Ever found yourself white-knuckling it on an off-camber trail, feeling like your Can-Am Outlander is a little too tippy for comfort? Or maybe you’ve admired a buddy’s rig with that aggressive, planted stance and wondered how to get it. You agree that finding the perfect balance between nimble handling and rock-solid stability is key to conquering the terrain you love.
You’re in the right place. We promise this guide will demystify everything you need to know about your can am outlander width. We’re not just throwing specs at you; we’re giving you the FatBoysOffroad breakdown from one enthusiast to another.
We’ll walk you through understanding stock dimensions, the real-world benefits of going wider, the exact methods to do it safely, and the common problems to watch out for. Get ready to dial in your ride for maximum confidence and control.
Understanding Your Stock Can-Am Outlander Width
Before you even think about ordering parts, you need a baseline. The factory width of your Outlander is a carefully engineered compromise between stability for open spaces and agility for tight, wooded trails. Knowing your starting point is the first step in any modification journey.
Width isn’t just a number; it directly impacts your machine’s center of gravity. A wider stance lowers this center, making the ATV significantly more resistant to rolling over on uneven ground. It’s the foundation of a confident ride.
Stock Widths Across Key Outlander Models
Can-Am offers a variety of Outlander models, and their widths can differ slightly. Here’s a quick reference for some of the most popular platforms. Keep in mind, these are approximate and can vary by specific package and tire choice.
- Outlander 450 / 570 (G2L Frame): Typically around 46 inches. These are the nimble trail warriors.
- Outlander 650 / 850 / 1000R (G2 Frame): Generally measure about 48 inches. This is the most common platform, offering a great all-around balance.
- Outlander X MR Models: These mud-focused machines can be wider, often starting at 48 inches and going up, depending on the specific model and massive tires.
- Outlander MAX (2-Up) Models: These share the 48-inch width of their single-rider counterparts but feel more stable due to the longer wheelbase.
How to Accurately Measure Your ATV’s Width
Don’t just trust the spec sheet. Your tire choice, pressure, and even wheel wear can affect the real-world number. Here’s how to get an accurate measurement:
- Park your Outlander on a flat, level surface like a garage floor.
- Ensure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure for an even reading.
- Use two straight edges (like large framing squares) and place one against the outermost sidewall bulge of each front tire.
- Measure the distance between the two straight edges with a tape measure. This is your true track width.
- Repeat the process for the rear tires.
The Big Debate: Benefits of Increasing Your Can-Am Outlander Width
So, why go wider? The answer is simple: control and confidence. While a stock Outlander is incredibly capable, pushing the wheels out can transform how it feels on the trail. This section explores the tangible benefits of can am outlander width modifications.
Unshakeable Stability on Off-Camber Trails
This is the number one reason riders choose to go wider. By increasing the track width, you lower the machine’s effective center of gravity. That tippy feeling you get when one side of the ATV is higher than the other is drastically reduced. You’ll feel more planted and secure, allowing you to tackle tougher lines with less anxiety.
Enhanced Cornering Performance at Speed
Love hitting those sweeping fire roads? A wider stance acts like a performance suspension upgrade for cornering. It reduces body roll, allowing the tires to maintain better contact with the ground. This translates to more grip, less understeer (plowing), and the ability to hold your line with more precision and speed.
A More Aggressive Stance
Let’s be honest—it just looks cool. Pushing the wheels out to be flush with (or slightly past) the fenders gives your Outlander a mean, purposeful look. It signals that your machine is built for serious business and isn’t just a stock rig.
How to Increase Your Can-Am Outlander Width: A Practical Guide
Ready to add some width? You have a few solid options, each with its own set of pros, cons, and costs. This can am outlander width guide will break down the most common methods so you can make an informed choice for your budget and riding style.
Method 1: Wheel Spacers
Wheel spacers are the most common and cost-effective way to get a wider stance. These are precision-machined pucks of aluminum that bolt to your existing wheel hub, effectively pushing your entire wheel and tire assembly outward.
- Pros: Affordable, easy to install, and available in various widths (typically 1 inch to 2 inches per side).
- Cons: Adds a potential failure point and increases stress (leverage) on wheel bearings and ball joints.
- Pro Tip: Only use high-quality, hub-centric spacers. These have a lip that centers the spacer on the hub, reducing vibration and stress. Always use a torque wrench and red thread locker (like Loctite 271) on the nuts holding the spacer to the hub.
Method 2: Offset Wheels
Aftermarket wheels are designed with different “offsets,” which is the distance from the wheel’s mounting surface to its centerline. A wheel with a negative offset will push the tire further out from the hub, increasing your overall width.
- Pros: A stronger, one-piece solution with no extra hardware to fail. Allows you to upgrade your wheel style at the same time.
- Cons: More expensive than spacers. You’re buying a full set of four wheels.
- Pro Tip: Look for wheels with an offset like 4+3 or 5+2. The first number is the inside measurement (backspacing) and the second is the outside. A stock wheel is often 5+2 or 6+1. A 4+3 wheel will add about an inch of width per side over a 5+2 wheel.
Method 3: Long Travel Suspension Kits
This is the premium, no-compromise solution. A long-travel kit replaces your stock A-arms with wider, stronger ones. This not only increases your width but also dramatically improves suspension travel and performance over rough terrain.
- Pros: The best performance gain, superior strength, and massive increase in stability and suspension capability.
- Cons: Very expensive and requires significant installation work. This is for serious racers and rock crawlers.
Common Problems with Can-Am Outlander Width Modifications (And How to Avoid Them)
Pushing your wheels out isn’t without consequences. Understanding the potential downsides is crucial for making smart choices and keeping your machine reliable. This is where we address the common problems with can am outlander width.
Premature Wear on Bearings and Ball Joints
This is the most common issue. Spacers and offset wheels act like a longer lever, putting more force on your wheel bearings, ball joints, and tie rod ends. You can mitigate this by using quality parts and performing regular inspections, but expect to replace these wear items more frequently than you would on a stock machine.
Increased “Bump Steer” and Steering Effort
By changing the suspension geometry, you can introduce more bump steer—the tendency for the handlebars to jerk when you hit a bump with one tire. The steering may also feel heavier, especially at low speeds. A quality steering stabilizer can help calm this down.
Fender Clearance and Mud Spray
Your tires are now outside the protection of your factory fenders. This means you, and your machine, will get covered in a lot more mud and water. It can also lead to tires rubbing on the fenders during sharp turns or heavy suspension compression. The solution is a good set of aftermarket fender flares.
Trail Legality and Width Restrictions
This is a big one. Many trail systems, especially in national forests, have 50-inch width restrictions. If you widen your 48-inch Outlander with 1.5-inch spacers, your new width will be 51 inches, making you illegal on those trails. Always check the rules for where you ride before you modify.
Can-Am Outlander Width Best Practices for Longevity and Safety
Doing it right means doing it safely. Follow these can am outlander width best practices to ensure your wider stance is a reliable and positive upgrade for your ride.
Choosing Quality Components
This is not the place to save a few bucks. Cheap, cast aluminum wheel spacers can crack under stress. Reputable brands use forged, aircraft-grade T6 billet aluminum. For wheels, stick with trusted names in the off-road industry. Your safety depends on it.
Proper Installation is Non-Negotiable
Read the instructions. Use a torque wrench to tighten all lug nuts to the factory specification. Use thread locker where recommended. After your first ride (about 10-20 miles), get off and re-torque all the lug nuts—both on the spacer and on the wheel. They can settle and loosen slightly.
Adjusting Your Riding Style
Your machine will handle differently. It will feel more stable, but it may also be less willing to make super-tight turns. Get a feel for the new handling characteristics in a safe, open area before you hit challenging trails at speed. This is a key part of any good can am outlander width care guide.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Can-Am Outlander Width Considerations
Being a responsible off-roader means thinking about our impact. You might not connect width modifications with being green, but there are ways to approach this with a sustainable can am outlander width mindset.
Minimizing Trail Impact
A wider machine leaves a wider track. The most eco-friendly practice is to always stay on designated trails. Resist the urge to go around obstacles if it means widening the trail system. A wider stance gives you the stability to tackle the obstacle, not avoid it.
Choosing Durable Parts to Reduce Waste
This is a core principle of sustainability. Buying high-quality, durable spacers or wheels once means you aren’t throwing away broken, cheap parts later. This reduces manufacturing waste and consumption. Investing in quality is an eco-friendly can am outlander width choice.
Protecting Your Machine from Mud and Debris
A wider stance throws more corrosive mud and grit onto your suspension and chassis components. A commitment to thoroughly cleaning your ATV after every ride prevents rust and premature failure, extending the life of your entire machine and reducing the need for replacement parts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Can-Am Outlander Width
How much wider can I safely make my Outlander?
For most trail riders, adding 1 to 1.5 inches per side (for a total of 2 to 3 inches of increased width) is the sweet spot. This provides a noticeable stability gain without putting excessive stress on components or making the machine too wide for most trails.
Do wheel spacers cause wheel bearings to fail?
They don’t directly “cause” failure, but they accelerate wear. The added leverage means the bearing is under more stress than it was designed for. Using high-quality hub-centric spacers and performing regular maintenance will maximize bearing life, but you should expect to replace them sooner than with a stock setup.
Will a wider stance fit in my truck bed?
Maybe not. A standard full-size truck bed is about 50-51 inches wide between the wheel wells. If you widen your 48-inch Outlander to 51 inches, it will be an extremely tight squeeze or may not fit at all. Measure your truck bed before you buy parts!
What’s better for increasing width: spacers or offset wheels?
From a pure engineering and strength perspective, offset wheels are superior because they are a single, solid component. However, high-quality wheel spacers are extremely reliable when installed correctly and are a much more budget-friendly option. For the average rider, either is a great choice.
Dialing in your Can-Am Outlander’s width is one of the most effective mods you can make for improving stability and rider confidence. By understanding the trade-offs between a wider stance and increased component stress, you can make the right choice for your machine and your trails.
Always prioritize quality parts and meticulous installation. Your safety is paramount. Now you have the expert knowledge to transform your ride. Stay safe, torque those lugs, and we’ll see you on the trail!
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