Can Am Commander Battery Upgrade - The Ultimate Guide For More

There’s a special kind of frustration that only an off-roader knows. You’re miles from the nearest road, the sun is setting, and you hit the switch for your winch or light bar only to see it dim your headlights and hear that dreaded, weak electrical groan. We’ve all been there. Your stock battery, which was fine for getting you off the showroom floor, is now the weakest link in your otherwise capable machine.

We promise this comprehensive guide will fix that. Here at FatBoysOffroad, we’re going to walk you through everything you need to know about a successful can am commander battery upgrade. This isn’t just about swapping a box; it’s about unlocking the full potential of your rig.

In this article, you’ll learn why the stock battery falls short, how to choose the perfect new battery (AGM vs. Lithium), and a detailed, step-by-step installation process. We’ll also cover common problems to avoid and best practices to keep your new power source running strong for years to come.

Why Your Stock Can-Am Commander Battery Just Isn’t Cutting It

The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) battery in your Can-Am Commander is designed to meet a price point and handle the machine in its stock form. It’s built to start the engine and run the basic electronics, and that’s about it.

Once you start adding the good stuff—the gear that makes off-roading safer and more fun—that little stock battery quickly gets overwhelmed. This is where you see the real benefits of can am commander battery upgrade.

The Power Demands of Modern Accessories

Think about the accessories you’ve added or are dreaming of adding:

Winches: A winch can draw hundreds of amps under a heavy load, an astronomical demand that can drain a stock battery in seconds.
LED Light Bars & Pods: While efficient, a full setup of high-powered lights creates a significant and constant electrical draw.
Upgraded Sound Systems: That bumping stereo with a subwoofer needs a steady supply of clean power to perform its best.
GPS and Communications: Nav units, radios, and phone chargers all add to the cumulative load on your electrical system.

A powerful aftermarket battery provides higher Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) for reliable starting in all conditions and a much greater Amp Hour (Ah) or reserve capacity to run your accessories without draining your battery to the point of no return.

Choosing the Right Powerhouse: AGM vs. Lithium for Your Commander

When you start shopping for a battery, you’ll see two main technologies dominate the powersports market: AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) and Lithium (specifically LiFePO4). Choosing the right one is a key part of your can am commander battery upgrade guide.

AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) Batteries

AGM batteries are a type of sealed lead-acid battery. They are spill-proof, vibration-resistant, and a massive step up from the old-school flooded batteries. For years, they’ve been the go-to upgrade for off-roaders.

Pros: Proven technology, very durable, works well in cold weather, and is significantly more affordable than lithium.
Cons: Much heavier than lithium, has a shorter overall lifespan, and can be damaged if deeply discharged too many times.
Best For: The budget-conscious rider who wants a reliable, powerful upgrade over stock and doesn’t mind the extra weight.

Lithium (LiFePO4) Batteries

Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) is the new king of the hill in powersports batteries. It’s a different chemistry from the lithium-ion batteries in your phone, making it much safer and more stable for vehicle applications.

Pros: Extremely lightweight (often 70-80% lighter than lead-acid), can be deeply discharged without damage, has a much longer lifespan (thousands of cycles), and provides consistent voltage until it’s nearly empty.
Cons: Significantly higher upfront cost, and some cheaper models can have poor performance in freezing temperatures (though premium brands have solved this).
Best For: The performance-focused rider who wants to save weight, get the longest life, and have the absolute best power delivery for heavy accessory use.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Battery Choices

Considering a sustainable can am commander battery upgrade? A high-quality lithium battery, while more expensive initially, can be the more eco-friendly can am commander battery upgrade. Its lifespan is often 3-5 times longer than an AGM, meaning you’ll be buying and disposing of fewer batteries over the life of your machine. Always be sure to recycle your old battery properly at an auto parts store or designated recycling center.

The Complete Can Am Commander Battery Upgrade Guide: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Alright, let’s get our hands dirty. This section covers how to can am commander battery upgrade safely and effectively. Take your time, read each step, and double-check your work.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Safety Gear

Having everything ready makes the job smooth. You don’t need a pro-level workshop, just a few key items.

Safety First: Always wear safety glasses and nitrile gloves. Batteries contain corrosive materials and can release gases.
Wrenches/Sockets: You’ll typically need an 8mm and a 10mm socket or wrench for the battery terminals and hold-down bracket.
Battery Terminal Cleaner: A wire brush or a dedicated post-and-terminal cleaning tool is essential for a good connection.
Dielectric Grease: A small packet to protect your new connections from corrosion.
New Battery: Make sure your new AGM or Lithium battery is the correct size and terminal configuration for your Commander model.

Step 2: Locate and Access the Battery

On most Can-Am Commander models, the battery is located under the driver’s seat. You’ll need to remove the seat to get full access to the battery box. Consult your owner’s manual if you’re unsure of the exact location for your specific year and model.

Step 3: Disconnect the Old Battery (The Right Way!)

This is the most critical safety step. Getting this wrong can cause sparks, short circuits, and damage to your Commander’s sensitive electronics.

Disconnect the Negative (-) Terminal First. Use your 10mm wrench to loosen the nut on the black, negative terminal. Once it’s loose, wiggle the cable off the post and tuck it away from the battery so it can’t accidentally make contact.
Disconnect the Positive (+) Terminal Second. Now, remove the red, positive terminal cover. Use your wrench to loosen the nut and remove the positive cable.
Remove the Battery Hold-Down. There will be a bracket or strap holding the battery in place. Use your tools to remove it, and set the hardware aside somewhere safe.

With everything disconnected, you can now carefully lift the old, heavy battery out of the tray. Be mindful of your back!

Step 4: Clean and Prepare the Battery Tray

Now is the perfect time for some housekeeping. Clean any dirt, leaves, or corrosion out of the battery tray. A clean home for your new battery is a happy home.

Use your terminal cleaning brush to scrub the inside of the cable connectors until they are bright, bare metal. A clean, solid connection is non-negotiable for performance and reliability.

Step 5: Install the New Battery

Carefully lower your new AGM or Lithium battery into the tray, ensuring it’s oriented correctly with the positive and negative terminals on the proper sides.

Secure the Battery Hold-Down. Re-install the bracket or strap you removed earlier. The battery should be snug and have absolutely no movement. Vibration is a battery killer.
Connect the Positive (+) Terminal First. Place the clean positive cable connector onto the positive terminal. Apply a small dab of dielectric grease, then tighten the nut securely. It should be tight, but don’t go crazy and strip it. Pop the red protective cover back on.
Connect the Negative (-) Terminal Second. Now, connect the black negative cable to the negative terminal. Apply a little grease and tighten it down.

You’re all set! Re-install your seat, and you’re ready to test it out. Turn the key and listen to that crisp, powerful start.

Common Problems with Can Am Commander Battery Upgrade (And How to Avoid Them)

Even a simple job can have pitfalls. Here are some common problems with can am commander battery upgrade that we see in the shop.

Problem: The new battery doesn’t fit.
- Solution: Before you buy, always check the physical dimensions (Length x Width x Height) and terminal layout of your stock battery and compare them to the specs of the new one.
Problem: The machine is dead after installation.
- Solution: The most common cause is a loose connection. Double-check that both the positive and negative terminals are clean and tight. Also, ensure you didn’t accidentally leave a key or accessory on.
Problem: Accessories still seem weak.
- Solution: This points back to a poor connection. A clean, tight connection is just as important as the battery itself. Re-clean and re-tighten your terminals. If the problem persists, you may need to check the health of your machine’s charging system (the stator and voltage regulator).

Best Practices for Your New Battery: A Simple Care Guide

You’ve invested in a great upgrade; now let’s make it last. Following these can am commander battery upgrade best practices will maximize its life and performance.

This can am commander battery upgrade care guide is simple but effective.

Use a Smart Charger/Tender: If your Commander will sit for more than a couple of weeks, connect it to a battery tender. Crucially, ensure the charger has a specific mode for your battery type (AGM or Lithium). Using the wrong charger type can permanently damage a battery.
Keep Terminals Clean: Every few months, take a peek at your battery terminals. If you see any white or blueish fuzz (corrosion), disconnect the battery (negative first!) and clean them thoroughly.
Check for Tightness: Vibration is your enemy. Before a big ride, give the battery hold-down and terminal connections a quick check to make sure everything is still snug.

Frequently Asked Questions About Your Can-Am Commander Battery Upgrade

Do I need a special charger for a new lithium battery?

Yes, absolutely. To get the most life and performance out of a lithium battery, you must use a charger that has a dedicated lithium (LiFePO4) charging mode. A standard lead-acid charger can overcharge and permanently damage it.

What do CCA and Ah mean, and which is more important?

CCA stands for Cold Cranking Amps, which is the battery’s ability to start the engine in cold weather. Ah stands for Amp Hours, which is the battery’s capacity or “gas tank” for running accessories when the engine is off. For off-roading with winches and lights, a healthy balance is key, but a higher Ah rating (reserve capacity) is often more beneficial.

Can I install a bigger battery than the stock one?

Yes, as long as it physically fits securely in the battery tray. Many aftermarket batteries offer more power in the same size package as the OEM unit. If you want to install a much larger battery, you may need an aftermarket battery box or relocation kit.

Is a dual battery setup worth it?

For most trail riders, a single, high-quality AGM or lithium battery is more than enough. A dual battery setup with an isolator is for extreme use cases—overlanding, running a fridge, extensive night winching, etc. It adds complexity and weight but provides incredible power security.

Upgrading your Commander’s battery is one of the most rewarding and practical modifications you can make. It provides peace of mind on the trail and ensures all your expensive accessories have the juice they need to perform when you need them most.

Follow this guide, take your time, and prioritize safety. You’ll be rewarded with a machine that’s more reliable and capable than ever before. Now get out there and ride with confidence! Stay safe and stay powered up!

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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.