligent with your maintenance. Before every ride, grab each tire at the top and bottom and check for any play or wiggle, which could indicate a worn bearing or ball joint. Regular inspections are key.
Problem: Getting “Gated Out” of Trails
The ultimate frustration is arriving at a ride spot only to find your machine is two inches too wide for the entry gate.
Solution: Plan ahead. Always check the website or call the ranger station for the park or trail system you plan to visit. Confirm their maximum allowed vehicle width before you even load up the trailer.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Polaris General XP 1000 Width
What is the width of a Polaris General XP 1000 4-seater?
The width is exactly the same as the 2-seat model. Both the Polaris General XP 1000 Deluxe and the XP 4 1000 Deluxe have a factory width of 64 inches. The only major difference is the length and wheelbase.
Will a Polaris General XP 1000 fit in the back of a pickup truck?
Almost certainly not. At 64 inches wide, it is too wide to fit between the wheel wells of any standard pickup truck bed. Furthermore, its length and weight make it unsuitable for transport in a truck bed even if it did fit. You will need a trailer.
How does the General XP 1000 width compare to the standard General 1000?
The standard Polaris General 1000 models are narrower, measuring 62.5 inches wide. The extra 1.5 inches on the XP 1000 model comes from the wider A-arms and suspension components that are part of the Xtreme Performance package.
The width of your Polaris General XP 1000 is more than just a number on a spec sheet—it’s a critical factor that affects stability, performance, and where you can ride. While the factory sets it at a capable 64 inches, your choices in wheels, tires, and other mods will define its true footprint.
Remember the golden rules: know your actual width by measuring it yourself, choose a trailer with a healthy safety margin, and always check trail regulations before you haul out. By understanding these details, you’re setting yourself up for countless safe and awesome adventures.
Now get out there, measure your machine, and hit the trails with confidence. Stay safe and have a blast!
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