The Wrangler has always been infused with a little more personality than the average SUV. Take Jeep Ducking, for example. Have you ever passed by a Wrangler and noticed a dashboard that’s full of colorful rubber ducks in various costumes and color schemes? These were likely gifted to the driver by other Jeep owners, who place them in a prominent spot on the vehicle’s exterior whenever they find another Wrangler in the wild. Also known as “Duck, Duck, Jeep,” the game traces its roots back to Canadian Jeep owner Allison Parliament, who describes it as “an act of kindness, a healing of sorts, as well as recognition of and greeting to a fellow Jeep owner.”
Of course, rubber ducks dressed up like clowns, soldiers, or dogs aren’t the only way to personalize your Jeep; there are plenty of other fun—and functional—aftermarket accessories that allow drivers to turn their Jeep into a one-of-a-kind statement piece or a custom off-roader that’s ready to tackle even the most challenging terrain. If you’re browsing used Jeeps for sale and are looking to make your Wrangler stand apart from the crowd, read on as I examine some of the best mods to personalize your ride…
Bumpers
Jeep outfits every Wrangler with a factory bumper that’s more than up to the job when it comes to fender benders and traffic accidents, but off-road applications can be a little more demanding. When you’re regularly navigating off-road trails that can be strewn with boulders, logs, and other heavy-duty debris, protection is vital. That’s the reason why so many Wrangler owners make a new set of front and rear bumpers their first investment.
These bumpers are offered in a range of shapes and styles, including modular designs that allow for even more customization. In addition to providing extra protection and recovery points, aftermarket bumpers are also the perfect place to mount some auxiliary lights or a winch. From stubby offerings that cover little more than the front grille to mid-, full-width, and tubular design, these bumpers will give you a bit of confidence in tough terrain while also lending the Wrangler a sporty look.
Floor Liners
If you’re looking to recreate the mud-slinging, dune-bashing action that’s the hallmark of every Wrangler commercial, things are going to get a little messy. Jeep has designed the Wrangler with a number of clever features designed to minimize the worst of the damage, such as resilient upholstery, weather-resistant removable carpeting, and one-way floor drain valves. If you’re looking to minimize the hassles associated with post-ride cleanup, consider springing for a set of aftermarket floor liners.
You could replace your carpeted factory floor mats with custom color or a little more cushioning, or go in the other direction with rubberized slush mats that can prevent mud, water, and snow from staining the rest of the interior. If you’re looking for a more comprehensive approach, consider a completely new flooring system; brands like Armorlite make water- and stain-resistant flooring systems with built-in drain plugs that cover the entire front and rear footwell for maximum protection. These flooring systems also have thermal and acoustic dampening properties, making for a cooler, calmer ride for all involved.
Grab Handles
Things can get rocky when you’re doing some off-the-grid exploration, but that’s half the fun! Even with the Jeep’s robust suspension system and seat belts, it can be easy to feel like you’re being tossed around the cabin when you hit a particularly rough stretch of trail—but that’s where grab handles come in. Most vehicles are outfitted with some sort of factory grab handle, but the Wrangler’s unique roll cage makes things a little more difficult.
A number of aftermarket retailers have stepped in to fill the gap, offering a wide selection of grab handles that can be mounted to either the roll bar or A-pillars. They can also come in handy when trying to enter or exit the Jeep, though their primary purpose comes down to improving driver and passenger safety when the going gets rough. Grab handles are offered in a variety of designs and materials, from steel and rubber to nylon and foam. Installation is well within the reach of the average DIY-er, and even the most expensive handles top out at around $50.
Hood Latches
Jeep has always been committed to integrating the latest and greatest in automotive technology into its flagship 4×4, but perfection can be a slow process. Just look at the Wrangler’s hood latches. The Jeep’s TJ (1996-2006) and JK (2006-2018) eras featured factory hood latches that, while stylish, didn’t always hold up under pressure. When cruising at highway speed, the latches could cause the hood to mildly flap in the breeze, which can be a disconcerting sight when you’re behind the wheel; still, Jeep has ironed out this wrinkle with the Wrangler JL and the new Gladiator pickup as both models feature much-improved hood latches that use a stiffer rubber material than their predecessors.
If you’re the proud owner of a TJ or JK Wrangler, a simple set of hood latches can go a long way toward improving your confidence and comfort at higher speeds. These latches are similar to those found on the JL and Gladiator and can be found online for $50 to $80. Some even feature unique designs and features, including an American flag motif and a locking function. This locking function is especially helpful given the fact that, unlike most vehicles on the road, the Wrangler’s hood can be popped by anyone who knows how to operate a latch.
Rock Sliders
From mud-terrain (MT) tires that make chewing through sloppy trails a breeze to air intake snorkels for fording rivers and lift kits that provide a little extra ground clearance, there are a lot of ways to customize your Wrangler for specific off-road applications. If you’re looking to try your luck on some of the more mountainous off-road trails in your area, a good set of rock sliders can make all the difference.
Rock-crawling might just be the lowest-speed way to get your adrenaline pumping, coaxing the Wrangler between boulders and scaling sheer rock faces in 4Lo. If all goes well, you’ll end your day with a pristine Jeep and a good story to tell—but things don’t always go to plan. Rock sliders are essential when trying to protect the body of your Wrangler from the sudden impact that can occur when a rock meets a hard place. Rock sliders can also be used as a winch point if you ever find yourself in a recovery scenario, and they double as a convenient step for everyday driving.
Secure Storage
The open-air nature of the Wrangler is one of the most unique things about this popular SUV. The ability to remove the top—and even doors—allows drivers to transform their daily driver into a ready-made adventure vehicle that’s perfect for cruising the beach or feeling the sun on your face. That said, this versatility does come with some drawbacks. When you’re in full wind-in-your-hair mode, there’s really no safe space to secure your valuables when you’re away from the vehicle, aside from the center console and the glove box.
Thankfully, aftermarket suppliers have you covered with a number of security-enhancing storage options. Lockable storage boxes can be fitted under the seat or even in the rear cargo area, giving drivers the perfect palace to store their adventure gear, valuables, or anything else that someone might try to make off with. These storage boxes can also protect your possessions from the elements, which is always an important consideration for those who like going topless.
Beefing-Up Your Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler isn’t just a legendary SUV that bests much of the competition in terms of pure off-road prowess; it’s also a blank canvas onto which drivers can paint their 4WD dreams. The base Wrangler serves as the perfect starting point to create a bespoke ride aimed at any number of off-road niches, but a few savvy purchases can allow you to take your Wrangler experience to the next level.
From heavy-duty bumpers and weatherproof floor liners to hood latches, storage lockers, and grab handles that increase driver confidence and rock sliders that ensure a little mud will be the only evidence of your off-road excursion, choosing the proper aftermarket modifications is all a part of the Jeep Wrangler experience. While I’ve shared a few of my favorites, there’s no master list of the modifications you must customize your Wrangler with; instead, it’s up to every driver to undertake the process as they see fit.
