Can Am Renegade Width – Your Ultimate Guide To Stability & Trail

Ever pull up to a tight, wooded trail or try to squeeze your quad onto a trailer and feel that moment of doubt? You ask yourself, “Will it fit?” That single measurement—your can am renegade width—can be the difference between conquering a new path and having to turn back.

You’re not alone. Understanding your machine’s exact dimensions, and more importantly, how to safely modify them, is a game-changer for any serious rider. It affects everything from high-speed stability in open fields to maneuverability in gnarly rock gardens.

In this complete guide from FatBoysOffroad, we promise to cut through the confusion. We’ll break down the stock widths across different Renegade models, walk you through the pros and cons of going wider, and give you a step-by-step look at the best methods for adjusting your stance. Get ready to dial in your ride for peak performance.

Understanding Your Stock Can-Am Renegade Width

Before you can think about changing your Renegade’s stance, you need a baseline. Can-Am designs each model with a specific width that offers a balance of stability and agility right off the showroom floor. Knowing this number is the first step in any modification journey.

The factory width is measured from the outside of the tread on one front tire to the outside of the tread on the other. This measurement can vary slightly based on tire pressure and model year, but the factory specs are a solid starting point.

Stock Widths for Popular Renegade Models

Here’s a quick reference for some of the most common Can-Am Renegade models. Always double-check your owner’s manual for the exact spec for your year.

Can-Am Renegade 570 / 650: Typically around 48 inches (122 cm).
Can-Am Renegade 850: Also sits at about 48 inches (122 cm).
Can-Am Renegade 1000R (Base/X xc): The popular X xc model comes in at 48 inches (122 cm), making it a trail-legal weapon.
Can-Am Renegade X mr Models: These mud-focused beasts often come wider from the factory, sometimes closer to 50 inches (127 cm), to accommodate larger, more aggressive mud tires.

This 48-50 inch range is the sweet spot for many trail systems, especially those with 50-inch gate restrictions. It’s a crucial number to keep in mind before you start adding width.

Why Change Your Can-Am Renegade Width? The Pros and Cons

So, why would you want to mess with the factory setup? The answer depends entirely on your riding style and the terrain you tackle. Adjusting your can am renegade width isn’t just for looks; it fundamentally changes how your ATV handles. Here are the benefits of can am renegade width modifications and the potential trade-offs.

Benefits of a Wider Stance

Adding a few inches to your track width can transform your ride in several positive ways:

Enhanced Stability: This is the number one reason riders go wider. A wider base makes your Renegade far less “tippy” during aggressive cornering and on tricky, off-camber sections of trail.
Improved Traction: A wider stance can help distribute the machine’s weight more evenly across the tires, potentially improving the contact patch and grip in certain conditions.
Aggressive Aesthetics: Let’s be honest, a wider, more planted stance just looks mean. It gives the Renegade a more muscular and capable appearance.

Drawbacks of a Wider Stance

Before you bolt on those spacers, consider the downsides. This is a crucial part of our can am renegade width guide.

Trail Accessibility: The biggest issue. Many public trail systems have 50″ or 60″ width restrictions. A wider machine might literally gate you out of your favorite spots.
Increased Component Stress: Pushing the wheels further out acts like a longer lever, putting significantly more stress on your wheel bearings, ball joints, and tie rods. Expect these parts to wear out faster.
Maneuverability Issues: That extra width can make it tougher to squeeze between trees or navigate tight, technical rock sections.
Bump Steer: You might notice the handlebars jerking more when you hit bumps, a phenomenon known as bump steer, which can be amplified by a wider track.

How to Modify Your Can-Am Renegade Width: A Practical Guide

Ready to make a change? There are three primary ways to adjust your Renegade’s width, each with its own cost, complexity, and performance implications. Here’s a breakdown of how to can am renegade width can be adjusted, along with some essential can am renegade width tips.

Method 1: Wheel Spacers

Wheel spacers are thick, high-strength aluminum discs that bolt to your wheel hub, and your wheel then bolts to the spacer. They effectively push your existing wheels outward.

Pros: Most affordable and easiest method to install. You can typically add 1 to 2 inches of width per side.
Cons: Places the most leverage and stress on your wheel studs and bearings. Using cheap, low-quality cast spacers is a major safety risk.
Pro Tip: Only use high-quality, hub-centric billet aluminum spacers from a reputable brand. When installing, clean the hub surface thoroughly, use a drop of blue Loctite on the spacer’s studs, and torque everything to factory specifications using a torque wrench. Do not guess!

Method 2: Offset Wheels

Aftermarket wheels are sold with different “offsets.” A wheel with a more negative offset will push the mounting face further inward, causing the wheel and tire to sit further out from the hub.

Pros: A clean, integrated solution that avoids the extra set of nuts used with spacers. It can be a stronger setup.
Cons: More expensive, as you’re buying a full set of new wheels.
Pro Tip: Wheel offset is often listed as two numbers, like “5+2.” This means the inside half of the wheel is 5 inches wide and the outside half is 2 inches wide. A “4+3” wheel would have the same total width but would push the tire out one inch further than the “5+2.” Understanding this is key to getting the width you want.

Method 3: Aftermarket A-Arms (Long Travel Kits)

This is the most advanced and highest-performance option. It involves replacing your stock upper and lower control arms (A-arms) with wider, stronger aftermarket versions. This is common in long-travel suspension kits.

Pros: The “correct” way to add significant width. It not only widens the stance but also increases suspension travel and can dramatically improve handling and stability.
Cons: By far the most expensive and complex option. Installation is a big job that requires significant mechanical skill.
Pro Tip: This modification is best for serious racers or aggressive dune and desert riders. It’s overkill for the average trail rider and often requires longer axles and upgraded shocks to work correctly.

Common Problems with Can-Am Renegade Width Modifications

Modifying your ATV isn’t without risks. Being aware of the common problems with can am renegade width changes can help you avoid costly mistakes and stay safe on the trail. This is a core part of our can am renegade width care guide.

Premature Wear and Tear

As mentioned, pushing your wheels out increases leverage on suspension and hub components. You must be more diligent with maintenance. Regularly check for any play in your wheel bearings by grabbing the tire at the top and bottom and trying to rock it. Inspect your ball joints and tie rod ends for looseness or torn boots before every ride.

Steering and Handling Issues

A wider stance can cause your tires to rub against the fender plastics or floorboards at full steering lock or during suspension compression. This is especially true if you’re also running larger-than-stock tires. You may need to perform some trimming or install a lift kit to gain clearance.

Installation Mistakes to Avoid

The biggest problem is improper installation. Here are the golden rules:

Always Use a Torque Wrench: Over-tightening can stretch and weaken studs, while under-tightening can let them come loose. Look up the torque specs for your machine’s lug nuts and the spacer’s nuts.
Re-Check Your Torque: After your first ride (about 25 miles), re-torque your lug nuts and the nuts holding the spacer to the hub. They can settle in and loosen slightly.
Clean Mating Surfaces: Any rust, dirt, or debris between the hub, spacer, and wheel can prevent a flush fit and lead to dangerous vibrations or loosening.

Best Practices for a Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Approach

When we talk about a sustainable can am renegade width, we’re really talking about two things: the long-term health of your machine and your impact on the environment. Following can am renegade width best practices ensures both.

For machine longevity, “sustainable” means choosing high-quality parts that won’t fail prematurely and committing to the increased maintenance schedule your modified setup requires. Don’t cheap out on spacers or wheels; your safety depends on it.

For an eco-friendly can am renegade width approach, be mindful of your new, wider footprint. That extra width can easily cause you to clip vegetation on the edge of the trail or contribute to trail widening and erosion. Stay in the center of the path and always follow Tread Lightly! principles to preserve the trails for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions About Can Am Renegade Width

What is the stock width of a Can-Am Renegade 1000R X xc?

The Can-Am Renegade 1000R X xc typically comes from the factory with a width of 48 inches (122 cm). This makes it ideal for many trail systems with 50-inch restrictions.

Are wheel spacers safe for a Can-Am Renegade?

Yes, wheel spacers are safe if you buy high-quality, hub-centric spacers made from billet aluminum and install them correctly. This means using a torque wrench, applying thread locker, and re-checking the torque after the first ride. Avoid cheap, cast “no-name” spacers at all costs.

How much wider can I make my Renegade?

For most trail riders, adding 1.5 inches per side (for a total of 3 inches) with spacers or offset wheels is a common and effective modification. Going wider than that can lead to significant component stress and may make your ATV too wide for local trails. Always measure your trailer and local trail gates before deciding.

Will changing my Renegade’s width void my warranty?

It’s very likely. Most modifications to the suspension and drivetrain, including adding wheel spacers or offset wheels, can give a manufacturer grounds to deny a warranty claim on related parts (like wheel bearings or axles). It’s always best to check with your local dealer to understand their specific policies.

Understanding your can am renegade width is about more than just a number—it’s about tuning your machine to perfectly match your terrain and riding style. Whether you stick with the stock setup for tight woods, or go wider for ultimate stability, knowledge is power.

By choosing the right method, investing in quality parts, and following proper installation procedures, you can safely dial in your Renegade’s stance. Remember to torque everything to spec, perform regular inspections, and be mindful of your new footprint on the trail.

Now get out there, ride smart, and stay safe. We’ll see you on the dirt!

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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.