You hear it before you feel it—that gut-wrenching CRUNCH of rock meeting metal. Every off-roader knows the sound. It’s the one that makes you instantly regret your line choice and worry about what vital component you just introduced to that boulder.
Your Can-Am Commander is a beast, but its underbelly is surprisingly vulnerable. The factory “protection” is more of a splash guard than true armor, leaving your engine, transmission, and differential dangerously exposed.
I promise this guide will give you the confidence to protect your investment. We’re going to walk through everything you need to know about a can am commander skid plate, from choosing the right material to a step-by-step installation you can tackle in your own garage. We’ll cover the benefits, pro tips, and how to avoid common mistakes, turning that trail anxiety into pure riding enjoyment.
Why Your Commander’s Belly is More Vulnerable Than You Think
Let’s be blunt: the thin plastic guards that come standard on most UTVs, including the Commander, are designed to stop mud and pebbles, not a stump or a sharp rock. They offer minimal impact resistance and can shatter easily, leaving the most critical parts of your machine exposed.
Think about what’s sitting just behind that flimsy plastic. You have the engine oil pan, the transmission case, coolant lines, driveshafts, and differential housings. A single, well-placed hit can end your ride, drain your fluids all over the trail, and lead to a very expensive repair bill.
This is where the real benefits of can am commander skid plate upgrades come in. A full-coverage, heavy-duty skid plate acts as a suit of armor, distributing impact forces and allowing your machine to slide over obstacles instead of getting hung up or damaged. It’s not just a modification; it’s essential insurance for anyone who plans to leave the pavement.
Choosing Your Armor: UHMW vs. Aluminum Skid Plates
When you start shopping, you’ll quickly find the market is dominated by two main materials: UHMW plastic and aluminum. Neither is universally “better”—the right choice depends on your riding style, terrain, and budget. This part of our can am commander skid plate guide will break it down.
The Case for UHMW (Ultra-High Molecular Weight) Polyethylene
UHMW is a type of extremely dense and slick thermoplastic. It has become the go-to choice for many serious trail riders and rock crawlers for several key reasons.
- It Slides: UHMW has a very low coefficient of friction. Instead of grabbing or gouging on rocks like aluminum can, it tends to slide right over them. This means less getting stuck and less jarring impact on the machine and driver.
- Impact Absorption: This material is fantastic at absorbing hits. It has memory, so it can flex under impact and return to its original shape rather than denting permanently.
- It’s Quiet: Aluminum will amplify every single rock and branch that hits it, creating a constant racket. UHMW is significantly quieter, making for a more pleasant ride.
- Lightweight: For the same level of protection, UHMW is generally lighter than its aluminum counterpart.
The Strength of Aluminum
Aluminum has been the traditional choice for underbody armor for decades, and it still holds a strong place in the market. It’s the classic, battle-tested option.
- Puncture Resistance: For a direct, sharp impact—like from a jagged piece of rebar or an extremely sharp rock—a thick aluminum plate offers superior puncture resistance.
- Rigidity: Aluminum adds structural rigidity to the machine’s frame. While this can be a benefit, it also means impacts are transferred more directly to the chassis.
- Heat Dissipation: Metal can help dissipate heat from nearby components like the exhaust, though this is a minor benefit in most real-world scenarios.
A Nod to Sustainable Can Am Commander Skid Plate Options
Thinking about the environment is becoming more important in our sport. When considering an eco-friendly can am commander skid plate, UHMW often has an edge. It is a recyclable plastic, and many manufacturers are conscious of this.
More importantly, a durable, high-quality skid plate is inherently a sustainable can am commander skid plate choice. By preventing catastrophic damage, you avoid fluid leaks on the trail and extend the life of your vehicle, reducing waste and the need for replacement parts. Durability is sustainability.
The Ultimate How-To Can Am Commander Skid Plate Installation Guide
Alright, you’ve picked your armor. Now it’s time to get it on the machine. This is a very doable DIY project for a weekend warrior. Just take your time, stay organized, and prioritize safety.
Tools and Prep: What You’ll Need
Gather your tools before you start to avoid running back and forth to the toolbox. You’ll likely need:
- A good socket set (metric) with extensions
- A torque wrench
- Combination wrenches
- A floor jack and sturdy jack stands (NEVER work under a vehicle supported only by a jack)
- A drill with bits (some kits may require drilling new holes)
- A buddy to help lift the larger pieces into place
*Safety glasses
Step-by-Step Installation Process
- Park and Secure: Park your Commander on a flat, level surface like a garage floor. Engage the parking brake. Use the floor jack to lift the machine high enough to work underneath comfortably, then place jack stands securely under the frame. Give it a good shake to ensure it’s stable.
- Clean Everything: This is your chance to get all the mud, dirt, and grime off the undercarriage. A clean surface makes the job easier and prevents trapping debris that could cause rust or rattles later.
- Remove Old Guards: Use your socket set to remove the bolts holding the flimsy factory plastic guards. Keep the hardware unless your new kit provides all-new bolts.
- Lay It All Out: Unbox your new skid plate and lay out all the pieces on the floor. Compare them to the installation diagram to identify the front, middle, rear, and side sections. This simple step prevents confusion.
- Start in the Middle: It’s usually easiest to start with the main, central skid plate section. With a friend’s help, lift it into position. Start a few bolts by hand to hold it in place, but do not tighten them down yet. Leaving them loose allows for adjustment.
- Add the Side Pieces: Attach the remaining sections (front diff guard, A-arm guards, etc.), again leaving the hardware loose. The plates often overlap, so getting them all in position before tightening is key.
- Check Alignment and Access: Look through the oil drain and other service access holes. Make sure they line up properly. Nudge the plates around as needed to get the best possible fit.
- Torque to Spec: Once you’re happy with the alignment, begin tightening all the bolts. Start from the center and work your way out. Use a torque wrench and follow the manufacturer’s recommended torque specifications to avoid stripping bolts or damaging the plate.
Pro-Level Can Am Commander Skid Plate Tips and Best Practices
Installing the plate is one thing; getting the most out of it is another. Here are a few can am commander skid plate best practices we’ve learned over years on the trail and in the shop.
The “Cupped Washer” Trick
The bolts holding your skid plate are its weakest link. They can get sheared off by rocks. Look for kits that include cupped or recessed washers. These clever pieces of hardware create a ramp around the bolt head, allowing it to slide over obstacles instead of catching and breaking.
Don’t Forget Full Coverage
A center skid plate is great, but your A-arms, trailing arms, and CV boots are still vulnerable. A comprehensive kit that includes guards for these components is a much smarter investment. Protecting a single CV boot from a stray branch will pay for the upgrade.
Sealing the Gaps for Easier Cleanup
One of the few downsides of a full skid plate is that mud and debris can get packed on top of it, trapping moisture against your frame. A pro tip is to run a small bead of RTV silicone along the main seams where the plate meets the frame rockers. This helps keep the worst of the slop out and makes cleanup much faster.
Common Problems with Can Am Commander Skid Plates and How to Fix Them
Even the best products can have issues. Here are some common problems with can am commander skid plate setups and the simple solutions.
Annoying Rattles and Vibrations
The Cause: This is almost always due to either loose hardware or a rock/stick trapped between the skid plate and the frame.
The Fix: Before every big ride, do a quick “bolt check” to ensure everything is tight. If you hear a new rattle mid-ride, it’s likely debris. A good blast with a pressure washer after the ride will usually clear it out.
Stripped or Damaged Hardware
The Cause: Over-tightening bolts without a torque wrench or direct hits from rocks.
The Fix: Always use a torque wrench for installation! It’s also wise to buy a small bag of spare nuts and bolts from the manufacturer to keep in your trail tool kit.
Messy Oil Changes
The Cause: Some skid plates have poorly designed access holes for the engine oil drain plug, leading to oil spilling all over the top of the plate.
The Fix: When shopping, look closely at the drain access. A larger, well-placed hole is better. If you’re stuck with a messy one, a flexible funnel (like a Form-A-Funnel) can be a lifesaver for directing the oil flow past the plate.
Your Can Am Commander Skid Plate Care Guide
Your skid plate takes the abuse so your Commander doesn’t have to. A little bit of care will ensure it lasts for years. This simple can am commander skid plate care guide is all you need.
Post-Ride Inspection
After every ride, take two minutes to glance underneath. Look for any new, deep gouges (especially on UHMW) or major dents (on aluminum). Check for loose or missing bolts. Catching a small issue early prevents it from becoming a big one.
The Deep Clean
At least once or twice a season, it’s a good idea to drop the main skid plate section. This allows you to completely clean out all the accumulated mud, leaves, and grime sitting on top of it. This prevents your frame from rusting and allows you to inspect the parts you normally can’t see.
Frequently Asked Questions About Can Am Commander Skid Plates
Do I really need an aftermarket skid plate?
If you ride anywhere other than flat gravel roads or sand dunes, the answer is a resounding yes. The factory protection is inadequate for rocky trails, wooded areas with stumps, or any terrain with unpredictable obstacles. It’s the single best piece of protective equipment you can buy.
How much does a good Can-Am Commander skid plate cost?
Prices vary by material and coverage. A full-coverage UHMW kit from a reputable brand can range from $600 to over $1000. Aluminum is often slightly less expensive. While it seems like a lot, it’s far cheaper than replacing a cracked transmission case.
Can I install a skid plate by myself?
Absolutely. It’s a straightforward bolt-on job. While having a second person to help lift the larger plates is extremely helpful, a single person with some patience and a floor jack can get it done in an afternoon.
UHMW or Aluminum – which is truly better for rock crawling?
For pure rock crawling, most experienced riders prefer UHMW. Its ability to slide over sharp rock faces without grabbing is a massive advantage. The impact absorption also saves your frame and components from the constant jarring hits common in slow-speed technical terrain.
Protecting your Can-Am Commander is about more than just avoiding repair bills; it’s about having the confidence to point your machine at a tough line and know it can handle the abuse. A high-quality skid plate is the foundation of a truly capable off-road build.
Take your time, choose the right material for your terrain, and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty with the install. The peace of mind you’ll have on the trail is worth every penny and every minute spent in the garage.
Now, armor up, ride hard, and get home safe!
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