by Matt Konkle
Managing Editor
There are some modifications you make when owning a Jeep that stem from need. Perhaps it is larger tires and a suspension kit because you love off-roading. Or maybe changing from a hardtop to a soft one after deciding you want an easier way to enjoy open-cabin driving.
There are those you make for want as well. Maybe some tube doors for warm summer days or neoprene seat covers to protect the vehicle’s leather seats.
And then there are those out there that may not have even registered on your modification radar — especially if you are a newer Jeep owner. These may not be sexy changes that turn an ordinary Jeep into a head-turner, but they definitely can add things like functionality, protection and comfort to your everyday Jeep life.
So after pouring over mountains of data, here are some of the top items you may not know you need as a dedicated Jeep owner.
Mesh Bimini Top
Open air freedom.
Of all the things about owning a Jeep, many cite this as the top reason they own the vehicle. That chance to remove a soft or hardtop and enjoy a totally open cabin.
Well, as you do, you soon realize the sun can be a powerful force shining down on you whenever that top is removed.
Really. Especially if you get stuck in stop and go traffic.
Now, there are all kinds of manufacturers making solid fabric bimini tops, which is a nice way to mitigate the sun, but these can also shut out and cover up the sky which somewhat shuts down the open cabin approach.
Enter the mesh bimini top.
These see-through but highly UV-protecting mesh tops take that extra step to still provide excellent overhead coverage while projecting that open-air cabin.
Mastertop has long made an excellent version of this, and it secures to your roll cage with no drilling or tools. Additionally, its tops are available in several distinctive colors so you can definitely find one to fit your modification idea.
Side Protection
Whether the plans for your Jeep involve off-road or overlanding use, or just everyday driving, one of the best things you can do is remove any factory side protection (if equipped) and replace with beefier security and functionality.
See, in most Jeeps from the 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 most others have nothing.
And that matters because those 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.
The enemies of your Jeep doors are out there.
But it is not just protection alone, either. Side protection often involves steps, like the Brute Strength Side Steps; which makes entering and exiting the Jeep much easier for young children and older adults — especially if the vehicle has a suspension lift.
These no-drill steps utilize steel along with aluminum panels on the top and bottom for the ultimate in strength as well as lightweight functionality and are engineered with a durable black powder coat finish designed to match the finish on most front and rear bumpers.
Interior Security
So you are pulling off that soft top or hardtop, getting ready for a nice sunny weekend trip, when it crosses your mind that you need somewhere to store your valuables when you are away from the Jeep.
After all, open cab space is amazing when driving, but not so much for safe storage. So where are you going to store those valuables that you just can’t take with you? You don’t just want to leave them stuffed under the seat and hope they are there when you get back, right?
That’s why adding secure interior storage is something that should be high on your modification list.
A topless Jeep makes for a tempting target for would-be thieves. Especially for those who know a Jeep does not have many spots to store things inside the cab. Sure you may have a lockable plastic glove compartment, or center console, but the important word there is plastic. Not much in the way for a thief to quickly gain access and take your prized possessions.
So, to keep all that stuff safe, a popular summer essential is a high-quality lockable storage unit.
And that means something like a secure Lost Canyon Trail and Tool Storage Box. This 16-gauge steel product installs in the rear cargo area and allows you to keep sensitive items and belongings away from plain view when you are not near your Jeep. It locks down with no drilling and securely fits into place, giving you plenty of room for all those valuables.
Receiver Hitch Plug
Look, most Jeeps do have a receiver hitch on the back. Perhaps it is tied into the rear bumper, or simply a stand alone hitch mounted to the vehicle’s frame.
And yet, just about as many Jeep owners leave that receiver hitch open to the elements. This can cause rust, discoloration and perhaps a strength issue over time when trying a recovery.
One simple fix is adding a plug to the receiver opening and Mopar’s two-inch receiver hitch plug is perfect for anyone who needs to add this type of fix.
This plug includes a retention strap and also has a four-way wiring plug holder — not to mention the Jeep logo for those dedicated to the Jeep lifestyle. Plus, thanks to its Santoprene material, this plug will not shrink, harden, crack, chalk or discolor.
LED Lighting
Aftermarket lighting options have been around for a while now, so it may not be news to some, but there are still many Jeep owners out there relying on the factory halogen lights for nighttime visibility.
So if you’ve never considered replacing that factory lighting, here are some facts to help you come in from the dark.
Not only are LED headlights much brighter than halogen, but they also have less battery draw and throw a more accurate beam. All this helps keep you safer, reduces stress on the battery in cold weather and makes for less driver eye strain. Plus, LED headlights have an almost unlimited lifespan.
Additionally, LED headlights these days are more affordable than ever, and most brands out there utilize plug-and-play installation, so simply remove the front grille, pull out the current lights and replace with your superior LED versions.
And it is not only headlights, either. Auxiliary lighting options have become increasingly important to off-road drivers who want the best in visibility. Quadratec’s powerful 3-inch Cube LED Lights offer an amazing size to light ratio that is close to natural sunshine, and can also mount right at the front of the Jeep or on the windshield hinge depending on your needs.
With a flood or spot beam, these compact lights will provide years of trouble-free use and feature weather tight seals designed to shield against whatever Mother Nature can throw at them.
Dead Pedal
Finding the best way to situate your left foot may seem like a trivial thing while driving. Does it stretch back to the firewall? Or, maybe, tilt to the side and rest against that interior plastic?
Well, for those with Wrangler JK or JL vehicles, or a Gladiator JT, there is now another option that actually makes sense. And something you’ll grow to love once it is installed in the vehicle.
The dead pedal.
This product provides a great spot to plant your foot and reduce fatigue on those longer drives, or drawn-out trail days. Plus, they install quickly with no drilling or additional modifications — getting you on your way faster to wherever your adventures lead for the day.
While they (obviously) only work on automatic transmissions, these dead pedals do play nice with most floor liners or carpeting systems.
Hood Lock
We all love our Jeeps, right? Do anything for them. However, those who designed the vehicle left a big flaw in our plan to forever love our Jeep.
Call it the missing hood lock.
See, unlike many other automobiles, a Jeep does not come from the factory with a locking hood. Sure, there are hood catches that hold the thing down, but there is nothing to deter those with sinister motives from swiping whatever we’ve added under the hood.
Simply unhook those latches, flip up the hood and boom. Gone is anything valuable.
Unfortunately, it is that simple. And for many new Jeep owners, well, they may not realize it at all.
So adding a simple, but effective deterrent is imperative.
Something like the Bolt Hood Lock.
This product easily rivets to existing holes inside your front grille and then opens with your current ignition key. It provides a clean look, simple installation, and yet it can give even the most determined thief an immense amount of frustration.
Tire Deflators
Keeping the correct pressure in your tires. Yeah, no doubt these days you pay closer attention to those numbers thanks to the price of gas.
But if you are headed out on an off-road adventure, or taking a trip to the beach and planning on driving right out on the sand, you’ll also need to make sure you have the correct tire pressure for those conditions.
So it really helps to have a handy set of tire deflators along for the ride. And one of the top ones around are the JT Brooks Pro Deflators.
While it is true that there are numerous deflator types around, what sets the Res-Q version apart is the ability to set the devices to the exact tire pressure you want, then walk away and come back a few minutes later to tires that are perfectly deflated to your needs.
These also come in a set of four, which really cuts down the deflate time when matched up against single devices that can only do one tire at a time.
Hardtop Hoist
Ah, the age old question when owning a hardtop-equipped Jeep — what to do with the hardtop when the weather turns warmer and you want to remove that top.
Sure, you can invite over a friend to help lift off the top, but where are you going to store the thing? The garage, porch, backyard.?
Maybe. And maybe it doesn’t get damaged in the process as well.
No, there is a better solution. One where you can lift off that top and then hoist it up in the air with a nifty pulley system. Then it can stay suspended, free from danger, until you are ready to mount it back on the Jeep.
The Quadratop 4-Point Hardtop Hoist System.
This functional storage system conveniently connects around your hardtop, and employs pulley system that easily lifts the top up to ceiling of your garage — without fear of scratching or other damage.
When you want to replace the hardtop on your Jeep, simply use the pulley and lower it back down to connect.
Tailgate Table
Picnic tables. Folding card tables. Other kinds of benches or places to put food.
Face it, when you are out on the trail and getting set to cook a meal for breakfast, lunch or dinner, you probably are not going to have any of those things to help with food preparation.
So why not take advantage of that space on the inside of your tailgate for storage and prep with a handy Quadratec Tailgate Table?
This product bolts to the inside of your tailgate and easily drops down to provide plenty of space to hold up to 50 pounds of cooking necessities when on the trail.
When finished, the durable black powder-coated steel table folds up and locks into place against the tailgate almost like it was never there.
