Can Am Side By Side With Tracks – Your Ultimate Guide To All-Season

Picture this: a thick blanket of fresh, deep snow has just covered your favorite trails, and your Can-Am is stuck in the garage. Or maybe it’s the peak of mud season, and your expensive off-road tires are just spinning uselessly, digging you deeper into the muck. It’s a frustrating feeling we all know.

What if you could turn your machine into an all-season, all-terrain beast that laughs at snow, mud, and sand? That’s the incredible power you unlock when you outfit your can am side by side with tracks.

Imagine floating over deep powder, clawing through the thickest gumbo mud, and conquering any terrain, any time of year. This isn’t a fantasy. It’s a game-changing upgrade that transforms your UTV’s capability.

In this complete guide from FatBoysOffroad, we’re diving deep into everything you need to know. We’ll cover the benefits, how to choose the right system, installation steps, and the critical driving and maintenance tips that will keep you moving when everyone else is stuck at home.

Why Ditch the Tires? The Unbeatable Benefits of Can-Am Side by Side with Tracks

Swapping your wheels for a track system is one of the most significant modifications you can make. It’s more than just a cosmetic change; it fundamentally alters how your machine interacts with the ground. The core principle is simple: dramatically increase the contact patch, or “footprint,” of your vehicle.

Here are the key benefits of can am side by side with tracks that make them an incredible investment for serious riders.

Massive Flotation: This is the magic. A track’s long, wide footprint distributes your UTV’s weight over a much larger area than a tire. Instead of sinking into soft terrain like snow, mud, or sand, your machine floats on top.
Unmatched Traction: The deep, aggressive lugs on a track system bite into surfaces where tires would slip and spin. You get relentless forward momentum on ice, in deep snow, and through slick mud.
True Year-Round Riding: For many, this is the number one reason. Tracks eliminate the “off-season.” Deep snow, spring mud, and swampy summer trails are no longer obstacles but new opportunities for adventure.
Increased Ground Clearance: The physical geometry of a track system naturally lifts the frame and underbelly of your Can-Am, typically adding several inches of ground clearance to help you clear logs, rocks, and other obstacles.
A More Sustainable Ride: This might surprise you, but tracks can be an eco-friendly can am side by side with tracks choice. Because of the excellent flotation, the ground pressure (PSI) is significantly lower than with tires. This means less soil compaction and reduced damage to sensitive trails and terrain, which aligns with sustainable can am side by side with tracks best practices.

Choosing the Right Track System for Your Can-Am

Not all track systems are created equal, and the right choice depends on your specific machine and how you plan to use it. Making the right decision upfront will save you headaches and ensure you get the performance you paid for.

OEM vs. Aftermarket: Apache vs. The Competition

Can-Am offers its own line of track systems, the Apache series (like the Apache 360 and 360 LT). The biggest advantage here is seamless integration. They are designed by BRP for BRP machines, ensuring perfect fitment and compatibility with features like Can-Am’s Dynamic Power Steering (DPS), which gets a specific module to optimize steering effort with tracks.

Leading aftermarket brands like Camso (who actually manufactures the Apache systems for BRP), Mattracks, and Kimpex also offer excellent options. These might provide different tread patterns optimized for specific conditions (e.g., a mud-specific track vs. a snow-specific one) or come in at a different price point.

Key Factors to Consider Before You Buy

Before you pull the trigger, ask yourself these questions:

What’s Your Model? A track system for a Can-Am Defender used for work is different from one for a high-performance Maverick X3. Ensure the kit is designed for your specific model’s weight, power, and hub configuration.
What’s Your Primary Use? Will you be plowing through five feet of champagne powder? Grinding through thick, clay-based mud? Or do you need an all-purpose solution for farm work? Your primary terrain dictates the best tread design.
What’s Your Budget? Be prepared for a significant investment. A quality track system can cost anywhere from $5,000 to over $8,000. Don’t forget to factor in potential installation costs if you’re not doing it yourself.

How to Install Your Can Am Side by Side with Tracks: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re a confident DIYer, installing a track system is a manageable weekend project. For those wondering how to can am side by side with tracks get mounted, this guide provides the general steps. However, your track system’s instruction manual is your bible—always follow it precisely.

Tools & Prep Work

First, gather your gear. You’re going to need some heavy-duty tools.

A high-quality, heavy-duty floor jack
Four sturdy jack stands (never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack)
An impact wrench (will save you a ton of time and effort)
A calibrated torque wrench
A breaker bar for stubborn nuts
A friend—these track units are heavy and awkward

Prep your space by parking on a flat, level concrete surface. Lay out all your parts and read through the entire manual before you touch a single bolt.

The Installation Process

Lift and Secure: Chock the wheels you aren’t lifting first. Jack up one end of the UTV high enough to get the tires off the ground, and securely place your jack stands under strong frame points. Repeat for the other end.
Wheels Off: Use your impact wrench to remove the lug nuts and pull all four wheels and tires off. Now is a great time to inspect your brake pads and hub bearings.
Install Mounting Hardware: This is the most critical step. Each track system has specific brackets, anti-rotation arms, and hub adapters. Install them exactly as shown in the manual. This hardware prevents the track from rotating freely and ensures it stays aligned with your UTV.
Mount the Tracks: This is where a buddy or a floor jack comes in handy. Carefully position each track unit onto the hub studs. They are much heavier than a wheel and tire combo.
Secure the Lugs: Thread the lug nuts on by hand to avoid cross-threading. Snug them down with a wrench but don’t fully tighten them yet.
Torque to Spec: Lower the UTV just enough so the tracks are touching the ground but not bearing the full weight. Use your torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specified ft-lbs, using a star or crisscross pattern for even pressure.
Check Tension & Alignment: With the machine fully on the ground, perform the final checks. Your manual will detail how to measure and adjust track tension and alignment. Do not skip this! Incorrect tension can lead to derailment and premature wear.

Mastering the Ride: Can Am Side by Side with Tracks Tips and Best Practices

Driving a UTV on tracks is a whole new experience. The machine will feel, sound, and handle completely differently. Following these can am side by side with tracks tips will keep you safe and your machine healthy.

Driving Dynamics: It’s Not a Wheeled Machine Anymore

You need to adjust your driving style. Forget what you know about driving on tires.

Embrace Slower Speeds: Tracks create a significant gear reduction. Your top speed will likely be cut by 30-50%. These are not for high-speed trail runs; they are for unstoppable crawling.
Plan Your Turns: The turning radius will be much wider. You can’t whip the machine around sharp corners. Make wide, deliberate turns to avoid putting excessive stress on the components and to prevent “derailment” (throwing a track).
Power Steering is a Must: The increased friction and surface area make steering much harder. If your Can-Am has DPS, you’ll be thankful. If it doesn’t, prepare for a serious upper-body workout.
Climb, Don’t Slam: When approaching obstacles like logs or steep banks, use the tracks’ incredible grip. Crawl up and over them with steady throttle instead of trying to use momentum.

The Can Am Side by Side with Tracks Care Guide

Proper maintenance is key to protecting your investment. This is your essential can am side by side with tracks care guide.

Pre-Ride Check: Before every ride, walk around and visually inspect everything. Check track tension. Look for debris like rocks or sticks lodged in the bogey wheels. Check the mounting bolts.
Post-Ride Cleaning: Mud, sand, and ice are the enemies of your track system’s moving parts. Use a pressure washer (carefully) to clean out the bogey wheels, frame, and bearings after every ride. In freezing temps, ice buildup can cause severe vibrations and damage.
Annual Inspection: At least once a year, take a closer look. Check the bearings in the bogey wheels for play and grease any zerks if your system has them. Inspect the rubber tracks for cuts or tears.

Common Problems with Can Am Side by Side with Tracks (And How to Fix Them)

Even with the best care, you might run into issues on the trail. Knowing the common problems with can am side by side with tracks can help you prepare and get back moving quickly.

Problem: Track Derailment (“Throwing a Track”)

Cause: This is the most common issue. It’s usually caused by improper track tension (too loose), hitting a large obstacle at a sharp angle, or aggressive side-hilling.

Solution: First, stay calm. You’ll need a jack and the tools to loosen the bogey wheels to create slack, allowing you to re-align the track. Then, re-tension it properly in the field. This is why carrying a basic tool kit is non-negotiable.

Problem: Excessive Vibration

Cause: The number one cause is packed ice or mud inside the track system, throwing it out of balance. It can also be a sign of a failing bearing in one of the bogey wheels.

Solution: Stop and clean the system thoroughly. If the vibration persists on a clean system, carefully jack up that corner and spin the track by hand, feeling and listening for a rough or noisy bearing.

Problem: Engine Overheating

Cause: Tracks put a much higher, constant load on your engine, transmission, and belt. Furthermore, in deep snow or mud, your radiator can get completely clogged, blocking airflow.

Solution: Monitor your temperature gauge like a hawk. Keep your radiator clear of snow and mud. In deep conditions, you may need to stop periodically to let the machine cool and clear the radiator fins. Don’t push it harder than you need to.

Frequently Asked Questions About Can Am Side by Side with Tracks

How much speed will I lose with tracks?

You can generally expect a speed reduction of about one-third to one-half. If your top speed on tires is 60 mph, you might top out around 30-40 mph on tracks. They are built for torque and traction, not speed.

Are tracks street legal?

Almost universally, no. Track systems are designed for off-road use only. They can damage pavement and are not DOT-approved for public roads. Check your local regulations, but assume they are for the trail only.

Do tracks void my Can-Am warranty?

This is a grey area. Using BRP’s own Apache tracks is your safest bet. Using aftermarket tracks could give a dealer grounds to deny a warranty claim on a drivetrain component (like an axle or differential) if they can prove the tracks caused the failure. Always check with your dealer.

Can I use tracks on hard surfaces like pavement or gravel?

You should avoid it as much as possible. Prolonged use on hard, abrasive surfaces will rapidly wear down the rubber tracks and internal components. They are designed for soft terrain like snow, mud, sand, and dirt.

How much do track systems for a Can-Am cost?

Expect to invest between $5,000 and $8,500 for a new, high-quality system from a reputable brand like Apache or Camso. It’s a serious upgrade with a serious price tag, but the capability it unlocks is unmatched.

Equipping your can am side by side with tracks is the ultimate step toward creating a truly unstoppable, all-season machine. It’s a significant investment that requires a new approach to both driving and maintenance, but the reward is access to terrain and seasons that were previously off-limits.

By choosing the right system, installing it correctly, and following these best practices, you can conquer any trail, any time. So gear up, get those tracks mounted, and unlock a whole new world of off-road adventure. Ride smart, ride safe, and we’ll see you 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.