Best ATV Tires For Can-Am Outlander: The Ultimate Guide To Match Your

Let’s be honest. Your Can-Am Outlander is an absolute beast right off the showroom floor. It’s built for power, performance, and chewing up whatever trail you point it at. But have you ever felt like it’s being held back, like the power isn’t quite translating into grip when the mud gets deep or the rocks get slick? Chances are, your stock tires are the culprit.

We see it all the time. Factory tires are a compromise, designed to be “good enough” at everything but a master of nothing. This guide promises to cut through the confusion and show you exactly how to find the best atv tires for can am outlander that perfectly match your unique riding style. We’re not just going to list a bunch of tires; we’re going to empower you to make an expert choice.

Get ready to dive into a complete breakdown of tire types, learn how to decode those confusing sidewall numbers, and discover our top picks for every terrain imaginable. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to give your Outlander the traction it truly deserves.

Why Your Stock Tires Aren’t Cutting It: The Benefits of Upgrading Your Outlander’s Rubber

Think of your Outlander’s engine as the heart and the tires as the feet. You can have all the horsepower in the world, but without the right footprint, you’re just spinning your wheels. Upgrading your tires is arguably the single most impactful modification you can make to your machine’s performance.

The benefits of best atv tires for can am outlander go far beyond just looking cool. A new set of purpose-built tires delivers tangible improvements that you’ll feel on the very first ride.

Unmatched Traction: This is the big one. Specialized tires have tread patterns designed for specific environments—deep, self-cleaning lugs for mud, flexible carcasses for rock crawling, or tight-packed knobs for hard-pack trails. You get grip exactly where and when you need it.
Enhanced Durability: Aftermarket tires typically feature higher ply ratings and tougher rubber compounds. This means significantly better resistance to punctures, cuts, and sidewall damage from sharp rocks and sticks. Fewer flats mean more ride time.
Improved Handling and Stability: The right tire construction (radial vs. bias-ply) can transform your Outlander’s handling. You’ll notice more precise steering, less body roll in corners, and a more stable, planted feel at higher speeds.
Better Ride Comfort: A quality radial tire, for example, can absorb trail chatter and bumps much more effectively than a stiff, bias-ply stock tire, leading to less fatigue and a more enjoyable day on the trails.

Decoding the Sidewall: A No-Nonsense Guide to ATV Tire Specs

Before you can pick the perfect tire, you need to speak the language. The jumble of numbers and letters on a tire’s sidewall contains all the critical information you need. This quick best atv tires for can am outlander guide will make you an expert in minutes.

Understanding Tire Sizing (e.g., 26×9-12)

ATV tire sizes are usually written in a three-number format. Let’s break down what 26×9-12 means:

26: This is the tire’s overall height (or diameter) in inches when inflated.
9: This is the tire’s overall width in inches.
12: This is the wheel (or rim) diameter in inches that the tire is designed to fit.

Your front and rear tires will likely have different widths. Always check your machine’s stock sizes as a baseline before considering an upgrade.

Ply Rating and Load Index: The Key to Durability

The ply rating is a measure of a tire’s toughness and puncture resistance. While it used to refer to the actual number of cotton layers, today it’s a strength rating. A higher number, like a 6-ply or 8-ply rating, indicates a much tougher tire than a standard 4-ply.

You’ll also encounter two main construction types:

Bias-Ply: A traditional, tough construction with stiff sidewalls. Great for heavy loads and resisting punctures, but can offer a rougher ride.
Radial: More like a modern car tire, with a flexible sidewall that provides a smoother ride, better traction, and more precise handling, especially at speed.

Tread Patterns 101: Matching Lugs to Your Landscape

The tread is where the magic happens. The shape, depth, and spacing of the lugs determine how the tire performs. Aggressively spaced, deep lugs are fantastic for flinging mud, while tightly packed, siped knobs provide excellent grip on hard-packed dirt and rocks.

The Best ATV Tires for Can-Am Outlander: Top Picks by Terrain

Your Outlander is a versatile machine, but where do you spend most of your time? The answer to that question is the key to finding the perfect tire. Here are our top recommendations, broken down by the terrain you love to conquer.

For the Mud Warriors: Deep Lugs and Self-Cleaning Power

If your idea of a good time involves bottomless mud pits and peanut-butter-thick sludge, you need a tire built for one thing: excavation. These tires feature massive, widely spaced lugs that dig deep and clear themselves out with every rotation.

ITP Cryptid: A legendary mud tire. Its paddle-like, chevron-style tread pattern acts like a shovel, pulling your Outlander through the deepest holes. It’s aggressive but surprisingly smooth for such a dedicated mudder.
Maxxis Zilla: A fantastic lightweight option. The Zilla provides excellent mud traction without the significant weight of many other mud tires, which helps preserve your Outlander’s horsepower and driveline components.

For the All-Terrain Adventurers: The Do-It-All Champions

For the rider who does a bit of everything—hard-packed trails, occasional mud, rocky sections, and gravel roads—an all-terrain tire is the perfect choice. These are the jack-of-all-trades in the tire world.

Maxxis Bighorn 2.0: Perhaps the most popular all-terrain ATV tire ever made, and for good reason. Its radial construction provides a smooth ride, and the non-directional tread pattern grips predictably on nearly any surface. It’s a true benchmark.
ITP TerraCross R/T: Another top-tier radial option known for its extreme durability. With an extra-tough 6-ply construction and wrap-around shoulder lugs, it offers excellent sidewall protection and predictable cornering.

For the Trail Blazers and Hard-Pack Heroes

If your rides consist mainly of fast-paced forest trails, fire roads, and hard-packed dirt, you’ll want a tire that prioritizes handling, stability, and durability over deep mud performance.

Kenda Bearclaw HTR: The “Hard Terrain Radial” version of the classic Bearclaw. This 8-ply radial tire is built for high-speed stability and puncture resistance, with a tread pattern that provides excellent braking and cornering grip on intermediate to hard surfaces.
GBC Kanati Mongrel: A DOT-approved, 10-ply rated beast. The Mongrel was inspired by light truck tires and is perfect for Outlander owners who ride on a mix of trails and pavement. It’s incredibly durable and offers a stable, car-like feel.

How to Choose the Right Tires: Your Step-by-Step Buying Guide

Feeling overwhelmed by the options? Don’t be. Follow these simple steps and practical best atv tires for can am outlander tips to narrow down your choice and buy with confidence.

Honestly Assess Your Primary Riding Terrain: Be realistic. If 80% of your riding is on groomed trails and 20% is in mud, an all-terrain tire is a much better choice than a dedicated mud tire that will ride rough and wear out quickly on hard surfaces.
Check Your Outlander’s OEM Size and Clearances: Look at your current tires to find the stock size. While going slightly larger is a common modification, ensure you have enough clearance in your wheel wells to avoid rubbing, especially when the suspension is compressed.
Consider Your Budget and Long-Term Value: A premium 8-ply radial tire might cost more upfront, but its longer tread life and superior puncture resistance can save you money (and headaches) in the long run compared to a cheaper bias-ply option.
Read Reviews, But with a Grain of Salt: User reviews are helpful, but remember that one person’s “perfect tire” might be for a completely different machine and riding style. Look for reviews from other Can-Am owners who ride in terrain similar to yours.

Common Problems and Mistakes to Avoid When Upgrading

A new set of tires can be a game-changer, but a poor choice can lead to frustration. Here are some of the most common problems with best atv tires for can am outlander upgrades and how to steer clear of them.

Mistake 1: Going Too Big: A huge tire might look tough, but it adds significant rotating mass and unsprung weight. This can lead to power loss, increased strain on axles and belts, and potential rubbing on your fenders. A 1-2 inch increase is usually a safe bet without needing other modifications.
Mistake 2: Ignoring Ply Rating: Choosing a 2-ply or 4-ply tire for rocky, aggressive riding is a recipe for constant flats. Match the tire’s toughness to your terrain to avoid trailside repairs.
Mistake 3: Mismatched Tires: Using drastically different tire models or sizes front-to-back can wreak havoc on your Outlander’s 4WD system, causing it to bind up and potentially damage the drivetrain. Stick with a matched set.
Mistake 4: Forgetting About Air Pressure: This is one of the most crucial best atv tires for can am outlander best practices. The correct air pressure (often between 5-10 PSI) is vital for proper traction and tire wear. Always check and adjust pressure before every ride.

Installation and Care: A Guide to Getting the Most from Your New Tires

You’ve made your choice, and the new rubber has arrived. Proper installation and maintenance are key to performance and longevity. This best atv tires for can am outlander care guide will help you get it right.

Basic Installation Best Practices

If you’re tackling this yourself, safety is paramount.

Secure the Machine: Park on level ground and use high-quality jack stands to support your ATV. Never work on a machine supported only by a jack.
Use a Torque Wrench: Don’t just “gorilla-tighten” the lug nuts. Look up the proper torque spec for your Outlander (usually found in the owner’s manual) and tighten them in a star pattern for even pressure.
Mounting Tires: If you’re mounting the tires on the rims yourself, you’ll need a bead breaker and a good set of tire spoons. Take your time to avoid damaging the tire bead or the rim.

Long-Term Care for Maximum Life

Protect your investment with a few simple habits.

Check Pressure Religiously: A good digital pressure gauge is a must-have tool. Check pressures before each ride, as temperature changes can affect them.
Inspect for Damage: After every ride, give your tires a quick once-over. Look for embedded thorns, cuts in the sidewall, or unusual wear patterns.
Clean Them Up: Washing the mud and grime off your tires isn’t just for looks. It prevents chemicals and dirt from degrading the rubber over time.

A Note on Sustainable and Eco-Friendly ATV Tires

The off-road industry is slowly moving toward more responsible practices. When considering sustainable best atv tires for can am outlander options, look for brands that emphasize longer-lasting tread compounds. A tire that lasts twice as long is inherently more eco-friendly. Some manufacturers are also exploring new materials and more efficient production processes to reduce their environmental footprint.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best ATV Tires for Can-Am Outlander

Do I need to re-clutch my Outlander if I get bigger tires?

If you increase your tire size by 2 inches or more, a clutch kit is highly recommended. Larger, heavier tires change the final drive ratio and put more strain on the belt. A clutch kit recalibrates the CVT system to account for this, restoring lost performance and improving belt life.

Can I run different tire brands on the front and back?

It’s strongly advised against. Different tires have different diameters (even if the sidewall numbers are the same), different grip characteristics, and different flex. This can cause the 4WD system to bind and handle unpredictably. Always use a matched set of four tires.

What is the best tire pressure for my new ATV tires?

This depends on the tire, the machine, and the terrain. Start with the manufacturer’s recommendation printed on the sidewall, but don’t be afraid to experiment. For soft terrain like sand or deep mud, you might air down to 4-5 PSI for a larger footprint. For hard-pack, 7-12 PSI is more common for better stability.

Are radial or bias-ply tires better for my Outlander?

For the vast majority of riders, a radial tire is the superior choice. It provides a significantly smoother ride, better handling at speed, and more even tread wear. Bias-ply tires are typically reserved for extreme-duty utility work or dedicated, slow-speed mud bogging where their stiff sidewalls are an advantage.

Choosing the right tires is about transforming your Can-Am Outlander from a great machine into your perfect machine. By honestly assessing your terrain, understanding the key specs, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can unlock a new level of performance and confidence on the trail.

Now, get those new shoes on your rig, double-check your gear, and hit the trails with the traction you’ve always wanted. Stay safe and have a blast out there!

Author
Recent Posts

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.