Tips And Tricks For Hauling, Trailering, And Towing Your Can-Am Side-By-Side

There’s no one right way to haul your Can-Am UTV; but there are countless ways in which you should not haul your Can-Am UTV. Some riders use 20 ft car haulers, securing their side-by-side to the trailer with heavy-duty ratchet straps over and across the lower a-arms, while others transport their UTVs using in-bed sled decks. But regardless of whether you’ve got an enclosed toy hauler, a flat-deck trailer, or a single-axle buggy mover, things like load distribution, tie-down locations, and the use of protective trailering accessories are all worth considering. No matter if you own the Can-Am Defender MAX, the Can-Am Commander XT 1000, or a Can-Am Maverick X3 1000 Turbo, secure your rig the right way during transport with these helpful Can-Am side-by-side trailering tips! 

Securing Your Can-Am Side-By-Side When Trailering

Although some riders might just load their rig onto a trailer, put the machine in park, and then hit the road, this is not the smartest thing to do (nor is it legal in most jurisdictions). If you have to stop quickly and slam on the brakes, there’s nothing stopping your UTV from continuing forward and smashing into the back of your truck. Even if you’ve got money to burn and aren’t willing to take ten minutes to secure your side-by-side before embarking, the law typically mandates that loads be secured with double their weight of binding force -- so a 1,500 Lb machine would need to be strapped down with equipment rated to hold 3,500 Lbs.

Can-Am UTV Wheel Straps & Chocks

One of the best ways to prevent your Can-Am side-by-side from flying off the trailer during transport is to use of wheel straps and wheel chocks. Companies like Erickson make complete wheel strap and chock kits for UTVs with any size tires, and the wheel straps by Vulcan are also high-end and worth trying out. Compared to chains, CargoBuckle straps, and traditional tie-down ratchet straps, UTV wheel straps and wheel bonnets are much easier, faster, and more secure. And because they don’t compress the suspension, the shocks and springs are allowed to move freely and do what they're designed to do! 

Can-Am UTV E-Track Systems

The concept behind an E-Track system is similar to that of wheel straps. The main difference, however, is that E-Track systems provide many more tie-down options. Instead of having to anchor your tire bonnets / wheel nets to the sides of the trailer or on pre-installed D-rings, E-Tracks grant users more flexibility by giving them ample anchor points for one or more machines. The tracks themselves can be mounted to the deck of the trailer using ¼” carriage bolts and nylon lock nuts, and once they’re on, they require minimal maintenance and cleaning!

Can-Am UTV ShockStraps

ShockStraps are similar to standard ratchet straps, but with a few key differences. With their patented “Safety Strap” that links the two sides of the strap unit, ShockStraps are designed to prevent users from over tightening their tie-downs and stressing the shocks, springs, and other suspension components. This Safety Strap is also there for when accidents occur. If the strap itself breaks, the Safety Strap is still there to keep everything secure and in its proper place. 

Protecting Your Can-Am Side-By-Side When Trailering

Be it shielding from slush and salt or defence against errant pebbles and rocks, keeping your Can-Am UTV free from damage when trailering is something worth thinking about. The best way to protect your buggy during transit is with an enclosed UTV trailer. Enclosed toy haulers, however, are far from cheap, and many Can-Am owners would prefer to invest their hard-earned money in aftermarket parts / upgrades for their side-by-sides rather than blowing it on something like an enclosed trailer. But even with an open-air trailer, there are several measures that can be taken to protect your rig while you're rolling down the highway.

Can-Am UTV Trailering Covers

Throwing a Can-Am Defender cover, a Can-Am Commander cover, or a Can-Am Maverick cover over your rig before towing it can do wonders in terms of both cleanliness and protection. Nevertheless, not all Can-Am UTV covers are trailerable. Standard storage covers for Can-Am side-by-sides can tear, rip, or fray at high speeds. And without proper strapping mechanisms to secure the cover, it’ll likely fly right off when you're barreling down the interstate. Companies like Neverland and Quad Gear both make trailering covers for Can-Am UTVs. So if you’re worried about road salts or simply wanting to keep your bike clean, an all-weather cover made for trailering will work wonders!

Trailer And Truck Towing Accessories

Depending on the weather and road conditions, using a Can-Am UTV cover might be a bit overkill. Things like mud flaps and Rock Tamers can be installed on your pickup to prevent projectiles from being ejected from the tires, and snow shields, salt shields, and rock shields are available for the front of most trailers to block any material that might get past your mud guards. 

Can-Am UTV Windshield Covers

Instead of covering your entire vehicle, Can-Am UTV windshield covers are a great solution to prevent windshield damage while trailering. Padded windshield protectors like the ones by Flack Jacket placed overtop your glass windshields will stop chips from forming, and even windshield protectors without a ½” layer of foam or marine-grade vinyl can work to stop scratches from developing on polycarbonate windshields.

Summing Up

The right trailering method and tie-downs for you and your needs will depend on the vehicle you use to tow, the environment where you live / ride, and the distance you plan on traveling. Other factors like the number of UTVs you need to haul as well as size of your UTVs will also come into play. But irrespective of these points, ensuring that your rig is safely secured is vital no matter what else proves true. So don’t skimp out and never cut corners when trailering your UTV, because your side-by-sides aren't the only thing on the line!