Ever stood in front of your trailer, eyeballing your Can-Am Outlander 850, and had that nagging thought: “Am I overloading this thing?” You’re not alone. Many riders treat their ATV’s weight as just another number on a spec sheet, but it’s one of the most critical factors for safety, performance, and the longevity of your machine.
We promise this guide will demystify the Can-Am Outlander 850 weight for you. We’re cutting through the jargon to give you the real-world numbers and, more importantly, what they mean for your trailer, your truck, and your time on the trail.
You’re about to learn the difference between dry and curb weight, how your favorite mods pile on the pounds, and the best practices for safely managing it all. Let’s get your rig dialed in.
Understanding the Can-Am Outlander 850 Weight: Dry vs. Curb
When you look up your ATV’s weight, you’ll usually see two different numbers listed: dry weight and curb weight. They sound similar, but the difference is significant, especially when it comes to safe hauling. This is the foundation of our can am outlander 850 weight guide.
What is Dry Weight?
Think of dry weight as the machine’s “shipping weight.” It’s the absolute lightest your Outlander 850 can be, straight from the factory floor.
This measurement includes the frame, engine, plastics, and tires—but excludes all necessary fluids. That means no engine oil, no coolant, no brake fluid, and most importantly, no gasoline.
For most recent Can-Am Outlander 850 models, the manufacturer’s listed dry weight is around 829 lbs (376 kg). While it’s a useful baseline, you will never operate or tow your ATV at its dry weight.
What is Curb Weight (or Wet Weight)?
Curb weight is the number that truly matters for real-world applications. This is the weight of your ATV with all standard equipment and a full load of necessary operating fluids.
This includes:
- A full 5.4-gallon (20.5 L) tank of gasoline
- Engine oil
- Coolant
- Brake fluid
The curb weight for a stock Can-Am Outlander 850 is approximately 900-920 lbs (408-417 kg). This is your starting point for any towing or payload calculation. Always use the curb weight, not the dry weight, for your safety calculations.
Why the Difference Matters for You
That 70-90 lb difference between dry and curb weight is significant. A full tank of gas alone adds over 30 pounds. Ignoring this can be the difference between towing safely and dangerously exceeding your trailer’s payload capacity or your tow vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
How Accessories Impact Your Outlander 850’s Total Weight
Nobody keeps their Outlander 850 stock for long. Those awesome upgrades you’ve added for protection and capability also add serious pounds. Understanding these additions is one of the most important can am outlander 850 weight tips we can offer.
Common Heavy Hitters: Bumpers, Winches, and Skid Plates
Protection is paramount, but it comes at a cost—in weight. A heavy-duty front bumper from a brand like Iron Baltic or Ricochet can add 25-40 lbs. A powerful winch, like a WARN VRX 35, adds another 20-25 lbs to the front end.
Full-belly aluminum or steel skid plates are a must for rocky terrain, but they can easily add another 30-50 lbs to the total weight, spread across the chassis.
The Weight of Wheels and Tires
Upgrading from stock tires to larger, more aggressive mud or trail tires is one of the first mods most riders make. A bigger 28-inch or 30-inch tire can be 5-15 lbs heavier than its stock counterpart—per tire. That’s an extra 20-60 lbs of unsprung weight, which affects suspension and handling.
Switching to beefy beadlock wheels for low-pressure crawling? You can add another 5-10 lbs per corner. It all adds up fast.
Cargo Boxes, Racks, and Gear
Don’t forget about the gear you carry. A large rear cargo box from LinQ or Kolpin might weigh 20 lbs empty, but load it up with tools, a recovery kit, a cooler, and emergency supplies, and you can easily add another 50-100 lbs over the rear axle.
The Real-World Benefits of Managing Your ATV’s Weight
Keeping an eye on your machine’s weight isn’t just about following rules; it’s about unlocking better performance and ensuring your rig lasts. There are some serious benefits of can am outlander 850 weight management.
Improved Handling and Agility on the Trail
Every pound you add, especially high up or far from the center of the machine, raises the center of gravity. A lighter, well-balanced ATV is more nimble in tight, technical trails, easier to control in off-camber situations, and quicker to respond to rider input.
Enhanced Suspension Performance
Your Outlander’s shocks are tuned for a specific weight range. When you overload the machine with heavy accessories and gear, you force the suspension to work harder. This can lead to bottoming out on big hits, a harsher ride, and reduced ground clearance as the springs sag.
Better Fuel Economy
It might seem minor, but a heavier machine requires more throttle to get moving and maintain speed. Over a long day of riding, managing your weight can mean the difference between making it back to the truck on one tank or having to carry extra fuel, which, ironically, adds more weight!
Safer Towing and Hauling
This is the big one. Knowing your true, fully-loaded weight is non-negotiable for safe transport. It allows you to choose the right trailer, load it correctly for proper tongue weight, and ensure you’re not exceeding the limits of your tow vehicle’s brakes and suspension. Following these can am outlander 850 weight best practices is crucial.
Common Problems Caused by Overlooking Your Outlander 850’s Weight
Ignoring your ATV’s total weight can lead to frustrating, expensive, and downright dangerous situations. Here are some of the most common problems with can am outlander 850 weight when it’s not properly managed.
Exceeding Trailer and Tow Vehicle GVWR
Every trailer and vehicle has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)—the maximum safe operating weight, including the vehicle/trailer itself, passengers, and all cargo. It’s easy to push past this limit when you underestimate your ATV’s fully loaded weight.
An overloaded trailer can lead to tire blowouts, axle failure, and an inability to stop safely. It’s a massive liability you don’t want to risk.
Premature Wear on Drivetrain and Suspension
Excess weight puts a constant strain on critical components. Your CVT belt will run hotter and wear out faster. Wheel bearings, A-arm bushings, and ball joints will fail sooner. Your shocks will lose their dampening ability more quickly. These are all repairs that take time and money away from riding.
Reduced Braking Performance
Physics doesn’t lie: more mass requires more energy to stop. Overloading your ATV means your brakes have to work much harder, leading to longer stopping distances and brake fade on long downhills. When you need to stop right now to avoid an obstacle, that extra distance can be disastrous.
A Practical Can-Am Outlander 850 Weight Guide for Towing
Let’s put it all together. Here’s a step-by-step process for figuring out your total weight and getting on the road safely.
Step 1: Calculate Your Total Rig Weight
Start with the curb weight of your Outlander 850 (approx. 920 lbs). Then, add the estimated weight of all your accessories and the gear you typically carry. A good rule of thumb is to add 150-250 lbs for a well-equipped machine with bumpers, a winch, bigger tires, and a loaded cargo box.
So, a realistic trail-ready weight is often 1,070 – 1,170 lbs. For a 2-up Outlander 850 MAX, start with a curb weight closer to 950 lbs before adding accessories.
Step 2: Choose the Right Trailer
Your trailer’s payload capacity must be greater than your ATV’s total calculated weight. A standard 5×8 or 6×10 utility trailer with a 2,000 lb axle is usually sufficient, but always check the manufacturer’s plate on the trailer itself. Don’t guess!
Step 3: Load and Secure Your ATV Safely
Position your Outlander on the trailer so that about 60% of its weight is in front of the trailer axle. This ensures you have proper tongue weight (10-15% of the total trailer weight) for stable towing.
Use at least four high-quality ratchet straps, like those from Rhino USA, to secure the machine. Attach the straps to the frame, compressing the suspension slightly to prevent it from bouncing and coming loose.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Weight Considerations
Being a responsible off-roader also means thinking about our impact. Managing weight aligns perfectly with sustainable practices.
When choosing upgrades, consider lightweight materials like aluminum for skid plates and bumpers instead of steel where appropriate. This is an example of an eco-friendly can am outlander 850 weight choice that doesn’t sacrifice durability.
Furthermore, packing smart and only bringing the gear you truly need not only reduces weight but also lessens your fuel consumption and emissions on the trail. It’s a simple part of a good can am outlander 850 weight care guide that benefits both your wallet and the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Can-Am Outlander 850 Weight
What is the official dry weight of a Can-Am Outlander 850?
The manufacturer’s listed dry weight for a standard Can-Am Outlander 850 is typically around 829 lbs (376 kg). Remember, this is without any fluids and is not a practical number for real-world use.
How much does a Can-Am Outlander 850 weigh ready to ride?
The curb weight, which includes a full tank of gas and all necessary fluids, is approximately 900-920 lbs (408-417 kg). This is the number you should use as your baseline for all calculations.
What is the towing capacity of the Can-Am Outlander 850?
The Can-Am Outlander 850 has an impressive towing capacity of 1,650 lbs (750 kg). This refers to the weight the ATV itself can pull, not the weight of the ATV for trailering purposes.
How much weight can I put on the front and rear racks?
The stock racks have specific limits. The front rack is typically rated for 100 lbs (45 kg), and the rear rack is rated for 200 lbs (90 kg). Always respect these limits to maintain safe handling and stability.
Does the weight differ between the standard and MAX (2-up) models?
Yes. The Outlander 850 MAX, with its longer wheelbase and second seat, is heavier. Its dry weight is around 858 lbs (389 kg), and its curb weight is closer to 950 lbs (431 kg) before any accessories are added.
Knowing your Can-Am Outlander 850 weight is about more than just trivia; it’s a cornerstone of responsible and safe ownership. By understanding the true weight of your machine with all its gear, you protect your investment, ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road, and get the absolute best performance on the trail.
Now that you’re armed with this knowledge, you can load up, tow with confidence, and focus on what really matters. Ride smart, stay safe, and we’ll see you out there!
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