Let’s be honest. You love your Can-Am Commander, but you’re tired of eating dust on a dry trail or getting blasted with mud and icy wind when the weather turns. Those stock nets just don’t cut it when you’re serious about riding.
You’ve probably seen other rigs with fully enclosed cabs and felt a pang of jealousy. They look comfortable, protected, and ready for anything. You want that same all-weather, all-terrain confidence for your machine.
This is your complete can am commander full doors guide. We promise to walk you through everything, from choosing the perfect set to a step-by-step installation you can tackle in your own garage. We’ll cover the benefits, troubleshoot common problems, and share some pro tips to make the process smooth and successful.
Why Full Doors are a Game-Changer for Your Commander
Upgrading from nets or half doors is one of the single best investments you can make in your Side-by-Side. It’s not just about looks; it’s about fundamentally changing how you use and enjoy your machine. Here are the core benefits of can am commander full doors.
Unmatched Protection from the Elements
This is the number one reason riders make the switch. Full doors create a barrier between you and whatever the trail throws your way. Think about it: no more mud splattering your dashboard and your jacket.
You’ll stay significantly drier during creek crossings or unexpected rain showers. On dusty group rides, you can seal up the cab and keep your lungs and gear clean. It’s a level of comfort that extends your riding season into the colder, wetter months.
Enhanced Safety and Security
Safety should always be a top priority. Full doors provide a rigid barrier that helps keep arms and legs inside the vehicle during a bumpy ride or, in a worst-case scenario, a rollover. They also offer incredible protection from trailside hazards.
You’ll no longer flinch when a stray branch whips past. The solid construction deflects rocks and debris kicked up by your tires or other vehicles, giving you and your passengers serious peace of mind.
All-Season Riding Comfort
Pair a set of full doors with a front and rear windshield and a roof, and you’ve created a nearly complete cab enclosure. This dramatically reduces wind noise, making conversations easier and long rides less fatiguing.
In the winter, this setup traps heat from the engine (and any aftermarket heater), keeping you toasty warm. In the summer, look for doors with vents or sliding windows to get airflow without sacrificing protection.
Choosing the Right Can-Am Commander Full Doors: A Buyer’s Guide
With so many options on the market, picking the right doors can feel overwhelming. Let’s break down the key factors to help you make an informed decision that fits your budget and riding style. This is a critical part of the how to can am commander full doors process.
OEM vs. Aftermarket: The Great Debate
Your first choice is between factory Can-Am doors and the huge variety of aftermarket options.
- OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): These doors are designed by BRP, so you can expect a near-perfect fit and finish. They often use high-quality materials and latching systems. The downside is typically a higher price tag and fewer feature options.
- Aftermarket: Brands like SuperATV, Seizmik, and Dragonfire Racing offer a wide range of styles, materials, and features. You can find doors with sliding glass windows, built-in vents, and lower half-doors. The price is often more competitive, but you might need to do some minor adjustments for a perfect fit.
Material Matters: Poly vs. Aluminum vs. Steel
The material directly impacts weight, durability, and cost.
- Polycarbonate: These are often the most affordable and lightest option. Many feature a metal frame with a poly skin. Look for doors with a hard-coated or scratch-resistant finish, as standard polycarbonate scratches very easily.
- Aluminum: A fantastic middle ground. Aluminum doors are lightweight, strong, and naturally corrosion-resistant. They are typically powder-coated for durability and style.
- Steel: The toughest and heaviest option. If you’re a serious rock crawler or ride in dense woods where impacts are common, the added protection of steel is worth the weight penalty.
Key Features to Look For
Consider how you ride. Do you need maximum airflow in the summer? Are you trying to build a fully sealed winter cab?
- Windows: Options range from fixed polycarbonate windows to sliding glass (like a car) or zip-down vinyl. Sliding windows offer the best blend of protection and ventilation.
- Latches: Look for sturdy, automotive-style latches. They are quieter, more secure, and easier to operate than simpler paddle latches.
- Seals: High-quality rubber weatherstripping is crucial for keeping out dust and water. Check the seal design to ensure it provides complete coverage around the door frame.
How to Install Can Am Commander Full Doors: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Alright, you’ve picked your doors, and the box has arrived. Time to get your hands dirty! This is a straightforward job for a DIYer with basic tools. Grab a buddy, turn on some tunes, and follow this guide.
Pre-Installation Prep: Tools and Workspace
First, get organized. A little prep work makes the whole process smoother.
You’ll need:
- A good socket set (usually metric sizes) with a ratchet and extensions
- A set of combination wrenches
- Torx bit set (many Can-Am fasteners are Torx)
- A rubber mallet
- The instructions that came with your doors!
- A friend to help hold and align the doors
Park your Commander on a level surface with plenty of room to work around it. It’s also a good idea to clean the roll cage and rocker panel area where the doors will mount.
Step 1: Removing Existing Nets or Half Doors
Start by removing the factory nets. This usually involves undoing a few straps and unlatching them. If you have factory half doors, you’ll typically need to unbolt the hinge points from the roll cage and the latch from the B-pillar.
Step 2: Assembling the New Doors (If Required)
Unbox everything and lay it out. Compare the parts to the inventory list in your instructions. Some doors come fully assembled, while others require you to install the latch mechanism, window frame, or seals. Do this on a workbench or a soft blanket to avoid scratches.
Step 3: Mounting the Hinges and Hanging the Doors
Loosely attach the new door hinges to your Commander’s roll cage. Do not tighten the bolts all the way yet. You need them to have some play for adjustment.
With a friend’s help, carefully lift the door and slide it onto the hinge pins. It might be a tight fit; a gentle tap with a rubber mallet can help seat it fully.
Step 4: Aligning the Doors and Striker Plate
This is the most important step for a rattle-free fit. Install the striker plate or latch pin on the B-pillar, again leaving the bolts loose.
Gently close the door until the latch engages the striker. Now, adjust the door by moving it up, down, forward, or back on the loose hinge bolts until the body lines of the door align with the plastic of your Commander. At the same time, adjust the striker plate so the latch closes smoothly and securely without having to be slammed.
Pro Tip: Once you think the alignment is good, tighten the striker plate first. Then, have your friend hold the door in the perfect position while you carefully tighten the hinge bolts.
Step 5: Final Tightening and Testing
Go back and tighten every bolt to the manufacturer’s recommended torque. Open and close the door a dozen times. It should latch easily and feel solid. Check the seals for any major gaps. A perfectly installed door makes a satisfying “thud” when it closes, just like a car.
Common Problems with Can Am Commander Full Doors (And How to Fix Them)
Even with a careful installation, you might run into a few issues. Here’s a quick troubleshooting guide to some common problems with can am commander full doors.
Rattles and Squeaks
The number one complaint. First, re-check that all your hinge and latch bolts are tight. The most common cause is a poorly adjusted striker plate. Try wrapping it with a single layer of electrical tape; if the rattle goes away, you know you need to adjust it for a tighter fit. You can also add small pieces of adhesive foam weatherstripping to contact points.
Doors That Won’t Latch Properly
This is almost always an alignment issue. Loosen the hinges and striker again and repeat the alignment process. Ensure the door isn’t sagging. Sometimes, you need to lift the back edge of the door slightly while tightening the hinges to get it just right.
Leaky Seals and Drafts
Close the door and inspect the rubber seal from the inside and outside. If you see a gap, you may need to adjust the door’s alignment. For persistent small leaks in corners, a tiny dab of clear RTV silicone can work wonders.
The Ultimate Can Am Commander Full Doors Care Guide
Your new doors are a significant investment, so you want to keep them looking and working great. Following a few can am commander full doors best practices will ensure they last for years.
Best Practices for Cleaning and Maintenance
Proper cleaning is key, especially for polycarbonate windows. NEVER use glass cleaner like Windex, as the ammonia will damage the material and cause it to become cloudy and brittle.
- For Windows: Use a dedicated plastic or polycarbonate cleaner and a clean, soft microfiber cloth. If the window is very muddy, rinse it thoroughly with water first to avoid grinding dirt into the surface.
- For Door Panels: Regular car wash soap and water work perfectly for aluminum, steel, or plastic door panels.
- Hardware: Periodically spray a dry silicone or lithium grease lubricant into the latch mechanism and on the hinge pins to keep them operating smoothly.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Door Care
Taking care of your gear can also mean taking care of the environment. When it’s time for a wash, look for biodegradable, phosphate-free soaps that won’t harm the trails or local waterways.
This is a core part of a sustainable can am commander full doors ownership approach. If a part like a latch or a handle breaks, try to source the individual replacement part instead of buying a whole new door. This reduces waste and saves you money. Being eco-friendly is about repairing, not just replacing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Can Am Commander Full Doors
Can I install full doors myself?
Absolutely. If you have a basic set of tools and can follow instructions, this is a very achievable weekend project. Having a second person to help is highly recommended, but not strictly necessary.
Do full doors make the cab hot in the summer?
They can trap heat, yes. This is why choosing doors with features like sliding windows or pop-out vents is a fantastic idea. They give you the flexibility to get airflow when you need it and seal up the cab when you don’t.
Are Can-Am OEM doors better than aftermarket?
Not necessarily. OEM doors guarantee a perfect fit but often come at a premium price with fewer features. High-quality aftermarket doors can offer better value with more options like vents, different materials, and window styles, but may require minor fitment adjustments.
How much weight do full doors add to my Commander?
It depends entirely on the material. A set of lightweight polycarbonate doors might add 50-60 lbs, while a heavy-duty steel set could be over 100 lbs. For most riders, the impact on performance is negligible compared to the massive gains in comfort and safety.
Investing in a set of can am commander full doors is one of the most rewarding upgrades you can make. You’re not just bolting on a part; you’re unlocking the full potential of your machine, making it a more capable, comfortable, and safer vehicle for every season.
Now get those doors on, seal up that cab, and hit the trails with a new level of confidence. Ride safe and stay comfortable out there!
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