Ever look at your Can-Am Commander and think, “It’s awesome, but it could be… better?” You’re not alone. One of the first and most impactful upgrades any owner considers is a new set of wheels and tires. But then the confusion hits: What’s a bolt pattern? What offset do I need? Will these new tires rub? It’s easy to get lost in a sea of numbers and jargon.
We get it. You want the aggressive look and trail-chewing performance of a bigger setup without the headache of buying the wrong parts. That’s why we’re here to help.
This is your complete, no-nonsense guide to the can am commander wheel size. We’ll walk you through understanding your stock setup, choosing the perfect upgrade for your riding style, and avoiding the common mistakes that can cost you time and money. Let’s get your rig dialed in.
Understanding Your Stock Can-Am Commander Wheel Size and Specs
Before you can upgrade, you need to know your starting point. Your Commander’s factory setup is a carefully engineered balance of performance, reliability, and cost. Understanding these baseline specs is the first step in making an informed decision.
Most modern Can-Am Commanders come from the factory with 14-inch wheels, but older models might have 12-inch wheels. The key is to check your specific model and year, as things can change.
Decoding the Numbers: What Do They Mean?
You’ll find a series of numbers on your tire’s sidewall, something like 27×9-14. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- 27: This is the tire’s overall height in inches when inflated.
- 9: This is the tire’s width in inches.
- 14: This is the wheel (or rim) diameter in inches. This is the number you need to match your new wheels to your new tires.
The All-Important Bolt Pattern and Lug Nuts
This is one of the most critical specs. The bolt pattern tells you how the wheel mounts to your machine’s hub. For virtually all modern Can-Am ATVs and UTVs, including the Commander, the bolt pattern is 4/137.
- 4: This means there are four lug nut holes.
- 137: This is the diameter of the circle formed by those holes, measured in millimeters.
When shopping for wheels, you must get a 4/137 bolt pattern. There’s no way around it. Also, pay attention to lug nuts. Many aftermarket wheels require different lug nuts than the stock ones, so be sure to get the matching set.
The Benefits of Upgrading Your Can-Am Commander Wheel Size
Why go through the trouble of changing your wheels? The benefits of can am commander wheel size upgrades go far beyond just looks, though that’s a big part of it! A well-chosen setup can fundamentally transform your machine’s capability.
Improved Ground Clearance and Trail Capability
This is the big one. Moving to a larger wheel and tire combination, like going from a 27-inch to a 30-inch tire, directly lifts your entire machine. That extra inch or two of ground clearance can be the difference between sliding over a rock or getting hung up on your skid plate.
Enhanced Stability and Traction
Many aftermarket wheels offer a different offset than stock (we’ll dive into that next), which widens your Commander’s stance. A wider track makes the vehicle more stable in off-camber situations and high-speed corners. Plus, larger, more aggressive tires provide a bigger contact patch for superior grip in mud, sand, and rocks.
A More Aggressive Look
Let’s be honest—this is a huge reason we do it. A set of custom wheels with beefy tires gives your Commander a tough, purpose-built look that stock parts just can’t match. It’s the easiest way to make your machine stand out on the trail.
How to Choose the Right Can-Am Commander Wheel Size: A Practical Guide
Ready to pull the trigger? Hold on. This is where a little knowledge goes a long way. Follow this can am commander wheel size guide to make sure you get it right the first time. Knowing how to can am commander wheel size is a process of matching hardware to your habits.
Step 1: Define Your Riding Style
What kind of terrain do you ride most? The perfect setup for a mud bogger is terrible for a rock crawler.
- All-Around Trail Riding: A 14-inch wheel with a 28 or 29-inch all-terrain tire is a fantastic, do-it-all setup that often doesn’t require other modifications.
- Mud Dominance: Mud riders often go big—14-inch or 15-inch wheels with 30 to 32-inch mud-specific tires. This almost always requires a lift kit and clutch work.
- Rock Crawling: Rock crawlers prioritize sidewall flex and durability. Many stick with 14-inch wheels to have more tire sidewall, or move to a 15-inch beadlock wheel for maximum security at low tire pressures.
Step 2: Understanding Wheel Offset (and Why It’s Critical)
Offset is one of the most misunderstood, yet most important, wheel specs. In simple terms, it describes where the wheel’s mounting surface is in relation to its centerline.
Imagine your wheel is a soup bowl. A stock wheel is like mounting the hub right in the middle of the bowl. Most aftermarket wheels for UTVs have a negative offset, which pushes the mounting surface further inward, pushing the wheel itself further out. This widens your stance.
A common aftermarket offset is “5+2”. This means the inside of the wheel has 5 inches of backspacing and the outside has 2 inches of “lip,” pushing the wheel out for a wider, more stable track. This is a great all-around choice for the Commander.
Step 3: Considering Tire Size in Tandem
Wheels and tires are a package deal. You can’t decide on one without the other. As a general rule for a stock, non-lifted Commander:
- 28-inch tires: Usually fit with no rubbing. This is a safe, easy upgrade.
- 29-inch tires: Might fit, but you could experience slight rubbing at full suspension compression or full steering lock.
- 30-inch tires and up: You will almost certainly need a suspension lift kit (typically 2-3 inches) and may need to do some plastic trimming to prevent rubbing.
Common Problems with Can-Am Commander Wheel Size Upgrades (And How to Avoid Them)
Going bigger isn’t without its trade-offs. Being aware of the common problems with can am commander wheel size upgrades can save you from a major headache down the trail.
Rubbing on Fenders and Suspension
This is the #1 issue. Before you buy, do your research on forums and in owner groups to see what sizes other people are running successfully on your specific model. The easiest fix is a smaller tire; the more involved fix is a lift kit or forward A-arms.
Increased Stress on Drivetrain and Suspension
Bigger, heavier wheels and tires are like putting on heavy work boots to go for a run. They add unsprung weight and leverage, which puts more strain on your axles, wheel bearings, and ball joints. Be prepared for these components to wear out faster than they would with the stock setup.
Power Loss and Clutching Issues
Turning bigger tires requires more power. You will notice a decrease in acceleration. For significant jumps in tire size (going from 27s to 30s or larger), a clutch kit is highly recommended. A clutch kit recalibrates your CVT system to work efficiently with the larger tires, restoring lost power and preventing belt slippage.
Best Practices for Installation and Maintenance
You’ve picked your perfect setup! Now, let’s get it on the machine safely. Following these can am commander wheel size best practices will ensure a long and happy life for your new investment.
The Right Tools for the Job
Don’t try to do this with a rusty 4-way from your truck. You need the right tools to do it safely.
- A quality floor jack and sturdy jack stands. Never work on a vehicle supported only by a jack.
- A breaker bar to loosen tight lug nuts.
- A calibrated torque wrench. This is not optional.
Torque Specs are Non-Negotiable
Overtightening lug nuts can warp your hubs or brake rotors; undertightening them can lead to a wheel falling off. Look up the specific torque spec for your Commander (it’s in your owner’s manual), and tighten the lugs in a star pattern to ensure the wheel seats evenly.
Pro Tip: After your first 25-50 miles of riding, re-check the lug nut torque. They can sometimes loosen slightly as the new wheels settle.
A Simple Can-Am Commander Wheel Size Care Guide
Your new wheels need a little love. After every muddy or dusty ride, give them a good cleaning. This isn’t just for looks—caked-on mud can hide damage and throw the wheel out of balance. While you’re cleaning, inspect the wheel for any cracks or deep gouges, and check your tires for punctures.
A Note on Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Choices
In the world of off-roading, “eco-friendly” can seem like a stretch, but we can still make smart choices. A sustainable can am commander wheel size approach focuses on durability and efficiency.
Choosing a high-quality, well-made wheel from a reputable brand means it’s less likely to crack or fail, creating less waste. A forged aluminum wheel, while more expensive, is incredibly strong and can outlast several sets of cheaper cast wheels. Additionally, maintaining proper tire pressure reduces rolling resistance, which slightly improves fuel efficiency and maximizes tire life, meaning you replace them less often.
Frequently Asked Questions About Can Am Commander Wheel Size
What is the bolt pattern for a Can-Am Commander?
The bolt pattern for the Can-Am Commander is 4/137. This means it has 4 lug holes on a 137mm diameter circle. You must buy wheels with this specific pattern to fit your machine.
Can I put 30-inch tires on my stock Commander?
Generally, no. A 30-inch tire on a stock Can-Am Commander will almost certainly rub on the fender plastics and possibly the suspension, especially under compression. You will typically need a 2-3 inch lift kit to clear 30-inch tires properly.
Do I need a lift kit to upgrade my wheel size?
It depends entirely on the tire size you pair with your new wheels. You can usually run up to a 28-inch tire on stock suspension without a lift. Anything larger will likely require a lift kit to prevent rubbing and provide adequate clearance.
What is wheel offset and why does it matter for my Commander?
Offset determines how far your wheel sticks out from the hub. Most aftermarket wheels use a negative offset (like 5+2 or 4+3) to widen your vehicle’s stance. This improves stability but also puts more leverage on your wheel bearings and suspension components.
Will bigger wheels void my warranty?
This is a gray area. Technically, dealers can only deny a warranty claim if they can prove that your aftermarket part directly caused the failure. For example, if your wheel bearing fails and you have wheels with a very aggressive offset, they may deny the claim. However, it won’t void your entire vehicle warranty.
Choosing the right wheel and tire setup is one of the most rewarding upgrades you can make to your Can-Am Commander. It’s a balance of performance, aesthetics, and budget. By understanding the basics of bolt patterns, offset, and the relationship between wheel and tire size, you can make a choice that transforms your machine for the better.
Take your time, do your research, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The perfect setup for your ride is out there.
Now get out there, get wrenching, and get dirty. Happy trails!
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