Can Am Side By Side 50 Inch – Your Ultimate Guide To Trail Access

Ever pull up to a trailhead, heart pounding with excitement, only to see that dreaded sign: “Maximum Width 50 Inches”? For owners of wider UTVs, it’s a gut punch—a whole network of epic trails suddenly off-limits. It’s a common frustration that can put a serious damper on a weekend of adventure.

At FatBoysOffroad, we believe every trail should be an option. We promise this guide will be your definitive resource for understanding, maintaining, and maximizing the incredible potential of a can am side by side 50 inch model. We’re here to show you why narrow is the new wide when it comes to trail-riding freedom.

In this complete guide, we’ll break down why that 50-inch measurement is so critical, take a deep dive into Can-Am’s purpose-built Maverick Trail, cover the benefits, explore common problems (and their solutions), and provide a rock-solid care guide to keep your machine running strong. Let’s get you ready to conquer those tight trails.

Why 50 Inches? The Magic Number for Trail Access

That 50-inch width isn’t an arbitrary number. It’s the gatekeeper to a massive network of trails across the country, particularly in National Forests and on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. These trails were originally designed for ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles), which traditionally have a narrower stance.

When side by sides (SxS or UTVs) exploded in popularity, their wider, more stable footprints—often 64 inches or even 72 inches—locked them out of these classic, winding paths. This created a demand for a machine that offered the comfort and safety of a UTV with the trail access of an ATV.

Choosing a can am side by side 50 inch vehicle means you unlock thousands of miles of additional terrain. You can explore tighter, more technical forest trails, navigate through dense woods, and access scenic spots that wider machines simply can’t reach. It’s about maximizing your options and never having to turn back because of your rig’s dimensions.

Meet the Can-Am Maverick Trail: The 50-Inch Contender

When you’re talking about a 50-inch Can-Am, you’re primarily talking about one model line: the Maverick Trail. This isn’t just a wider machine that’s been squeezed down; Can-Am engineered it from the ground up to excel in narrow-track environments.

Key Features and Models

The Maverick Trail is built on a strong, lightweight chassis and features Can-Am’s signature Ergo-Lok cockpit, which is designed to make you feel connected to the machine, even in a narrower space. It’s more than just a seat and a steering wheel; everything is placed for optimal driver control and passenger comfort.

Maverick Trail 700: This base model is powered by a reliable 52-horsepower Rotax 700 ACE engine. It’s a fantastic entry point, offering plenty of pep for most trail situations without being overwhelming for newer riders.
Maverick Trail 1000: Stepping up to the 1000 gets you a potent 75-horsepower Rotax 1000 V-Twin engine. This model is for the rider who wants more punch coming out of corners and the torque to tackle steep, technical climbs with ease.
Dynamic Power Steering (DPS): Most Maverick Trail packages include Can-Am’s excellent DPS system. It provides variable power assist, making steering effortless at low speeds (like rock crawling) while remaining firm and stable at higher speeds.
Suspension: The front and rear suspension offer 10 and 10.5 inches of travel, respectively. While not a desert-whoop-eating monster, it’s more than enough to soak up rocks, roots, and ruts on the trails it was designed for.

The Benefits of a Can-Am Side by Side 50 Inch Machine

Opting for a narrower UTV comes with a host of advantages that go beyond just trail access. This section is all about the benefits of can am side by side 50 inch models that you’ll appreciate on and off the trail.

Unmatched Agility: A narrower track width allows the Maverick Trail to feel incredibly nimble. You can weave through trees and navigate tight switchbacks with a level of precision that wider machines can only dream of.
Easier Transport and Storage: A 50-inch UTV fits easily in the bed of most full-size pickup trucks, potentially saving you the cost and hassle of a trailer. It also takes up significantly less space in your garage or shed.
Less Trail Impact: A lighter, narrower machine generally has a smaller footprint on the environment. This is a key part of our eco-friendly can am side by side 50 inch philosophy—riding responsibly and leaving the trail in great shape for the next person.
Enhanced Rider Connection: In the Maverick Trail, you’re not just a passenger; you’re an active part of the ride. The narrower cockpit and responsive handling make you feel more connected to the terrain you’re conquering.

Common Problems with Can-Am Side by Side 50 Inch Models (And How to Fix Them)

No machine is perfect, and being a prepared owner means knowing what to look out for. Here are some common problems with can am side by side 50 inch Maverick Trails and the pro tips to address them.

CVT Belt and Clutch Wear

The Problem: The CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) belt can wear prematurely, especially with aggressive riding or if you frequently crawl in high gear. You might notice a burning smell, slipping, or loss of power.

The Fix: Always use low gear for slow, technical crawling or for pulling heavy loads. This keeps the clutch cooler and puts less strain on the belt. Check your belt for glazing or cracks during regular maintenance. Keep a spare belt (like a G-Boost or OEM BRP belt) and the necessary tools (clutch spreader bolt, basic sockets) in your trail kit.

Suspension Bushing Wear

The Problem: The constant twisting and turning on tight trails puts a lot of stress on A-arm and shock bushings. Worn bushings can lead to sloppy steering, clunking noises, and uneven tire wear.

The Fix: Be proactive. Regularly grease all zerk fittings on your suspension components using a quality waterproof grease. When they do wear out, consider upgrading to tougher aftermarket bushings from brands like SuperATV or All Balls Racing for longer life.

Overheating in Slow Conditions

The Problem: During long, slow-speed climbs on hot days, the radiator might struggle to get enough airflow, causing the engine temperature to creep up.

The Fix: Keep your radiator clean! After every muddy or dusty ride, wash the radiator fins thoroughly. A clogged radiator can’t dissipate heat effectively. If you consistently ride in hot climates, consider adding a fan override switch, which lets you manually turn on the cooling fan before the engine gets too hot.

Your Can-Am Side by Side 50 Inch Care Guide: Best Practices for Longevity

Following a solid maintenance schedule is the key to reliability on the trail. This can am side by side 50 inch care guide covers the essential checks you should be performing regularly. These are the can am side by side 50 inch best practices that separate a well-loved machine from a neglected one.

Pre-Ride Checklist (The “T-CLOCS” Method)

Before every single ride, take five minutes to do a quick walkaround. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s “T-CLOCS” acronym is a great tool:

T – Tires & Wheels: Check air pressure and look for damage. Ensure lug nuts are tight.
C – Controls: Test your throttle, brakes, and steering. Make sure they operate smoothly.
L – Lights & Electrics: Test your headlights, brake lights, and kill switch.
O – Oil & Fluids: Check engine oil and coolant levels. Look for any visible leaks underneath the machine.
C – Chassis & Suspension: Look for loose bolts, and give the suspension a quick visual inspection.
S – Stands (or in this case, a final check): Make sure your gear is secure and you’re ready to ride.

Post-Ride Cleaning

Don’t let mud and dirt sit on your machine. Caked-on grime can hide potential issues, accelerate corrosion, and trap heat. Use a pressure washer carefully, avoiding direct spray on electrical connections, airbox intakes, and wheel bearings. A clean machine is an easy machine to inspect and work on.

Regular Service Intervals

Consult your owner’s manual for specific service intervals, but a good rule of thumb is to change your engine oil and filter every 50 hours or 6 months, whichever comes first. Don’t forget to check and clean your air filter frequently, especially in dusty conditions. A clogged air filter is a quick way to rob your engine of power.

Sustainable Can-Am Side by Side 50 Inch Tips

Part of being a good rider is being a good steward of the land. Practicing sustainable can am side by side 50 inch riding ensures our trails stay open and beautiful for generations to come. It’s all about riding smart and minimizing your impact.

Stay the Trail: The number one rule. Resist the urge to create new bypasses or cut switchbacks. Staying on designated routes prevents erosion and protects delicate ecosystems.
Tread Lightly: Avoid spinning your tires excessively, which tears up the trail surface. Use a smooth, steady throttle application to maintain traction.
Pack It In, Pack It Out: This is simple. Whatever you bring with you on the trail—food wrappers, drink bottles, broken parts—comes back home with you.
Proper Fluid Disposal: When performing your own maintenance, collect used oil, coolant, and other fluids in sealed containers. Take them to your local auto parts store or municipal recycling center for proper, eco-friendly can am side by side 50 inch disposal. Never dump them on the ground or down a drain.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Can-Am Side by Side 50 Inch

Can I make my wider Can-Am (like an X3) a 50-inch model?

Unfortunately, no. The frame, suspension arms, and axles on wider models like the Maverick X3 or Commander are fundamentally different. Attempting to convert one would be incredibly complex, expensive, and likely unsafe. It’s best to buy the machine designed for the job—the Maverick Trail.

What happens to the width if I add aftermarket wheels and tires?

This is a critical point! Many aftermarket wheels have a different offset than stock, which will push your tires outward and increase your overall width. Even stock wheels with wider, more aggressive tires can push you over the 50-inch limit. Always measure your total width after any wheel or tire change if trail access is important to you.

Is the Maverick Trail a good machine for a beginner?

Absolutely. The can am side by side 50 inch Maverick Trail, especially the 700 model, is an excellent choice for new riders. The predictable power, stable handling, and confidence-inspiring Dynamic Power Steering make it very approachable and easy to control on the trail.

How does the Maverick Trail compare to the Polaris RZR Trail?

This is the classic rivalry in the 50-inch class. The Maverick Trail is often praised for its comfortable Ergo-Lok cockpit and the smooth torque of its Rotax V-Twin engine. The RZR Trail is known for its nimble handling and peppy ProStar engine. The best way to decide is to sit in both and, if possible, get a test ride to see which one feels better to you.

Your can am side by side 50 inch is more than just a machine; it’s a key to unlocking a world of adventure that many riders miss out on. By understanding its strengths, knowing how to care for it, and riding responsibly, you can ensure countless weekends of exploration and fun.

This comprehensive can am side by side 50 inch guide should give you the confidence to choose, maintain, and enjoy your narrow-track rig. Now, check your fluids, air up your tires, and go find a trail that used to be off-limits. Stay safe and have a blast out there!

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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.