Can Am Renegade Tire Size – The Ultimate Guide To Upgrades & Fitment

You’re staring at your Can-Am Renegade, an absolute beast of a machine. But something feels… off. The stock tires just don’t match the aggressive spirit of the quad. You know a bigger, meaner set of tires would transform its look and performance, but the world of tire sizes, offsets, and modifications can feel like a maze. We’ve been there.

At FatBoysOffroad, we promise to be your expert guide through that maze. We’ll demystify the numbers, explain the trade-offs, and give you the confidence to choose the perfect can am renegade tire size for your machine and your riding style.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down how to read tire specs, reveal the biggest tires you can fit on a stock setup, explore the essential supporting mods like clutch kits and lifts, and walk through the common problems you might face—and how to solve them. Let’s get your Renegade ready to dominate the trail.

Decoding the Numbers: How to Read Your Can-Am Renegade Tire Size

Before you can upgrade, you need to speak the language. The numbers on the side of your ATV tire aren’t random; they tell you everything you need to know. Let’s use a common example, like 25×8-12.

25 (Tire Height/Diameter): This is the first and most important number. It represents the overall height of the tire in inches when it’s inflated but not mounted on the vehicle. This is the number that changes most when you’re “going bigger.”
8 (Tire Width): The second number tells you the tire’s width in inches at its widest point. A wider tire can offer more stability and a larger contact patch for traction, but it can also be heavier and more prone to rubbing.
12 (Wheel/Rim Diameter): The final number is the diameter of the wheel (or rim) that the tire is designed to fit, measured in inches. This number must match your wheel size. You can’t put a 12-inch tire on a 14-inch wheel.

Understanding this simple format is the first step in our can am renegade tire size guide. It empowers you to compare different options accurately and know exactly what you’re looking at when shopping for new rubber.

Stock Can-Am Renegade Tire Size: Your Factory Baseline

Can-Am outfits the Renegade with different tire sizes depending on the model and year. Knowing your starting point is crucial for planning any upgrade. While it can vary slightly, here are some of the most common factory sizes you’ll find:

Renegade 570 / 650 / 850:** Often equipped with 25-inch ITP Holeshot ATR tires. The typical setup is 25×8-12 on the front and 25×10-12 on the rear.
Renegade 1000R (including X xc and X mr models): These higher-performance models frequently come with larger, more aggressive tires from the factory. You’ll often see 26-inch or even 30-inch (on the X mr mud model) tires on 12-inch or 14-inch wheels. For example, the X xc might have 26-inch ITP Terracross tires.

Pro Tip: Don’t just guess! Always walk out to your machine and read the numbers directly off your current tire’s sidewall. This is the most reliable way to confirm your baseline before spending any money.

The Big Question: What’s the Largest Tire on a Stock Renegade?

This is the million-dollar question every Renegade owner asks. You want the most aggressive look and the best ground clearance without having to immediately invest in a lift kit, new axles, or a clutch kit. Here are some solid can am renegade tire size tips based on our experience.

For Most Renegade Models (G2 Chassis):

The generally accepted “safe maximum” tire size for a stock Can-Am Renegade without any modifications is 28 inches. A 28×10-12 or 28×10-14 (depending on your wheel size) will typically fit on all four corners without significant rubbing during normal trail riding.

However, “fit” can be subjective. Under full suspension compression—like landing a jump or hitting a G-out at high speed—you might experience some minor rubbing on the inner fender plastics. For 95% of riders, this isn’t a deal-breaker.

Things That Affect Fitment:

Tire Model: Not all 28-inch tires are created equal. An aggressively lugged mud tire might have a larger actual diameter and wider shoulders than an all-terrain tire with the same “28-inch” label.
Air Pressure: The pressure you run will slightly alter the tire’s height and profile.
Rider Weight & Sag: A heavier rider or worn-out springs can cause the suspension to sag, reducing clearance.

Going up to 29 inches or larger on a stock machine is where you enter risky territory. This is where you’ll almost certainly encounter common problems with can am renegade tire size, such as significant rubbing on the floorboards and fender brackets, especially when turning.

Benefits and Drawbacks: The Real-World Impact of a Larger Tire Size

Mounting bigger tires is about more than just looks. It fundamentally changes how your Renegade performs, for better and for worse. Understanding these trade-offs is key to making the right choice.

The Benefits of Going Bigger

Increased Ground Clearance: This is the number one advantage. A taller tire physically lifts your differentials and frame higher off the ground, allowing you to crawl over rocks, logs, and ruts that would have previously hung you up.
Improved Traction: A larger tire generally has a larger contact patch—more rubber touching the ground. This translates to better grip in mud, sand, and loose dirt.
Smoother Ride: A taller sidewall acts as an extra bit of suspension, absorbing small bumps and trail chatter for a more comfortable ride.
Aggressive Aesthetics: Let’s be honest, a Renegade with big, meaty tires just looks incredible. It gives the machine a powerful, purpose-built stance.

The Potential Drawbacks & Common Problems

Power Loss & Slower Acceleration: This is the biggest consequence. Larger, heavier tires increase the final drive ratio, making it harder for the engine to turn them. Your Renegade will feel less snappy off the line.
Increased Drivetrain Stress: The extra weight and leverage put more strain on everything from your clutch and belt to your axles and differentials. This can lead to premature wear or failure if not addressed.
Reduced Braking Performance: The increased rotational mass makes it harder to slow down. You’ll need to brake earlier and with more force.
Handling Changes: A higher center of gravity can make the machine feel a bit “tippier” in off-camber situations or during aggressive cornering.

Considering these benefits of can am renegade tire size changes against the drawbacks is crucial. For a casual trail rider, the power loss from 28s might be negligible. For a high-speed desert racer, it could be a significant problem.

Your Complete Can-Am Renegade Tire Size Guide for Upgrades

Ready to go beyond 28 inches? This is where the real fun begins. To properly run 29.5-inch, 30-inch, or even 32-inch tires, you need to support the upgrade with other modifications. This is how to can am renegade tire size upgrades correctly and reliably.

Step 1: The Lift Kit

To create the physical space for tires 29 inches and larger, you’ll need a suspension lift. A 2-3 inch bracket lift is a popular and cost-effective choice. It relocates the shock mounting points to raise the vehicle’s ride height, providing the necessary clearance to prevent major rubbing.

Step 2: The Clutch Kit (Non-Negotiable!)

If you take away only one thing from this guide, let it be this: if you install tires larger than 28 inches, you MUST install a clutch kit. A clutch kit modifies the engagement and shifting characteristics of your CVT transmission to compensate for the larger tires.

Without it, you’ll burn through belts, suffer from terrible low-end power, and put immense strain on your transmission. A good clutch kit from a reputable brand like Dalton or EPI will restore that snappy, responsive feel you lost.

Step 3: Consider Your Wheels & Offset

Stock wheels have a specific offset (how far the mounting surface is from the centerline of the wheel). Aftermarket wheels often have a different offset, which can push the tires further out. This can help with clearing suspension components but may increase rubbing on fenders when turning. A common aftermarket offset is 4+3, which adds a bit of width to the stance for stability.

Step 4: Axle Reinforcement

For those running 30-inch+ tires, especially aggressive mud tires, and riding hard, upgrading your axles is a smart investment. The combination of a lift kit (which increases CV joint angles) and heavy tires puts immense stress on the stock axles. Heavy-duty axles from brands like Gorilla or Rhino 2.0 are built to handle the abuse.

Best Practices for a Sustainable and Long-Lasting Setup

Choosing the right parts is only half the battle. Following some best practices will ensure your setup is reliable, safe, and lasts for many seasons of hard riding. This is your can am renegade tire size care guide.

Proper Installation and Torque

Always use a star pattern when tightening your lug nuts to ensure the wheel is seated evenly against the hub. Use a torque wrench to tighten them to the factory specification (check your owner’s manual). Over-tightening can damage the studs, while under-tightening is a major safety hazard.

Tire Pressure Management

Don’t just set your tire pressure and forget it. For technical rock crawling, you might air down to 4-5 PSI for maximum flex and grip. For high-speed trail riding, you might run 10-12 PSI for better stability and response. The right pressure extends tire life and maximizes performance.

Choosing Tires Wisely for an Eco-Friendly Ride

While “eco-friendly” and off-roading don’t always go hand-in-hand, making a sustainable can am renegade tire size choice is about durability and suitability. Choose a high-quality tire that matches your primary riding terrain. A mud tire will wear out extremely quickly on hardpack trails, creating unnecessary waste. Buying the right tire once is more sustainable than buying the wrong tire twice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Can-Am Renegade Tire Size

What is the biggest tire for a Can-Am Renegade 1000 without a lift?

For a Can-Am Renegade 1000 (and most G2 chassis models), the largest tire you can reliably fit without a lift is 28 inches. While some riders have squeezed 29-inch tires with minimal rubbing, 28s are the widely accepted maximum for a truly bolt-on-and-go experience with no modifications.

Do I need a clutch kit for 28-inch tires on my Renegade?

It’s highly recommended, but not strictly mandatory for everyone. If you do a lot of slow, technical riding, ride at high elevations, or frequently carry heavy loads or a passenger, a clutch kit will significantly improve performance and belt life even with 28s. If you’re a casual, lightweight rider on flat trails, you might be able to get by without one, but you will notice a slight loss in responsiveness.

Will bigger tires make my speedometer inaccurate?

Yes, absolutely. A taller tire covers more ground with each revolution 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 check the difference or invest in a speedometer calibrator if precision is important to you.

Choosing the right can am renegade tire size is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make. It transforms both the look and capability of your machine. By understanding the numbers, respecting the mechanical trade-offs, and planning for supporting mods, you can build a Renegade that’s perfectly tailored to your adventures.

Take your time, do your research, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice. Now get out there, get those new tires dirty, and ride safe!

Author
Recent Posts

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.