How to Install a Polaris Ranger XP 1000 Front Hood Storage Rack

When it comes to picking the right accessories to install on your UTV, it all comes down to your particular needs. During my time testing the 2021 Polaris Ranger XP 1000 Trail Boss, I found myself wanting for more storage space. With the Front Hood Storage Rack, I get an extra 100 pounds of payload across the hood, allowing me space to carry extra tools or bags of feed when I have the Ranger’s bed full of hay or manure. If you want to install a rack of your own, the whole process will only take about 30 minutes. Grab some tools and let’s get into it.

You’ll need some pliers, a 15mm socket or wrench, and a torque wrench. This time we really mean that torque wrench part. Extra useful materials include some threadlocker and a friend. The whole kit is a relatively minimal affair consisting of two support arms, the rack itself, a pair of hook brackets, one accessory rail, and two Lock & Ride plugs.

To start the installation you need to remove the two bolts holding the roof section of your roll cage to the body. These are the two bolts at the base of the A-pillar. When removing these bolts, it can be helpful to put a piece of tape on the interior across the nuts to keep them from coming loose and falling out.

When you get the old bolts out, set your support arm into position. Using the new bolts provided in the kit, attach the support arm to the roll cage. Only make these bolts hand tight. You need to leave some room for adjustment to get the lower portion of the support attached to your bumper.

Once you have the top section of the support loosely attached, move to the bumper to secure the lower section. Slide the retention bracket under the lip of the bumper, making sure to put the welded bolt section downward. Set the support arm on top of the bumper and thread the bolts through. This part can be a little tricky to get lined up, so ask a friend to hold the arm while you secure the bracket if you need the help. Again, leave these bolts a little loose for now.

Once you have both support arms loosely installed, take the center accessory rail and bolt it to the center. This should pull both support rails into line for their final installation position. Once you have the accessory rail tightened, it’s time to get your torque wrench out and tighten up all the bolts to 36 pound-feet.

Now that you have the support structure installed, grab the center rack and flip it over. Grab the two hook brackets and get ready to bolt them up. Make sure the hooked section is on the outboard side of the rack, and install the two included bolts to secure them.

The last step before mounting the rack is the installation of the Lock & Ride plugs. These consist of two rubber plugs on a swingarm. When locked, the larger rubber bushing is compressed, making it expand to lock into a round chamber. It’s a smart piece of kit that allows the entire hood rack to be removed from the Ranger in less than five seconds. Thread the screw through the mounting hole and tighten the nylon locking nut.

Now that the rack is prepared, flip it over and ready to install. The two hook brackets should slot into the support arms near the bottom of the windshield. Lower the rack so that the Lock & Ride plugs slot into their holding locations and flip the levers. This should lock the rack into place.

That’s all there is to it. You now have a fully functional hood rack on the front of your Ranger XP 1000. This gives you an extra 100 pounds of cargo capacity, plus provides another accessory rail for the installation of new equipment like LED lights, horn kits, and more.