RZR Pro XP Trailing Arm Problems & Solutions

When you’re ripping through trails, climbing rocks, or blasting through mud, your Pro XP trailing arms are taking a lot more abuse than you might think. These rear suspension components are the link between your hub assembly and the chassis — meaning they control wheel position, help manage Pro XP suspension geometry, and absorb a fair amount of the impacts that your shocks don’t catch. Get them right, and your Pro XP rear suspension will feel smooth, stable, and predictable. Let them wear out, bend, or crack, and you’re in for sloppy handling, uneven tire wear, and possibly a ride-ending failure.
Why Trailing Arms Matter
In a Polaris RZR setup, trailing arms do more than just hold your wheels in place. They:
- Keep the rear wheels aligned under load and during suspension travel.
- Work with the shocks to manage weight transfer and Pro XP suspension upgrades.
- Maintain critical alignment settings like toe and camber.
- Strong, well-designed trailing arms — especially high-clearance trailing arms — also give you more room to clear rocks, stumps, and ruts without dragging the rear end.
Learn more about UTV trailing arm design from industry experts.
Common Issues Riders Report
Even stock Pro XP trailing arms can develop problems, especially if you ride aggressively or run aftermarket trailing arms with big tires and extended travel kits.
Bending and Cracking
A hard hit on a rock, log, or ledge can bend the trailing arm tubing or cause weld cracks. This is one of the most common failures for RZRs running heavy tires or a Pro XP long travel setup. Once bent, you’ll notice the wheel tracking oddly or rubbing in spots it shouldn’t.
Toe Link and Bushing Wear
Your Pro XP bushings and toe link mounts are critical for alignment. Worn bushings allow the arms to move side-to-side, messing up your Pro XP suspension geometry. That means poor handling, premature tire wear, and in extreme cases, RZR trailing arm breakage.
Clearance Issues with Aftermarket Tires/Shocks
Adding big tire suspension setups or changing to long-reservoir shocks can cause trailing arm clearance problems. This is especially true if you haven’t upgraded to RZR high clearance rear arms designed for Pro XP shock clearance.
Choosing the Right Trailing Arms
Not all Polaris RZR trailing arm upgrades give the same performance. Here’s what to think about when shopping:
- Material: Aftermarket arms often use boxed steel, billet aluminum, or chromoly for extra RZR trailing arm durability.
- Design: High-clearance trailing arms lift the profile so you glide over more obstacles.
- Strength Add-ons: Look for designs with gussets, internal bracing, or a trailing arm brace for reinforcement.
- Fitment: Make sure the arm works with your Pro XP suspension parts, tire size, and shock setup.
If you ride rocky trails, go for something with built-in skid protection. For dunes or mud, lighter-weight and suspension travel upgrades might be more important.
Maintenance Tips
Even the strongest UTV trailing arm replacements need some love to last. Keep these habits:
- Check Bushings Often: Grease or replace Pro XP bushings to keep alignment tight.
- Inspect for Cracks: Look near welds and mounting points for early signs of stress.
- Watch Tire Wear: Uneven wear can signal a bent arm or misalignment.
- Clean After Mud Runs: Packed mud accelerates corrosion and wear.
Regular trailing arm maintenance will stretch the life of both stock and aftermarket trailing arms — and save you money in the long run.
Final Recommendations
If your stock arms are showing signs of RZR trailing arm bending, alignment issues, or clearance problems, it’s time to look into a Polaris RZR trailing arm upgrade. Switching to high-clearance trailing arms or a reinforced UTV trailing arm replacement can:
- Increase RZR trailing arm durability.
- Improve forward offset stability and handling.
- Boost your Pro XP rear suspension performance.
Pro XP trailing arms are a critical investment for anyone pushing their machine to the limit. Ready to make the move? Check out our full selection of trailing arm products and Pro XP suspension parts to find the perfect match for your riding style.
Don’t let weak trailing arms cut your ride short. Upgrade to Dig Rig Powersports Pro XP trailing arms and hit the trails with strength, clearance, and confidence.