Polaris Lock & Ride XP Rear Storage - Observations

[Forrest]

Mounted one of these on the 2012 850 XP tonight along with the Composite XP Rear Rail Extender (don't think they make a steel rear rail extender for the 2012 850 XP).

Overall it's a stout storage box but here's what I think could be improved:

1). It mounts solidly towards the back of the box (back half being the back of the ATV) as that's where the Lock & Ride mounts are (sides of the box). I was surprised to see that the Lock & Ride mounts are external to the box and mounts via two L-shaped brackets. The brackets are screwed into two threaded holes in the box per bracket and the Lock & Ride stalks go through the bracket on the other side. The problem is the other half of the box (towards the back of the rider) is not so solidly mounted. It's very easy to lift up a little on that half of the box. It lifts enough that I think the box would indeed rattle up and down against the rear rack it sits on. In this regard I think the design could have been better. Perhaps a couple metal lip inserts could have been used like they do with their front Lock & Ride XP Box.

2). There's a lot of storage inside but there could be more without changing the dimensions of the box. The lid is a 2 piece design with the 2nd piece being a inner cover that installs into the upper lid piece in a manner that makes the overall lid pretty thick, maybe 2+ inches. So there's a lot of hollow air space that makes up the lid. To make up for this they molded the inner lid piece with a molded oval shaped indention towards the center of the box thereby giving that center section a higher profile than the left and right sections of the box.
I am sure all of this was done to increase the lids strength. Not a big deal I guess but I'm sure the lid could be thinner and still keep its strength.

3). The locking mechanisms are not really locks. Guess this is the same for the front Lock & Ride Box. All one would need is a screwdriver and 2 seconds to pry either side of locking latch from the box. I would not feel as though any items I stored in the box were safe if the ATV was left unattended. I think it would have been more secure if both metal lock latches had metal bases that were molded into the plastic bodies or better yet if the latches were part of the box and reinforced internally with metal. That way the padlocks could just be looped through. It could still be defeated but not anywhere near as fast prying latches that are simply screwed into the plastic box with rather small screws.

4). The external shape of the box follows the rear and rear side lines of the ATV really well. However the other side of the box (closest to the riders back) does not. The left and right sides of the box jut out past the rear rack and hang over and off of the rear rack by a couple of inches. Not a big deal but definitely a design oversight. Perhaps that was intentional to allow for the optional storage bags that can be bought to fit in that space?

Anyway, I'm happy about the purchase. But I'll see how much the box rattles around when I take the bike out on Saturday.

[Corey850XP]

Hey Forrest.

Pay close attention when riding in wet weather. I have one om my XP, and when the connectors get wet and slippery,
I have had it blow off!!!! It is now attached with 4 bolts.

[cbrown1996]

I agree with Corey, it is much better with bolts. On my 850 XP the box rattled around and scratched the plastic rack. It really needs four lock n ride holes.

[RVTrax]

I drilled the base plastic inside the front of my lock and ride so the top would have to be opened to remove. This also enables the box to shift rearward for more seat room. The back rest is now even with the rear of the seat. I used a U shaped bracket to lock down the rear and it is still easily removed. I rode some rough terrain in Tennessee and had no issues. I added the back rest so my wife can be a secure passenger. The stowage stuff inside is the only rattling.

[dirtdigger]

Originally Posted by RVTrax

I drilled the base plastic inside the front of my lock and ride so the top would have to be opened to remove. This also enables the box to shift rearward for more seat room. The back rest is now even with the rear of the seat. I used a U shaped bracket to lock down the rear and it is still easily removed. I rode some rough terrain in Tennessee and had no issues. I added the back rest so my wife can be a secure passenger. The stowage stuff inside is the only rattling.

Hi, could we see pic of your mods?

Thanks, Derek

[RVTrax]

I will take some pictures this weekend and submit. It is working out very well.