You’ve got a Can-Am Outlander. You already know it’s a powerhouse of a machine, capable of tackling tough jobs and even tougher trails right off the showroom floor. But you also have that nagging feeling—that itch that every true rider gets. You know its full potential is still waiting to be unlocked.
You see other rigs on the trail with winches, light bars, and aggressive tires, and you start to wonder what you’re missing. The world of atv accessories can am outlander owners have to choose from is massive, and it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start and what’s actually worth your hard-earned cash.
In this no-nonsense guide from FatBoysOffroad, we promise to cut through the clutter. We’ll walk you through the essential upgrades that deliver the biggest bang for your buck, whether you’re hauling firewood across the property or blasting through your favorite mud hole. We’ll cover protection, utility, performance, and the crucial tips for getting it all installed right.
Before You Buy: A Smart Rider’s Pre-Flight Checklist
Jumping straight to the checkout page is tempting, but a little planning goes a long way. Taking a few minutes to think through your needs ensures you spend your money on gear you’ll actually use, preventing that dreaded pile of “seemed like a good idea” parts in your garage.
Define Your Riding Style
First things first: be honest about how you use your Outlander 90% of the time. The best accessories for a mud bogger are different from those for a ranch hand.
- The Trail Warrior: You live for exploring new paths. Focus on protection like skid plates and A-arm guards first, then comfort and performance mods like better tires and lighting.
- The Mud Enthusiast: Your priorities are clearance and waterproofing. A snorkel kit, a lift kit, and aggressive mud tires should be at the top of your list.
- The Utility User/Worker: You need your ATV to be a tool. A powerful winch, heavy-duty cargo racks, and perhaps a plow system will provide the most value.
Check Your Outlander Model & Year (Compatibility is King)
This sounds obvious, but it’s one of the most common problems with atv accessories can am outlander installations. Can-Am has updated the Outlander chassis (like the G2 and G3L frames) over the years. An accessory for a 2018 model might not fit a 2023 model.
Always double-check the product description for the exact model years and sub-models (e.g., XT, X MR, MAX) it’s designed for. When in doubt, call the manufacturer. It’s better than dealing with a return.
Budgeting for Your Build: Quality vs. Cost
We get it, this hobby isn’t cheap. But when it comes to accessories that protect you or your machine, skimping on quality can cost you more in the long run. A cheap winch that fails when you’re stuck deep in the woods is worse than no winch at all.
Prioritize your purchases. Start with critical protection, then move on to utility or performance based on your riding style. Look for reputable brands like Warn, SuperATV, Ricochet, and Rigid Industries that stand behind their products.
Level 1 Upgrades: Essential Protection for Your Rig
Before you add power or flash, you need to add armor. The factory plastics and components are tough, but they aren’t designed for repeated impacts with rocks, stumps, and other trail hazards. Think of these as insurance for your investment.
Skid Plates & A-Arm Guards: Your Underbelly’s Best Friend
The underside of your Outlander houses critical components: your engine, transmission, and differentials. A single well-placed rock can crack a case, ending your ride and leading to a four-figure repair bill.
A full set of aluminum or UHMW (Ultra-High Molecular Weight plastic) skid plates is non-negotiable for serious trail riding. UHMW is often preferred as it’s lighter, quieter, and slides over obstacles more easily than aluminum, which can grab and dent.
Bumpers & Brush Guards: Fending Off the Trail
The factory bumper is mostly for looks. A heavy-duty steel front bumper, like those from KFI or Rival Powersports, provides a solid mounting point for a winch and protects your radiator and headlights from direct impacts. A rear bumper does the same for your taillights and exhaust.
Fender Flares & Mud Guards: Keeping the Grime Out
If you plan on running larger tires or just hate getting covered in mud every ride, extended fender flares are a game-changer. They do an incredible job of knocking down the spray, keeping you and your machine cleaner and protecting your paint from flying rocks.
The Complete ATV Accessories Can Am Outlander Guide for Utility & Work
This is where you transform your Outlander from a recreational vehicle into a true workhorse. The benefits of atv accessories can am outlander utility mods are immediate and obvious, making your life easier and your ATV more capable.
Winches: The Ultimate Recovery Tool
A winch isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity for anyone who rides alone or pushes the limits. It can pull you out of mud, up a steep incline, or even help with chores like dragging logs.
For an Outlander, look for a winch with a pulling capacity of at least 3,500 lbs. A synthetic rope is often a better choice than steel cable—it’s lighter, safer if it snaps, and easier to handle. Brands like WARN are the gold standard, but options from Superwinch and Badland offer great value.
Cargo Racks & Storage Boxes: Haul More, Worry Less
The stock racks are a good start, but hard-sided, waterproof storage boxes are essential for keeping your tools, recovery gear, and personal items safe and dry. Can-Am’s own LinQ system is fantastic, offering a huge range of quick-release accessories that are incredibly secure and easy to use.
Plow Systems: Turning Your ATV into a Winter Workhorse
If you live where it snows, an ATV plow system will be the best investment you ever make. It’s faster and more fun than a snowblower. Look for a complete system (blade, push tube, and mount) from a brand like Kolpin or Moose Utility Division that is specific to your Outlander frame for easy installation.
Performance & Comfort Mods: Unleash Your Outlander’s Potential
Once your rig is protected and practical, it’s time for the fun stuff. These mods enhance the ride, improve capability, and make your Outlander uniquely yours.
Tires & Wheels: The Single Biggest Performance Boost
Nothing changes the look and capability of your ATV more than a new set of tires. The stock tires are a compromise for general use. Upgrading to a purpose-built tire will transform your machine’s performance in your preferred terrain.
- All-Terrain: For mixed trail use, look at the Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 or ITP TerraCross R/T.
- Mud: For serious mudding, you can’t go wrong with the SuperATV Assassinator or ITP Cryptid.
- Rock/Trail: The GBC Kanati Mongrel is a fantastic DOT-approved option for hard-packed and rocky conditions.
Lighting Solutions: Turn Night into Day
Stock headlights are adequate, but an LED light bar or a set of pod lights will completely change your ability to ride safely after dark. They throw a massive amount of clean, white light, letting you see obstacles far sooner. A 12-inch light bar mounted on the front bumper is a great starting point.
Handguards & Heated Grips: All-Weather Comfort
Simple but effective. Handguards protect your hands from branches and roost, while heated grips and a thumb warmer extend your riding season deep into the colder months. This is one of those comfort upgrades you’ll wonder how you ever lived without.
Installation & Care: Best Practices for Your New Gear
Buying the parts is only half the battle. Proper installation is key to safety and longevity. This is one of the most important atv accessories can am outlander tips we can offer: take your time and do it right.
The DIY Approach: Tools You’ll Need
Most bolt-on accessories can be installed with a good set of hand tools. You’ll want a quality metric socket set, a set of wrenches, Torx bits (Can-Am loves these), and most importantly, a torque wrench. Using a torque wrench ensures you don’t over-tighten and damage parts or under-tighten and have things fall off on the trail.
Reading the Instructions (Seriously, Read Them)
We’ve all been there—excited to get the new part on and tossing the instructions aside. This is a recipe for frustration. Read them through once before you even pick up a tool. It helps you visualize the process and make sure you have everything you need.
Post-Install Check & Maintenance Routines
After your first ride with a new accessory, give it a once-over. Check that all bolts are still tight. Vibration can loosen hardware, so a dab of blue Loctite on critical bolts (like for a winch mount or bumper) is a great pro tip. Add “check accessory mounting” to your regular pre-ride inspection list.
Thinking Green: Sustainable ATV Accessories Can Am Outlander Riders Can Choose
Being an off-roader means being a steward of the land we love to ride on. Making smart, eco-friendly choices with your accessories helps preserve our trails for future generations.
Choosing Durable, Long-Lasting Parts
The most sustainable choice is often buying a high-quality part that lasts a lifetime, rather than a cheap one that needs replacing every other season and ends up in a landfill. This “buy it for life” mentality reduces waste and often saves you money in the long run.
Sound Management: Respecting the Trail
While a loud exhaust can be fun, it’s also a leading cause of trail closures. Consider an aftermarket exhaust that offers a modest performance gain without being excessively loud, or simply stick with the effective and quiet stock system. Respecting wildlife and other trail users is a core part of responsible riding.
Frequently Asked Questions About ATV Accessories Can Am Outlander
What is the very first accessory I should buy for my new Outlander?
Protection, without a doubt. Before anything else, invest in a full set of skid plates. It’s the cheapest insurance you can buy against a catastrophic rock strike that could destroy your engine or transmission case, saving you thousands in potential repairs.
Do I need a professional to install my accessories?
For most bolt-on accessories like bumpers, storage boxes, and light bars, a confident DIYer with the right tools can handle the job. However, for more complex installations involving wiring (like a winch) or suspension components (like a lift kit), don’t hesitate to consult a professional if you’re not 100% confident. Safety first, always.
How do I know if an accessory will fit my specific Outlander model?
The golden rule is to always check the manufacturer’s product description for the exact model years and trim levels it fits. The Can-Am Outlander has different frames and mounting points across its lineup (e.g., a 570 vs. a 1000 X MR, or a single-seater vs. a MAX model). Never assume compatibility.
Are aftermarket accessories as good as OEM Can-Am parts?
In many cases, yes! Reputable aftermarket companies often specialize in one area and can produce parts that are stronger, more specialized, or offer better value than OEM options. However, for perfect fitment and integration, especially with systems like Can-Am’s LinQ accessories, OEM is often the easiest and most reliable choice.
Building out your Can-Am Outlander is one of the most rewarding parts of owning one. Each part you add makes the machine more capable, more useful, and more uniquely yours. Start with a solid plan, prioritize protection, and don’t be afraid to turn a few wrenches.
Now get out there, build the rig of your dreams, and hit the trails. Ride safe, and have a blast!
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