Can-Am Outlander Wheel Spacers Enhance Off-Road Performance

Can am outlander wheel spacers – Can-Am Outlander wheel spacers are a popular modification among ATV enthusiasts seeking to improve their vehicle’s handling and off-road capabilities. These spacers, essentially extensions that fit between the wheel hub and the wheel, effectively widen the ATV’s stance, offering numerous advantages. By increasing the distance between the wheels, wheel spacers enhance stability, improve tire clearance, and contribute to a more confident ride, especially on challenging terrain.

The benefits of using wheel spacers extend beyond aesthetics. They can significantly improve traction and cornering ability, allowing for greater control on uneven surfaces and tight turns. Additionally, wheel spacers can enhance ride quality by absorbing shock and vibrations, leading to a smoother and more comfortable experience.

Introduction to Can-Am Outlander Wheel Spacers

Wheel spacers are a popular modification for Can-Am Outlander ATVs, offering a range of benefits that can enhance performance and handling. These spacers are designed to increase the distance between the wheels and the ATV’s chassis, effectively widening the track width. This modification can significantly improve stability, handling, and overall performance, making your Can-Am Outlander even more capable in demanding terrains.

Benefits of Using Wheel Spacers

Wheel spacers provide several advantages that can significantly enhance your Can-Am Outlander’s capabilities. These benefits include:

Increased Stability: By widening the track width, wheel spacers enhance the ATV’s stability, particularly during cornering and high-speed maneuvers. This wider stance lowers the center of gravity and improves the ATV’s resistance to tipping over, providing a more secure and controlled ride.
Wider Stance: The increased track width created by wheel spacers provides a more stable platform for the ATV. This wider stance enhances the ATV’s ability to handle uneven terrain, reducing the likelihood of getting stuck or losing control.
Improved Tire Clearance: Wheel spacers can increase the clearance between the tires and the ATV’s bodywork, reducing the risk of rubbing or damage, especially when using larger tires or aggressive off-roading. This improved clearance also enhances the ATV’s ability to navigate challenging obstacles.

Types of Wheel Spacers

Wheel spacers are available in various materials and designs to suit different needs and preferences. Some common types include:

Aluminum Wheel Spacers: These spacers are lightweight and durable, making them a popular choice for many ATV owners. They offer a good balance of strength and weight, making them ideal for everyday use.
Steel Wheel Spacers: Steel spacers are known for their exceptional strength and durability, making them suitable for demanding off-road applications. However, they are heavier than aluminum spacers.
Hub-centric Wheel Spacers: These spacers are designed to center the wheel precisely on the hub, ensuring a secure and accurate fit. They are generally considered the best option for long-term use and optimal performance.

Benefits of Using Can-Am Outlander Wheel Spacers

Wheel spacers are a popular modification for Can-Am Outlander owners who want to improve their ATV’s handling and performance. By widening the stance of the wheels, spacers can enhance traction, stability, and cornering ability, ultimately leading to a more enjoyable riding experience.

Improved Traction and Stability

Wheel spacers increase the track width of your Can-Am Outlander, which effectively widens the stance of the wheels. This wider stance provides several advantages in terms of traction and stability:

Enhanced Grip: The increased track width allows for a larger contact patch between the tires and the ground, resulting in better grip, especially in challenging terrain. This is particularly beneficial when navigating uneven surfaces, loose gravel, or muddy trails.
Improved Stability: A wider stance contributes to increased stability, making the ATV less prone to tipping over, especially during cornering or when navigating rough terrain. This stability is crucial for maintaining control and confidence, particularly at higher speeds.

Enhanced Cornering Ability

The wider track width provided by wheel spacers also significantly improves cornering performance:

Reduced Body Roll: By spreading the weight of the ATV over a wider base, wheel spacers reduce body roll during cornering. This allows for smoother transitions and a more controlled ride, especially on tight turns and winding trails.
Improved Steering Response: The wider stance provides a more stable platform, allowing for quicker and more precise steering input. This is particularly noticeable when navigating technical terrain or navigating obstacles.

Ride Quality and Comfort

While primarily focused on performance, wheel spacers can also impact ride quality and comfort:

Reduced Vibration: By distributing the weight of the ATV over a wider area, wheel spacers can reduce vibrations and harshness transmitted to the rider. This leads to a smoother and more comfortable ride, especially on rough trails.
Improved Suspension Performance: The wider stance can allow for better suspension articulation, enabling the wheels to travel more freely and absorb bumps more effectively. This results in a more comfortable and controlled ride, even over challenging terrain.

Installation Process and Considerations: Can Am Outlander Wheel Spacers

Installing wheel spacers on your Can-Am Outlander is a relatively straightforward process, but it’s essential to follow the correct steps and prioritize safety to ensure a successful and trouble-free installation.

Before you begin, it’s crucial to have all the necessary tools and materials readily available. It’s also essential to understand the specific requirements and considerations for your particular Can-Am Outlander model and the wheel spacers you’ve chosen.

Safety Precautions

Safety is paramount during any vehicle modification, and installing wheel spacers is no exception. Here are some essential precautions to take:

Always work on a level and stable surface. This will prevent the vehicle from rolling during the installation process.
Use jack stands to support the vehicle securely. Never rely solely on the jack to hold the vehicle up.
Wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves and eye protection, to prevent injury from tools or debris.
Ensure that the lug nuts are properly tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications. Overtightening can damage the wheel studs or the spacer itself, while undertightening can lead to wheel looseness and potential accidents.
After installation, perform a test drive at low speeds to check for any vibrations or unusual noises. If you notice any issues, stop immediately and re-check the installation.

Essential Tools and Materials

Having the right tools and materials on hand will make the installation process smoother and more efficient. Here’s a list of essentials:

Wheel spacers (ensure they are compatible with your Can-Am Outlander model)
Lug nuts (if required, compatible with the spacers and your vehicle)
Torque wrench (for tightening lug nuts to the correct specifications)
Jack and jack stands (for lifting and supporting the vehicle safely)
Breaker bar (for loosening and tightening stubborn lug nuts)
Socket set (with sizes matching your lug nuts and wheel bolts)
Penetrating fluid (for loosening rusted or stuck lug nuts)
Clean rags (for wiping away dirt and grime)
Optional: Wheel chocks (to prevent the vehicle from rolling)

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

The following steps provide a general guide for installing wheel spacers on a Can-Am Outlander. Always refer to the specific instructions provided with your wheel spacers for any model-specific variations or additional steps:

Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
Use wheel chocks to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
Loosen the lug nuts on the wheels you will be installing the spacers on. Use a breaker bar to loosen the nuts, and be careful not to damage the wheel studs.
Jack up the vehicle and place it on jack stands. Ensure the jack stands are positioned securely under the vehicle’s frame, not just the suspension.
Remove the wheels. Carefully remove the wheels once the lug nuts are completely removed.
Install the wheel spacers. Place the wheel spacers on the wheel studs, ensuring they are properly aligned and centered. The spacers should fit snugly against the hub and the wheel.
Install the wheels. Reinstall the wheels onto the spacers, ensuring they are properly seated.
Tighten the lug nuts. Use the torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications. Avoid overtightening, as this can damage the studs or spacers.
Lower the vehicle. Carefully lower the vehicle back onto the ground, ensuring the jack stands are removed before the vehicle fully touches the ground.
Final check. Double-check that all lug nuts are properly tightened, and that the wheels are securely mounted. Perform a test drive at low speeds to ensure there are no vibrations or unusual noises.

Choosing the Right Wheel Spacers

Selecting the appropriate wheel spacers for your Can-Am Outlander is crucial for ensuring a safe and optimal riding experience. Several factors must be considered to make the right choice.

Wheel Spacer Compatibility

Understanding the compatibility of wheel spacers with your Can-Am Outlander is paramount. This involves considering your vehicle’s year, model, and tire size.

Vehicle Year: Different Can-Am Outlander models across various years may have varying wheel bolt patterns, hub sizes, and suspension setups. Therefore, choosing wheel spacers compatible with your specific year of manufacture is crucial.
Model: The specific Can-Am Outlander model, such as the 450, 570, or 850, can influence the type of wheel spacers required. Each model might have different wheel bolt patterns, hub sizes, and suspension setups.
Tire Size: The size of your tires can also affect the wheel spacer selection. Larger tires might require different spacer thicknesses compared to smaller tires to avoid clearance issues with the suspension or bodywork.

Wheel Spacer Materials and Brands

Wheel spacers are typically made from different materials, each with its advantages and disadvantages.

Aluminum: Aluminum wheel spacers are lightweight and affordable. They are a popular choice for many riders due to their cost-effectiveness and good performance. However, aluminum spacers might be prone to bending or cracking under extreme stress.
Steel: Steel wheel spacers offer superior strength and durability compared to aluminum. They are less likely to bend or crack under heavy loads. However, steel spacers are heavier than aluminum, which can affect handling and fuel efficiency.
Billet Aluminum: Billet aluminum spacers are machined from a single block of aluminum, resulting in a more robust and durable product. They are a good balance between weight and strength. However, they are typically more expensive than standard aluminum spacers.

Different brands offer wheel spacers for Can-Am Outlanders. It’s important to research and choose reputable brands known for their quality and reliability. Some popular brands include:

SuperATV: SuperATV is a well-known manufacturer of ATV and UTV accessories, including wheel spacers. They offer a wide range of spacers for various Can-Am Outlander models, known for their durability and performance.
High Lifter: High Lifter is another reputable brand specializing in ATV and UTV accessories, including wheel spacers. They are known for their high-quality products and excellent customer service.
J&T Products: J&T Products is a leading manufacturer of wheel spacers for various vehicles, including Can-Am Outlanders. They offer a wide selection of spacers with different thicknesses and materials to meet various needs.

Wheel Spacer Thickness

The thickness of the wheel spacer is crucial, as it determines how far the wheels are pushed out from the hub. The required spacer thickness can vary depending on factors such as the desired stance, tire size, and suspension setup.

Stance: Wheel spacers can be used to widen the stance of your Can-Am Outlander, improving stability and handling. The desired stance can vary based on personal preferences and riding conditions.
Tire Size: Larger tires often require thicker spacers to avoid clearance issues with the suspension or bodywork.
Suspension Setup: The suspension setup can also affect the required spacer thickness. For example, a lift kit might necessitate thicker spacers to maintain proper wheel alignment.

Note: It is essential to choose the correct spacer thickness to ensure proper wheel alignment and avoid potential damage to the suspension or drivetrain.

Maintenance and Care

Wheel spacers, like any other automotive component, require regular maintenance to ensure their optimal performance and longevity. Proper care and attention can help prevent issues and extend the lifespan of your spacers.

Inspecting and Cleaning Wheel Spacers

Regular inspection and cleaning are crucial for maintaining the integrity of your wheel spacers. This involves visually examining the spacers for any signs of wear, damage, or corrosion. It is recommended to inspect them every 5,000 miles or after encountering rough terrain or challenging driving conditions. To clean your wheel spacers, you can use a mild soap and water solution.

Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that could damage the spacer’s surface. After cleaning, thoroughly dry the spacers to prevent rust formation.

Addressing Common Issues

While wheel spacers are generally durable, they can be susceptible to certain issues. Common problems include:

Loose or worn lug nuts: Regularly check and tighten lug nuts to ensure a secure fit. If you notice loose lug nuts, it’s crucial to address this immediately, as it can lead to wheel separation and potential accidents.
Corrosion: If your wheel spacers are exposed to harsh elements like salt or moisture, they may develop corrosion. Inspect the spacers regularly for any signs of rust or pitting, and consider applying a rust-preventative coating if necessary.
Worn bearings: Wheel spacers may have bearings that require lubrication. If you notice any noise or vibration coming from your wheels, it’s possible the bearings are worn. Contact a mechanic for inspection and replacement if needed.

Performance and Off-Road Applications

Adding wheel spacers to your Can-Am Outlander can significantly improve its performance and handling, especially when tackling challenging off-road terrains. Wheel spacers widen the stance of your ATV, which directly affects its stability, traction, and overall off-road capability.

Stability and Traction Enhancement, Can am outlander wheel spacers

Wheel spacers effectively widen the track width of your Can-Am Outlander, which translates to a lower center of gravity and a more stable platform. This enhanced stability is crucial when navigating uneven terrain, rocky trails, and steep inclines. A wider stance provides greater resistance to tipping and rolling, making your ATV feel more planted and secure.

Improved cornering: The wider stance allows for more stable cornering, reducing the risk of rollovers or losing control. This is especially beneficial on tight trails or when navigating steep switchbacks.
Enhanced traction: By increasing the distance between the tires, wheel spacers improve the ATV’s ability to maintain traction on loose surfaces like sand, mud, and gravel. The wider footprint distributes the weight more evenly, preventing wheelspin and improving overall grip.

Benefits for Specific Off-Road Activities

Wheel spacers offer distinct advantages for various off-road activities:

Mudding

Wheel spacers help you conquer muddy terrain with ease. The wider stance provides greater stability and prevents the ATV from getting bogged down in deep mud. The increased tire clearance also helps to minimize mud build-up on the wheels, reducing the risk of getting stuck.

Rock Crawling

For rock crawling, wheel spacers are invaluable. They improve the ATV’s ability to navigate obstacles by providing greater ground clearance and stability. The wider stance allows for a more balanced approach to challenging terrain, minimizing the risk of getting high-centered or losing traction.

Trail Riding

Wheel spacers are a great addition for trail riding, enhancing the ATV’s stability and handling on uneven trails. They provide a more confident ride, especially on tight turns and steep descents. The increased ground clearance also helps to prevent damage to the undercarriage when encountering obstacles.

Can-Am Outlander wheel spacers offer a straightforward yet effective way to enhance the performance and capabilities of your ATV. By carefully considering the factors involved in choosing the right spacers, you can unlock a world of off-road possibilities, experiencing improved stability, traction, and ride quality. Whether you’re tackling challenging trails, navigating mud, or conquering rocky terrain, wheel spacers can be a valuable asset in maximizing your Can-Am Outlander’s potential.