Is A Can Am Commander Easy To Push - Your Complete Trail Recovery

You’re deep on a trail, the engine sputters, and then… silence. The only sound is the wind and the slow drip of your heart into your stomach. Your Can-Am Commander, your trusty steed, is now a 1,600-pound paperweight miles from the truck. We’ve all felt that cold dread. The first question that pops into your head is often a deceptively simple one: is a can am commander easy to push?

Let’s be honest, that moment can make or break a trip. But it doesn’t have to. We’re here to promise you that with the right knowledge and technique, you can tackle this situation with confidence instead of panic.

In this complete guide from the crew at FatBoysOffroad, we’re going to break it all down. We’ll cover the real-world factors that make your Commander a beast to move, the step-by-step process to do it safely, the common mistakes to avoid, and the essential gear that makes pushing a last resort. Let’s get you prepared to get yourself out of a bind.

The Short Answer: So, Is a Can-Am Commander Easy to Push?

Let’s cut right to the chase: No, a Can-Am Commander is not easy to push. We’re talking about a machine with a dry weight starting around 1,500 pounds for a two-seater, and that’s before you add fuel, gear, accessories, and mud.

Pushing a UTV isn’t like rolling a dirt bike out of the garage. You’re fighting against significant weight, internal drivetrain friction, and often, uncooperative terrain. “Easy” is not the word most people would use after trying.

However, “possible” is a different story. With the right technique, enough manpower, and a little luck with the terrain, you can absolutely move it. Understanding why it’s difficult is the first step in learning how to do it effectively.

Key Factors That Determine Pushing Difficulty

Whether you’re in for a five-minute inconvenience or a grueling, back-breaking ordeal depends on a few critical factors. This is your essential is a can am commander easy to push guide to understanding the forces working against you.

The Machine Itself: Weight and Model Differences

A base model Commander DPS is already a hefty machine. If you’re rolling in a four-seat Commander MAX XT-P, you’re looking at a dry weight well over 1,800 pounds. That’s nearly a ton.

Now, add in your aftermarket steel bumpers, a winch, a roof rack, oversized tires, and a cooler full of drinks. Your rig’s real-world weight could easily be 200-400 pounds over its stock weight. Every single pound counts when you’re the engine.

Drivetrain Drag: The Unseen Enemy

Even when it’s off, your Commander’s internal components create resistance. The gears in the transmission, the differentials, the axles, and the CV joints all add up to what we call drivetrain drag. This is the friction you have to overcome just to get the wheels turning.

The most critical step to minimize this is to ensure the vehicle is in NEUTRAL (N). If you try to push it while it’s in Park, High, Low, or Reverse, you’re fighting the entire locked transmission. You won’t move it, and you risk damaging components.

Terrain and Tire Pressure: Your Biggest Allies or Foes

This is arguably the biggest variable. Pushing on flat, level concrete in your workshop is one thing. Pushing on a muddy, rutted-out trail with a slight incline is a completely different universe of difficulty.

Soft surfaces like sand, mud, or deep gravel will sink your tires and dramatically increase rolling resistance. A small incline that you wouldn’t even notice while driving will feel like a mountain when you’re pushing. Also, consider your tire pressure. While low PSI is great for traction on the trail, it creates a larger, flatter contact patch that’s much harder to roll. If you have an onboard air compressor, airing up your tires can make a noticeable difference.

Manpower: How Many Friends Do You Really Need?

Unless you’re a world-class strongman, you are not pushing a Commander by yourself. It’s a non-starter. Don’t even try, as you’re more likely to injure yourself or damage the machine.

Two People: On a perfectly flat, hard surface, two reasonably strong people can probably get it rolling slowly.
Three People: This is the realistic minimum for most trail situations. One person steers and brakes while two push.
Four or More People: Now you’re in business. With three or more people pushing, you can handle slight inclines and less-than-ideal terrain more safely and effectively.

The Essential Guide: How to Push a Can-Am Commander Safely

When the time comes, doing it right is all that matters. Rushing or using improper technique can lead to injury or a broken machine, making a bad day even worse. Follow these is a can am commander easy to push best practices to get it done safely.

Pre-Push Safety Checklist

Before anyone lays a hand on the UTV, run through this mental checklist. It takes 30 seconds and can prevent disaster.

Assess the Situation: Are you on the edge of a steep drop-off? Is the vehicle stable, or could it roll on its own? Never attempt to push a vehicle in a precarious position. Safety first, always.
Communicate Clearly: Decide on a plan. Who is steering? Where are you pushing it to? Designate one person (usually the driver) to be in charge and call out commands.
Chock the Wheels: If you are on any kind of slope, even a tiny one, find rocks or logs to place behind the tires to prevent it from rolling backward unexpectedly.

The Step-by-Step Pushing Process

Once you’re ready, execute the plan with coordination. Here’s a solid, repeatable process.

Clear the Path: Remove any large rocks, fallen branches, or other obstacles from your intended path.
Assign a Driver: One person must be in the driver’s seat. Their only jobs are to steer and be ready to apply the brakes at a moment’s notice.
Confirm It’s in Neutral (N): The driver should physically confirm the gear selector is in Neutral. Double-check it. Seriously.
Disengage the Parking Brake: This is an easy one to forget in the heat of the moment. Make sure it’s fully disengaged.
Position Your Pushers: Identify strong, solid points to push on. The best spots are the frame itself, the tires, or a sturdy aftermarket rear bumper. Do not push on plastic body panels, fenders, the tailgate, or doors! You will crack them.
Coordinate the Push: The driver should give a clear command, like “Ready? One, two, three, PUSH!” Everyone should apply steady, consistent pressure together. Jerky movements are less effective and can lead to slips.
Steer and Brake as Needed: The driver should make small, smooth steering corrections. Their foot should hover over the brake pedal, ready to stop the instant the pushers stop or if the vehicle starts to pick up too much speed.

Common Problems and Mistakes to Avoid

We see the same mistakes happen on the trail time and time again. Learning from them now will save you a world of hurt later. These are the most common problems with is a can am commander easy to push scenarios.

Forgetting the Basics: Neutral and the Parking Brake

It sounds silly, but it happens constantly. You’re stressed, you’re frustrated, and you overlook the simple stuff. Before you strain a muscle, take a deep breath and confirm the parking brake is off and the transmission is in Neutral.

Pushing on Unsafe Surfaces or Body Panels

Your Commander’s plastic body panels are designed for looks and deflecting mud, not for handling hundreds of pounds of force. Pushing on a fender is a guaranteed way to hear an expensive cracking sound. Stick to the frame, roll cage, or tires.

Lack of Communication and Coordination

A disorganized push is an ineffective and dangerous one. If one person slips and falls, the others need to know to stop immediately. The driver needs to announce when they are applying the brakes. Talk to each other constantly throughout the process.

Underestimating the Incline

Gravity is a harsh mistress. A 2% grade, which is barely noticeable when driving, will double or triple the amount of force required to push your Commander. If you’re on any kind of hill, you need to seriously consider if pushing is a viable or safe option.

Beyond Pushing: The Benefits of a Real Recovery Kit

Knowing how to is a can am commander easy to push is a valuable skill, but it should be your last resort. The real benefit comes from being prepared enough that you rarely have to. A basic recovery kit is not an option; it’s a necessity for anyone who ventures off the pavement.

The Winch: Your Best Friend on the Trail

A winch is the single best recovery tool you can have. It allows one person to safely and methodically move the vehicle out of almost any situation. It turns a day-ending problem into a 15-minute inconvenience. If you don’t have one, it should be your next upgrade.

Tow Straps and Another Vehicle

The classic solution. Having a quality tow strap (not a chain with metal hooks) and a buddy in another vehicle is the next best thing to a winch. Learn proper tow strap safety, like using soft shackles and putting a recovery blanket on the line to dampen energy in case of a break.

The Sustainable Approach to Trail Recovery

Here’s a thought for your is a can am commander easy to push care guide: sometimes, the most responsible action is also the most effective. Pushing your rig 20 feet onto solid ground is a far more eco-friendly and sustainable practice than staying put and spinning your tires, digging deep ruts, and tearing up the trail for everyone else. Preserving the trail is part of being a good rider. A little manual labor can prevent a lot of environmental damage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pushing a Can-Am Commander

How much does a Can-Am Commander weigh?

A Can-Am Commander’s dry weight ranges from about 1,530 lbs for a base 2-seat model to over 1,850 lbs for a 4-seat MAX model. With fuel, gear, and accessories, expect the real-world weight to be 200-400 lbs heavier.

Can one person push a Can-Am Commander?

No. For safety reasons and due to the immense weight and rolling resistance, one person cannot and should not attempt to push a Can-Am Commander. You need a minimum of two pushers and one driver.

What’s the first thing I should check if my Commander won’t start?

Before you even think about pushing, check the basics. Is it in Park or Neutral? Is the kill switch in the ‘ON’ position? Are the battery terminals tight and clean? Often, the problem is a simple one that can be fixed without any pushing at all.

Does putting the Commander in 2WD make it easier to push?

In theory, being in 2WD might slightly reduce the drivetrain drag compared to being in 4WD, as you’re not engaging the front differential components. However, the difference will be minimal and likely unnoticeable. The most important factor is being in Neutral, not the 2WD/4WD setting.

So, while the answer to “is a can am commander easy to push” is a firm no, it’s far from impossible. It’s a test of teamwork, technique, and patience. Being prepared for the worst is what separates a good day from a horrible one on the trails.

Focus on understanding the factors at play, practicing safe techniques, and most importantly, investing in a proper recovery kit so pushing becomes the absolute last tool you need to pull from your toolbox. Ride smart, stay prepared, 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.