Why You Need Can-Am Commander Roof Speakers
Tired of the engine noise drowning out your tiny portable speaker on the trail? You’re not alone. An integrated audio system is one of the single best upgrades you can make to your machine, and installing Can-Am Commander roof speakers transforms your ride from a simple utility vehicle into an open-air concert hall. It’s about more than just music; it’s about creating a soundtrack for your adventures. This guide is the result of countless hours spent in the garage and on the trails, and I’m here to walk you through every step, from choosing the right system to that first, glorious soundcheck. We’ll cut through the complexity and get you set up for incredible audio.
Key Takeaways: Installing Your Audio Roof
- Choose Wisely: Your biggest decision is between a plug-and-play BRP OEM Audio Roof and a more customizable aftermarket system from brands like MTX Audio or Rockford Fosgate. Aftermarket often provides better value and more features.
- Wiring is Key: The most crucial and time-consuming part of the installation is safely running the main power wire from your Commander’s battery to the roof. Plan your route carefully.
- Safety First, Always: Before you touch a single wire or bolt, disconnect the negative terminal on your battery. This is a non-negotiable safety step to prevent short circuits and injury.
- Gather Your Tools: You’ll need a basic socket set, wire strippers/crimpers, T-handle Torx wrenches, and plastic trim removal tools. Having everything ready beforehand makes the process much smoother.
- Test and Tidy: After installation, test every function (power, Bluetooth, lights) before tidying up your wiring with zip ties. A clean installation is a reliable installation.
Selecting the Perfect Can-Am Commander Roof with Speakers
Before you turn a single wrench, you need to pick the right audio roof. This choice significantly impacts your budget, installation complexity, and overall satisfaction. In my experience, the market is split into two main categories: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and Aftermarket.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Audio Roofs
The BRP Audio Roof is the official option from Can-Am. It’s designed for a perfect, factory-finish fit and often features a simple plug-and-play installation into the vehicle’s pre-wired accessory ports. However, this convenience comes at a premium price.
Aftermarket systems from reputable brands like MTX Audio, Rockford Fosgate, Boss Audio, and Wet Sounds offer a wider range of features, power levels, and price points. While they may require a bit more effort to install, they often provide superior sound quality and more bang for your buck.
Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
| Feature | BRP OEM Audio Roof | Aftermarket Audio Roofs |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Typically easier, plug-and-play. | More involved, requires running new wires. |
| Fit & Finish | Guaranteed perfect fit for your specific model. | Generally good, but may require minor adjustments. |
| Price | Premium / High | Wide range, often better value. |
| Features | Standard (Bluetooth, basic lighting). | More options (RGB lighting, larger speakers, etc). |
| Sound Quality | Good | Often better, with more powerful amps and speakers. |
| Warranty | Covered by BRP warranty. | Varies by manufacturer. |
My advice? If you want the absolute simplest installation and a perfect factory look, and budget isn’t a concern, the BRP Audio Roof is a solid choice. For everyone else, the value and performance of an aftermarket can am roof with speakers is hard to beat.
Key Features to Compare
When you’re shopping, don’t just look at the brand name. Dig into the specs to find what matters for your riding style.
- Power Output (Watts): Look for the RMS (Root Mean Square) power rating, not the “Peak Power.” RMS represents the continuous power the system can handle, which is a much more realistic measure of how loud and clear it will be on the trail. I recommend at least 40-50 watts RMS per channel.
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 or higher is ideal for a stable, long-range connection. Also, check for other inputs like a 3.5mm AUX port or a USB port for charging your phone.
- Integrated Lighting: Many audio roofs include front-facing LED light bars and interior dome lights. This is a fantastic two-for-one upgrade, saving you from having to wire separate lighting later.
- Durability & Weatherproofing: Look for an IP (Ingress Protection) rating, like IP66. This indicates the unit is protected against dust and powerful water jets, which is essential for off-road use. The roof material itself, typically a durable rotomolded polyethylene, should be thick and UV-resistant.
Pre-Installation: Gathering Tools and Prepping Your Workspace
A smooth installation starts with good preparation. Nothing is more frustrating than having to stop mid-project to run to the store for a tool. Based on the dozens of these systems we’ve installed, here is the essential toolkit.
Required Tools & Supplies
- Socket Set: A good metric set with a ratchet and various extensions.
- Torx Bit Set: Can-Am uses Torx fasteners extensively. A T25, T30, and T40 are common sizes.
- Plastic Trim Removal Kit: Essential for prying open plastic panels without scratching them.
- Wire Strippers & Crimpers: For making clean, secure electrical connections.
- Electrical Tape & Zip Ties: For protecting and managing your new wiring.
- Fish Tape or Stiff Wire: This is a lifesaver for pulling wires through the roll cage or behind panels.
- Multimeter (Optional but Recommended): To verify power and ground connections.
- A Friend: While you can do it alone, having an extra set of hands to lift the roof into place is a huge help.
Safety and Workspace Prep
- Work Area: Park your Commander on a flat, level surface in a well-lit area like a garage.
- Unbox Everything: Lay out all the parts from your new audio roof kit. Compare the contents to the parts list in the instruction manual. I can’t stress this enough—it’s a terrible feeling to discover a missing bracket halfway through the job.
- DISCONNECT THE BATTERY: Before you start, disconnect the negative (-) terminal from your Commander’s battery. This prevents any accidental short circuits that could damage your new audio system or the vehicle’s electrical system.
Step-by-Step: Installing Your Can-Am Commander Roof Speakers
This is where the fun begins. We’ll break this down into clear, manageable steps. While instructions may vary slightly between brands, this process covers the universal principles for installing any aftermarket audio roof.
Step 1: Prepare the Roll Cage
If you have an existing roof, now is the time to remove it. This typically involves just a few bolts on the roll cage clamps. Once it’s off, take a moment to clean the top surfaces of the roll cage where the new roof will mount. A clean surface ensures a better, rattle-free fit.
Step 2: Dry-Fit the New Audio Roof
With the help of a friend, carefully lift the new can am commander roof with speakers and place it onto the roll cage. Don’t bolt it down yet. The goal here is to check for proper alignment and identify the best route for running your main power wire. Note where the roof’s wiring pigtail is located and how it will connect to the power wire you’re about to run.
Step 3: Run the Main Power Harness
This is the most critical step. A poorly routed wire can get pinched, chafed, or damaged, leading to system failure. Your goal is to get the provided power and ground wires from the roof, down the roll cage, and to the battery.
- Choose Your Path: The most common route is down the front A-pillar or the rear C-pillar of the roll cage. We prefer the A-pillar on the passenger side as it’s often easier to route through the firewall.
- Hide the Wires: Use your fish tape or a stiff wire to pull the power harness through the inside of the roll cage tubing for the cleanest and most protected installation. If your cage isn’t hollow, you’ll need to run the wire along the outside, tucking it into the channel and securing it tightly with zip ties every 6-8 inches.
- Pass Through the Firewall:
