Let’s agree on something: your Can-Am Commander is a beast on the trails, but once the sun goes down, it can blend into the darkness just like any other machine. You want to stand out, be seen for safety, and add a serious dose of custom style that turns heads at every stop.
I promise this guide will solve that for you. We’re going to break down everything you need to know about can am commander whip lights, transforming a potentially confusing project into a straightforward weekend win. No confusing jargon, just practical advice from one enthusiast to another.
In this post, we’ll walk you through choosing the perfect set, give you a step-by-step installation plan, troubleshoot common issues, and cover the best practices to keep your rig looking sharp and staying safe on every night ride.
Why Bother? The Real Benefits of Can-Am Commander Whip Lights
Before we grab the tools, let’s talk about why whip lights are one of the most popular and practical upgrades for any side-by-side. They’re much more than just a flashy accessory.
Unmatched Visibility and Safety
This is the number one reason. When you’re kicking up dust on a trail or cresting a dune at night, visibility is everything. A pair of bright, tall whip lights makes your Commander visible from hundreds of yards away in any direction.
This drastically reduces the risk of collisions with other riders, especially in low-light, foggy, or dusty conditions. For group rides, they are an absolute must-have for keeping track of everyone in your party.
Custom Style and Personalization
Let’s be honest, the cool factor is huge. Modern LED whip lights offer millions of color combinations, chasing patterns, and strobe effects, all controlled from a remote or a smartphone app. You can match your machine’s color scheme, sync your whips to music, or create a unique light show that sets your Commander apart from the crowd.
Trail Navigation and Group Cohesion
On organized group rides, whip lights serve a practical purpose. The trail leader might use a solid green, while the sweep rider at the back uses a solid red. This simple system helps everyone know their position in the pack and ensures no one gets left behind.
Your Can Am Commander Whip Lights Guide: Choosing the Right Set
The market is flooded with options, and not all are created equal. Making the right choice upfront saves you headaches later. Here’s what to look for.
Types of Whip Lights: LED is King
While you might see older fiber optic or even flag-based whips, modern Light Emitting Diode (LED) whips are the industry standard. They are brighter, more durable, incredibly energy-efficient, and offer the amazing color-changing features everyone loves.
Key Features to Look For
Don’t just buy the first set you see. Scrutinize these features to ensure you’re getting a quality product that will last.
- Durability and Flexibility: The whip itself should be made from a highly flexible material like polycarbonate that can withstand being hit by branches without snapping.
- IP Rating: Look for a rating of at least IP67. This means the unit is completely dust-tight and can be submerged in water up to a meter deep. Your Commander will see mud and rain, and your lights need to handle it.
- Mounting Base: A high-quality base is crucial. Many premium kits feature a spring-loaded or quick-release base. This allows the whip to flex dramatically at the mount and makes it easy to remove for transport or storage.
- Control Method: Decide if you prefer a dedicated physical remote or a Bluetooth app on your phone. App-based controls often offer more customization, like creating your own color patterns.
Understanding Legal Requirements
Before you go full disco on the trail, check your local and state regulations. In many areas, using flashing red and blue lights is restricted to emergency vehicles. To be safe, avoid using those color combinations on public roads or trails where law enforcement is present. Stick to other colors or solid patterns to avoid any unwanted attention.
How to Install Can Am Commander Whip Lights: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough
Alright, let’s get our hands dirty. This installation is very manageable for a DIYer. The key is to be patient, plan your wire routing, and double-check your connections. This section covers how to can am commander whip lights are installed properly.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Gathering everything first makes the job go smoothly. You’ll likely need:
- Your whip light kit (whips, controller, wiring, remote)
- Socket set and wrenches
- Wire strippers and crimpers
- Electrical tape or heat shrink tubing
- Zip ties
- Drill and appropriate bits (if drilling is required for your mounts)
- A set of terminal connectors (ring terminals are great for the battery)
Step 1: Choosing Your Mounting Location
The most common and effective location is on the rear upper corners of your Commander’s roll cage. This provides the best 360-degree visibility. Some riders mount them to the bed or rear bumper.
Hold the mounts in your desired spots and ensure they won’t interfere with your roof, any cargo, or other accessories. Pro Tip: Sit in the driver’s seat and check your rearview mirror to make sure the whips don’t create a major blind spot.
Step 2: Installing the Mounts
Follow the instructions included with your kit. Most mounts are either a “clamp-on” style that wraps around the roll cage or a “bolt-on” style that requires drilling a hole. If you have to drill, measure twice and drill once! Start with a small pilot hole before using the final bit size.
Secure the mounting brackets firmly. This is the foundation of your entire setup, so make sure it’s solid.
Step 3: Running the Wiring (The Right Way)
This is the most critical part of the job. A sloppy wiring job is unsafe and looks terrible. The goal is to route the wires so they are protected, hidden, and secure.
- Find a Power Source: The Can-Am Commander has a convenient accessory power bus bar or post, usually located under the hood near the firewall. This is the best place to get power, as it’s typically switched (only on when the key is on). Connect your red (positive) wire here.
- Establish a Good Ground: Connect your black (negative) wire to a solid, unpainted part of the vehicle’s frame or the designated ground on the bus bar. A poor ground is the source of many electrical gremlins.
- Route the Wires: Carefully run the wiring harness from your power source back to where the whip light controller will be mounted. Tuck the wires inside or along the roll cage tubing, using plenty of zip ties to keep them away from any moving parts, sharp edges, or hot exhaust components.
- Install an In-line Fuse: Your kit should come with a fuse. If not, add one. Place it on the positive wire as close to the power source as possible. This protects your machine and the lights from electrical shorts.
Step 4: Connecting the Controller and Testing
Find a safe place to mount the small controller box, often under a seat or in a dry storage compartment, to protect it from the elements. Connect the wires from the whips and the power harness to the controller.
Before you tidy everything up with the last of your zip ties, turn the key on and test the lights. Cycle through all the colors and functions with the remote or app to ensure everything is working perfectly. Once you confirm it’s all good, secure any loose wiring and you’re done!
Common Problems with Can Am Commander Whip Lights (and How to Fix Them)
Even with a perfect installation, you might run into a snag. Here are a few common problems and their simple solutions.
My Whips Won’t Turn On!
This is almost always a simple power issue. First, check the in-line fuse to see if it has blown. Second, double-check your ground connection—make sure it’s on clean, bare metal. Finally, confirm your positive wire is securely connected to the power source.
Flickering or Inconsistent Colors
Flickering lights often point to a loose connection. Check every plug in the system, from the controller to the base of the whips. A weak or corroded ground can also cause this, so re-check that connection as well.
Remote or App Isn’t Connecting
If you’re using a physical remote, the fix is often as simple as replacing the battery. For Bluetooth apps, try “forgetting” the device in your phone’s settings and re-pairing it. Also, ensure the controller box isn’t buried behind too much metal, which can interfere with the signal.
Can Am Commander Whip Lights Best Practices and Care Guide
You’ve invested time and money into this upgrade. A little care will ensure your lights shine bright for years to come. Following this can am commander whip lights care guide is key.
Pre-Ride Checks and Maintenance
Before each ride, give your whips a quick once-over. Wiggle them to make sure the mounts are still tight. Glance at the wiring to ensure no zip ties have broken and that the wires haven’t sagged near anything hot or sharp.
Cleaning and Care
After a muddy ride, gently wash the whips with soap and water. Avoid using high-pressure washers directly on the electrical connections or the controller box. A clean lens is a bright lens!
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Can Am Commander Whip Lights Tips
Thinking about sustainability with your UTV? It’s easier than you think. Choosing sustainable can am commander whip lights practices starts with your purchase.
First, LED technology is inherently eco-friendly due to its extremely low power draw, which puts less strain on your Commander’s electrical system and engine. Second, investing in a high-quality, durable set from a reputable brand is a sustainable choice. It prevents the waste associated with cheap, disposable products that break after one season and end up in a landfill.
Frequently Asked Questions About Can Am Commander Whip Lights
Are whip lights street legal?
This varies widely by location. Generally, they are intended for off-road use only. Driving on public roads with them illuminated (especially with certain colors or flashing patterns) can get you a ticket. Always turn them off or remove them before hitting the pavement.
How tall should my whip lights be?
The most common sizes are 4 feet and 6 feet. For most UTVs like the Commander, 4-foot whips are perfect. They are tall enough to be seen over the roofline without being so tall that they constantly hit low-hanging tree branches on the trail.
Can I wire my whip lights to my brake lights?
Some advanced whip light kits offer this functionality. They have an extra wire that you can tap into your brake light circuit, causing the whips to turn solid red when you hit the brakes. It’s a great safety feature but requires a bit more wiring expertise.
Do I need a special battery to run whip lights?
No. Your stock Can-Am Commander battery is more than capable of handling the low power draw of LED whip lights. As long as your charging system is healthy, you won’t have any issues.
Installing a set of whip lights on your Can-Am Commander is one of the most rewarding and practical upgrades you can make. It boosts your safety, adds a massive amount of custom style, and is a project you can proudly say you did yourself.
Take your time, follow the steps, and prioritize clean, safe wiring. You’ll be lighting up the trails and turning heads in no time.
Now get out there, light up the night, and ride safe!
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