The Can-Am Defender is a workhorse built for the toughest tasks, but its true potential is unlocked with the right accessories. Whether you use your UTV for demanding farm chores, weekend trail riding, or hunting excursions, a few strategic upgrades can dramatically enhance its utility and your comfort. From keeping the elements at bay to adding crucial storage and recovery capabilities, the right add-ons make every ride more productive and enjoyable.
This roundup is designed to help you find the perfect additions for your machine. We’ve compiled a list of ten top-rated accessories that focus on protection, organization, and comfort, ensuring your Defender is perfectly tailored to your needs and ready for anything you throw at it.
Top Accessories for Your Can-Am Defender
- CUSAUTV Heavy Duty Fender Flares for Can Am Defender
- CPOWACE Removable Storage Bin for Can Am Defender
- LDETXY Electronic Device Holder for Can Am Defender
- SuperATV Scratch Resistant Flip-Vent Windshield
- KEMIMOTO Framed Door Kit for Can Am Defender Max
- KEMIMOTO UTV Bed Storage Box for Can-Am Defender
- Kolpin Rhino Grip Pro for Can Am LinQ
- Rough Country Cab Heater for Can-Am Defender
- SuperATV 4500 lb Winch For UTV/ATV
- QuadBoss Can-Am Defender Rear Seat Kit
CUSAUTV Heavy Duty Fender Flares for Can Am Defender
Keep your Defender significantly cleaner with these heavy-duty fender flares. They are designed to combat one of the most common UTV nuisances: mud and debris being thrown up onto the vehicle’s body. After installation, you will notice a major reduction in the amount of grime covering your machine.
Constructed from high-density polypropylene (HDPE), these flares offer high rigidity and toughness to withstand impacts from rocks and branches. They provide excellent heat and cold resistance, ensuring they perform reliably in all weather conditions. The extended design offers 4.5 inches of coverage on each side, providing protection exactly where it is needed most.
CPOWACE Removable Storage Bin for Can Am Defender
Maximize the utility of your Defender’s cabin space with this underseat storage bin. It cleverly utilizes the often-wasted area under the passenger seat, giving you a secure and organized place for your essentials. This is an important accessory for anyone who needs to keep smaller items safe and within reach.
The bin is made from durable PP material and features a lid to fully enclose your belongings. Its excellent waterproof performance is a key benefit, ensuring that tools, documents, or other important items stay dry even in wet conditions. The design is made specifically for easy integration, fitting perfectly in the designated underseat area without modification.
LDETXY Electronic Device Holder for Can Am Defender
Organize your dashboard and keep your devices secure with this multifunctional mount and storage tray. It serves a dual purpose, providing a stable platform for your phone, tablet, or GPS while also offering a handy storage compartment for smaller items like keys and wallets. This helps maintain a clean and tidy cabin environment.
Built from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), this holder is durable and resistant to corrosion and deformation. It uses 3D scanning technology for a perfect, gap-free fit on your Defender’s dashboard. The adjustable bracket allows for optimal viewing angles from both the driver and passenger seats, making navigation and communication easier and safer.
SuperATV Scratch Resistant Flip-Vent Windshield
Gain control over your cabin’s climate with this innovative flip-vent windshield. The unique design allows you to manage airflow precisely, making rides more comfortable in a variety of weather conditions. You can stay cooler on hot days, drier during rain, and warmer when the temperature drops.
The windshield is made with a hard-coated, scratch-resistant material for enhanced durability and clarity. The flip-up vent panel is secured tightly with convenient thumb screws, allowing you to open or close it quickly without tools. This simple yet effective upgrade significantly improves ventilation and reduces fogging.
Learn More About This Windshield
KEMIMOTO Framed Door Kit for Can Am Defender Max
Extend your riding season into the colder months with this fully framed cab enclosure. This door kit offers excellent insulation against cold wind, creating a much warmer environment inside your UTV cab. It is ideal for winter plowing, hunting, or any activity where staying warm is a priority.
The kit is designed for a perfect fit with the Defender Max, integrating seamlessly with the roof and partial windshields. It features upgraded YKK zippers that are built to perform even when muddy or iced over, ensuring you can always get in and out easily. The high level of sealing effectively locks out drafts, making your ride significantly more comfortable in harsh conditions.
KEMIMOTO UTV Bed Storage Box for Can-Am Defender
Add a secure and organized storage solution to your Defender’s cargo bed with this lockable storage box. With a 28-liter (7.4 US gal) capacity, it provides ample space for tools, recovery gear, snacks, and other items you need to keep safe and dry. This helps maximize the utility of your vehicle’s storage area.
The box boasts an IP67 waterproof rating and features a rubber seal to prevent water, dust, and mud from entering. The heavy-duty lid and lockable feature give you peace of mind that your belongings are secure, even when you are away from your UTV. Installation is straightforward, and the box is designed to stay firmly in place over rough terrain.
Kolpin Rhino Grip Pro for Can Am LinQ
Secure your long-handled gear with these versatile and heavy-duty carriers. The Rhino Grip Pro system is perfect for transporting items like shovels, guns, bows, and augers on your Can-Am LinQ attachment points. This provides a robust and accessible way to carry essential equipment for work or recreation.
Built with durable cast aluminum and protective rubber over-molding, these grips offer unparalleled strength and functionality. They can handle over 50 pounds of gear each. The design allows for 180 degrees of tilt in 30-degree increments and 360 degrees of tool-free rotation, enabling you to position your gear exactly how you need it.
Rough Country Cab Heater for Can-Am Defender
Don’t let cold weather stop your adventures. This custom-fit cab heater delivers 16,000 BTUs of heating power to warm your Defender’s cabin quickly. It ensures a comfortable ride for you and your passengers, even during the coldest off-road conditions, and helps with defrosting windows for better visibility.
The unit is designed to integrate seamlessly into your Defender for a factory-like appearance while saving valuable cabin space. It features fully adjustable louvers that let you direct the heat where you need it most, whether for defrosting the windshield or warming your feet. This is a game-changing upgrade for winter utility and recreation.
SuperATV 4500 lb Winch For UTV/ATV
Be prepared for any situation on the trail with this powerful 4500 lb winch. It is a essential recovery tool that can pull you out of mud, sand, or other sticky situations, ensuring you are never stranded. The peace of mind that comes with having a reliable winch is invaluable for any serious UTV owner.
This winch features a powerful 1.3 HP motor, a 166:1 gear ratio, and a 50-foot synthetic rope. It includes an automatic braking system for safety when a load is attached. The complete kit comes with a wired dash switch, an aluminum hawse fairlead, and a waterproof solenoid with extended wiring, making installation and operation straightforward.
QuadBoss Can-Am Defender Rear Seat Kit
Increase the passenger capacity of your Defender with a dedicated rear seat kit. This accessory allows you to safely and comfortably carry additional passengers in the cargo bed, making your UTV more versatile for group outings or work crews. It effectively transforms your utility vehicle into a true multi-passenger machine.
The kit is designed to provide a secure and stable seating solution that integrates with your vehicle’s existing structure. It typically includes a padded bench seat and necessary mounting hardware for a straightforward installation. Adding a rear seat is one of the most effective ways to enhance the functionality and social aspect of your Defender.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in Can Am Defender Accessories
When I started looking for the best accessories for my Can Am Defender, I quickly realized it wasn’t just about buying the coolest-looking gadgets. It was about solving problems and making the machine work better for my specific needs. Whether you’re a farmer, hunter, or just love trail riding, thinking about how you use your UTV is the first step. I break down my upgrades into two main categories: utility and comfort. Utility upgrades are about getting work done and protecting your investment, while comfort upgrades make those long days in the saddle much more enjoyable.
For utility, my primary focus is always on protection and storage. A full skid plate was one of my first purchases because the last thing I want is a torn-up oil pan or damaged frame from an unseen rock or stump. Look for durable materials like UHMW polyethylene; it’s tough and slippery, so obstacles slide right off. Next, consider a winch. It’s not just for getting yourself unstuck; I use mine for pulling logs, dragging game, and helping others. A 4500-pound capacity is the absolute minimum I would recommend. For storage, a locking rear cargo box or sturdy overhead panel keeps my gear secure, dry, and organized, which is a game-changer when you need a tool in a hurry.
When it comes to comfort, the factory seats are okay, but after a few hours, you’ll feel every bump. I invested in a set of aftermarket seats with better lumbar support, and the difference was night and day. If you’re not ready for new seats, a quality seat cover with added cushioning is a great budget-friendly alternative. Another must-have for me was a windshield. I went with a polycarbonate flip-out model. It keeps the wind and bugs off my face but can be opened for extra airflow on warmer days. Don’t forget about cab enclosures if you ride in colder or wetter climates. A simple soft cab with doors and a rear panel makes riding in the off-season downright pleasant.
Finally, think about integration. I made sure any electrical accessory, like LED light bars or a sound system, was compatible with the Defender’s factory plug-and-play harnesses. This saves a ton of time on installation and prevents you from hacking into the factory wiring. The goal is to build a machine that feels like it was made just for you, enhancing both its work capability and your riding pleasure. These are the core principles I follow when choosing the 10 best accessories for Can Am Defender utility and comfort upgrades.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important accessory I should buy first for my Can Am Defender?
In my opinion, a winch is the single most important first accessory. It’s the one piece of gear that can turn a really bad day into a minor inconvenience. I’ve used mine not only to pull myself out of mud and snow but also for countless tasks around my property, like moving fallen trees and positioning heavy equipment. It adds a huge layer of capability and safety. If you already have a winch, then a full skid plate system would be my next top priority to protect the vital components underneath your machine from damage.
Are aftermarket Can Am Defender accessories as reliable as the OEM ones?
This is a great question. While BRP’s OEM parts are designed specifically for the Defender and are guaranteed to fit, many aftermarket companies produce exceptionally high-quality, and sometimes even more durable, accessories. I have a mix of both on my machine. The key is to do your research. Read reviews from other owners, look at the materials used (e.g., 6061 aluminum vs. steel, UHMW plastic vs. basic polyethylene), and check the warranty. Some aftermarket brands specialize in UTV accessories and their products can outperform OEM at a better price point.
How difficult is it to install these accessories myself?
The difficulty varies wildly depending on the accessory. Things like a spare tire mount, basic LED lights, or a rear panel are often straightforward bolt-on projects that I can do in an afternoon with basic hand tools. More complex installations, like a full cab enclosure, a custom sound system, or a hydraulic dump bed kit, can be very involved and may require drilling, wiring, and a higher level of mechanical skill. I always watch installation videos beforehand to gauge the complexity. If it looks beyond my comfort level, I don’t hesitate to have a professional install it.
Will adding a lot of accessories void my Can Am Defender’s warranty?
Generally, no. According to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a dealer cannot void your warranty simply for using aftermarket parts. However, if they can prove that a specific aftermarket part directly caused a failure, they may deny warranty coverage for that specific repair. For example, if you install an improperly wired light bar that shorts out and fries the main electrical harness, the warranty likely won’t cover the new harness. I always keep my stock parts and use reputable installers to maintain a clear trail.
What are some good comfort upgrades for long rides?
After a few all-day trips, I focused heavily on comfort. The best upgrades I made were a set of high-quality, suspension-style seats that absorb bumps much better than the stock ones. Paired with that, a good windshield and a climate control cab (like a heater and fan kit) are absolute game-changers for riding in variable weather. Don’t overlook a sound system; having your favorite music or podcasts makes long, slow crawls across a field or trail much more enjoyable. These upgrades truly transform the experience from simply operating a utility vehicle to comfortably enjoying an adventure.
Can I power all my electrical accessories from the factory battery?
You can, but you need to be careful. The factory battery and charging system are designed for a certain load. Adding a massive light bar, a powerful sound system, and a winch all at once can strain the system. I highly recommend installing a dedicated accessory fuse block or a second battery with an isolator. This separates your add-ons from the critical starting circuit, ensuring you always have enough power to start the engine, even if you accidentally drain your accessory battery. It’s a bit of extra work upfront that saves a huge headache later.