Ever stared at a snow-covered trail or a mud-drenched bog and felt that familiar pang of disappointment? You know the feeling. Your powerful Can-Am Commander, a machine built for adventure, is sidelined by terrain that even its beefy tires can’t conquer. You agree that your UTV’s potential shouldn’t be limited by the season, right?
We promise this is the definitive guide to unlocking your machine’s true, all-terrain, all-season capability. We’re going to break down everything you need to know about installing and maintaining a set of can am commander tracks, transforming your rig into an unstoppable force of nature.
In this post, we’ll cover the incredible benefits of making the switch, walk you through selecting the right system, provide a step-by-step installation process for the confident DIYer, and share crucial maintenance tips to protect your investment. Let’s get wrenching.
Why Ditch the Tires? The Unbeatable Benefits of Can-Am Commander Tracks
Swapping your wheels for a track system is one of the most significant upgrades you can make. It’s not just about looks; it’s about fundamentally changing how your Commander interacts with the ground. The benefits of can am commander tracks are immediate and profound.
Unmatched Traction in Snow and Mud
This is the number one reason enthusiasts make the switch. A tire has a very small contact patch with the ground. A track system, by contrast, lays down a massive footprint.
This huge contact area distributes the vehicle’s weight, allowing the tracks to grip tenaciously in deep snow, thick mud, sand, and swampy terrain where tires would just spin and dig you deeper into trouble.
Superior Flotation
Imagine walking on deep snow in boots versus snowshoes. That’s the principle of flotation. The large surface area of the tracks prevents your heavy Commander from sinking.
Instead of plowing through deep powder, your machine glides on top of it. This not only prevents you from getting stuck but also reduces the strain on your engine and drivetrain.
Increased Ground Clearance and Stability
Track systems inherently lift your machine, providing a significant boost in ground clearance. This means you can crawl over rocks, logs, and other obstacles with far less risk of getting hung up on your skid plates.
Furthermore, the wider stance created by the tracks dramatically increases your Commander’s stability, making side-hilling and navigating off-camber terrain much safer and more confidence-inspiring.
A Can-Am Commander Tracks Guide to Choosing Your System
Not all track systems are created equal. Making the right choice depends on your specific needs, your typical riding environment, and your budget. This can am commander tracks guide will help you navigate the options.
Understanding Track Systems (All-Season vs. Winter-Specific)
The most common systems you’ll encounter are four-season (4S) models, like those from Camso (formerly Camoplast). These are designed to be true all-rounders, capable of handling everything from dirt and rock to mud and snow.
Some systems are more winter-focused, with lug patterns specifically designed for optimal snow performance. For most riders, a quality all-season system like the Camso X4S or BRP’s own Apache 360 LT offers the best balance of versatility and performance.
Key Factors to Consider Before You Buy
- Primary Terrain: Are you battling deep, dry snow in the Rockies or thick, wet mud in the Southeast? Your primary use case should guide your choice of lug depth and track design.
- Machine Specs: Ensure the track system is compatible with your Commander’s year and model. You’ll also need to consider if you have power steering, as tracks significantly increase steering effort. If you don’t have it, this upgrade might make you want it.
- Budget: A new track system is a major investment, often costing several thousand dollars. Factor in the cost of any necessary adapters or mounting hardware specific to your machine.
OEM vs. Aftermarket: What’s the Right Call?
BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products), Can-Am’s parent company, offers the Apache line of tracks. These are engineered specifically for their machines, guaranteeing a perfect fit and seamless integration. They are a fantastic, albeit often premium-priced, option.
Leading aftermarket brands like Camso and Kimpex offer incredible quality and performance, sometimes with more model options or specialized designs. They are often the go-to for riders looking for a specific performance characteristic.
How to Install Can-Am Commander Tracks: A Step-by-Step DIY Guide
Ready to get your hands dirty? This section covers how to can am commander tracks are installed. While it’s a manageable job for a skilled DIYer, it requires patience, the right tools, and a focus on safety. If you’re ever in doubt, consult a professional mechanic.
Tools and Prep: Getting Your Garage Ready
Before you start, gather your tools. You’ll save yourself a lot of frustration.
- Heavy-Duty Jack and Jack Stands: Never work under a machine supported only by a jack. You need at least two high-quality jack stands.
- Impact Wrench and/or Breaker Bar: For removing stubborn lug nuts.
- Torque Wrench: This is non-negotiable. Proper torque on all bolts is critical for safety.
- Socket Set and Wrenches: You’ll need a good range of metric sizes.
- Anti-Seize Compound: A must for preventing bolts from seizing up later.
- Your Track System’s Manual: Read it. Then read it again. It contains specific torque specs and instructions for your model.
The Installation Process: Safety First
Follow these steps carefully. We’ll use one corner as an example; the process is the same for all four.
- Park on a Level Surface: Work on flat, solid ground like a concrete garage floor. Chock the wheels you aren’t working on.
- Lift and Secure: Use your jack to lift one corner of the Commander and securely place a jack stand under the frame or a designated support point.
- Remove the Wheel: Use your impact wrench or breaker bar to remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
- Install Mounting Hardware: This is the most model-specific part. Your kit will come with brackets or anti-rotation arms that bolt to your suspension or hub. Apply anti-seize to the bolts and follow your manual’s instructions and torque specs exactly.
- Mount the Track Unit: Track units are heavy. It’s often a two-person job. Carefully lift the track assembly onto the wheel studs, just like a tire.
- Hand-Tighten and Lower: Thread the lug nuts on by hand. Lower the machine just enough so the track touches the ground but doesn’t bear the full weight.
- Torque to Spec: Use your torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to the specification listed in your track system’s manual. This ensures even pressure.
- Repeat for All Four Corners: Follow the same process for the remaining three tracks.
Post-Installation Checks: Alignment and Tensioning
Your job isn’t done yet. Proper alignment and tension are crucial for performance and longevity. Check your manual for the specific procedure, which usually involves measuring the slack in the track and adjusting a tensioner bolt. A track that’s too tight will cause excessive wear and rob power; one that’s too loose can de-track.
Common Problems with Can-Am Commander Tracks (And How to Fix Them)
Even with a perfect installation, you might run into issues out on the trail. Knowing the common problems with can am commander tracks can help you troubleshoot quickly.
De-Tracking: Why It Happens and Prevention
A track coming off the bogie wheels (de-tracking) is a major hassle. It’s almost always caused by improper tension, aggressive side-hilling, or a high-speed turn on high-traction surfaces like pavement.
The Fix: Prevention is key. Always check your track tension before a big ride. Avoid sharp, high-speed turns on hard surfaces. If it happens, you’ll need tools to relieve tension, reset the track, and re-tension it in the field.
Dealing with Ice Buildup
In certain snow conditions, ice can build up inside the track system, freezing bogie wheels and increasing tension to dangerous levels. This can cause severe damage.
The Fix: Periodically stop your ride to knock out any significant ice or slush buildup. If storing your machine outside in freezing temperatures after a ride, be sure to clear it out first.
The Essential Can-Am Commander Tracks Care Guide for Longevity
Your tracks are a serious investment. A solid maintenance routine is the best way to protect them. This can am commander tracks care guide outlines the most important practices.
Pre-Ride Inspection Checklist
Before every ride, take five minutes to check:
- Track Tension: Is it within the manufacturer’s specification?
- Bolt Check: Give all mounting bolts a quick visual inspection to ensure nothing has loosened.
- Bogie Wheels: Do they spin freely? Look for signs of damage or worn bearings.
- Track Condition: Look for any deep cuts, tears, or missing lugs.
Cleaning and Storage Best Practices
After riding in mud or corrosive environments, wash the track systems thoroughly. When storing for the off-season, clean them well, check for damage, and store them out of direct sunlight, which can degrade the rubber over time.
Sustainable Can-Am Commander Tracks: Riding Responsibly
Part of being a good off-roader is respecting the environment. The concept of sustainable can am commander tracks is about minimizing your impact.
Because tracks offer superior flotation, they are inherently more eco-friendly on sensitive terrain than tires. They are less likely to tear up soft ground, cause deep ruts, or damage fragile ecosystems. By using tracks, you are practicing a more eco-friendly can am commander tracks approach to trail riding. Stick to designated trails to further minimize your footprint.
Frequently Asked Questions About Can-Am Commander Tracks
Do tracks void my Can-Am warranty?
This is a common concern. Using aftermarket parts, including tracks, does not automatically void your entire vehicle warranty. However, if a failure is proven to be directly caused by the track system (e.g., a damaged axle), the repair for that specific component may not be covered. OEM Apache tracks are fully covered.
How much power and speed will I lose?
You will notice a reduction in top speed and acceleration. Tracks create more rolling resistance and have a different gear ratio than tires. Expect a top speed reduction of around 30-40%. The trade-off is a massive increase in low-end torque and crawling ability.
Can I drive my Commander on pavement with tracks?
You can, but you shouldn’t. It is not recommended for any significant distance. Pavement and other hard surfaces cause extremely rapid wear on the rubber tracks and internal components. They are designed for off-road use only.
By following this guide, you’re not just bolting on a new accessory; you’re unlocking a whole new world of four-season adventure. You’ve learned the benefits, how to choose a system, the installation process, and the best practices for care. Now you have the knowledge to conquer any terrain, any time of year.
Get out there, get dirty, and explore those places you used to think were impossible. Ride safe and have fun!
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