Can-Am Maverick 24V Battery – Your Ultimate Guide To Power Upgrades

Ever been deep on a trail, miles from anywhere, and had your winch bog down during a crucial recovery? Or maybe your massive light bar and sound system make your Maverick’s lights dim to a flicker at idle. You’re not alone. We’ve all been there, asking for more juice than the stock 12-volt system can deliver.

You’ve probably heard whispers about a solution, a serious upgrade for power-hungry rigs: the can am maverick 24v battery conversion. It sounds intense, maybe even a little intimidating. But what if we told you it’s one of the most transformative mods you can make for trail reliability and accessory performance?

In this guide, we’re going to pull back the curtain. We’ll show you exactly what a 24V system is, why it’s a game-changer for serious off-roaders, and walk you through the entire process step-by-step. Get ready to unlock the true electrical potential of your machine.

Why Even Consider a Can-Am Maverick 24V Battery System?

Before we grab the wrenches, let’s talk about the “why.” A standard 12V system is perfectly fine for a stock machine. But the moment you start adding heavy-draw accessories—think a 5,000-lb winch, multiple high-output light pods, or a booming stereo—you start pushing that system to its absolute limit.

When you demand more power, the voltage can drop, causing accessories to underperform. Wires get hotter, and your alternator works overtime. It’s a recipe for frustration and potential failure on the trail.

This is where a dedicated can am maverick 24v battery setup for your accessories comes in. By doubling the voltage, you fundamentally change the electrical equation, leading to massive performance gains where you need them most.

Understanding the 24V Conversion: What You’re Actually Doing

This isn’t about replacing your entire electrical system. Far from it. A 24V conversion is typically a secondary system. You keep your Maverick’s stock 12V battery and charging system to run the vehicle itself—the engine, ECU, gauges, and factory lights.

You then add two new batteries, wired together in a specific way, to create a separate 24V power source. This high-voltage circuit is used exclusively for your power-hungry accessories. Let’s break down the core concepts.

Series vs. Parallel Wiring: The Core Concept

This is the most important part of this can am maverick 24v battery guide. How you wire two batteries together determines the output.

Parallel Wiring (12V): You connect positive to positive and negative to negative. The voltage stays the same (12V), but you double the amperage, or “runtime.” This is great for longevity but doesn’t increase power output.
Series Wiring (24V): You connect the positive terminal of the first battery to the negative terminal of the second battery. The remaining positive and negative terminals are your 24V output. This doubles the voltage to 24V while the amperage stays the same.

For this conversion, we are focused exclusively on series wiring to achieve that 24-volt punch.

Essential Components for the 24V Upgrade

Before you start, you’ll need to gather a few key parts. Doing this right means using quality components.

Two Identical 12V Batteries: They must be the same brand, model, and age. Mismatched batteries will charge and discharge unevenly, leading to premature failure. AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries are a popular choice for their durability.
A Dual Battery Tray: You’ll need a secure place to mount your new power source. Several aftermarket companies make drop-in trays for various Maverick models.
Heavy-Gauge Battery Cables: Don’t skimp here. Use at least 4-gauge, and preferably 2-gauge, pure copper welding cable to connect the batteries and your main accessories.
A 24V to 12V Voltage Reducer/Converter: This is a non-negotiable component if you plan to run any 12V accessories off your new battery bank. It safely steps the voltage down.
A 24V Battery Charger: Your stock stator will only charge your main 12V battery. You need a dedicated 24V charger (or a smart charger with a 24V mode) to maintain your accessory batteries.

The Tangible Benefits of a Can-Am Maverick 24V Battery Setup

So, you’ve done the work. What do you actually get? The real-world advantages are immediate and significant.

Winch Speed & Power: This is the number one reason most people upgrade. A 24V winch pulls faster, harder, and with less heat buildup. It’s the difference between a slow, strained recovery and a quick, confident pull.
Brighter, Flicker-Free Lights: Your LED light bars and pods will operate at peak efficiency, giving you maximum brightness without dimming when other accessories kick on.
Cooler Running Components: Higher voltage means lower amperage for the same amount of work (Power = Voltage x Amperage). Lower amps mean less heat in your wiring and motors, dramatically increasing the lifespan of your expensive accessories.
System Isolation: You create a safety buffer. If you completely drain your accessory batteries running your stereo at camp, you can still fire up your Maverick with the main battery and drive home. This is a huge benefit for peace of mind.

How to Install a Can-Am Maverick 24V Battery System: A Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, let’s get our hands dirty. This is a general how to can am maverick 24v battery guide. Your specific Maverick model may have slight variations. Always prioritize safety. If you are not comfortable with wiring, consult a professional.

Step 1: Safety First – Disconnect Power

Before you touch a single wire, disconnect the negative terminal from your Maverick’s main (stock) battery. This prevents any accidental shorts. Wear safety glasses and gloves.

Step 2: Mounting Your Second Battery

Install your dual battery tray according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This is often behind the seats or in another secure location. Place your two new, identical 12V batteries into the tray and secure them firmly. Vibration is the enemy of batteries.

Step 3: Wiring in Series for 24 Volts

This is the magic step. Take one of your short, heavy-gauge cables.

Connect one end to the POSITIVE (+) terminal of Battery #1.
Connect the other end to the NEGATIVE (-) terminal of Battery #2.
Tighten the connections securely.

You have now created a series circuit. The remaining NEGATIVE (-) terminal on Battery #1 and the POSITIVE (+) terminal on Battery #2 are now your 24V source. Use a multimeter to test these two terminals—it should read between 24 and 26 volts.

Step 4: Wiring Your Accessories

Now, you’ll run your main power cables from your new 24V source to your accessories. It’s best practice to run them to a fused power distribution block.

Run a heavy-gauge cable from the POSITIVE (+) terminal of Battery #2 to your distribution block’s main input.
Run a heavy-gauge cable from the NEGATIVE (-) terminal of Battery #1 to a solid chassis ground point near the battery tray.

From here, you can wire your 24V-compatible winch, lights, or amps directly to the fused distribution block.

Step 5: Final Connections and Testing

Once everything is wired, double-check all your connections for tightness. Ensure no wires are rubbing against sharp edges. Reconnect your main vehicle battery.

Power on your 24V accessories one by one to ensure they work correctly. Check for any signs of overheating or malfunction. Congratulations, you’ve just completed a major electrical upgrade!

Common Problems with Can-Am Maverick 24V Battery Setups (And How to Fix Them)

Even with a perfect installation, issues can arise. Here are a few common problems with can am maverick 24v battery systems and how to troubleshoot them.

Problem: One battery dies faster than the other.

Cause: The batteries were not identical in age or model, or one had a bad cell to begin with.

Solution: You must replace both batteries at the same time with a matched pair. This is one of the most critical can am maverick 24v battery tips.
Problem: Accessories suddenly stop working.

Cause: Most likely a blown fuse or a loose connection.

Solution: Start at the battery and work your way forward. Check all terminal connections for tightness and inspect the main fuse at your distribution block.
Problem: Batteries aren’t holding a charge.

Cause: You are not charging them correctly. Remember, the vehicle’s stator does NOT charge this secondary system.

Solution: You must use an external 24V battery charger after your rides to top them off. This is a key part of the can am maverick 24v battery care guide.

Best Practices for Your 24V System: The Ultimate Care Guide

Your new 24V system is a powerful tool, but it requires a little care. Following these can am maverick 24v battery best practices will ensure a long and reliable service life.

Charging and Maintenance Tips

As mentioned, you need a dedicated 24V charger. After a long ride where you used the winch or lights heavily, plug your rig into a 24V battery tender.

Periodically, check that all your wiring connections are still tight and free of corrosion. A bit of dielectric grease on the terminals can help prevent buildup, especially if you ride in wet or muddy conditions.

The Eco-Friendly Approach: Sustainable Can-Am Maverick 24V Battery Use

Being a responsible off-roader extends to our electrical systems. A well-maintained system is an efficient one, which is inherently more eco-friendly. By keeping your batteries properly charged, you extend their lifespan, reducing waste.

When your batteries eventually reach the end of their life, practice sustainable can am maverick 24v battery disposal. Never throw them in the regular trash. Lead-acid and AGM batteries are highly recyclable. Take them to any auto parts store or recycling center for proper, eco-friendly can am maverick 24v battery disposal.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Can-Am Maverick 24V Battery

Can I run my stock 12V accessories on a 24V system?

No, not directly! Connecting a 12V device to a 24V source will instantly destroy it. To run smaller 12V accessories (like a GPS or radio) from your 24V battery bank, you MUST use a 24V-to-12V step-down voltage converter. This is a critical safety and equipment-saving device.

What kind of batteries are best for a 24V setup?

Deep-cycle AGM batteries are the most common and reliable choice. They handle vibrations well and are sealed, so they won’t leak. For the ultimate in performance and weight savings, a pair of 12V lithium (LiFePO4) batteries can be used, but ensure they have a compatible Battery Management System (BMS).

Is a 24V conversion reversible?

Absolutely. Since you’re creating a separate, isolated system, you can remove the entire setup (batteries, tray, and wiring) and return your Maverick to its stock configuration without any permanent changes.

Do I need a special 24V winch?

Yes. You must use a winch specifically designed to operate on 24 volts. Most major winch manufacturers, like Warn and Superwinch, offer 24V versions of their popular models. Do not attempt to run a 12V winch on 24V power.

Upgrading to a can am maverick 24v battery system is a serious step for the serious enthusiast. It’s a project that rewards careful planning and execution with unmatched accessory performance and trail-side confidence.

By taking the time to understand the principles, use quality parts, and follow a safe installation process, you can build a robust electrical system that will power your adventures for years to come. Now get out there, ride safe, and enjoy the power!

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Thomas Corle

Founder & Automobile expert at FatBoysOffroad

Automobile expert and off-road enthusiast, sharing in-depth knowledge of vehicles, gear, and adventures. Helping readers make smart decisions and enjoy the thrill of off-roading safely and confidently.