by Matt Konkle
Managing Editor
We all agree having just one day on the calendar to celebrate all the moms out there is not enough. Right? It should probably be every day, really.
But as the calendar swings into mid-May and that annual Mother’s Day holiday approaches, many out there are looking for a special gift to show just how much they care.
And those searching for something to give a Jeep mom in their life are no different.
What to get, though can be a tough ask.
Well, sometimes the best things can be the simplest of things. Like enhancing the quality of their Jeep’s interior. Or making that daily drive a bit more comfortable. Maybe even giving that special mom an easier way to climb inside her Jeep.
So here are some top product recommendations that just may be perfect for a Jeep mom in your life.
Floor Liners
A Jeep’s factory carpeting is adept at handling water should that Jeep mom in your lift accidentally forget to cover the vehicle before a rainstorm. That is, it can absorb water and dry out, and is mildew resistant. But just because carpeting can, doesn’t mean it should. So, an excellent solution for a Jeep mom is having handy floor liners sitting over that carpet.
Floor liners simply fit over the existing carpet in the driver and passenger foot area and are also available for back passenger footwell coverage as well as cargo area protection. That means most exposed carpeting areas now will have a ‘shield’ designed to keep just about anything off it; rain, snow, mud, dirt. Also, liners will keep dirty footwear from rubbing against the carpeting and prematurely wearing out the material.
These days, liners aren’t just some generic carpeted overlay, either. Most are custom- designed to exactly fit a specific vehicle, and are available in a multitude of materials like rubber and high-density tri-extruded thermoplastic—as well as carpeting—that all are able to trap and hold water or debris in place.
Plus, they are simple to remove and clean, making it much easier to remove water or other grime out of the vehicle.
Seat Covers
We know some Jeep moms out there love the rain, but how many really go out in it without a jacket. Or umbrella. The same thing goes with the sun. Common sense says to apply some sunscreen before venturing out. Well, put that same common sense towards Jeep seats — especially during the upcoming summer season. After all, no one wants rain, mud, or the hot sun attacking those nice factory Jeep seats, right?
Whether that cover choice is weather-absorbing and comfortable neoprene, highly breathable polycotton, easy-to-clean ballistic nylon, vinyl, or great-looking and soft leatherette, these covers will allow those Jeep seats to last longer and provide a little more insulation for the ride. Not only that, but seat covers are also easy to remove and clean when needed.
A final benefit to adding seat covers is the ability to customize to nearly any look. Most covers have numerous color schemes that can match, for example, a new dash set up or paint job. Or, perhaps, even a Jeep club’s preferred color.
Lockable Storage
For any mom planning to remove her Jeep’s soft top or hardtop this summer, keep in mind she will need somewhere to store valuables when away from the vehicle.
And that is because open cab space is amazing when driving, but not so much for safe storage, and, unfortunately, a topless Jeep makes for a tempting target for would-be thieves. Especially for those who know a Jeep does not have many storage locations.
Sure, there are lockable plastic glove compartments, or a center console, but the important word there is plastic. Not much in the way for a thief to quickly gain access and take prized possessions.
So, to keep all that stuff safe, that Jeep mom could really use a lockable storage unit. We’re talking products like underseat metal locking units, replacement lockable center consoles, locking metal glove boxes, cargo security enclosures and even tailgate locking boxes. All heavily constructed units that will deter a potential thief from poking around too long.
Many of these applications can be installed without drilling and, once in place, cannot be opened without a key, while others (like center storage consoles) may require drilling for proper installation. Regardless, the heavy gauge steel in these storage solutions withstand abuse so she’ll have peace of mind.
Storage Trays
Simple, yet functional. And affordable. A Jeep storage tray provides a nice, secure location for a Jeep mom to store small things like pens, phone chargers, loose change and sunglasses that could normally get lost during day-to-day driving. These trays can fit at the top of the center console, to the side of the console — even above the glove box.
They are custom-engineered to snugly fit in each location, and utilize a durable styrene plastic material so they won’t corrode over time, or have an issue should something spill.
And the best part is no drilling, tools or tape are needed to install. They simply slide into position and are ready to utilize in seconds. Perfect for that mom on the go.
Phone Holder
Everyone has a smartphone holder these days, right? Well, we’ve been to enough events and trail rides over the past year to see that many still do not.
So if the Jeep mom in your life just tosses her phone into a cupholder, or passenger seat, then it is time to get her a secure, sensible phone mount.
They have numerous mounting positions, but more will attach right on the top dash, on the left of the passenger-side dash handle, in the center front cup holder, or lock on the windshield glass.
Most have adjustable arms that lock a smartphone into place, while some have a magnetized surface — requiring an opposite magnet to apply on the back of a phone or case. Many also have 360-degree rotating base in order to put that phone into someone’s perfect viewing position.
Grab Handles
Most of us have probably owned a vehicle that had some type of handle above the front and rear doors. You know what we mean. The thing you clutched passionately when the ride got bumpy, or the driver decided to whip around a turn at high speed. In a Jeep, though, with its roll cage between riders and the top, well, that kind of handle really isn’t very feasible.
However, the vehicle’s roll cage actually offers a perfect place to mount an aftermarket handle to give not only a nice ‘hold on’ product, but also something that Jeep mom can use to get in and out of the vehicle. Especially in colder weather or for lifted Jeeps.
From simple nylon-style handles, to deluxe versions with a foam grip, to heavy-duty Paracord, there are many affordable versions out there that all hook-and-loop around the roll bar and provide smooth ‘grab-a-bility’ when needed. Many even have color options to match other accents on the Jeep.
Side Protection
Whether that Jeep mom in your life loves off-roading or overlanding, or just uses her vehicle for everyday driving, one of the best modifications is removing any factory side protection (if equipped) and replace with beefier security and functionality.
See, factory side protection is an afterthought. Sure, the front and rear get bumpers but the Jeep’s side is usually unprotected. The Rubicon series does receive some rock rails, and the Sahara has plastic side steps, but nearly every other version has nothing.
And that matters because exposed doors can be subject to errant carts in a supermarket lot, or an accidental door strike by someone in an adjacent parking spot.
On the trail, it could mean a tree branch or rock strike.
But it is not just protection alone, either. Side protection often involves steps which makes entering and exiting the Jeep much easier for anyone — especially if the vehicle has a suspension lift.
Summer Tops
One of a Jeep’s biggest selling points is all that open-air freedom during warmer months. However, drive around long enough without a top at all under a blazing sun, and a Jeep mom will soon realize something over her head is necessary.
That something is summer top brief top.
Simple and quick to install, these summer top solutions sit right above her head and do not obstruct side or rear views. They can also help reduce wind noise while allowing an acceptable airflow through the cabin.
Many brief tops attach with a channel to the windshield frame (similar to a full soft top) and then utilize hook and loop straps to wrap around multiple roll cage points. This keeps the top secure and helps eliminate flapping. Depending on the brand, there may be material choice options to match that factory fabric, while others offer vinyl or mesh.
There are also top coverage options that include just the driver and passenger, or longer versions that cover nearly the entire length of the vehicle—great for four-door owners.
Lighting
Like we said before, long, warm summer days usually make for a great summer driving background. And, lets be honest, many summer daytime drives often carry on into the night. So having quality headlights that provide excellent illumination is certainly important for a Jeep mom.
And easy-to-install LED replacement headlights are a perfect option.
Not only do LED headlights have a better light output and less battery draw than factory versions, they also throw a more accurate beam closer to actual daylight, they are safer, and make for less driver eye strain. Plus, LED headlights have an almost unlimited lifespan.
In a traditional halogen bulb, a thin wire filament emits a bright light when current is passed through. Over time, this filament can degrade and eventually fail. An LED light uses a semiconductor – a material that releases photons of light when a charge is applied. It eliminates a filament, so the light shouldn’t need replacement.
More affordable than ever, LED lighting has taken the mantle from halogen as far as quality and functionality. And it is not just for headlights, either. LED lighting can be found in taillights, fog lights and even in auxiliary lighting – meaning there are all kinds of options for better lighting choices.
Recommended Reading:
Four Reasons Why A Jeep Is The Perfect 'Mom Mobile' For The Modern Mama
