So, you’re staring at your Can-Am Outlander, and one thought keeps creeping in: “It needs bigger tires.” We’ve all been there. It’s one of the first and most impactful upgrades you can make, instantly changing the look and capability of your machine.
But choosing the right can am outlander tire size is more than just picking the biggest, meanest-looking rubber you can find. It’s a balance of performance, reliability, and knowing what your ATV can handle without causing expensive problems down the trail.
In this guide, we’re going to cut through the noise. We’ll promise you a clear path to understanding everything you need to know. We’ll break down how to read tire sizes, what fits a stock machine, what upgrades you’ll need to go bigger, and how to avoid the common pitfalls that leave other riders stranded. Let’s get your Outlander dialed in.
Cracking the Code: How to Read Your Can-Am Outlander Tire Size
Before you can upgrade, you need to speak the language. The numbers on your tire’s sidewall aren’t just for show; they tell you everything you need to know about its dimensions. Let’s take a common stock size, like 26×8-12, as our example.
This simple code is your starting point for any tire shopping. It’s a universal system for ATVs and UTVs.
Understanding Height: The First Number (26)
The first number represents the tire’s overall height in inches when inflated to its recommended pressure. In our example, the tire is 26 inches tall. This is the single biggest factor affecting ground clearance and appearance.
Understanding Width: The Second Number (8)
The second number is the tire’s width, also in inches. Our example tire is 8 inches wide. You’ll often see different widths for the front and rear, with rear tires typically being wider (e.g., 26×10-12) for better traction and stability.
Understanding Rim Diameter: The Third Number (12)
The final number is the diameter of the wheel (or rim) that the tire is designed to fit, measured in inches. This tire fits a 12-inch rim. This number is non-negotiable; you cannot mount a 14-inch tire on a 12-inch rim.
The Big Question: Should You Go Bigger on Your Outlander?
This is where the real fun begins. Upgrading your tire size can transform your machine, but it’s a decision with consequences. Understanding the pros and cons is one of the most important can am outlander tire size tips we can offer. It’s crucial to weigh the good against the bad before you spend your hard-earned cash.
Benefits of a Larger Can-Am Outlander Tire Size
Why does everyone want to go bigger? The advantages are hard to ignore:
- Increased Ground Clearance: A taller tire directly lifts your differentials and frame higher off the ground, helping you clear rocks, ruts, and logs without getting hung up.
- Improved Traction: A larger tire has a bigger contact patch—more rubber on the ground. This often translates to better grip in mud, snow, and loose terrain.
- Enhanced Appearance: Let’s be honest, a beefier set of tires gives your Outlander an aggressive, capable look. It just looks right.
- Smoother Ride: Taller sidewalls can absorb more bumps and trail chatter, sometimes resulting in a more comfortable ride over rough terrain.
Common Problems with Can-Am Outlander Tire Size Upgrades
Unfortunately, there’s no free lunch. Going bigger introduces new stresses and potential issues you must be prepared for.
- Power Loss: Larger, heavier tires are harder to turn. You’ll notice a decrease in acceleration and snappiness. It’s like trying to run in heavy work boots instead of sneakers.
- Drivetrain Stress: This is the big one. The extra leverage and weight put immense strain on your axles, differentials, and ball joints. A stock axle that’s fine with 26-inch tires might snap under the load of aggressive 30-inch mud tires.
- Clutch Wear: Your CVT clutch is calibrated for stock tires. A larger size makes the clutch work much harder, leading to belt slippage, glazing, and premature failure. A clutch kit is often mandatory for significant size increases.
- Rubbing: The most immediate problem is clearance. Larger tires can rub against your fender plastics, floorboards, or suspension components, especially when turning or compressing the suspension.
Your Complete Can-Am Outlander Tire Size Guide
So, what actually fits? This is the core of our can am outlander tire size guide. The answer depends on your Outlander’s generation (like the G2 platform) and your willingness to modify it. Let’s break down the typical upgrade paths.
Level 1: The “No-Lift” Sweet Spot (Stock Suspension)
For most modern Can-Am Outlanders (G2 frame, 2012+), you can typically upgrade one or two inches in tire height without major modifications. This is the safest and most cost-effective upgrade.
If your machine came with 26-inch tires, you can usually install 27-inch or even 28-inch tires with minimal to no rubbing. This provides a noticeable boost in ground clearance and performance without immediately demanding a new clutch or axles. However, always check for rubbing at full suspension compression and full steering lock before hitting the trail hard.
Level 2: The Lifted Life (2-3″ Lifts and 29-30″ Tires)
Want to run 29s, 30s, or even 32s? Now you’re entering modification territory. To fit tires this large, you’ll need to create more physical space. This is how to get a bigger can am outlander tire size the right way.
Your shopping list will likely include:
- Bracket Lift Kit: A simple 2-3 inch bracket lift repositions your shock mounts to raise the machine’s ride height. This is the most common first step.
- Forward A-Arms: For larger tires (especially 30″+), you may need high-clearance forward A-arms. These push the front wheels forward an inch or two, preventing rubbing behind the tire.
- Clutch Kit: At this size, a clutch kit is no longer optional—it’s essential. A kit with new springs and weights will recalibrate your CVT to handle the extra load, restoring lost power and saving your belt.
Level 3: The Big Dogs (Portal Lifts and 33″+ Tires)
If you’re aiming for a true mud monster with 33-inch or larger tires, you’re looking at a serious build. The best solution here is a portal gear lift. Portals are gearboxes that mount at the wheel hub, providing a 4-6 inch lift and a built-in gear reduction right where you need it.
This is the most robust way to run massive tires because the gear reduction takes a huge amount of stress off your axles and differentials. It’s a significant investment, but it’s the right way to build a big, reliable machine.
Choosing the Right Tread for Your Terrain
Tire size is just one piece of the puzzle. The tread pattern determines where your ATV will excel. Don’t just buy a mud tire because it looks cool if you spend 90% of your time on hard-packed trails.
All-Terrain Tires
These are the jack-of-all-trades. With a moderate tread depth and versatile pattern, they perform well on trails, dirt, and occasional light mud. This is the best choice for the rider who does a little bit of everything.
Mud Tires
Characterized by deep, widely spaced, and aggressive lugs. These tires are designed to paddle through the thickest mud and clean themselves out to keep digging. They are often heavy and can provide a rough ride on hard surfaces.
Rock/Hard-Pack Tires
These tires feature a tighter tread pattern and are often made from a tougher, more durable rubber compound. They’re built to resist punctures and provide excellent grip on rocks, slick surfaces, and fast-paced desert trails.
Best Practices for Installation and Maintenance
Once you’ve picked your new tires, following proper procedures is key to safety and performance. This is your go-to section for can am outlander tire size best practices and care.
Tools You’ll Need
- A sturdy jack (floor jack or scissor jack) and jack stands
- A lug wrench or socket set with a breaker bar
- A torque wrench (critically important for safety)
- A quality tire pressure gauge
The Installation Checklist
- Park on a flat, level surface and set the parking brake.
- Loosen the lug nuts on one wheel slightly before lifting the ATV.
- Safely lift the corner of the ATV until the tire is off the ground and secure it with a jack stand. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
- Remove the lug nuts and the old wheel.
- Mount the new wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
- Lower the ATV until the tire just touches the ground, then use your torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specification in a star pattern. This ensures the wheel is seated evenly.
- Lower the ATV completely and repeat for the other wheels.
Your Can-Am Outlander Tire Size Care Guide
Proper care ensures your investment lasts. Check your tire pressure before every ride; the correct PSI is usually printed on the tire’s sidewall. Under-inflation causes poor handling and can damage the tire, while over-inflation reduces traction and creates a harsh ride. Inspect your tires for cuts, punctures, or embedded objects after every ride.
A Note on Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Tire Choices
Being a responsible off-roader extends to our gear choices. When thinking about a sustainable can am outlander tire size, consider durability. A high-quality, puncture-resistant tire might cost more upfront but will last much longer, reducing waste and your environmental footprint.
Look for brands that invest in more efficient manufacturing processes. And when your old tires are finally done, don’t just dump them. Most tire shops have recycling programs. An eco-friendly can am outlander tire size approach is about making smart, long-lasting choices and disposing of old products responsibly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Can-Am Outlander Tire Size
What is the biggest tire I can put on a stock Can-Am Outlander?
For most modern G2 platform Outlanders (650, 850, 1000), a 28-inch tire is often the maximum size you can fit on the stock suspension without significant rubbing. However, this can vary based on the specific tire model, as some “28-inch” tires run taller than others. Always measure and check clearances.
Do I need a clutch kit if I get bigger tires?
If you’re going more than one inch over your stock tire height, a clutch kit is highly recommended. For two inches or more, it’s practically mandatory. It recalibrates your transmission’s engagement to compensate for the larger diameter, preventing severe belt slippage and restoring lost low-end power.
Will bigger tires make my speedometer inaccurate?
Yes. A taller tire covers more ground with each rotation than a shorter one. This will cause your speedometer to read lower than your actual speed. For example, when your speedo says 50 MPH, you might actually be going 55 MPH. You can use a GPS to verify your true speed.
Choosing the right can am outlander tire size is a foundational step in customizing your machine for the trails you love. It’s about finding that perfect balance between aggressive looks, real-world capability, and long-term reliability.
By understanding the numbers, respecting your machine’s limits, and installing the right supporting mods when necessary, you can build an Outlander that’s ready for anything you throw at it.
Now you’ve got the expert knowledge. Go measure, plan your build, and get ready to conquer the trail. Ride safe, and have fun out there!
- Can-Am Outlander Years To Avoid – A Mechanic’S Guide To Buying Smart - November 30, 2025
- Polaris Sportsman 570 Vs Can Am Outlander 700 – The Ultimate Off-Road - November 30, 2025
- Can Am Outlander Fuel Pump Problems – Your Complete DIY Diagnostic & - November 30, 2025