Parts and Accessories Guide for New Jeep Wrangler JK Owners
Posted by Gillian Fournier on 13th Jan 2017
Let me start off by saying congratulations and welcome to the dark side! Owning a new, or new-to-you, Jeep is an honor and welcomes you to an elite group of enthusiasts. It can turn into a fun, time consuming, yet downright expensive hobby that not many (non-believers) will grasp. Most others will think you've gone crazy when it comes to upgrades and modifications. Hey, just tell those nay-sayers that you don't need that kind of negativity in your life and "it's a Jeep thing, you wouldn't understand". When it comes to driving a Jeep, there are a few directions you can go; some may use the Jeep as a means of on-road transportation only while others may build it, beat it, break it and repeat. But we all have one thing in common besides our love for the seven slots- we want to upgrade and add things to our new investment ASAP. Check out some of the items that are must-haves, hot sellers and necessities for almost every Jeep owner!
Universal Roll Bar Grab Handles- Roll bar grab handles are a small upgrade but you try getting into a Jeep without them. I'll bet your butt cheek gets stuck on the seat 9 times out of 10. Grab handles make it easier for you and your passengers to get into and out of your Jeep. The Rough Trail Deluxe Roll Bar Grab Handles are sleek, simple and affordable! They are also universal and will fit on any standard size roll bar. You can check out our entire inventory of grab handles here!
Fire Extinguisher Mount- It's better to be safe than sorry! Most 4x4 clubs, beaches and trails (both public and private) require you to have a fire extinguisher on board for safety purposes. Even if you don't plan on taking your vehicle off road, it's good to be prepared in case of emergencies. The Poison Spyder Fire Extinguisher Mount can hold up to a standard 2.5 lb. fire extinguisher and mounts directly to your roll bar. This mount makes for a convenient location to keep your extinguisher out of the way but easily accessible! You can check out our entire inventory of fire extinguisher mounts here!
Seat Covers- Seat covers are the perfect upgrade for your Jeep. They keep your factory seats in pristine condition and allow you to add your own flair to your vehicle. Many aftermarket seat covers tend to fade in the sun or rip over time. We can attest that the Bartact Waterproof Mil-Spec Seat Covers do not fade, rip or wear. We run them in both of our Jeeps and have been for a while and they still look brand new. Plus they come in plenty of customizable colors combinations! You can view our entire inventory of seat covers here!
Floor Mats- Floor mats, like seat covers, help to keep your Jeep's interior in superb condition, no matter the weather. They collect water, mud, snow, sand and dirt from seeping into and destroying your factory carpeting. Plus they keep your pant legs dry by channeling the debris away from your feet. They are precision fitted to snugly fit your vehicle year and are available for the front and rear floor space. The Bestop Floor Liners are affordable, durable and get the job done! They are removable as well so you can take them out and wash them as you see fit. You can view our entire inventory of floor mats here!
Antenna- I'm sure I'm not the only one who despises the look of the twiggy factory AM/FM antenna. It would flap around at highway speeds and I never really felt comfortable bringing it to an automatic carwash and don't forget about it getting caught on low hanging branches on the trails. The Antenna X 24" AM/FM Antenna is a sturdy, stubby antenna that provides excellent reception and a more modern look. This is an easy screw-off, screw-on installation that takes all of 30 seconds out of your day. You can check out our entire inventory of antennas and mounts here!
Grill Inserts- The seven grill slots is one of the most iconic and well-known identifiers to the Jeep. Behind it, sits the highly unflattering radiator. Why would anyone want to admire that? Our own Offroad Elements Superior Radiator Armor is a one piece, expanded aluminum sheet that is powder coated black for durability and will not rust. It fits snugly behind your factory grill and along with great looks, keeps debris, bugs and mother nature out of your radiator. You can view our entire inventory of grill accessories here!
Headlights- Your factory headlights really don't light the way, as they're intended to do. Let's face it, there have been times when we're 100% sure a pair of flashlights from Walmart could have done a better job. Headlights are a pretty integral part of any vehicle and should deliver a bright, crisp, clean beam. Lifetime LED's 4 Lens Headlamps are a fantastic upgrade. They are affordable, bright and DOT approved and the plug & play design makes for an easy installation. Best part? They come with a lifetime warranty. No questions asked. You can check out our entire inventory of aftermarket headlights here!
Lockable Storage- Being realistic, the glovebox and center console, although lockable, don't provide the roomiest solution for storing your personal belongings, especially when riding doorless. Plus, they would be the first place for potential thieves to try to pry open. The Bestop Under Seat Lockable Storage Box can be hidden under your driver or passenger seat and comes with a pick-proof lock and set of keys. Storage boxes can be mounted almost anywhere inside your vehicle for safe storage of personal belongings. Check out our entire inventory of storage and security products here!
All-Weather Cover- Riding around in your Jeep doorless and topless when the weather is right, is one of the best parts of owning a Jeep. But not everyone feels comfortable leaving their vehicle so "naked" and out in the open all the time and putting the doors and top back on day in, day out to keep leaves, bugs, rain, bird poo and people out is just a pain in the ass. I used to hate riding with no top at my old job because the only place I could park was under pine trees and trying to get the dreaded sap off my seats and off the paint job was a daunting task. The Bestop All-Weather Cover, available for 2 door and 4 door models, its a thick, durable and easy way to cover up before a flash rainstorm or to keep the debris out. You can view our entire inventory of tops, covers and sun shades here!
Sun Shades- While we're on the topic of soft tops and covers, I can't forget about the sun shades! Don't get me wrong, riding around with the top off is the best feeling in the world, or at least one of them. However, sitting in traffic or at a red light or, hell, even on the trails is not the best feeling ever, especially if you're fair skinned like me. I didn't get the nickname Fish Belly Pale for nothin'! And no, the A/C doesn't help my forehead much. I burn within 5 minutes of being in the sun, which is, or was, almost a deal breaker for me when wanting a Jeep. The SpiderWebShade Mesh Sun Shade is the perfect balance of sun and fresh air while also keeping the interior cool and free from UV rays. This shade comes in a variety of colors and can be left on year round, even when the soft top or hard top is on. You can check out our entire inventory of sun shades here!
Lastly, Leveling Kit- Jeeps are designed to have front rake, meaning the front end sits about 1" lower than the rear. A leveling kit is designed to do exactly what its name entail- level your Jeep out. The TeraFlex Leveling Kit lifts your front end approximately 2" and the rear 1", giving your Jeep a little pick-me-up as well. This super affordable kit is under $200 and will give your vehicle just the right amount of height without voiding the warranty. You can view our entire inventory of leveling kits and springs here!
So there you have it! Some awesome, minimal and affordable upgrade that every Jeep Wrangler JK owner can use and enjoy! As always, feel free to give us a call (774) 826-9948 or shoot us an email sales@offroadelements.com if you have any questions. We'd be happy to help! Keep calm and drive a Jeep!