How to Choose the Right Tires and Wheels for Your SxS Adventures

When it comes to side-by-side (SxS) performance, power gets all the attention—but let’s not forget the only part of your vehicle that actually touches the ground: your tires and wheels.

Choosing the right setup is a game-changer. The right tires give you grip where you need it most, and the right wheels can mean the difference between a smooth ride and getting stuck in the mud—or worse, cracking a rim on a rocky trail. Whether you’re cruising through sand dunes, crawling over rocks, or tearing up muddy trails, your tire and wheel combo matters more than you might think.

Here’s everything you need to know about choosing the perfect set for your SxS.

1. Understand Your Terrain

The first and most important step in choosing tires is knowing where you’ll be riding most often. Here’s a breakdown of common terrain types and the tires that match them:

• Mud: Go for aggressive tread patterns with deep lugs that can self-clean and dig into soft ground. Think Maxxis Mudzilla or ITP Cryptid.
• Sand: Paddle tires are a must. Their wide, scoop-like tread helps you float over dunes rather than sink.
• Rocks: Look for tires with strong sidewalls and sticky rubber. Radial construction offers better durability and puncture resistance.
• Hardpack & Trail: All-terrain tires are your best bet. They offer a balance of durability, traction, and comfort for general riding.

If you ride in multiple environments, consider a versatile all-terrain tire or keep a second set for special conditions.

2. Tire Size Matters

Size isn’t just about looks—it affects your handling, power delivery, and ride quality.

• Width affects stability and grip. Wider tires give more surface area but may be harder to steer in tight turns.
• Diameter changes ground clearance. Bigger tires help with obstacles but may put extra strain on your drivetrain.
• Sidewall height impacts ride comfort and shock absorption. A taller sidewall softens the bumps but may flex more during cornering.

Make sure your size choice matches your SxS’s suspension setup and doesn’t cause rubbing or clearance issues.

3. Choosing the Right Wheels

Wheels do more than hold your tires—they influence weight distribution, strength, and even braking performance.

• Material: Aluminum alloy wheels are lighter and offer better performance but can be more prone to damage. Steel wheels are tougher but heavier.
• Offset and Backspacing: These determine how far your wheels sit from the suspension. Too much offset can cause rubbing; too little can affect stability.
• Beadlock vs. Non-Beadlock: Beadlocks clamp the tire to the rim, which is great for low-pressure rock crawling. They’re more expensive but worth it for extreme riding.

4. Don’t Forget Load Rating

Tires and wheels must handle the weight of your machine and gear. Check your owner’s manual for load specs, especially if you haul gear, passengers, or ride aggressively. Under-rated tires can lead to blowouts or bent rims.

5. Tire Maintenance Tips

Once you’ve got your ideal setup, maintenance is key:

• Check PSI regularly: Low pressure improves grip off-road but increases wear and risk of damage.
• Inspect for damage: Sharp rocks, branches, and trail debris can puncture or slice tires.
• Rotate and align: Just like a car, rotating your tires extends their life. A proper alignment prevents uneven wear.

6. How Performance Parts Affect Tire Choice

If you’ve added upgrades like a dump valve turbo, which increases power and responsiveness, your tires need to keep up. Extra horsepower puts more strain on your tires, especially during fast acceleration or cornering.

Bigger power means more heat, more wear, and more chances of slippage. High-performance tires with reinforced construction and superior traction are a must if you’re running a modded setup.

7. Can-Am Maverick R vs X3: Tire Needs by Model

If you’re deciding between the two hottest models out there—the Can-Am Maverick R vs X3—you’ll want to match your tires to each machine’s capabilities.

The Can-Am Maverick X3 is already a beast in the sand and trails, and it responds well to paddle tires or aggressive all-terrains. It’s lighter and more agile, making it perfect for nimble handling with slightly smaller tire setups.

The Maverick R, on the other hand, is built for next-level performance. With its new chassis and suspension, it can handle larger tires without compromising control. If you’re going for max clearance and monster tires, the Maverick R is up for the task.

Whichever you choose, keep in mind that performance upgrades—like a dump valve turbo or ECU tune—will demand tougher, more capable tires to keep everything in sync.

Final Thoughts

Your SxS’s power and performance mean nothing without the right connection to the terrain. Choosing the right tires and wheels ensures your adventures are smooth, safe, and unforgettable. Whether you’re upgrading your stock setup or building out a beast with performance mods, don’t overlook the importance of solid traction and durable wheels.

And hey—whether you’re debating Can-Am Maverick R vs X3, running a dump valve turbo, or just heading out for your first trail ride, make sure your tires are ready for the ride ahead.