You’re blasting down a tight, wooded trail, loving the growl of your Commander’s Rotax engine. Suddenly, you hear it—that gut-wrenching CRUNCH of plastic and metal scraping against a hidden stump or rock. We’ve all been there. That one moment can turn a great ride into a costly repair, leaving your machine’s vulnerable rocker panels and plastics looking like they went ten rounds with a cheese grater.
It’s a common problem that can sideline even the most careful rider. But what if you could add a suit of armor to the most exposed parts of your side-by-side?
I promise this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about can am commander nerf bars. We’ll show you how they provide rock-solid protection, help you choose the perfect set for your riding style, and even give you a step-by-step installation plan. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to bolt on a set yourself and hit the trails without fear.
Why Your Rig Needs Nerf Bars: More Than Just a Pretty Face
Thinking of nerf bars as just a cosmetic upgrade is a huge mistake. While they definitely add an aggressive, ready-for-anything look to your Commander, their primary job is protection. This is one of the most practical and functional upgrades you can make, and here’s a breakdown of the benefits of can am commander nerf bars.
Rock-Solid Body Protection
This is the number one reason to install them. Your Commander’s rocker panels—the area below the doors—are magnets for damage. Nerf bars act as a sacrificial shield, taking the full impact from rocks, logs, stumps, and other trail hazards that would otherwise dent your frame or shatter your expensive plastics.
A Sturdy Step-Up
Ever tried climbing into a lifted UTV covered in mud? It’s not graceful. Nerf bars provide a convenient and secure step for you and your passengers, making it easier and safer to get in and out. This is especially helpful for shorter riders or kids who want to tag along for the ride.
The “Pro Pivot” Technique
Here’s one of our favorite can am commander nerf bars tips for technical trail riders. When you’re in a super tight spot, you can intentionally use your nerf bar to “pivot” off a tree or large rock. Instead of your tire or plastic catching and getting damaged, the smooth, strong steel tube slides along the obstacle, helping you navigate turns you otherwise couldn’t make.
Frame Reinforcement
While not a full frame gusset kit, a well-designed set of nerf bars bolts to multiple points on your Commander’s chassis. This connection adds a degree of lateral rigidity to the frame, which can help reduce flex during hard cornering and on aggressive terrain.
Choosing Your Armor: A Can Am Commander Nerf Bars Guide
Not all nerf bars are created equal. The right choice depends entirely on where and how you ride. A dune rider has different needs than a rock crawler. Let’s break down the key factors to consider so you can make an informed choice.
Material Matters: Steel vs. Aluminum
The material is the foundation of your nerf bar’s strength and weight.
- Steel: This is the go-to for maximum strength. If you’re a rock crawler or ride in extremely rugged terrain, the durability of steel is unmatched. It can take a beating and is often repairable. The downside is weight and its susceptibility to rust if the coating gets chipped.
- Aluminum: Significantly lighter than steel, aluminum is a great choice for mud boggers, sand dune enthusiasts, or anyone concerned about adding weight to their machine. It’s naturally corrosion-resistant but won’t stand up to the same level of direct impact as steel.
Design & Coverage: Rock Sliders vs. Tree Kickers
The shape of the bar determines what it protects you from.
- Rock Sliders: These designs hug the body of the Commander closely. They are built for sliding over obstacles, providing maximum protection to the rocker panels while preserving as much ground clearance as possible. They are the top choice for rocky and technical trails.
- Tree Kickers: These bars have a distinct design feature—they angle outward toward the rear wheel. This “kicker” is designed to push your rear end away from trees or trail walls, preventing your expensive rear tires and suspension components from getting snagged or damaged. Ideal for tight, wooded trail systems.
Finish and Durability
The coating on your nerf bars protects them from the elements.
A durable powder coat is the most common finish. It provides a tough, long-lasting layer of protection against scratches and rust. However, a hard enough hit can still chip it, so keep some touch-up paint handy for maintenance.
Some fabricators offer bars in raw metal, allowing you to paint or coat them in a custom color to match your rig’s theme.
How to Install Can Am Commander Nerf Bars: A Step-by-Step DIY Guide
Ready to get your hands dirty? Installing nerf bars is a fantastic weekend project that requires just a few basic tools. This section covers how to can am commander nerf bars are installed safely and securely. Always read the specific instructions from your manufacturer, but these steps cover the general process.
Tools & Prep: What You’ll Need
Gather your gear before you start. There’s nothing worse than having to stop mid-job to find a tool.
- A good quality socket and ratchet set (usually metric sizes for a Can-Am)
- Combination wrenches
- A torque wrench (this is critical for safety!)
- Safety glasses and gloves
- A friend to help hold the bars in place (optional, but highly recommended)
- Blue threadlocker (like Loctite 242) for extra vibration resistance
Step 1: Unbox and Inspect
Before you turn a single bolt, lay everything out. Compare the parts you received with the inventory list in the instructions. Check for any damage that may have occurred during shipping. It’s much easier to resolve issues now than when your machine is half-apart.
Step 2: Position the Nerf Bar
With a helper, hold the nerf bar up to the side of your Commander. Line it up with the mounting points on the frame. Most Commanders have pre-existing holes in the chassis for this purpose. This “dry fit” helps you visualize how everything will go together.
Step 3: Loosely Attach Brackets and Hardware
Following your instructions, start attaching the brackets to the frame and the nerf bar to the brackets. Do not fully tighten any bolts yet. Thread all bolts in by hand until they are snug. Leaving them loose allows for small adjustments to get the fit just right.
Step 4: Final Adjustments and Torquing
Once all the hardware is in place, stand back and look at the bar. Is it level? Does it have proper clearance from the plastics and tires? Make any final adjustments. Now, using your torque wrench, tighten all bolts to the manufacturer’s specified torque settings. This is one of the most important can am commander nerf bars best practices to ensure they don’t come loose on the trail.
Step 5: The Post-Install Shakedown
Your job isn’t done yet. After your first short, easy ride, go back and re-check the torque on every single bolt. Hardware can sometimes settle after the first heat cycle and vibration. This final check ensures your new armor is locked in for good.
Common Problems with Can Am Commander Nerf Bars (And How to Fix Them)
Even the best parts can have issues. Here are a few common problems you might encounter and simple solutions to get you back on the trail.
- Rattles and Noises: The number one cause is loose hardware. Get that torque wrench out and re-tighten everything. If the problem persists, consider adding a dab of blue threadlocker to the bolt threads.
- Bent Bars: A slightly bent bar means it did its job! If it’s a minor bend in a steel bar, you can sometimes remove it and persuade it back into shape. However, if a bar is severely bent or a weld is cracked, it’s compromised. Replace it. Its structural integrity is gone.
- Rust and Corrosion: Scratches happen. When your powder coat gets chipped on a steel bar, rust will follow. The fix is easy: sand the affected area down to bare metal, clean it with a degreaser, and apply a quality rust-inhibiting spray paint or bed liner to seal it from moisture.
The Long Haul: Your Can Am Commander Nerf Bars Care Guide
To keep your investment looking good and performing perfectly, follow this simple can am commander nerf bars care guide. A little preventative maintenance goes a long way.
First, clean them regularly. Caked-on mud traps moisture against the metal and its coating, accelerating corrosion. A quick spray-down after each ride makes a huge difference.
Second, make hardware checks routine. Every few rides, or as part of your pre-ride inspection, give the mounting bolts a quick check with a wrench to ensure they’re still tight.
Finally, address damage immediately. Keep a small can of color-matched spray paint on hand. When you see a chip or deep scratch in the powder coat, clean the area and touch it up. This simple step can prevent rust from ever getting a foothold.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Can Am Commander Nerf Bars? Yes, It’s Possible!
In the world of off-roading, “eco-friendly” might not be the first term that comes to mind. However, you can make smarter choices. The most sustainable can am commander nerf bars are the ones you only have to buy once.
Investing in a high-quality, well-made set from a reputable manufacturer means it will last the life of your machine, reducing waste. Consider sourcing from local fabricators who use recycled steel to minimize shipping footprints. And when damage occurs, think about repair before replacement. A skilled welder can often fix a cracked weld or minor bend, extending the life of your bars and keeping them out of the landfill.
Frequently Asked Questions About Can Am Commander Nerf Bars
Do nerf bars reduce my ground clearance?
Properly designed rock sliders have a minimal impact on ground clearance, as they are meant to sit higher than the lowest point of your frame. Tree kickers may sit slightly lower or wider, but the protection they offer to your tires and suspension far outweighs the minor change.
Can I install nerf bars by myself?
Absolutely! This is a very popular DIY project. While you can do it alone, having a friend to help hold the bars in place while you start the bolts makes the job much faster and easier.
Will nerf bars from a different model, like a Maverick, fit my Commander?
It’s highly unlikely. UTV frames are model-specific, with unique mounting points and body shapes. Always purchase nerf bars that are explicitly listed as compatible with your Can-Am Commander’s model and year to ensure a safe and proper fit.
How much weight can the nerf bars hold?
While specifications vary by brand, most are designed to easily support the weight of an adult using them as a step. However, they are not designed to be recovery points. Never attach a winch or tow strap to your nerf bars; use the designated recovery points on your vehicle’s frame.
Protecting your Can-Am Commander is one of the smartest investments you can make. Nerf bars offer a triple-threat of benefits: unparalleled protection from trail damage, improved functionality with a built-in step, and a rugged style that shows you mean business. By choosing the right set for your riding style and following a proper installation process, you add a layer of confidence to every ride.
Now get those tools out, bolt on some armor, and hit the trails knowing your machine is ready for whatever you throw at it. Ride hard, ride safe, and we’ll see you out there!
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