Installing a can am commander turn signal kit is easily one of the most practical upgrades you can make to your side-by-side. If you're like me, you probably spent a good chunk of change on your Commander because it's the perfect mix of a workhorse and a trail-shredding beast. But the moment you need to cross a paved road or head into town to grab a sandwich, you realize that waving your arms around like a madman to indicate a left turn isn't exactly high-tech or, frankly, all that safe.
Let's be real for a second: the Commander is built for the rough stuff, but it feels a lot more complete when it has those "car-like" features. Whether you're trying to make your rig street-legal or you just want to make sure your buddies behind you on the trail know you're about to duck into a side path, a turn signal kit is the way to go.
Why Bother With Turn Signals Anyway?
You might think, "I only ride on private property, why do I need blinkers?" It's a fair question. But honestly, even in the deep woods, communication is huge. If you're leading a pack of five UTVs through a dusty trail, the person behind you can't always see your hand signals through the cloud of silt. A bright amber LED blinking on the back of your machine is impossible to miss. It keeps everyone from bunching up or, worse, rear-ending you when you slow down to make a sharp turn.
Then there's the whole street-legal aspect. Depending on where you live, the requirements for getting a plate on your UTV can be pretty specific. In many states, a can am commander turn signal kit is a non-negotiable requirement, usually paired with a horn and maybe a license plate bracket. Getting those things knocked out in one go makes the DMV process a lot less of a headache.
Plug-and-Play vs. The "DIY Nightmare"
When you start shopping for a can am commander turn signal kit, you'll notice two main categories: the plug-and-play kits and the universal kits. If you value your sanity and your Saturday afternoons, do yourself a favor and lean toward the plug-and-play options.
The Commander's wiring harness is a bit of a maze. A dedicated kit designed specifically for the Can-Am usually comes with connectors that match the factory plugs. This means you aren't cutting, splicing, or using those annoying "vampire clips" that eventually vibrate loose and cause your lights to flicker. You just find the right harness, click it into place, and you're halfway there.
Universal kits are cheaper, sure. But by the time you buy the extra wire, the heat shrink, and the various connectors—and spend four hours trying to figure out which wire goes to the brake light—you'll wish you'd spent the extra fifty bucks on the kit made for your specific machine.
What Features Actually Matter?
Not all kits are created equal. Some are bare-bones, while others come with all the bells and whistles. Here's what I usually look for when I'm helping a friend pick one out:
Integrated vs. External Lights
Some kits use your factory taillights for the rear blinkers. This is super clean because it doesn't require mounting extra pods to your plastic. For the front, you usually get small, high-intensity LEDs that you flush-mount into the fenders. This looks way more professional than some bulky light bar stuck to the brush guard.
The Horn Inclusion
Many "street legal" style kits come with a horn included. Even if you don't think you'll use it, it's actually pretty handy for getting a cow to move out of the trail or signaling to your group during a break. Having it integrated into the same wiring harness as your turn signals makes the dashboard much cleaner.
Rocker Switches
You'll want a kit that includes a nice, backlit rocker switch. Since the Commander has those blank switch plates on the dash, you can just pop one out and snap the new turn signal switch right in. If the switch lights up when your headlights are on, even better—it makes it way easier to find when you're riding at night.
Hazard Lights
Don't overlook the hazard function. If you ever break down or need to stop on the side of a busy trail, having four-way flashers is a massive safety bonus. It's one of those things you hope you never need, but you're glad it's there when you do.
A Few Tips for the Installation
I won't lie to you; even with a "plug-and-play" kit, you're going to spend some time under the hood (or under the dash). It's not hard, but it requires some patience.
First off, get yourself a good set of plastic pry tools. You'll be popping off body panels to run wires, and using a flathead screwdriver is a one-way ticket to scratching your plastics. Once you get the panels off, take the time to route your wires cleanly. Use more zip ties than you think you need. The last thing you want is a wire dangling near a hot exhaust pipe or getting pinched in the steering column.
When it comes to drilling holes for the front LEDs, measure three times and drill once. I always start with a small pilot hole before moving up to the full-size bit. It gives you a lot more control and prevents the drill from "walking" across your fender and leaving a nasty scar.
Making It Official
Once you've got your can am commander turn signal kit installed, checked the lights, and verified that the horn actually honks, it's time to look at your local regulations. Some areas just require the lights to be functional, while others might require a specific height for the mounting or a certain distance between the blinkers.
If you're aiming for full street-legal status, check if you also need mirrors. Most turn signal kits don't come with them, but they're usually the next logical step. Having a rearview and side mirrors makes the blinkers even more effective because you can actually see the traffic you're signaling to.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, a can am commander turn signal kit isn't the "flashiest" mod. It's not a 3-inch lift or a new set of 32-inch tires that make everyone stop and stare at the trailhead. But it is one of those quality-of-life upgrades that makes the machine feel "finished."
There's a certain satisfaction in pulling up to a T-junction, flicking a switch, and seeing that green arrow blink on your dash. It takes the guesswork out of riding in groups and opens up a whole new world of road-legal possibilities. Plus, it just makes the ride a whole lot safer for you and whoever else is out there sharing the dirt with you.
So, if you're tired of the hand signals or you're prepping for a trip where you'll be hopping on and off the pavement, stop putting it off. Grab a decent kit, spend a Saturday in the garage with a couple of cold drinks, and get it done. Your Commander (and your riding buddies) will thank you for it.