Short answer: No, UTV tracks do not require power steering. Camoplast (formerly Camso) makes kits for machines with and without EPS, and says steering on tracks is about as easy as on tires in normal riding. But if you work slowly in heavy, wet snow or mud, power steering makes a big difference, and on some models the EPS and non-EPS versions need different track kits.
This is one of the most common questions we get at UTV Tracks in Springville, Utah, usually from owners of older Rangers, RZRs, Kubotas and John Deere Gators without power steering. Here is the straight answer, based on Camoplast’s own manuals and the kits we actually sell.
What Camoplast says about steering with tracks
- Normal riding: “Steering is as easy as it is with tires,” according to the Camso ATV/UTV FAQ.
- Slow and heavy conditions: the same FAQ says it “can require more effort to make turns when driving slowly or through tough conditions such as heavy, wet and thick snow or mud.”
- Power steering caution: the Camoplast UTV 4S1 user manual says sporty driving, rapid direction changes and repeated fast turns, “especially on power steering vehicles,” are not advised because they raise the risk of derailing and wear that warranty will not cover.
- Steering design: the Camoplast UTV 4S1 page says the front Flex-Track design and system geometry are built to “optimize steering stability to reduce effort.”
With or without power steering: what to expect
| Situation | No power steering | With EPS or DPS |
|---|---|---|
| Packed trails at moderate speed | Fine for most riders | Easy |
| Tight turns at walking speed | Noticeably heavier | Easy |
| Plowing, hauling or crawling in heavy, wet snow | Tiring over a long day | Strongly recommended |
| Mud | Heavy | Much easier |
| Fast, sharp turns | Not advised on tracks | Not advised on tracks; Camoplast warns about this on power steering machines |
Our take: if the machine is a work tool in deep snow, power steering is worth it. If you mostly ride groomed or packed trails, you can run tracks without it.
Some models need a different kit for EPS
This is where people get burned. On some machines the EPS model has different steering or suspension hardware, so Camoplast uses a different mount kit. The Camso application guide lists separate part numbers for EPS and non-EPS versions of several Polaris models. Examples from our own catalog:
| Machine | Without power steering | With power steering (EPS) |
|---|---|---|
| Polaris Ranger 570 XP (2016) | 6522-05-0388 | 6522-05-0529 |
| Polaris RZR 900, M10 rear A-arm bolt (2015–2016) | 6522-05-0925 | 6522-05-0912 |
| Polaris RZR 900, M12 rear A-arm bolt (2016.5–2023) | 6522-05-1358 | 6522-05-1333 |
The RZR 900 also changed its rear A-arm bolt size mid-2016, so check both. See our RZR 900 M10 vs M12 guide. Not sure which you have? Look for “EPS” on the model decal or in your VIN details, or call us.
Can-Am DPS and Apache tracks
Can-Am calls its power steering DPS (Dynamic Power Steering). For Can-Am’s own Apache and Apache Backcountry tracks, the Can-Am spec book lists the Track DPS Module 715007338 as “required to install the Apache and Backcountry Track Systems” on models such as the Maverick Trail, Maverick Sport and Commander. Can-Am says the module syncs the speedometer and odometer to the track ratio and adjusts power steering response. We stock it: Can-Am Track DPS Module 715007338.
Running Camoplast tracks on a Can-Am instead? We carry Camoplast kits for DPS models like the Maverick Trail 1000 DPS, Maverick Sport 1000 DPS and Defender HD10 DPS.
How to protect your steering on tracks
- Set the steering limiter. Every Camoplast front track has a steering limiter that stops the track from turning far enough to hit the rear track or overload the steering. Set it during install and check it every season.
- Set the angle of attack and toe-in. The manual says front toe-in (A minus B) should be 0 to 3 mm (1/8 inch). It also says a flat-bar setting above 308 mm (12 1/8 in) steers easier but can wobble at speed, while a lower setting steers harder but is more stable.
- Stay in 4×4. Camoplast says to always run 4×4 on tracks to cut the chance of derailing.
- Turn slowly. The manual says to start sharp turns at very low speed, about 10 km/h (6 mph) real speed, and not to turn during steep descents.
- Avoid dry pavement and sharp turns in locked 4×4 on sticky ground. Both load up the steering and the tracks.
Popular power steering kits we carry
- Camoplast UTV Tracks for Polaris Ranger 1000 XP EPS NorthStar Premium 20th ABS Except HL BC and Texas Edition (2018–2020) (6522-05-1551)
- Camoplast 4S1 UTV Tracks for Polaris Ranger XP 900 EPS with Power Steering (2016–2019) (6522-05-0454)
- Camoplast UTV Tracks for John Deere XUV 590i S4 E M Power Steering (2016–2022) (6522-20-5550)
- Camoplast UTV Tracks for Polaris RZR 570 EPS Trail Premium (With Power Steering, 2016–2021) (6522-05-0597)
- Camoplast UTV Tracks for Honda Pioneer 1000-5 EPS Deluxe Limited Edition Special Edition (2016–2021) (6522-03-1127)
More guides: Camso part number lookup, Camoplast ENDUR vs 4S1, and Camso vs Camoplast.
Not sure if your machine is EPS or non-EPS? Send us your VIN.
Call UTV Tracks in Springville, Utah at 801-477-7149 or email info@utv-tracks.com with your make, model, year (or VIN). We match every kit to your exact machine before it ships, and shipping is a flat $250 anywhere in the continental US.
Frequently asked questions
Do UTV tracks need power steering?
No. Camoplast (formerly Camso) UTV 4S1 and ENDUR track systems are sold for machines with and without power steering, and Camoplast says steering with tracks is as easy as with tires in normal riding. Power steering (EPS or DPS) is strongly recommended if you work slowly in heavy, wet snow or mud, because that is where tracks take more effort to turn.
Is steering harder with tracks?
At speed on packed snow, not much. Camoplast’s FAQ says it can take more effort to turn when driving slowly or through heavy, wet, thick snow or mud. Each track has a much bigger footprint than a tire, so a machine without power steering will feel heavier in tight, slow turns.
Is there a different track kit for EPS and non-EPS models?
Sometimes. On some machines the power steering version uses a different mounting kit and part number. Example: the 2016 Polaris Ranger 570 XP without power steering uses kit 6522-05-0388, and the EPS model uses 6522-05-0529. The Polaris RZR 900 also has separate EPS and non-EPS kits. Always order by your exact model, year and EPS or non-EPS.
Can power steering be damaged by tracks?
Tracks add load to the steering, which is why every Camoplast front track has a steering limiter cable that stops the track from turning too far. The Camoplast manual warns against sporty driving, rapid direction changes and repeated fast turns, especially on power steering vehicles, because they raise the risk of derailing and wear. Set the steering limiter and toe-in exactly as the manual says and drive smoothly.
Do Can-Am DPS models need anything extra for tracks?
For Can-Am’s own Apache and Apache Backcountry tracks, yes. BRP lists the Track DPS Module 715007338 as required to install Apache and Backcountry track systems on models like the Maverick Trail, Maverick Sport, Commander and Outlander. It recalibrates the speedometer and power steering assist for tracks.
Should I add aftermarket power steering before installing tracks?
If your machine has no EPS and you plan to plow, haul or crawl in deep, wet snow, an aftermarket EPS kit is worth considering. If you mostly ride packed trails at moderate speed, many owners run tracks without power steering. Call us at 801-477-7149 and tell us how you use the machine before you spend the money.
Do I have to drive in 4×4 with tracks?
Yes. Camoplast says to use 4×4 mode at all times with track systems. It reduces the chance of derailing and spreads sprocket wear evenly across all four tracks.
