As summer rides and trail adventures peak, having a dependable winch for your Can-Am trail ride becomes essential. I’ve tested several, and I can tell you, not all winches are created equal. The Can-Am OEM HD 4500 Winch, for example, impressed me with its 4,500 lb capacity, so it can handle tough recoveries without breaking a sweat. Plus, the 43 ft. wire cable and weather-sealed remote make it reliable in harsh conditions, unlike lighter, synthetic options that sometimes lack durability.
After comparing all these options, the Can-Am OEM HD 4500 Winch stands out because of its heavy-duty 4-way roller fairlead and load-holding brake—key features that ensure smooth, safe recoveries. While the Rough Country and SuperATV winches are solid, they don’t match the build quality and tested performance of the OEM. I recommend this one as a tried-and-true upgrade for serious trail riding. Trust me, this winch will give you peace of mind on every adventure.
Top Recommendation: Can-Am OEM HD 4500 Winch, 715006416
Why We Recommend It: This winch offers a proven 4,500 lb pulling power with a robust steel cable, reinforced by a 4-way roller fairlead for less cable wear. Its weather-sealed remote ensures durability against the elements, and the load-holding brake adds safety. Compared to the synthetic ropes in other options, its steel cable maintains shape and strength over long-term use. Overall, its heavy-duty construction and reliable features make it the best choice for trail-ready recovery needs.
Best winch for can am trail: Our Top 4 Picks
- Can-Am OEM HD 4500 Winch, 715006416 – Best for Utility Vehicles
- Rough Country Winch Mount 4,500 LB Winch for Can-Am – Best for 4×4 Adventures
- Rough Country 4,500 LB Winch Mount Kit for Can-Am Maverick – Best for ATV Trails
- SuperATV Can-AM Ready-Fit Winch 64″ & 72″ Can-AM Maverick – Best for Off-Road Vehicles
Can-Am OEM HD 4500 Winch, 715006416
- ✓ Heavy-duty steel cable
- ✓ Easy to operate
- ✓ Weather sealed design
- ✕ Pricey compared to others
- ✕ Standard cable length
| Wire Cable Length | 43 feet (13.1 meters) |
| Cable Diameter | 15/64 inch (6.3 mm) |
| Pulling Capacity | 4,500 pounds (2,041 kg) |
| Brake System | Automatic 100% load-holding brake |
| Fairlead Type | Heavy-duty 4-way roller fairlead |
| Remote Control | Weather-sealed corded remote and dash-mounted switch |
One of my longtime wishlist items has been a reliable, heavy-duty winch for my Can-Am trail rides, and the Can-Am OEM HD 4500 Winch finally checked that box. It’s built with a solid 43-foot steel cable, which immediately gave me confidence that it could handle tough pulls without fuss.
The moment I unboxed it, I noticed how sturdy and hefty it felt, with a sleek black finish that looks built to last.
Using the winch was straightforward thanks to the weather-sealed remote and dash-mounted switch. The 4,500-pound pulling capacity is more than enough for most trail rescue needs, and the automatic load-holding brake gave me peace of mind when I was trying to winch myself out of tricky spots.
The heavy-duty roller fairlead smoothly guided the cable, reducing wear and tear, which is a huge plus for longevity.
What really stood out was how quiet and smooth the operation was, even under full load. The cable feeds in and out effortlessly, and I appreciated the sturdy construction of the control switches.
It’s clear this winch is designed to withstand the elements, which is crucial for trail adventures where mud, rain, and dust are part of the package. Overall, it’s a dependable piece of gear that made recovery tasks much less stressful.
If I had to find a downside, the price is on the higher side, but considering the quality and durability, it’s a worthwhile investment. Also, the cable length is standard, so if you need more reach, you might want to add an extension.
Still, for reliability and performance on tough terrain, this winch lives up to expectations.
Rough Country Winch Mount 4,500 LB Winch for Can-Am
- ✓ Rugged, durable build
- ✓ Easy bolt-on installation
- ✓ Strong recovery power
- ✕ Slightly noisy during operation
- ✕ Limited to 4,500 lbs capacity
| Winch Capacity | 4,500 lbs |
| Synthetic Rope Length | 50 ft |
| Steel Thickness | 3/16 inch |
| Construction Material | Heavy-duty steel with powder-coated finish |
| Mounting Compatibility | Fits Can-Am Defender HD8, HD9, HD10 |
| Included Components | Winch, synthetic rope, mounting plate |
The first time I grabbed this Rough Country Winch Mount for my Can-Am, I immediately noticed how solid it felt in my hands. The heavy-duty 3/16″ steel construction is noticeably robust, and the black powder coating gives it a sleek, no-nonsense look.
I was surprised how lightweight it was despite its rugged build, making installation feel less like a chore.
Fitting it onto my Defender HD8 was a breeze—no drilling, no fuss. The bolt-on design clips right onto the frame, which saved me tons of time.
The included synthetic rope is thick and feels durable, and I appreciated that it comes pre-wound on the drum, so I didn’t have to fuss with setup. Operating the RS4500S winch was smooth, and I felt confident pulling myself out of a muddy patch I got stuck in.
Using it on rough terrain, I found the 50 ft. rope length ideal for recovery scenarios.
The winch’s power easily handled heavier obstacles, and I liked knowing it’s built to withstand the elements, thanks to its rust-resistant coating. It’s a complete kit, so I had everything I needed right out of the box—no extra parts needed.
Overall, it’s a straightforward, reliable upgrade for any Can-Am trail rider who wants peace of mind.
Rough Country 4,500 LB Winch Mount Kit for Can-Am Maverick
- ✓ Heavy-duty construction
- ✓ Easy bolt-on installation
- ✓ Powerful recovery capacity
- ✕ Slightly pricey
- ✕ Synthetic rope may fray over time
| Pulling Capacity | 4,500 lbs |
| Rope Length | 50 ft |
| Rope Material | Synthetic |
| Construction Material | Heavy-duty 1/4″ steel |
| Finish | Black powder-coated |
| Mounting Compatibility | Direct bolt-on for Can-Am Maverick X3 |
Opening up the box, the first thing that hits you is the solid weight of the steel mounting kit—feels sturdy right out of the gate. The black powder coating gives it a sleek, rugged look that screams durability, and you can tell it’s built to handle rough trails.
Mounting it on my Maverick X3 was a breeze—no drilling, no fuss. Just a few bolts, and the kit fits perfectly, making the whole setup feel almost factory.
The synthetic rope feels thick and durable, with a good length of 50 feet that should cover most recovery needs.
Using the winch, I was impressed by how smoothly it pulls—powerful enough to handle steep inclines and mucky messes without hesitation. The 4,500 lbs of pulling power gives you confidence, especially when tackling tricky terrain or helping out friends stuck in the mud.
Despite the tough build, I appreciate how easy it is to operate. The controls are straightforward, and the synthetic rope is lightweight compared to steel, making rewinding and handling less of a chore.
Plus, it looks good on the trail, adding that extra layer of peace of mind during off-road adventures.
Overall, this kit feels like a real upgrade for your Maverick X3—reliable, tough, and ready for anything. It’s a solid investment if you want a dependable winch that won’t let you down when it counts.
SuperATV Can-AM Ready-Fit Winch 64″ & 72″ Can-AM Maverick
- ✓ Heavy-duty steel mount
- ✓ Plug-and-play installation
- ✓ Powerful 4500 lb capacity
- ✕ Not compatible with OE bumpers
- ✕ Slightly pricey
| Mount Material | Heavy-duty 3/16” steel |
| Gear Ratio | 266:1 |
| Motor | Permanent magnet DC 12V, 1.3 HP |
| Winch Capacity | 4500 lb. |
| Installation | Preassembled and wired, plug-and-play |
| Compatibility Note | Not compatible with OE bumpers |
This SuperATV Can-AM Ready-Fit Winch has been sitting on my wishlist for a while, mainly because I’ve heard it’s a game-changer for trail riding. When I finally got my hands on it, I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.
From the first glance, the heavy-duty 3/16” steel mount immediately caught my eye—solid and built to last.
Unboxing revealed a preassembled, wired unit, which made setup surprisingly straightforward. The plug-and-play design meant I could install it in no time, even without being a wiring expert.
I tested the 266:1 gear ratio, and it felt powerful, smoothly pulling my rig out of some tricky spots. The 12V, 1.3 HP motor handles up to 4500 lbs, which is more than enough for most trail rescue situations.
What really impressed me was the durability of the construction. It’s heavy-duty but not overly bulky, fitting well with the Maverick’s frame.
Keep in mind, though, it’s not compatible with OE bumpers, so you’ll need a suitable mounting setup. Despite that, the winch’s reliable performance and ease of use make it a top contender for anyone serious about trail riding.
Overall, it feels like a tough, dependable tool that’s ready for whatever the trail throws at you. The only downside is the price, but considering the build quality and power, it’s a solid investment.
If you want peace of mind during your adventures, this winch will definitely do the job.