Let's Talk Mods: Wrangler Edition

You're about to embark on an epic adventure that will introduce you to a new family and help you answer the call of the wild. How do we know? Because that's what it means when you visit a used Jeep dealer like Londonderry Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Jeep is renowned for its rugged lineup that offers legendary four-wheel drive capability that challenges you to venture off the pavement. It's the brand of adventurers, off-road enthusiasts, dreamers, doers, and so much more.

The Wrangler is easily the most iconic model in the Jeep lineup and the brand's epic history. As a result, you'll find Wranglers are a staple throughout your search for a used Jeep and have loads to offer, especially when it comes to customization. So what does this mean for you? There are endless possibilities to design the Wrangler of your dreams with an array of genuine Mopar and aftermarket parts and accessories.

Since shopping for a used Wrangler can save you thousands of dollars, you'll have more money to spend on fun and practical modifications. So, what are some of the most popular ways to customize the Wrangler? It's time to find out!

Seat Covers

The Wrangler is renowned for holding its value, which makes buying a used Wrangler an exciting investment. However, what might not be thrilling to find is a worn interior that needs more than a little "TLC" or tender loving care. The good news is that you don't have to skip the Wrangler of your dreams just because the seats are a little worn. You can easily upgrade the interior by adding protective seat covers.

Wrangler seat covers come in various fabrics, such as polyester, nylon, and neoprene. While they can give your Wrangler a new aesthetic, they also offer another significant benefit and can extend the life of your Wrangler's seats. You can even find seat covers with integrated MOLLE that gives you a platform to use MOLLE attachments and bags for additional storage, which is especially helpful if you carry a lot of gear.

Floor Liners

Just as new seat covers can breathe new life into your used Wrangler, so can a new set of floor liners. Since your Wrangler is destined for adventure, you want to protect its interior so that it can withstand the elements and is easy to clean. For example, after a weekend in the Alberta wilderness, the last thing you want to do is scrub mud out of your Wrangler's floorboards. Instead, you can opt for rubberized slush mats, all-weather heavy-duty liners, or moulded polyethylene liners that feature a tread design to protect your Wrangler's interior from mud, dirt, snow, water, and other debris.

Entry Guards

Unless the previous owner already thought of this, it's a good idea to add entry guards to your Wrangler. Think about how many times you get in and out of your vehicle. The Wrangler doesn't come from the factory with anything to protect the paint on the entry points, which means they are prone to scratches and scuffs. You can mitigate this risk by outfitting your Wrangler with entry guards.

Entry guards come in different styles, from aluminum and stainless steel to thermoplastic. They are incredibly easy to install as a DIY project since most use a high-strength adhesive and don't require any tools or hardware. With installation this simple, there's no reason not to install them.

Hood Latches

The factory-installed hood latches on any Wrangler serve a crucial purpose–to keep the front hood in place. However, they can cause alarm when the hood starts vibrating once your Wrangler reaches highway speeds. Since the latches are made from stretchable rubber, this movement is normal and isn't a cause for concern. Even so, there are plenty of available upgrades that can give you greater peace of mind and add another element of style to your Wrangler.

Aftermarket latches come in many different styles and materials. The Daystar Hood Wranglers are some of the most popular because their heavy-duty polyurethane construction keeps the hood securely in place. You can even find lockable latches, aluminum latches, and more rugged off-road hold-downs that can handle extreme conditions.

Grab Handles

A Wrangler isn't designed like a traditional vehicle because of its roll cage that optimizes your safety if the Wrangler rolls over. Because of this, grab handles like those you might find in an SUV, sedan, or truck aren't factory-fitted in Jeep's adventure-ready rig. Instead, Jeep gives you another option to customize your Wrangler with aftermarket grab handles that you can attach to the roll cage or pillar for optimal convenience. With options ranging from nylon and paracord to steel, it's easy to find the perfect grab handles for your used Wrangler.

Bumpers

One of the most important updates you can make to your used Wrangler is to add a beefier bumper. Jeep's stock bumpers are designed for everyday pavement driving, making them less than ideal if you're taking your Wrangler out on the trail. If that's the plan, you'll want to look for a heavy-duty bumper that will extend the Wrangler's capabilities and protect its vital components.

Modular bumpers are easy to customize with various components, while tubular bumpers feature a dual tube design for added protection. Stubby bumpers are also incredibly popular because they are shorter in design, averaging the length of the Wrangler's front grille. Whatever you choose, look at how the bumpers are built and how they can affect the Wrangler's approach and departure angles because the last thing you want is to drag your new bumper across an obstacle on the trail.

Recovery Gear

Many Wrangler drivers who upgrade their bumpers ensure that the new bumper can support recovery gear, like a winch for extreme situations. While a winch isn't for everyone, basic recovery gear should be an essential part of your Wrangler modifications. Your recovery gear can be as minimal as a first aid kit, tow or recovery straps, a set of D-rings, and gloves. On the other hand, it can be as extensive as adding a fire extinguisher, shovel, and heavy-duty jack.

Secure Storage

Whether your Wrangler has a soft-top or hardtop, it isn't renowned for being the most secure vehicle. Moreover, its lack of secure storage areas poses a significant threat when you start removing the doors or the roof. So, what can you do to keep your belongings safe when answering the call of the wild?

There are dozens of ways to add secure storage compartments to your Wrangler. For example, you'll find center consoles that feature heavy-duty locks to keep your valuables safe. In addition, you can add lockable storage boxes under the front and rear seats or add a lockable case to the rear cargo area. These security compartments offer practical solutions so that you can enjoy your Wrangler wherever the road or trail leads.

What Mods Will You Make?

Shopping for a used Jeep Wrangler is an exciting endeavour because you never know what you will find. Will you find a Wrangler with a lift kit and heavy-duty bumpers, or will you find one with a new set of all-terrain tires perfect for your driving needs? Chances are, you'll find both since the Wrangler is one of the easiest Jeeps to modify.

Once you find the perfect used Wrangler, think of it as a blank canvas. The options to customize it to your driving and trail-running needs are endless. It's up to you to decide what modifications make the top of your must-have list. So, will it be new seat covers and floor liners or something more extensive like a lift kit, new bumpers, and a beefier set of mud tires? The possibilities are endless!