Ever been on a tricky off-camber trail and had your Can-Am Defender door swing wide open, threatening to kiss a tree or bend a hinge? Or maybe you’ve had it slam shut on your leg while you were trying to grab gear. It’s a common frustration that can turn a great day of riding into a costly headache.
We’ve all been there. You park on an incline, and that heavy-duty door becomes an unpredictable pendulum. But what if I told you there’s a simple, affordable fix that can completely eliminate this problem?
This is where a quality set of can am defender door stops comes in. In this comprehensive guide from FatBoysOffroad, we’re going to walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll cover the real-world benefits, how to choose the right set for your rig, a complete step-by-step installation process, and tips for making them last.
Why Your Defender Absolutely Needs Door Stops: The Unspoken Benefits
You might think of door stops as a minor accessory, but they’re one of the most practical and damage-preventing upgrades you can make. The benefits of can am defender door stops go far beyond just holding a door open.
Preventing Costly Hinge and Body Damage
Without a stop, your door’s entire weight and momentum can be thrown against the hinges and body panels when it swings open. This is especially true in windy conditions or on uneven terrain.
A sudden hyper-extension can easily bend hinges, crack plastic body panels, or even damage the door latch mechanism. A simple door stop strap acts as a checkrein, absorbing that force and preventing the door from traveling beyond its safe, intended range. Think of it as cheap insurance against a very expensive repair bill.
Adding Everyday Convenience and Safety
Loading and unloading your Defender shouldn’t be a fight against gravity. Door stops hold the door in a predictable open position, giving you both hands free to load coolers, tools, or hunting gear without worrying about the door closing on you.
This is also a huge safety feature. It prevents the door from slamming shut on your hands, legs, or on a child or pet who might be climbing in or out. It provides a stable, safe entry and exit every single time.
Protecting Your Passengers and Gear
Imagine a passenger opening their door just as a gust of wind catches it. The door could fly open and hit another vehicle, a trailside obstacle, or even another person. Door stops keep that under control.
They also prevent the door from swinging back and forth while you’re parked, potentially bumping and damaging gear you’ve placed just outside the vehicle.
Choosing the Right Can Am Defender Door Stops: A Buyer’s Guide
Not all door stops are created equal. When you start shopping, you’ll see a few different types and materials. Making the right choice upfront will save you from frustration down the road.
OEM vs. Aftermarket: What’s the Difference?
Can-Am offers Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) door stop kits, which are guaranteed to fit perfectly. They are often a reliable, if sometimes more expensive, option.
The aftermarket world, however, offers a massive range of options, often with enhanced features like beefier materials, greater adjustability, or different color choices. Reputable aftermarket brands like SuperATV, Dragonfire Racing, or UTV-Tek often innovate on the original designs, providing excellent value and durability.
Material Matters: Fabric Straps vs. Metal Rods
The two most common styles you’ll encounter are fabric straps and rigid/semi-rigid rods.
- Fabric Straps: These are typically made from heavy-duty nylon or similar webbing. They are simple, lightweight, and effective. Their main advantage is flexibility and zero chance of rattling. Their potential downside is that they can stretch or fray over time with heavy use and exposure to the elements.
- Metal Rods/Arms: These are often spring-loaded or gas-assisted arms that provide a more controlled, positive stop. They are incredibly durable but can be more complex to install and may develop rattles over time if not properly maintained.
For most users, a high-quality, double-stitched nylon strap is the perfect balance of performance, price, and ease of installation.
How to Install Can Am Defender Door Stops: A Step-by-Step DIY Guide
Ready to get your hands dirty? This is a straightforward job that most DIYers can tackle in under an hour with basic tools. This how to can am defender door stops guide will get you there.
Tools and Parts You’ll Need
Before you start, gather your tools. Nothing’s worse than having to stop mid-job to find a socket.
- Your new Can-Am Defender Door Stop Kit (includes straps and mounting hardware)
- A socket wrench with an extension
- A set of Torx bits (usually a T30 or T40 is needed for factory bolts)
- A small pick or flathead screwdriver (optional, for removing plastic caps)
- Thread locker (e.g., Loctite Blue 242) for added security
Pre-Installation Prep: Safety First!
Work on a flat, level surface. Ensure your Defender is in park with the parking brake engaged. If you’re working on the front doors, having a friend to help hold the door steady can make the process much smoother and safer.
The Installation Process (Front Doors)
- Locate Mounting Points: Open the door and look at the area near the front hinge. You’ll see factory bolts on the A-pillar (the frame of the cab) and on the door itself. These are your mounting points.
- Remove the A-Pillar Bolt: Using your Torx bit and socket wrench, carefully remove the upper bolt on the A-pillar. It might be tight, so apply steady pressure.
- Attach the Strap to the A-Pillar: Take one end of your new door stop strap. Place it over the bolt hole and re-insert the factory bolt (or the new one supplied with your kit). Hand-tighten it for now. Pro-Tip: Apply a small drop of blue thread locker to the bolt threads to prevent it from vibrating loose over time.
- Remove the Door Bolt: Now, locate the corresponding bolt on the inside of the door. It’s usually in line with the A-pillar bolt. Remove this bolt just as you did the first one. Hold the door steady during this step, as it’s now less supported.
- Attach the Strap to the Door: Take the other end of the strap, place it over the hole, and re-insert the bolt. Hand-tighten it.
- Tighten and Torque: With the strap in place, go back and fully tighten both bolts. Don’t overtighten and strip the threads. They should be snug and secure. Check your kit’s instructions for any specific torque recommendations.
- Test the Door: Gently open and close the door a few times. Ensure it stops smoothly at the desired point without any binding. The strap should be taut when the door is fully open.
- Repeat for the Other Side: Follow the exact same process for the passenger-side door.
Common Problems with Can Am Defender Door Stops (And How to Fix Them)
Even with a simple part, issues can pop up. Here are some of the most common problems with can am defender door stops and our go-to solutions.
My Door Stop Strap Snapped!
This usually happens for two reasons: age and UV exposure breaking down the material, or a sudden, violent force (like the wind catching the door). The fix is simple: replace it. When buying a new one, look for straps with reinforced, double-box stitching around the mounting holes for maximum strength.
The Door Doesn’t Open Wide Enough (or Opens Too Wide)
If your door isn’t opening enough, you may have installed the wrong length strap or an adjustable strap on its shortest setting. If it opens too wide, the strap is too long. Some aftermarket kits are adjustable. If yours isn’t, ensure you purchased the correct kit for your specific Defender model (e.g., standard vs. MAX crew cab).
Rattling Noises from the Door Stop
This is almost always an issue with rigid arm-style stops, not fabric straps. The noise usually comes from a loose mounting bolt or a worn-out joint in the arm itself. First, check that all mounting hardware is tight. If the rattle persists, a small dab of heavy grease on the pivot points can often quiet it down.
The Can Am Defender Door Stops Care Guide: Best Practices for Longevity
Following a few can am defender door stops best practices will ensure they last as long as your rig. Proper maintenance is also the key to sustainable off-roading, as it reduces waste by making parts last longer.
Regular Inspection and Cleaning
Every time you wash your Defender, give the door straps a quick spray-down to remove mud and grime. While you’re there, inspect them for any signs of fraying, tearing, or sun damage (fading and brittleness). Catching a problem early prevents a sudden failure on the trail.
Eco-Friendly Longevity: Making Parts Last
Thinking about sustainable can am defender door stops isn’t about the material itself, but about its lifespan. By regularly cleaning and inspecting your straps, you prevent premature failure. This means you consume less and create less waste. An eco-friendly can am defender door stops approach is simply good maintenance—you save money and reduce your environmental footprint by not having to replace parts unnecessarily.
Frequently Asked Questions About Can Am Defender Door Stops
Are door stops necessary for all Defender models?
While not strictly “necessary” for the vehicle to operate, they are highly recommended for any Defender model with full doors. The convenience and damage-prevention benefits make them one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can buy, regardless of whether you have a base model or a fully-loaded Limited.
Can I make my own DIY door stops?
You can, but we generally advise against it unless you are very experienced with fabricating. The mounting points on the door and frame are under significant stress. A homemade strap that fails could cause the very damage you’re trying to prevent. Commercial kits use load-rated materials and are tested for safety and durability.
Will installing aftermarket door stops void my warranty?
In most cases, no. Under laws like the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act in the U.S., a manufacturer cannot void your entire vehicle warranty just because you installed an aftermarket part. They would have to prove that the specific aftermarket part you installed directly caused the failure you are trying to claim under warranty.
And with that, you’re ready to tackle this project! Installing a set of door stops is a quick, satisfying job that adds immediate value and protection to your Can-Am Defender. You’ll appreciate it every single time you hop in and out of your rig.
Grab your tools, put on some tunes, and give your Defender the simple, effective upgrade it deserves. Stay safe out there and happy riding!
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