Must-Have Jeep Exterior Accessories to Instantly Pimp Your Ride

Looking to give your Jeep some extra street cred? You don't need a full remodel to pimp out your Jeep. Jeep owners know that their vehicles are built to handle tough terrain and provide thrilling off-road experiences. But why settle for a stock Jeep when you can elevate it with these must-have exterior accessories?

Whether it is a Rubicon, a Wrangler, or a Cherokee, these highly capable machines are ready to hit the trail stock with very little help from any of us. Nevertheless, there is always room to improve. 

Luckily, there is a wide selection of accessories for Jeep owners, whether it be grille guards and off-road bumpers for extra protection, tire racks, and light bars for added functionality, or smaller details that make your Jeep uniquely yours.

The Basics

A Winch: The Ultimate Lifesaver 

A winch is an indispensable off-roading tool that transforms your Jeep’s exterior while providing essential assistance when stuff or helping others in need. 

Besides looking freakin’ awesome on the front of a Jeep, a winch is a lifesaver for getting you unstuck if you find yourself in a tough spot, and it can be used to help rescue other vehicles or even stranded hikers. Be sure to get a winch that's rated for your Jeep's weight and has all the necessary accessories for safe operation.

Warn winches are one of the most popular brands for Jeep owners. They're reliable, durable, and come pre-wired for easy installation. Warn winches come with a lifetime warranty, so while they may not be the cheapest option, “buy once, cry once.”  Some Warn winches even come equipped with a synthetic rope, making them lighter and more durable than traditional steel cables.  

Off-Road Tires: Conquer Any Terrain

No-brainer. Mud tires are one of the first upgrades Jeep owners invest in, and for a good reason; they are designed to provide better traction in wet and muddy conditions and make a world of difference when you're off-roading. If you live in an area with lots of mud or snow, then mud tires are worth it. Just be aware that they can make your Jeep a bit noisier on the road and may decrease fuel economy. 

Rock Sliders: Protect Your Beast 

Rock sliders are crucial for serious off-roading escapades. Rock sliders help protect your Jeep's body from damage when climbing over rocks or logs, and they can also provide a helpful step when getting in and out of your vehicle. Choose a brand made from high-quality materials and tailored to your Jeep's specific make and model.

Skid Plates: Shield Your Jeep’s Underbelly 

Skid plates are another essential Jeep exterior accessory, especially if you plan on doing any serious off-roading. Skid plates protect your Jeep's undercarriage from damage caused by rocks and other obstacles.

Recovery Gear: Your Outdoor Lifeline 

Recovery gear is essential if you're planning on doing any off-roading in your Jeep. Recovery gear includes items like tow straps, tow hooks, winch extensions, recovery shackles, and D-rings - all of which can be used to help get your Jeep (or your buddy's) unstuck if you find yourself in a tough spot. Choose recovery gear made from high-quality materials and rated for your Jeep's weight class, and never use your tow hitch for recovery!

Nice to Haves

Lighting Kit: Illuminate the Night

Lighting is an important safety feature for any vehicle, but it is especially important for Jeeps that will be driven at night or in low-light conditions. Off-road lights and light bars provide better visibility than standard headlights and help you to see obstacles in the dark that are normally outside the view of regular headlights. They have the added benefit of illuminating your camp afterward, so you can ensure you are grabbing the right beer out of the cooler. 

Snorkel Kit: Breathe Easy in Deep Waters

A snorkel kit is a must-have for Jeep owners venturing into deep water crossings. A snorkel kit relocates your engine's air intake away from the water line, which helps prevent water from entering the engine and causing damage. 

Snorkel kits typically come with everything you need for installation, but be sure to research to find a kit that's compatible with your Jeep's make and model, and get a professional to help out with installation if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself.

Bumpers: Defend and Conquer 

One of the most important Jeep exterior accessories are the bumpers. Upgraded front and rear bumpers can protect your Jeep from damage during off-roading adventures. They can also be used to mount winches and other recovery gear. 

Aftermarket bumpers not only provide amazing protection for your Jeep but also offer more performance, superior headlight protection, and improved clearance angles.

Roof Rack: Versatile Storage Solution 

We don’t want to spark a big debate here, but for most people, a roof rack is a great accessory for your Jeep. Unless you are concerned about the extra weight for off-roading or have a soft top, a roof rack increases storage space and carrying capacity for your Jeep. And, if you get a roof rack with an integrated lighting system, it can also be a great way to light up your campsite at night.  

Fenders: Armor Your Jeep with Attitude 

Fenders and fender flares help to protect your Jeep's body from mud, dirt, and debris kicked up by the tires. They can also give your Jeep a more aggressive look.

Side Steps: Climb In with Confidence 

Steps make it easier to get in and out of your lifted Jeep. They can also be used as a platform for attaching other exterior accessories like lights or for just grabbing gear off of your roof rack. There are some cool side step options for Jeeps on the market, but we are of course partial to ours, the Stirrup. For those who prefer the full-length rail, the Magnum is a must for any 2018+ JL Wrangler and Gladiator. 

Grill Guards and Bull Bars: Add a Rugged, Defensive Edge

Grill guards help to protect your Jeep's grill from damage caused by rocks and other debris kicked up by the tires. Install bull bars for added protection on the front end of your vehicle and a more rugged off-road look. 

Bull bars are an essential accessory for any Jeep owner. They provide extra protection for the front of your vehicle, helping to protect it from damage in case of a collision or other impact. Bull bars also make your Jeep more visible on the road, making it easier for other drivers to see you and avoid potential accidents.

Mud Flaps: Keep Your Jeep Clean and Protected

Mud flaps are an essential piece of equipment for any Jeep owner who likes to go off-roading. Mud flaps will help to protect your Jeep from dirt and mud that can be thrown up while driving on rough and rugged terrain. There are various mud flaps on the market, so you'll need to find a set that fits your Jeep's specific model.

Trail Doors, Half Doors, and Tube Doors: Versatile Solutions for Every Off-Road Adventure

Trail Doors, Half Doors, and Tube Doors offer a variety of advantages for off-roaders. 

• Trail doors are designed to provide an easy access entry point while keeping most off-road debris from entering the interior. 
• Half Doors provide additional protection from wind and rain, providing a good option when temperatures turn cool or wet. 
• Fully removable tube doors offer maximum ventilation in hotter temperatures, creating an open-air feeling unmatched by other door types. 

Trail Doors, Half Doors, and Tube Doors each serve their purpose differently, offering Jeep owners a great way to customize and enhance their vehicles for any situation.

Limb Risers: Safeguard Your Jeep From Nature’s Obstacles

Limb risers protect your Jeep from scratches or cracks on the hood caused by branches on the trail. Look for risers made from high-quality steel - they will enhance the look of your ride while protecting your vehicle from wear and tear on the trails.  

Don’t Hit the Trail Without These Must-Have Jeep Accessories

Jeep enthusiasts have a lot of options when it comes to exterior accessories. Whether you want more protection from the elements, better visibility for night driving, or increased storage space and carrying capacity, plenty of choices will help take your Jeep off-roading experience to the next level. 

With all these great options in mind, you can easily customize your Jeep and be ready for whatever adventures come your way. So go ahead - get out there and show what your Jeep is capable of!