Last month, our team embarked on an unforgettable family off-road adventure, graciously hosted by Can-Am in the breathtaking landscapes of Moab, Utah. Known globally as an off-roading paradise, Moab’s iconic red rock trails provided the perfect proving ground for some truly remarkable vehicles. We had the incredible opportunity to put two distinct Can-Am Maverick models through their paces: a highly capable, factory-spec Can-Am Maverick Sport and a meticulously engineered, fully-built Can-Am Maverick X3. The contrast between these two machines offered a comprehensive look at the versatility and extreme potential of the Can-Am platform, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on four wheels. This journey wasn’t just about the thrill of the ride; it was an immersive experience into the heart of UTV exploration, showcasing robust engineering, strategic partnerships, and the pure joy of navigating challenging terrains. From the moment we hit the dirt, the spirit of adventure was palpable, making every turn and every climb a highlight of our trip.
Our initial experiences with the stock Can-Am Maverick Sport were nothing short of impressive. This model proved itself as an exceptionally versatile and comfortable side-by-side, perfect for family excursions into rugged terrain. Its intuitive handling, responsive suspension, and robust chassis tackled Moab’s varied trails with ease, from sandy washes to rocky ascents. The Maverick Sport’s balanced performance struck a perfect chord, offering ample power for exciting climbs while maintaining a level of comfort that ensured everyone aboard could enjoy the panoramic views and the thrill of the adventure without feeling jostled. It’s a testament to Can-Am’s engineering that a stock vehicle can deliver such an exhilarating and reliable off-road experience, making it an ideal entry point for families or individuals looking to dive into the world of UTVs and explore remote destinations.
TAV Expedition UTVs: Redefining Off-Road Capabilities
During our exhilarating Moab escapade, we had the distinct pleasure of connecting with the visionary minds behind TAV, or Tactical Application Vehicles. For those immersed in the overlanding and off-road community, TAV is synonymous with crafting some of the most formidable and highly capable Toyota rigs on the planet. Their reputation precedes them, built on a foundation of precision engineering, unwavering durability, and a deep understanding of what it takes to conquer the most challenging environments. However, TAV’s expertise isn’t confined solely to four-wheel-drive trucks. We discovered their burgeoning venture into the world of expedition UTVs and side-by-sides, an area where their meticulous approach to vehicle customization truly shines. This expansion into UTVs represents a natural evolution for TAV, applying their proven methodology of building ultra-reliable and mission-ready vehicles to a more agile and compact platform.
The centerpiece of this new frontier for TAV is their collaboration with Can-Am and Multicam, culminating in a Can-Am Maverick X3 build that truly redefines the boundaries of expedition-ready UTVs. This isn’t just a customized side-by-side; it’s a mobile command center, an exploration vessel designed from the ground up to tackle extended journeys into the wild with unparalleled self-sufficiency and performance. Every component, every modification on this Maverick X3 has been thoughtfully integrated to enhance its utility, durability, and overall capability for serious overlanding and off-grid adventures. It’s a testament to TAV’s engineering prowess that they can transform an already potent Can-Am platform into something truly extraordinary, embodying the spirit of tactical application and expeditionary readiness. To witness this machine in person, navigating the rugged terrain of Moab, was to truly “see to believe” its incredible potential and the meticulous craftsmanship involved.
Partners Driving Innovation: The Can-Am Multicam Build
The realization of such an ambitious project as the TAV-built Can-Am Multicam Maverick X3 expedition vehicle is a clear indicator of successful collaboration across industry leaders. This extraordinary build is a direct result of synergistic partnerships, each contributing specialized expertise and top-tier products to create a cohesive and highly functional overlanding machine. The integration of these components transforms the Maverick X3 from a high-performance recreational UTV into a genuine expedition platform capable of supporting extended off-grid travel and demanding exploration. Here’s a closer look at the key partners who made this vision a reality, highlighting their invaluable contributions to the ultimate Can-Am Multicam build:
- Can-Am: The foundation of this incredible build, Can-Am provides the robust and highly capable Maverick X3 platform. Renowned for its unparalleled power, agility, and race-bred performance, the Maverick X3 offers the perfect starting point for an expedition vehicle, ensuring reliability and exhilarating performance even in the harshest conditions.
- Multicam: Beyond a mere aesthetic choice, the Multicam pattern integrated throughout the vehicle signifies ruggedness, adaptability, and a tactical edge. Multicam’s design ethos, typically associated with military and outdoor gear, ensures that the vehicle is not only visually distinctive but also blends seamlessly into diverse natural environments, emphasizing its utility for serious exploration.
- Front Runner Outfitters: A leader in overlanding and off-road cargo solutions, Front Runner Outfitters contributes essential storage and utility systems. Their lightweight yet incredibly durable roof racks and accessories provide crucial space for carrying recovery gear, fuel, water, and other expedition essentials, meticulously organized and securely fastened for rugged travel.
- James Baroud: For true expedition capabilities, comfortable and reliable shelter is paramount. James Baroud provides a premium hard-shell rooftop tent, offering quick and easy setup, superior protection from the elements, and a comfortable sleeping arrangement, transforming the UTV into a self-contained overlanding camp.
- S3 Power Sports: Specializing in high-performance UTV components, S3 Power Sports bolsters the Maverick X3’s inherent strength and durability. Their heavy-duty suspension upgrades, structural reinforcements, and performance-enhancing parts ensure the vehicle can withstand extreme punishment and maintain optimal handling across severe terrain.
- EFX Tires: Grip and durability are non-negotiable for off-road expeditions. EFX Tires equips the Maverick X3 with purpose-built off-road tires designed to deliver maximum traction across a wide range of surfaces, from loose sand and sharp rocks to mud and dirt, enhancing control and confidence.
- DMOS Collective: Essential for recovery and trail maintenance, DMOS Collective provides robust, collapsible shovels and innovative recovery tools. These compact yet powerful implements are crucial for clearing obstacles, digging out stuck vehicles, and preparing camp sites in remote locations.
- KMC UTV: Aesthetics meet performance with KMC UTV wheels. These wheels are not only visually striking but are engineered to withstand the rigorous demands of off-road driving, offering superior strength, reliability, and the precise fitment necessary for optimal tire performance and vehicle dynamics.
- KC HiLights: Extending the adventure into the night requires powerful and dependable lighting. KC HiLights delivers a comprehensive array of auxiliary lighting solutions, including light bars and spotlights, ensuring superior visibility on the darkest trails and during nighttime camp setup, greatly enhancing safety and utility.
- Dometic: For preserving provisions on extended trips, Dometic’s portable refrigerators and freezers are indispensable. These rugged units keep food and drinks chilled or frozen regardless of external conditions, allowing for fresher meals and longer durations in remote areas.
- Zarges: Offering unparalleled protection for sensitive gear, Zarges aluminum cases are renowned for their extreme durability, weather resistance, and security. These rugged storage solutions safeguard critical equipment from dust, moisture, and impact, ensuring that everything arrives safely at its destination.
Each of these partners plays a critical role in elevating the TAV Can-Am Multicam Maverick X3 from an impressive concept to a fully realized, world-class expedition vehicle. The synergy of their products and expertise exemplifies the pinnacle of UTV overlanding capability, ready for any challenge Moab, or beyond, can throw its way.
As we ventured deeper into Moab, navigating its iconic trails, the full capabilities of these Can-Am machines, especially the TAV-built Maverick X3, became vividly apparent. The Martian-like landscapes of Moab, characterized by its towering red rock formations, challenging slickrock sections, and winding desert paths, served as the ultimate playground. The vehicles effortlessly ascended steep gradients, traversed uneven rock gardens, and powered through sandy washes, demonstrating exceptional traction, ground clearance, and suspension articulation. The sheer joy of experiencing these trails, from the comfort and confidence of a Can-Am, while surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of Utah, was truly exhilarating. This adventure underscored not only the engineering brilliance of Can-Am and its partners but also the immense potential for UTVs to unlock new frontiers of exploration and outdoor adventure.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Matt Ritscher and Timothy Dahl for capturing the essence of this incredible journey through their exceptional photography. Their images not only document the power and beauty of the Can-Am Maverick X3 and its customized features but also convey the spirit of adventure and camaraderie that defined our time in Moab. Each photograph tells a story, inviting viewers to imagine themselves behind the wheel, conquering challenging trails, and discovering the untamed beauty of the American West. Enjoy the visual feast below, showcasing the rugged elegance of these machines against Moab’s iconic backdrop.
