Are you the proud owner of Jeep Wrangler? Maybe you are thinking about investing in one in the future? Whatever the situation is, there is no denying that the Jeep Wrangler is one of the most versatile vehicles on the planet. Not only can you have an amazing time off-road with this vehicle, but with the right accessories, you can also experience the open road driving in a whole new light.
Over the years the Wrangler manufacturer in conjunction with a number of aftermarket companies has released accessories to enhance your Jeep. However, as bigger flashier items jump in view some of the most basis cool things to do to a Jeep Wrangler are long forgotten. Don’t miss out on these accessories because they can really change the whole look and driving experience of any model Jeep.
1. Pick The Right Tire
Size is without a doubt one of the most important things to consider when you are shopping for Wrangler tires. Are you considering something a little larger than the factory tire? If so, did you know that you might have to install a lift kit as well? Most 33-inch tires will fit with the factory specifications, but any tire larger might require suspension modifications. When choosing the tire, you also have to think about the main purpose of the Jeep. Are you using it for off-road purposes? Is it going to be your everyday vehicle? Answering these questions will help you decide on the type of tires that you need.
2. Buy An Appropriate Rim
Of course, you can have the right tires without the right rims. In fact, you might want to choose the rims before you select the tires. When browsing through Jeep rims, you will probably discover right away that there are two main options available. This would be the alloy and steel. Steel is probably the better option for the off roadster because they are heavier, more uniform, durable, and more cost-friendly. It would hurt the wallet much less if you damage a steel rim during an off-road adventure and have to replace it. Alloy rims, on the other hand, are much lighter and flashier.
3. Equip A Winch
What would a Jeep be without a winch? Even if you aren’t planning on hitting the back roads a winch will make your ride more authoritative. One of the main considerations when choosing a winch will come down to the manufacturer’s line pull rating. In simple terms, a line pull rating means the gear ratio. There are usually three or four layers to choose from and the first one will have the lowest possible gear ration, which means it is going to offer the most pull. There are other things to consider like the line length and type of motor, but the gear ratio will be the most important deciding factor. If you plan on going through monster-sized mud holes, you will want to opt for a winch with a low gear ratio.
4. Bullbar or Bumper
A bull bar is a vital component of the Jeep’s suspension system. Without this bar, you wouldn’t be able to smoothly and safely pass over uneven terrain. This bar works by keeping track of the relation between the Jeep’s body and its axles. Pretty much, the bar help keep the axle centered even when one side of the keep is raised high in the air or on uneven terrain. Choosing a bar with a mounting system that offers maximum strength in all direction will be key to choosing a quality bull bar. You want the mounting system of the bar to be able to spread the load over both chassis rails, making thing all-around sturdier.
If bull bars are mentioned but front bumpers are not, it is certainly a shortcoming. The front bumpers not only add more styles to make your Jeep look cooler, but it also helps protect your Jeep and is a place to mount many other accessories.
5. Lift It Up
When it comes to unique Jeep accessories, you cannot go wrong with a lift system. These systems can give you a mere six inches off the ground or they could raise you to monster truck heights. That might be an overstatement, but you can get pretty high if you want. When it comes down to it, your tire size and lift kit are going to go hand-in-hand. You will have to choose the tire size first. Just think about the purposes for the Jeep and always remember that the lower you go, the more stable you are going to be. Most people opt for large lifts because they look cool and offer higher ground clearance, but if you want true stability opt for a lower system.
Read more: 6 Best Lift Kits for Jeep Wrangler YJ (1987–1995)
6. Add More Lights
When it comes to the Jeep there really is no shortage of lighting options that you have to choose from. Not only can you upgrade your headlights and taillights, but you can equip your ride with a number of lighting accessories. Some people like to opt for lights on the chassis that offer a spectacular nighttime experience. Some people opt for light bars and rock lights so that they can get a better view of rocky terrain in front of them when four-wheeling.
7. Protect Your Lights
Not only are the perfect lights essential to pimping out your Jeep, but you need the perfect light protectors. You don’t want to drop hundreds of dollars on new hi-def colored headlight and taillight only to have them busted out on your first off-road venture. This is where headlight protects come in handy. These guards are available in a number of styles and colors. Some offer caged protection while others completely envelop the lights. If you are four wheeling, you will want to opt for the most rigid option available.
8. Grab Handles for Safety and Help
Grab handles are not only excellent for getting in and out of the Jeep, but they offer your passengers some stability when you are four wheeling. These devices basically utilize a Velcro type system and wrap around the roll bar of the keep. They can quickly be installed and removed just as fast. These devices come available in a variety of colors and ergonomic materials. You will want to choose one that offers durability along with a unique look. Make opt for a color that accents your rims. Maybe opt for a color that shows off your new paint job.
9. Soft Tops
Soft tops are truly amazing and will transform your whole outlook on Jeep covers. Once you opt for a good soft top, you will swear off hardtops for good. The best soft tops not only include the very best features of the hardtops, but they come with the same durability. Soft tops are now made with a number of impressive fabrics that are resistant to UV rays and extreme weather conditions. In addition to this, some soft tops offer glass windows and sunroofs. Soft tops are supposed to be all about convenience so make sure you opt for one that provides as much as possible while including the essential features.
10. Fender Flares & Rock Sliders
Fender flares are essential for an off-road enthusiast. These very items offer the Jeep’s body extra protection from dirt and debris that is kicked up by the tires while at the same time improving the overall profile of the vehicle. Fender flares are pretty straightforward, but you always want to make sure that you are shopping for a manufacturer that offers the biggest bang for the buck. Some manufacturers will sell these items like kits, while others will sell them individually, making the overall price higher. Along with this, some fender flare installations might require more modifications than you are willing or know how to do. Just keep this in mind.
11. Front Grill
The factory seven-slot Jeep grill is without a doubt an iconic look that will never grow outdated, but if you want to stand out from the pack, there are a number of grill customizations available for you. Some even offer the same seven-slot look with a twist. Some grills just look mean with their aggressive eyebrows. Whether you go for an aggressive style or one that offers more protection during off-road adventures, you want to make sure that you choose one that offers plenty of ventilation.
12. Seat Cover
If you haven’t noticed dust, dirt, and mud aren’t particularly friendly to a Jeep’s interior. And, what’s even more concerning is the fact that you are exposing your Jeep to this every time you let down the soft top or remove the hardtop. This is where seat covers can provide relief. These items can protect your seats while also adding a little additional style and flair. You will find that seat cover come available in a variety of styles and designs. Some include superheroes. Some are designed specifically around Jeep. Whatever you decide to go with, you want to make sure that you choose a set of covers that over a snug and supreme tight fit.
Read more: Top 5 Seat Covers for Leather Seats that Will Keep Damages Away
13. Hood Latch
Jeep hood latches are unique in the fact that they are located on the outside of the vehicle. This is something that is uncommon with other vehicles and it also gives you another customization option. Of course, the most important thing is to choose a hood latch that will securely seal your hood without any vibrations whatsoever. You do not want your hood to pop lose midway down the interstate. Once you have a model that offers supreme protection, you can start opting for colors and designs.
14. Gas Cap Cover
Most people completely forget about the gas cap when it comes to Jeep upgrades. Well, this could be a major mistake because there are a number of unique designs that can help you stand out. Some models will come available with keys, some models might even just offer a cap and no lid, and some models might even offer an old school feel. You just want to make sure that you choose one that is built with durability and style in mind. You cannot go wrong with stainless steel models that offer corrosion resistance.
15. Antenna
Wrangler might have perfect many things over things, but they are still lacking in terms of antennas. Those factory antennas just drop out in dense areas and this is not to even mention that some look a little tacky. This is why you want to opt for a model that not only offers signal strength but a model that offers supreme signal strength. Some moderns antennas even lock in place to prevent thefts and connect to GPS as well as Bluetooth.
Conclusion
You can easily see that there is no shortage of customization options when it comes to the Jeep Wrangler. In fact, you could probably spend an entire lifetime trying to get your Jeep tricked out with the perfect accessories. As long as you hit the market with open eyes and know what to look for in the perfect accessories, you should have a much easier time finding what you are seeking. Just remember that the most important thing is the function of your Jeep. Are you using it for off-road adventures? Is it going to be your road vehicle? Base all your decisions around the function of the Jeep and you will also have a much easier time narrowing down the plethora options.