Ever pull up to a trailhead, stare down a narrow, tree-lined path, and feel that familiar knot in your stomach? You start asking yourself, “Will my rig actually fit through there?” Or maybe you’re trying to load up your quad and wondering if it’ll squeeze into your truck bed or trailer without scraping the sides.
If you own a Can-Am Renegade 800, you know it’s a beast of a machine, but its size can be a critical factor for trail access and hauling. You’ve probably asked, “Exactly how wide is a Can-Am Renegade 800?” and found that the answer isn’t always as simple as a number in a manual, especially after a few mods.
We promise this guide will clear up all the confusion. We’re going to break down the Renegade 800’s stock width, explore how aftermarket parts like wheels and tires drastically change that number, and give you the practical knowledge you need to measure your own machine. You’ll learn how to make smart choices that balance stability with trail accessibility, ensuring your quad is set up perfectly for wherever you ride.
The Factory Specs: A Baseline for Your Renegade 800’s Width
Let’s start with the basics, right from the source. When a Can-Am Renegade 800 rolls off the showroom floor, it has a specific width designed by the engineers to be a sweet spot between stability and agility.
For most model years of the Renegade 800 and its variants (like the 800R and 800 X xc), the stock width is right around 46 inches (or approximately 117 cm). This measurement is typically taken from the outside of one front tire to the outside of the other.
This 46-inch stance is no accident. It’s wide enough to provide confidence-inspiring stability when you’re leaning into a fast corner on a fire road but narrow enough to navigate most designated ATV trails without issue. It’s the foundation upon which all your future modifications will be built. Think of it as your starting point in this comprehensive how wide is a can am renegade 800 guide.
Why This Number Is Just the Beginning
It’s crucial to remember that this 46-inch figure applies to a completely stock machine with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) wheels and tires. The moment you start customizing your Renegade, that number becomes a reference point, not a rule.
Factors like tire pressure can even cause minor variations. But the real changes happen when you bolt on new parts, which is what we’re here to talk about.
Beyond Stock: How Wheels, Tires, and Spacers Change Everything
This is where the real fun begins and where most riders run into trouble if they aren’t careful. Upgrading your Renegade’s wheels, tires, or adding spacers can dramatically increase its overall width, affecting everything from handling to trail access. Let’s look at the common problems with how a can am renegade 800 can become too wide unintentionally.
The Impact of Aftermarket Wheels and Offset
Your wheels are the first place where width can change. The key factor here is wheel offset.
- What is Offset? In simple terms, offset is the distance from the wheel’s mounting surface (where it bolts to the hub) to the centerline of the wheel.
- Positive Offset: The mounting surface is toward the outer face of the wheel. This pulls the wheel and tire inward, potentially making the ATV narrower. This is less common in aftermarket off-road wheels.
- Negative Offset: The mounting surface is toward the inner face of the wheel. This pushes the wheel and tire outward, increasing your overall track width. Most aftermarket ATV wheels have a negative offset to create a wider, more stable stance.
A common aftermarket wheel setup might have a 4+3 offset, meaning the inner half of the wheel is 4 inches deep and the outer half is 3 inches deep. This pushes the wheel further out than the typical stock wheel, immediately adding to your width.
Choosing the Right Tires (And How They Add Inches)
Bigger, more aggressive tires are often the first upgrade for any serious rider. While you might be focused on tread depth and diameter, the tire’s width is a massive contributor to your machine’s final dimensions.
If your stock tires are 9 inches wide and you upgrade to aggressive 11-inch-wide mud tires, you’ve just added a potential 2 inches to your overall width, even if you keep the stock wheels. The “bulge” of the tire’s sidewall is the true widest point, and this is what will get you hung up on a tree or rock.
The Big Debate: Wheel Spacers
Wheel spacers are one of the quickest and most effective ways to widen your Renegade’s stance. These are billet aluminum pucks that bolt to your hub, and your wheel then bolts to the spacer.
They come in various sizes, like 1-inch, 1.5-inch, and 2-inch. It’s critical to remember that the width they add is doubled for the total track width. For example, installing 1.5-inch spacers on the front will add a total of 3 inches to your front width.
A stock 46-inch Renegade with 1.5-inch spacers instantly becomes a 49-inch machine, putting you dangerously close to the common 50-inch trail limit before you even consider new wheels or tires.
Pro Tip: How to Measure Your True Width
Don’t guess! The best way to know your actual width is to measure it. Here’s a simple method:
- Park your Renegade on a flat, level surface like a garage floor. Make sure your steering is perfectly straight.
- Place a long, straight object (like a 2×4 or a level) vertically against the sidewall bulge of one of your front tires.
- Do the same on the other side. Ensure the straight edges are parallel to each other.
- Use a tape measure to measure the distance between the two straight edges. This is your true, rideable width.
Why Your Renegade’s Width Matters: Stability, Trails, and Hauling
Understanding the exact dimensions of your ATV isn’t just about trivia; it has real-world consequences. The benefits of knowing how wide your Can-Am Renegade 800 is are directly tied to safety, accessibility, and protecting your investment.
The Stability Equation: Wider is Better… to a Point
A wider stance lowers your machine’s center of gravity and increases its stability. This is especially noticeable in off-camber (side-hilling) situations and during high-speed cornering. It reduces the feeling that the ATV wants to tip over, giving you more confidence.
However, there’s a point of diminishing returns. An excessively wide machine can become less nimble in tight, technical terrain and put more stress on steering and suspension components.
The 50-Inch Trail Dilemma
This is arguably the most important reason to manage your Renegade’s width. Many state and federal trail systems, especially in the eastern and midwestern United States, are restricted to vehicles 50 inches wide or less. Gates, posts, and natural barriers are often placed specifically to enforce this rule.
As we saw, a stock 46-inch Renegade has 4 inches of wiggle room. But add some wider tires and wheels with a more aggressive offset, and you can easily exceed that 50-inch limit. Getting to a trailhead you’ve been planning to ride for weeks only to find you can’t fit through the gate is a terrible feeling.
Hauling and Storage Considerations
Finally, think about logistics. Will your modified Renegade still fit in your toy hauler? Can you squeeze it into the back of your pickup truck? Does it fit comfortably in its designated spot in the garage?
Knowing your exact width before you buy a new enclosed trailer or try to load up for a trip can save you a massive headache and potentially hundreds of dollars.
A Practical Care Guide for Managing Your Renegade’s Width
Now that you know the “what” and “why,” let’s focus on the “how.” Following these how wide is a can am renegade 800 best practices will help you make smart decisions and keep your machine reliable.
Plan Your Mods with a Goal in Mind
Before buying parts, ask yourself: Where do I ride most?
If your answer is “tight, wooded 50-inch trails,” you need to be conservative. You might opt for a wheel with a modest offset and tires that aren’t excessively wide. If you primarily ride open dunes or wide-open desert, you have more freedom to go wider for maximum stability.
The Right Way to Install Wheel Spacers
If you choose to run spacers, safety is paramount. This is not a place to cut corners.
- Buy Quality: Always use high-quality, hub-centric spacers from a reputable brand. These are designed to center on the hub, reducing vibration and stress.
- Use Loctite: Apply a drop of medium-strength (blue) threadlocker to the studs of your hub before installing the spacer.
- Torque to Spec: Use a torque wrench to tighten the nuts holding the spacer to the hub, following the manufacturer’s specifications. Then, do the same for the nuts holding the wheel to the spacer.
- Re-Check Your Torque: This is a step many people miss. After your first ride (around 20-30 miles), re-check the torque on all your lug nuts. They can sometimes settle in and loosen slightly.
Long-Term Care for a Wider Stance
Widening your ATV’s track width puts more leverage and stress on certain components. This is a key part of any how wide is a can am renegade 800 care guide. Be prepared to inspect these parts more frequently:
- Wheel Bearings: The number one part to fail from a wider stance. Check for play by grabbing the top and bottom of your tire and trying to wiggle it.
- Ball Joints: Similar to wheel bearings, check for any looseness or play.
- Tie Rod Ends: Inspect them for wear and tear, as they are now working at a more extreme angle.
Sustainable Off-Roading: Width and Trail Preservation
Our passion for off-roading depends on having trails to ride. Thinking about how your machine’s width impacts the environment is part of being a responsible rider. This is where a sustainable how wide is a can am renegade 800 mindset comes into play.
When an ATV is wider than the designed trail, it forces the rider to go around obstacles, which widens the trail over time. This can cause soil erosion, damage plant life at the trail’s edge, and create deep ruts that hold water, further degrading the trail system.
Following width restrictions is a key part of eco-friendly how wide is a can am renegade 800 operation. By keeping your machine within the legal limits, you’re not just avoiding a ticket—you’re helping to preserve the trails for future generations of riders. Respect the trail, and it will be there for you next time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Can-Am Renegade 800 Width
What is the exact stock width of a Can-Am Renegade 800?
The generally accepted stock width for most Can-Am Renegade 800 models is 46 inches (116.8 cm). However, it’s always best to consult your specific year’s owner’s manual or measure your own machine for the most accurate number.
Will a Can-Am Renegade 800 fit in the bed of a standard pickup truck?
It’s a very tight fit. Most full-size pickup beds are around 50-51 inches wide between the wheel wells. A stock 46-inch Renegade will technically fit, but you will have very little room for error. A modified, wider Renegade will almost certainly not fit between the wheel wells. Always measure your truck bed first!
How much width do 1.5-inch wheel spacers add?
This is a common point of confusion. A 1.5-inch spacer on each side adds a total of 3 inches to your overall track width. A 1-inch spacer adds 2 inches total, and a 2-inch spacer adds 4 inches total.
Are wider ATVs always better?
Not necessarily. It’s a trade-off. Wider ATVs offer superior stability in corners and on side-hills. However, they are less agile in tight, technical sections and may be illegal on width-restricted trails. The “best” width depends entirely on your primary riding environment.
Can I make my Renegade 800 narrower?
Yes, it is possible by using wheels with a significant positive offset. However, this is very uncommon as it can lead to the tire rubbing on suspension components, brake calipers, or engine parts. It generally hurts performance and is not recommended unless you have a very specific need for it.
Mastering your Can-Am Renegade 800’s width is about more than just a number—it’s about unlocking the full potential of your machine while ensuring it’s safe, legal, and perfectly suited for the trails you love. By understanding the baseline, planning your modifications thoughtfully, and performing regular maintenance, you can build a rig that’s both a beast in performance and a perfect fit for your adventures.
Now you have the expert knowledge to dial in your stance with confidence. So grab your tape measure, plan your build, and get ready to ride. Stay safe, respect the trails, and we’ll see you out there!
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