We brought our four-seat 2019 Can-Am Maverick X3 MAX X rs Turbo R to Sand Hollow, Utah, for three days of rock crawling during the SxS Adventure Rally. I initially wondered whether bringing such a long UTV was a mistake. By the end of the trip, I was convinced it was one of the best choices I could have made.
Our Maverick X3 MAX had previously explored the Rubicon Trail and Johnson Valley, but this was its first trip to Sand Hollow. The area’s waterfalls, steep stair-steps and ledges gave us a much better idea of what the four-seat X3 could handle in technical terrain.
The biggest surprise was how stable and confidence-inspiring the MAX felt on steep climbs and descents. It was not as nimble as a two-seat UTV in tight terrain, but Sand Hollow’s major obstacles generally provided enough room to position the longer machine. The long wheelbase made several intimidating transitions feel much less sketchy than they would have in a shorter UTV.
Why the Four-Seat Maverick X3 MAX Worked
A long-wheelbase UTV has an obvious breakover disadvantage, but it also has real benefits on steep terrain. The Maverick X3 MAX remained composed while climbing waterfalls and transitioning over stair-step ledges. Instead of feeling like the vehicle wanted to stand up or pitch forward, its length helped keep it settled.
That extra stability made the MAX an excellent fit for Sand Hollow. The trails still required careful tire placement, but they did not demand the constant tight maneuvering I had expected.
35-Inch System 3 Tires and Low-Range Performance
Ground clearance is particularly important with the longer belly of a four-seat UTV. One of the easiest ways to gain clearance is to install taller tires, so we replaced the original 30-inch tires with 35-inch System 3 Off-Road XCR350 tires mounted on System 3 SB5 beadlock wheels.
Moving from a 30-inch tire to a 35-inch tire changes the effective gearing, which can create drivability and belt problems in some UTVs. The Maverick X3’s low range handled the larger tires exceptionally well. We could crawl slowly and control our speed over technical obstacles without needing extra momentum to keep the belt engaged.
During this trip, we experienced no noticeable belt slip. That let us concentrate on line selection and tire placement instead of rushing an obstacle to protect the CVT belt.
Skid Plate and Rock-Slider Protection
The MAX’s long rocker-panel area needs protection when crossing ledges. We installed a Factory UTV UHMW skid plate and rock sliders before the trip.
The rock sliders protected the large plastic rocker panels between the front and rear tires, while the skid plate allowed the vehicle to slide across rocks without exposing the underside to direct impacts. These were among the most important modifications on the build. Anyone planning to rock crawl a Maverick X3 MAX should put underbody and rocker protection near the top of the upgrade list.
Suspension and Driveline Upgrades
Our X3 MAX was equipped with several upgrades intended to improve ride height, articulation and durability:
- Shock Therapy dual-rate spring kit and limit straps: The Shock Therapy spring setup helped restore the proper ride height while providing a better spring-rate combination for bumps and technical terrain.
- HCR suspension and chassis reinforcement: The HCR Racing components provided additional strength for the impacts encountered in rocky terrain.
- SuperATV Rhino 2.0 axles: We upgraded all four axles and the ball joints to better withstand the additional leverage and load created by the 35-inch tires.
- Walker Evans Racing Walker Links: These sway-bar links provide a small amount of controlled movement before the sway bar fully engages. That gives the rear suspension more freedom to articulate while retaining sway control.
- ZRP radius-rod plate and Dog Bones: The Zollinger Racing Products components reinforce the rear radius-rod mounting points and use integrated misalignment spacers to help keep everything positioned correctly.
The modifications were not intended to turn the MAX into a dedicated competition crawler. They strengthened vulnerable areas and made an already versatile adventure UTV better prepared for repeated use in rocky terrain.
Storage and Cold-Weather Comfort
Although we did not need its full expedition capacity for this event, the Maverick was still configured for longer adventure rides. An Alpine Designs rear rack carried RotopaX fuel containers while leaving room for a cooler, tools, camera equipment and other trail gear.
A TMW Off-Road storage tray and bag fit into the rear cargo area using the Can-Am LinQ mounting points. The tray provided convenient storage underneath the Assault Industries spare-tire carrier, which flips upward to provide access to the cargo area.
The PRP seats were also heated. Temperatures were chilly in the mornings and evenings, making the heated seats far more useful than they might sound when planning a trip to southern Utah.
Radios, Intercom and Trail Communication
The Rugged Radios radio and intercom system was one of the most valuable additions during the group ride. The intercom allowed conversations inside the vehicle, while the radio provided car-to-car communication.
On technical trails, that communication is about more than convenience. Drivers could warn one another about a large rock, identify a preferred line or confirm an upcoming turn without stopping the entire group. A radio should be strongly considered for any UTV regularly used on organized or group trail rides.
Lighting and Street-Legal Equipment
An SDR Motorsports cage and front bumper added protection and style, while Baja Designs LEDs provided extensive lighting for rides that continued after dark. The additional light output was useful enough that other drivers sometimes followed us for better visibility.
There was a tradeoff: operating all the auxiliary lights for an extended period could draw more power than the vehicle’s charging system could replace. Owners building a similar lighting package should consider total electrical demand instead of assuming every installed light can be run continuously.
Our Maverick X3 MAX was also equipped with an XTC Power Products turn-signal kit with hazard lights and a horn. The vehicle was Montana plated, allowing us to use it on permitted public roads during the Utah trip.
Can-Am Maverick X3 MAX Rock-Crawling Verdict
The four-seat Maverick X3 MAX exceeded my expectations at Sand Hollow. Its length imposes a breakover penalty and requires good underbody protection, but it also makes the vehicle remarkably stable on steep climbs, descents and large stair-step obstacles.
The 35-inch System 3 tires delivered the additional ground clearance we needed, and the X3’s low range retained excellent slow-speed control without noticeable belt slip. Factory UTV protection, upgraded suspension and stronger driveline parts helped the machine survive repeated contact with the rocks.
After three days of technical trails, the biggest takeaway was simple: do not dismiss a four-seat UTV as being too long for Sand Hollow. With the correct protection, tires and careful line selection, the Maverick X3 MAX can be an impressively capable rock-crawling and adventure platform.
About Sand Hollow
Sand Hollow State Park and the adjoining Sand Mountain OHV Area are located near Hurricane and St. George in southern Utah. The riding area combines red-rock terrain, open sand, scenic overlooks and technical rock-crawling trails. We visited for the SxS Adventure Rally and also drove the Toquerville Falls trail during the final day of the trip.
Build Partners
- Tires and wheels: System 3 Off-Road
- UHMW skid plate and rock sliders: Factory UTV
- Rear adventure rack: Alpine Designs
- Radio, intercom and helmet blower: Rugged Radios
- Suspension and gusset kit: HCR Racing
- Spare-tire carrier, mirrors and steering wheel: Assault Industries
- Cage and bumper: SDR Motorsports
- Auxiliary lights: Baja Designs
- Rhino 2.0 axles and heavy-duty ball joints: SuperATV
- Heated seats: PRP Seats
- CVT belt: Trinity Racing
- Turn-signal and street-legal equipment: XTC Power Products
- Dual-rate springs and limit straps: Shock Therapy
- Radius-rod plate and Dog Bones: Zollinger Racing Products
- Walker Links: Walker Evans Racing
- GPS antenna and iPad mount: Mob Armor
- Navigation app: Gaia GPS
