Ever hit a rough patch of trail and heard that sickening thump-slide-crash from your bed? You glance back to see your expensive cooler playing pinball with your tool bag. We’ve all been there. The factory tie-down points on a Can-Am Commander are a good starting point, but for serious work or aggressive trail riding, they just don’t cut it.
You agree that losing or damaging your gear because of a weak anchor point is beyond frustrating, right? It’s not just an inconvenience; it can ruin a trip or even create a safety hazard on the trail.
I promise this guide will solve that problem for good. We’re going to walk you through everything you need to know about upgrading to a proper set of can am commander d rings. This isn’t just about bolting on some new hardware; it’s about creating a reliable, versatile, and rock-solid cargo system you can trust.
Get ready to dive deep. We’ll cover why this upgrade is essential, how to choose the right parts, a full step-by-step installation process (the right way), and crucial tips for using them safely and effectively for years to come.
Why Your Stock Commander Tie-Downs Aren’t Enough
The stock anchor points in your Commander’s bed are designed for light-duty use. They’re often made of plastic or thin metal and are located in spots that might not work for your specific gear. When you start loading up heavy coolers, fuel cans, or camping equipment, you quickly find their limits.
Upgrading to a robust set of D-rings is one of the most practical and valuable mods you can make. Here’s a look at the core benefits of can am commander d rings.
Unshakeable Cargo Security
This is the number one reason. High-quality, properly installed D-rings provide a solid steel anchor point that won’t flex, crack, or fail under load. You can crank down on a ratchet strap with confidence, knowing your gear will stay exactly where you put it, no matter how bumpy the ride gets.
Total Versatility and Customization
Unlike fixed factory points, you can install D-rings precisely where you need them. This allows you to create a custom tie-down system tailored to the gear you carry most often. Place them in the corners, along the sides, or in the center of the bed to perfectly secure your load.
Enhanced Safety on the Trail
A loose item in the bed of a UTV can become a dangerous projectile during a sudden stop, rollover, or steep climb. Properly securing everything with strong anchor points isn’t just about protecting your gear; it’s about protecting you, your passengers, and others on the trail.
The Complete Can Am Commander D Rings Guide to Choosing the Right Set
Not all D-rings are created equal. Walking into a hardware store and grabbing the first set you see is a recipe for failure. Making an informed choice now will save you headaches later. Here’s what you need to look for.
Material and Construction: Forged Steel vs. Aluminum
The material your D-ring is made from directly impacts its strength and longevity.
- Forged Steel: This is the gold standard for strength and durability. A forged steel D-ring can handle immense pulling forces and abuse. Their only downside is that if the protective coating (powder coat or zinc plating) gets chipped, they can rust.
- Billet Aluminum: These are a great lightweight and corrosion-proof option. They look fantastic and won’t rust, but they generally have a lower strength rating than forged steel and can be more susceptible to fatigue over many years of heavy use.
Understanding Load Ratings: WLL is What Matters
You’ll see two ratings on D-rings: Breaking Strength and Working Load Limit (WLL).
Ignore Breaking Strength. That’s the point where the hardware physically fails and breaks apart. The number you must pay attention to is the WLL. This is the maximum force the D-ring is designed to handle safely on a regular basis.
For securing cargo like a 100-pound cooler, a D-ring with a WLL of 500-1,000 lbs is more than sufficient. Never use a bed-mounted D-ring for vehicle recovery unless it is specifically sold as a frame-mounted recovery point with a WLL in the thousands of pounds.
Mounting Styles and Hardware
The most common style for the Commander bed is a surface-mount D-ring that sits in a small bracket. The critical component here is the hardware. Always look for a kit that includes high-grade (Grade 8 or equivalent stainless steel) bolts, washers, and nyloc nuts (nuts with a nylon insert to prevent them from vibrating loose).
How to Install Can Am Commander D Rings: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Ready to get your hands dirty? This is a straightforward DIY job that makes a huge difference. Following these steps will ensure a professional-grade installation that will never let you down. This section is your complete guide on how to can am commander d rings are installed correctly.
H3: Tools and Parts You’ll Need
Gather everything before you start. There’s nothing worse than having to stop mid-job for a run to the store.
- Safety Glasses
- D-Ring Kit (with mounting brackets and hardware)
- Backing Plates (large, thick washers or steel plates – absolutely essential!)
- Power Drill
- Drill Bits (a small pilot bit and one the size of your bolt)
- Wrench and Socket Set
- Permanent Marker or Paint Pen
- Marine-Grade Silicone Sealant (optional, but recommended)
Step 1: Plan Your D-Ring Layout
Don’t drill a single hole yet! Place your most common cargo items (cooler, tool box, spare tire) in the bed. See where the straps will naturally want to go. Use your marker to mark the ideal locations for your D-rings.
Pro Tip: Before you finalize a spot, reach underneath the bed to make sure you won’t be drilling into a frame support, wiring harness, or fluid line. Ensure you have enough flat space for the backing plate to sit flush.
Step 2: Marking and Drilling
Once you’ve confirmed your locations, place the D-ring mounting bracket on your mark and use the marker to dot the center of each bolt hole. Remove the bracket.
Start by drilling a small pilot hole in the center of each mark. This prevents the larger drill bit from “walking.” Then, switch to the full-size bit and drill your final holes. Go slow and let the bit do the work to avoid melting or cracking the plastic.
Step 3: The Secret to a Bombproof Mount (Backing Plates!)
This is the most important step and one of our top can am commander d rings tips. The plastic bed material is strong, but a simple bolt head and washer can pull right through it under heavy load. A backing plate is a larger piece of metal that goes on the underside of the bed to distribute the pulling force over a much wider area.
You can buy these or make them from a small piece of 1/8″ thick flat steel bar. Never, ever skip this step.
Step 4: Assembling and Tightening
For a waterproof seal, apply a small bead of silicone sealant around the holes on the top side of the bed. Then, assemble your hardware in this order from top to bottom:
- Bolt Head
- D-Ring Mounting Bracket
- Commander Bed
- Backing Plate
- Washer
- Nyloc Nut
Tighten the nuts until they are snug. Be careful not to overtighten and crush or crack the plastic bed. The goal is to compress the assembly slightly so it’s solid. The nyloc nut will prevent it from backing off.
Can Am Commander D Rings Best Practices and Care
You’ve installed your D-rings, now let’s make sure you use them correctly and they last forever. This is your essential can am commander d rings care guide.
Proper Tie-Down Techniques
Always use at least two straps for any significant item, pulling in opposite directions to create a stable anchor. For very heavy items like a spare tire, using three or four straps in a triangular or ‘X’ pattern is even better. Use high-quality ratchet straps and check their tension after the first few minutes of riding as the load settles.
Regular Inspection and Maintenance
Before big trips, give your D-rings a quick check. Wiggle them to ensure the hardware is still tight. Look for any signs of cracking around the mounting point or corrosion on the D-ring itself. If you find rust on a steel ring, simply sand it lightly and hit it with a shot of black spray paint to prevent it from spreading.
A Note on Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Practices
Thinking about sustainable can am commander d rings might seem like a stretch, but it comes down to two simple ideas. First, buying a high-quality set that lasts the life of your machine means less waste compared to replacing cheap, broken parts. Second, the entire purpose of this upgrade is to secure your gear. An eco-friendly can am commander d rings practice is ensuring your equipment doesn’t fall out on the trail, respecting the “Leave No Trace” principle and keeping our riding areas clean.
Common Problems with Can Am Commander D Rings (And Easy Fixes)
Even with a perfect installation, issues can arise. Here’s how to troubleshoot some common problems with can am commander d rings.
Problem: The D-ring feels loose or has pulled into the plastic.
This is almost always caused by not using a backing plate. The fix involves removing the D-ring, assessing the damage, and reinstalling it in a new location using a much larger backing plate to cover the damaged area if possible.
Problem: The hardware keeps vibrating loose.
If you didn’t use nyloc nuts, this is bound to happen. The solution is to replace your standard nuts with nyloc nuts. For extra insurance, you can also add a drop of blue, medium-strength threadlocker to the bolt threads during assembly.
Problem: My steel D-rings are starting to rust.
This is a simple cosmetic issue. Use a wire brush or sandpaper to remove the surface rust, wipe the area clean with a degreaser, and apply a few light coats of rust-inhibiting spray paint. Your D-rings will look good as new.
Frequently Asked Questions About Can Am Commander D RingsCan I use these D-rings for vehicle recovery, like pulling out a stuck friend?
Absolutely not. Bed-mounted D-rings are for cargo only. The force involved in vehicle recovery is immense and dynamic. Attempting a recovery pull from a bed-mounted D-ring will, at best, rip it out and destroy your bed. At worst, it can turn the hardware into a dangerous projectile. Recovery should only be done from frame-mounted, rated recovery points.
How many D-rings should I install?
A set of four, one in each corner, is the perfect starting point and covers most needs. Many owners find adding another pair in the middle of the bed provides the ultimate flexibility for securing smaller items or multiple pieces of gear.
Do I really, truly need to use a backing plate?
Yes. We can’t stress this enough. A D-ring mounted with only a small washer for backing is a failed D-ring waiting to happen. The backing plate is the key to a safe, strong, and reliable installation.
Installing a proper set of D-rings is a game-changing upgrade for your Can-Am Commander. It’s a simple project that provides an incredible amount of security, versatility, and peace of mind on every single ride.
By taking the time to choose the right parts and install them correctly with robust backing plates, you’re not just adding tie-down points—you’re investing in the safety and protection of your valuable gear.
Now get out in the garage, get those D-rings mounted, and load up for your next adventure with total confidence. Stay safe and happy trails!
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