Some of Our Favorite Jeep Wrangler Customization Options

There are many reasons to purchase a used Wrangler model, including off-roading capability, rugged performance, and the unique Wrangler style. Customization is one of the best aspects of buying a pre-owned Wrangler – since you’re saving money anyway, you can invest it in some upgrades and customization. While some people choose a Certified Pre-Owned Jeep Wrangler for factory warranty coverage, such models cost more, and that’s going to take away from your upgrade budget. Personally, we prefer a traditional used model so you can dedicate more cash to accessories and customization options.

It doesn’t really matter if you’re planning on sticking to the pavement or heading off-road; you can still make your Jeep look cooler than any other SUV on the market. The customization options are endless, and we’ve got details on some of the best Wrangler upgrades and accessories out there. But first, let’s look at some perks of buying used Wranglers, rather than going with a brand-new model (though a new Jeep is a fantastic option too).

Buying a Used Wrangler

Although some people like the warranty coverage that comes with a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Jeep, we feel that you end up paying more than you really should for such models. As far as we’re concerned, your best option is to find a late-model used Wrangler, with fantastic starting options for what you need, at a reliable dealership with a good reputation. In fact, if you want to save more money and any lingering warranty protection or the latest features aren’t that important to you, then go with an older Wrangler that still has a lot of life left in it.

No matter what model year you’re looking at, however, these are ideal vehicles if you want something to use specifically for going off-road. You don’t have to worry as much about wear and tear on them since you know you’re going to dole out some abuse of your own, and since you’re saving lots of cash up front, you have a larger budget for upgrades. These upgrades can come in a wide range of styles – there are thousands of different accessories and options available, so your imagination (along with Colorado and local laws) is pretty much the limit.

Best Upgrades for Going Off-Road

Now that you know why you should be shopping for a used Wrangler for your next great adventure, it’s time to dig into the best options for upgrades and accessories. Let’s start with off-road add-ons that are perfect for hitting the trail no matter what skill level you’re at. If you’re sticking to mall crawling only, then you might want to jump down to the “Fun Customization Options” section below.

Winches

When you plan to hit the trails, especially with friends, you can’t go wrong with a winch add-on. In fact, if you’re serious about off-roading at all, a winch add-on is pretty much an essential piece of equipment. There are several different types of winches, but the one you’re probably already familiar with is the electric winch, which is low-maintenance and easy to use.

A good electric winch can work for up to 5 minutes after an engine dies (as long as the battery is charged). These are the most reliable winch options, and they’re known to last longer than other alternatives. The best part is that electric winches are more affordable than their hydraulic alternatives, making them a great choice for a first add-on. Just make sure your battery stays charged if you plan on using these frequently, as they can quickly drain your battery life.

Hydraulic winches are reliable, but they’re more difficult to install, and they’re a lot slower than electric winches. They’re very strong, however, so if you have friends who like to get themselves into trouble a lot and need rescuing, then a hydraulic option might be your best bet. Simple steel cables and synthetic ropes can also get the job done, but they’re not as durable, flexible, or long-lasting. They’re a cheap alternative option that can work if you don’t hit the trails frequently enough to invest in an electric or hydraulic winch.

Skid Plates

If you’re buying a used Willys or Rubicon Wrangler, you probably won’t have to worry about adding an underbody skid plate. That is unless the previous owner removed or damaged the skid plates that come with those trim levels on the Wrangler. No matter what kind of pre-owned Wrangler you buy, if you’re planning to hit the trail, then your vehicle needs to be protected by skid plates.

The underbody skid plate is the most important option. You want to make sure that it’s high-quality, so pay close attention to the brand and material. While aluminum skid plates offer more protection than none, steel skid plates are best for hardcore off-roaders. Without proper protection, an unseen rock can wreak havoc on your vehicle’s vital systems and leave you stranded or cost you a lot of money in repairs.
Since skid plates can get heavy, we do recommend minor off-roaders to just protect what’s most important. You can purchase individualized skid plates that protect specific areas such as your gas tank, your oil pan, and your transmission. This can reduce unnecessary effects on handling and suspension. However, if your Wrangler is frequently on rocky trails, purchasing the full skid plate system is ideal.

Fun Customization Options

Even if you buy a brand-new Wrangler, there are tons of non-stock customization options out there available as add-ons and aftermarket accessories. These can be particularly appealing if you’re interested in an older used model since they’re a great way to boost the look and overall style of your ride. Let’s take a look at some of the coolest Wrangler aesthetic mods for your used Wrangler – just keep in mind that you have many more options beyond this.

Lights, Lights, and More Lights!

You don’t have to be a mall crawler to enjoy colorful lighting on your Jeep. There are some awesome ring lights available for the Wrangler with RGB customization options, which you can change at any time. Or, if you just want to stick to one color, you can pay a bit less for a single-color option. What makes this even more fun is the shape differences and wide variety of design options you can choose from. These include star shapes, dual halos, angel eyes, and much more to let you really customize your Wrangler and make it your own.

For a well-rounded lighting look, you can also opt for LED spare tire lighting and underglow lights. Yes, even if you have an underbody skid plate, you can install underglow lighting on your pre-owned Wrangler. In addition to underglow lights, consider throwing on some rim lights as well. We think they look best when you combine all of these lighting add-ons in unison to create a single, comprehensive feel for your ride.

Light Bars: A Great Off-Road Option

Something that benefits mall crawlers, off-roaders, and aesthetic-savvy trailers alike is the light bar. You can add LED light bars to the top of your windshield and/or on your front bumper. Furthermore, it’s also possible to add smaller light bars onto your Jeep’s hood. These are typically used for enhanced lighting on trails, so they feature bright, white lights. However, you can get color-changing light bars as well. No matter what way you spin it, adding a light bar (or three) is a great way to customize your pre-owned Wrangler; just be careful not to blind oncoming traffic when you’re on the road.

Upgrade Your Jeep Today!

Jeep Wranglers are fun no matter how deep you go down the customization rabbit hole. However, mod options and add-ons are what truly make these models so desirable for a lot of our customers. Not only can you drive places that other vehicles wouldn’t dare go, but you also get to do it in style. When you’re ready to start an upgrade project, whether it’s for a brand-new Wrangler or an older used model, we’re here to help. To truly make your Jeep your own, you should come visit us to see what’s available and let us help you build the Wrangler of your dreams.