There’s nothing worse than seeing your capable Can-Am Traxter parked for the season, sidelined by deep snow and biting wind. That machine is built to work and play year-round, but without the right gear, winter can shut the party down fast.
Here at FatBoysOffroad, we believe your adventures shouldn’t stop when the temperature drops. We promise this guide will give you the expert knowledge to transform your UTV into an unstoppable, all-season beast.
Get ready to dive deep. We’ll cover everything you need to know about Can-Am Traxter tracks, cab heaters and winter kits. We’ll walk through choosing the right components, provide a step-by-step installation overview, and share pro tips to troubleshoot common problems and keep your rig running strong all winter long.
Why Winterize? The Unbeatable Benefits of Can-Am Traxter Tracks, Cab Heaters and Winter Kits
Upgrading your Traxter for winter isn’t just about comfort—it’s about unlocking its full potential. When you combine these three core components, you create a machine that’s safer, more capable, and infinitely more useful in harsh conditions. Here are the core benefits you can expect.
Unmatched Traction: Conquering Snow, Ice, and Mud with Tracks
Tires are great, but they have their limits. When you’re facing deep powder, slick ice, or sloppy mud, a track system is the ultimate upgrade. Think of it as giving your Traxter four personal snowmobiles for feet.
- Massive Footprint: Tracks distribute the vehicle’s weight over a much larger surface area. This “flotation” prevents you from sinking into deep snow or soft mud where tires would dig in and get stuck.
- Incredible Grip: The aggressive lugs on a track system bite into snow and ice, providing relentless traction for climbing, braking, and traversing sidehills.
- Go-Anywhere Capability: With tracks, obstacles like fallen logs, snowbanks, and frozen ruts become minor inconveniences instead of trip-enders.
All-Day Comfort: The Magic of a Toasty Cab Heater
Let’s be honest: no one enjoys being cold. A good cab heater is a game-changer, turning your Traxter from a frigid cockpit into a warm, comfortable command center. This isn’t just about luxury; it’s a critical safety feature.
Staying warm prevents fatigue, keeps your mind sharp, and allows you to focus on the trail ahead. It also makes defrosting your windshield possible, ensuring clear visibility. This is a must-have for anyone working or riding for more than a few minutes in the cold.
Total Protection: What a Full Winter Kit Includes
A “winter kit” is more than just tracks and a heater. It’s a complete system designed to seal you off from the elements. A proper setup creates a complete barrier against wind, snow, and rain.
Most full kits include a hard roof, a polycarbonate front windshield with a wiper/washer system, full hard doors with windows, and a rear panel. This full enclosure is what makes the cab heater truly effective, trapping warmth inside and keeping the weather outside.
Choosing Your Gear: A Buyer’s Guide to Tracks and Heaters
Making the right choices upfront will save you headaches and money down the road. This section of our Can-Am Traxter tracks, cab heaters and winter kits guide breaks down the key decisions you’ll need to make.
Track Systems Explained: Apache vs. Aftermarket
Your biggest decision will be the track system. Can-Am’s own Apache tracks are a popular choice, but several excellent aftermarket brands exist, like Camso (who actually manufactures the Apache system for BRP).
- Can-Am Apache 360 LT: These are the OEM option. They are engineered specifically for your Traxter, ensuring perfect fitment and integration with the vehicle’s DPS (Dynamic Power Steering) modes. They feature an angled front track for better steering and obstacle clearance.
- Aftermarket (Camso, etc.): Brands like Camso offer track systems that are often very similar to the OEM models but may have different features or price points. The key is to ensure you buy a model-specific mounting kit for your Traxter to guarantee proper alignment and performance.
Pro Tip: Regardless of brand, look for a system with an effective anti-rotation arm and a good tensioning system. Proper track tension is critical for performance and longevity.
Selecting the Right Cab Heater: Coolant vs. Electric
You have two main paths for heating your cab. For a Traxter, one is clearly superior.
Coolant Heaters: These are the best option. They function like a car’s heater by tapping into your engine’s cooling system. A small heater core and fan are installed under the dash, providing powerful and consistent heat as long as the engine is warm. They draw minimal electricity.
Electric Heaters: These are simpler 12V plug-in units. We do not recommend them for fully enclosing a Traxter cab. They simply don’t produce enough BTUs to combat the cold and put a massive strain on your vehicle’s charging system. They are only suitable for very small spaces or mild conditions.
Don’t Forget the Essentials: Wiper Kits, Seals, and More
A full winter kit is a system of parts that work together. Don’t skimp on the details.
- Wiper/Washer Kit: This is non-negotiable. Snow, slush, and mud will blind you in seconds without a way to clear your windshield.
- Cab Seal Kit: To maximize heat retention, you need to seal every gap. A good seal kit will close up the spaces around the doors, floor, and firewall.
- Additional Lighting: Winter days are short. Consider adding an LED light bar or pod lights to illuminate the trail and your work area.
How to Install Can-Am Traxter Tracks, Cab Heaters and Winter Kits: A Step-by-Step Overview
Alright, let’s get our hands dirty. This isn’t a bolt-by-bolt manual, but it will give you a clear roadmap of the process. Always, always follow the specific instructions that come with your parts. If you feel overwhelmed, there is no shame in calling a professional mechanic.
Safety First: Pre-Installation Checklist
Before you turn a single wrench, get prepared. Safety is your top priority.
- Work Area: You need a flat, level, and well-lit space. A garage is ideal.
- Tools: Gather everything you need beforehand. This includes a good socket set, wrenches, a torque wrench, floor jack, and sturdy jack stands.
- Vehicle Prep: Park the Traxter, set the parking brake, and disconnect the negative battery terminal. Give the machine a thorough wash, especially the undercarriage and wheel wells.
- Read the Manuals: Read the installation instructions for every component from start to finish before you begin.
The Main Event: Installing Your Can-Am Traxter Tracks
This is the biggest part of the job but is surprisingly straightforward. The process is similar for most track systems.
- Lift and Support: Use a floor jack to lift one corner of the Traxter at a time and secure it on a jack stand. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Remove all four wheels.
- Install Mounting Hardware: Attach the model-specific mounting brackets and anti-rotation arms to your suspension components as directed by the manual. This is the most critical step for proper alignment.
- Mount the Tracks: Carefully lift each track unit onto the wheel studs. They are heavy, so get a helper! Hand-tighten the lug nuts.
- Lower and Torque: Lower the machine off the jack stands. Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specification in a star pattern.
- Set Track Tension: Follow the specific procedure for your tracks to set the correct tension. This is crucial for performance and preventing damage.
Plumbing for Warmth: Installing a Coolant-Based Cab Heater
This job involves tapping into your cooling system. Be prepared to drain and refill some coolant.
- Mount the Heater Unit: Find the designated mounting location under the dashboard and securely fasten the heater unit.
- Run the Hoses: Carefully route the two coolant hoses from the heater unit through the firewall and into the engine bay. Avoid sharp edges and hot exhaust components.
- Tap the Coolant Lines: Locate the specified coolant lines on your engine. Using the provided Y-fittings or splicers, cut the lines and connect the heater hoses. Ensure all clamps are tight.
- Wire It Up: Connect the heater’s fan wiring to a designated power source, usually via a switch on the dashboard. Follow the wiring diagram precisely.
- Refill and Bleed: Top off the coolant system. Start the engine and let it warm up with the heater on full blast to bleed any air out of the system. Check for leaks!
Common Problems with Can-Am Traxter Tracks, Cab Heaters and Winter Kits (And How to Fix Them)
Even with a perfect installation, you might run into a few issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions, providing you with helpful Can-Am Traxter tracks, cab heaters and winter kits tips.
Tracks Throwing Ice or Debris
Some ice buildup and discharge is normal, especially in wet, packing snow. However, if it’s excessive, check your track tension. A loose track can accumulate more snow. Also, ensure your anti-rotation system is correctly set to maintain the track’s angle of attack.
Heater Not Blowing Hot Enough
This is almost always caused by air trapped in the coolant lines. You need to properly “burp” or bleed the system. Park the Traxter on a steep incline (nose up) and run the engine with the radiator cap off until all the bubbles stop. You can also try gently squeezing the main coolant hoses to help move air pockets along.
Cab Fogging Up Constantly
Fog is caused by moisture inside a warm cab hitting a cold windshield. The best solution is to crack a window slightly to allow for air circulation. Directing one of your heater vents toward the windshield will also act as a defroster and help clear the glass.
Best Practices: Your Can-Am Traxter Tracks, Cab Heaters and Winter Kits Care Guide
Proper care will ensure your investment lasts for many winters. Following these best practices will extend the life of your gear and ensure reliable performance.
Pre-Ride and Post-Ride Inspections
Before every ride, do a quick walk-around. Check track tension, look for any loose bolts on the mounting hardware, and inspect the track frames and wheels for damage. After each ride, clear out any packed snow or mud from the track system to prevent it from freezing solid.
Cleaning and Maintenance for Longevity
At the end of the season, give your tracks a thorough cleaning. Store them in a dry place, out of direct sunlight. For your heater, ensure the coolant is in good condition. For the cab enclosure, use only microfiber towels and plastic-safe cleaners on polycarbonate windshields to avoid scratches.
Sustainable Can-Am Traxter Tracks, Cab Heaters and Winter Kits: Eco-Friendly Tips
Being a responsible rider means minimizing your impact. When working on your machine, always use a drain pan to catch any spilled coolant. Dispose of used fluids at a proper recycling facility. By keeping your engine well-maintained for efficient heating, you also ensure it’s running as cleanly as possible, making for a more eco-friendly Can-Am Traxter tracks, cab heaters and winter kits experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Can-Am Traxter Winter Upgrades
How much speed will I lose with tracks?
You can expect a gear reduction effect, which means a lower top speed but more low-end torque. Typically, you’ll see a reduction of about 30-40%. So, if your top speed was 60 mph on tires, it might be around 35-40 mph on tracks. But the trade-off is incredible crawling power.
Will a coolant cab heater drain my battery?
No, not significantly. The heat itself comes from the engine’s waste heat via the coolant. The only electrical draw is from the small fan motor, which uses very little power—far less than a winch or a large light bar. Your Traxter’s stator is more than capable of handling it.
Can I install all of this myself?
Absolutely. If you are a confident DIYer with a good set of tools and the ability to follow instructions carefully, this is a very achievable project. The track installation is mostly heavy lifting and wrenching. The heater requires some basic plumbing and wiring skills. Just take your time and be methodical.
Equipping your Can-Am Traxter for winter is one of the most rewarding upgrades you can make. You’re not just adding parts; you’re adding months to your riding season and unlocking a whole new level of capability.
Take it one step at a time, prioritize safety, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. The feeling of cruising through deep snow in a warm, comfortable cab is something every Traxter owner should experience. Now get out there, stay safe, and stay comfortable!
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