Owning a Can Am Defender means you have a machine built for hard work and harder play. But even the most capable UTV can be improved with the right additions. Whether you’re navigating tight trails, working in challenging conditions, or simply looking to make long days more comfortable, the correct accessories are key to enhancing your experience.
This roundup focuses on ten essential upgrades designed to boost both performance and comfort. From improving visibility and storage to adding recovery power and climate control, these carefully selected products will help you get more utility and enjoyment from your Defender, no matter the task or terrain.
Essential Upgrades for Your Can Am Defender
- SHEJISI Defender Side Mirrors
- Seat Belt Bypass for Can-Am Commander
- CUSAUTV Heavy Duty Fender Flares
- CPOWACE Removable Storage Bin
- LDETXY Electronic Device Holder
- SuperATV Scratch Resistant Flip-Vent Windshield
- KEMIMOTO Soft Cab Enclosure Doors
- Rough Country Winch Mount with 4,500 LB Winch
- RIGID INDUSTRIES D-Series PRO Flood Beam
- Tusk Can Am Defender Full Glass Windshield
SHEJISI Defender Side Mirrors
Visibility is critical for both safety and convenience on the trail. The SHEJISI Defender Side Mirrors are designed specifically for various Defender models and door configurations, including doorless, half-door, and full-door setups. Their spring-back feature is a standout, allowing the mirrors to fold in on impact and easily reset to their original position, preventing damage during tight maneuvers.
Installation is straightforward for most models, requiring only basic tools to tighten or remove a few bolts. The mirrors offer a high-definition, large field of view, significantly improving your situational awareness. This combination of durability, easy installation, and enhanced visibility makes them a smart upgrade for any Defender owner.
Seat Belt Bypass for Can-Am Commander
For those who use their Defender for work or specialized applications where constant seat belt engagement is impractical, this seat belt bypass is a simple yet effective solution. It is essential when installing aftermarket four or five-point harnesses, allowing the vehicle to operate without the standard seat belt being fastened. This small accessory can make a big difference in functionality.
Constructed with high-quality OEM components, including high-temperature wire and Delphi-Packard connectors, this bypass ensures a secure, moisture-free, and long-lasting connection. Installation could not be simpler; just unplug the connector from the driver’s seat belt and plug this jumper into the vehicle harness. Only one unit is required per vehicle, making it a cost-effective modification.
CUSAUTV Heavy Duty Fender Flares
Keep your Defender cleaner and protect its body from mud, rocks, and debris with the CUSAUTV Heavy Duty Fender Flares. These full-size flares are compatible with a wide range of Defender models from 2016 to 2025 and provide substantial coverage. They extend 4.5 inches off each side, effectively blocking spray and muck from covering your machine and its occupants.
Made from high-density polypropylene (HDPE), these flares are built to last. The material offers excellent heat and cold resistance, high rigidity, and good mechanical strength, ensuring they won’t crack or deform in tough conditions. This upgrade not only maintains the clean look of your UTV but also reduces post-ride cleanup time significantly.
CPOWACE Removable Storage Bin
Organization is key to a functional UTV, and the CPOWACE Removable Storage Bin adds valuable, secure space to your Defender. This box fits neatly under the passenger seat, utilizing an area that is often wasted. It is an ideal spot for storing tools, first-aid kits, or other important items that you need to keep dry and secure.
Constructed from durable PP material, this storage bin boasts excellent waterproof performance. The included lid ensures your belongings stay protected from the elements, whether you’re driving through rain or washing down your vehicle. This is a simple, practical accessory that greatly enhances the utility of your Defender for both work and recreation.
LDETXY Electronic Device Holder
In today’s world, having a secure place for your phone, GPS, or tablet is non-negotiable. The LDETXY Electronic Device Holder mounts perfectly to your Defender’s dashboard, providing a stable platform for your navigation or communication devices. Its design, achieved through 3D scanning, ensures a gap-free fit that looks integrated and professional.
Beyond just holding electronics, this unit features a large internal storage compartment for smaller items like wallets, keys, and gloves, helping to keep your cab tidy. The adjustable bracket can accommodate various device sizes, and its placement allows both the driver and passenger to view the screen easily. Made from high-density polyethylene, it is built to resist corrosion and deformation.
SuperATV Scratch Resistant Flip-Vent Windshield
Climate control inside your UTV cab can be a challenge, but the SuperATV Flip-Vent Windshield offers a smart solution. Its innovative flip-up vent panel allows you to precisely control airflow, helping to manage temperature and reduce fogging. Whether you need a cool breeze on a hot day or want to keep rain out while maintaining ventilation, this windshield delivers.
The hard-coated, scratch-resistant material ensures durability and maintains clarity despite exposure to trail debris. The vent panel secures tightly with convenient thumb screws, allowing for easy adjustment on the fly. This windshield significantly improves riding comfort by giving you direct control over your cabin’s environment.
KEMIMOTO Soft Cab Enclosure Doors
Extend your riding season into the colder months with the KEMIMOTO Soft Cab Enclosure Doors. This accessory provides nearly complete sealing for your cab, effectively locking out drafts, rain, and mud. The manufacturer states it can keep the interior up to 18°F warmer by reducing icy airflow, making early morning or winter tasks much more bearable.
Built for durability, these doors feature heavy-duty YKK zippers designed to withstand grit and mud without failing. The design includes open slots for side mirrors, maintaining functionality. For those who use their Defender for ranching, plowing, or cold-weather trail riding, this enclosure is a game-changer for comfort and protection.
Rough Country Winch Mount with 4,500 LB Winch
Prepare for anything the trail throws at you with the Rough Country Winch Mount and Winch combo. This package provides serious recovery power with a 4,500 lb. capacity RS4500S winch, complete with 50 feet of durable synthetic rope. It is an essential tool for self-recovery, helping you get out of sticky situations like mud, ruts, or steep inclines.
The winch mount is constructed from heavy-duty 3/16″ steel with a rust-resistant powder-coated finish, built to withstand harsh conditions. Best of all, installation is a straightforward, bolt-on process that requires no drilling, making it accessible for most owners to fit themselves. This is a fundamental performance and safety upgrade for any serious off-roader.
RIGID INDUSTRIES D-Series PRO Flood Beam
When the sun goes down, a quality lighting system is essential for safety and productivity. The RIGID INDUSTRIES D-Series PRO lights in a flood beam pattern provide a wide, even spread of light, illuminating a broad area directly in front and to the sides of your vehicle. This is perfect for technical trail riding, worksite tasks, or setting up camp after dark.
These lights are known for their rugged reliability, featuring a durable polycarbonate lens and a solid construction that can handle vibration and impacts. They offer instant on/off functionality with no warm-up time, providing immediate, powerful illumination whenever you need it. Adding a pair of these lights will dramatically improve your nighttime visibility and confidence.
Tusk Can Am Defender Full Glass Windshield
For riders who prefer maximum protection from wind and weather, a full glass windshield is an excellent choice. The Tusk Full Glass Windshield provides a clear, undistorted view of the trail ahead while creating a quiet and comfortable cabin environment. It effectively blocks wind, cold air, and debris, making for a much more pleasant ride in various conditions.
Glass windshields are generally more resistant to scratching than their polycarbonate counterparts, maintaining optical clarity over time. While it offers a more permanent solution than a flip-up vent style, the trade-off is superior protection and a clean, OEM-like appearance. This is a top-tier comfort upgrade for any Defender owner.
What to Look For in the Best Accessories for Your Can Am Defender
When I started adding accessories to my own Can Am Defender, I quickly learned that not all gear is created equal. The goal is to enhance both performance and comfort without compromising the machine’s integrity. The first thing I consider is the material quality. For anything that mounts externally, like a winch or roof, you need corrosion-resistant materials like powder-coated steel or marine-grade polymers. This stuff lives a hard life, exposed to mud, water, and sun, so skimping here is a recipe for rust and failure.
Next up is the intended use. My needs on the farm are different from someone who primarily trail rides or hunts. If you’re like me and use your Defender for work, a sturdy front winch and a full windshield are non-negotiable. For comfort on long rides, I’d prioritize a good suspension seat and a heater. Think about what you actually do with your machine. There’s no point buying a high-performance exhaust if your main concern is keeping your tools dry in a locking storage box.
Installation is another huge factor. I’m a decent mechanic, but I don’t have all day to wrestle with poorly designed brackets. I look for accessories that are truly “bolt-on” with clear instructions and use existing mounting points where possible. Some items, like a new clutch kit, are best left to a professional, but for most things, a straightforward DIY install saves money and gives you a better understanding of your UTV.
Finally, think about integration. The best accessories for a Can Am Defender work together as a system. Does that new overhead storage box interfere with the rearview mirror? Will the roof you’re looking at fit properly with your aftermarket windshield? I always check product reviews and forum posts to see how a specific accessory plays with others. A little research upfront prevents a lot of headaches and wasted money later, ensuring every addition makes your Defender more capable and enjoyable to use.
FAQ
What is the single most important accessory for a Can Am Defender?
For me, it’s a tie between a good winch and a full windshield. The winch is a total game-changer for self-recovery if you get stuck, and it’s incredibly useful for pulling logs or dragging game. The windshield, on the other hand, is a massive comfort upgrade, protecting you from bugs, branches, and the wind. If I had to pick just one for overall utility, I’d lean towards the winch because it can get you out of a real bind.
Are Can Am branded accessories better than aftermarket options?
Not necessarily. Can Am OEM parts are guaranteed to fit perfectly and are often high quality, but they can be pricey. The aftermarket for the Can Am Defender is huge, and many third-party companies make excellent, durable accessories that are just as good, if not better, for a lower price. I always read reviews and check specs. Sometimes the OEM part is the best choice, but often you can find a fantastic aftermarket alternative that saves you some cash.
How difficult is it to install accessories myself?
It really depends on the accessory and your comfort level with tools. Items like mirrors, spare tire carriers, and basic light bars are often straightforward bolt-on projects you can do in an afternoon with common hand tools. More complex installations, like a full audio system, a heater, or clutch upgrades, require more technical skill, wiring knowledge, and sometimes special tools. I always start by watching an installation video for the specific product to gauge the difficulty before I buy.
Will adding a lot of accessories void my Can Am warranty?
This is a common concern. Generally, simply adding accessories will not void your entire factory warranty. However, if an aftermarket accessory directly causes a failure—for example, a poorly installed electrical accessory shorts out the main wiring harness—the dealership may deny a warranty claim for that specific component. It’s always best to use high-quality parts and professional installation for complex jobs to avoid any potential issues. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act protects you in the US, meaning the dealer must prove the accessory caused the problem.
What are some good comfort-focused accessories for long rides?
If you spend hours in the saddle, comfort is key. My top picks are suspension seats, which drastically reduce back fatigue on rough terrain. A good climate control system, like a cab heater or even a fan, makes a world of difference in extreme weather. Sound insulation for the dash and floor cuts down on noise, and a quality stereo system makes long trails more enjoyable. Don’t forget the small stuff, like padded armrests and extra cup holders.
Can I improve my Defender’s performance with simple accessories?
Absolutely. One of the easiest and most effective performance upgrades is a set of high-quality tires suited to your terrain. For more engine power and a better sound, a performance air intake and exhaust system can offer a noticeable bump. If you’re carrying heavy loads or towing, heavy-duty springs or a full suspension lift kit will help maintain ride height and stability. These are some of the best accessories for a Can Am Defender when you’re looking to boost its capabilities beyond stock.