The Ultimate Guide to 2017 Jeep Wrangler Accessories: Transform Your Ride!
The Ultimate Guide to 2017 Jeep Wrangler Accessories: Transform Your Ride! Lmctruck.Guidemechanic.com
The 2017 Jeep Wrangler JK is more than just a vehicle; it’s a statement, an adventure waiting to happen. Whether you’re a seasoned off-roader, a weekend explorer, or simply love the iconic look, customizing your Wrangler is part of the experience. Accessorizing allows you to tailor your vehicle to your specific needs, enhance its capabilities, and truly make it your own.
This comprehensive guide delves deep into the world of 2017 Jeep Wrangler accessories, providing you with expert insights and practical advice. We’ll cover everything from performance-boosting modifications to comfort-enhancing upgrades, ensuring you make informed decisions. Our goal is to help you transform your 2017 Jeep Wrangler into the ultimate adventure machine.
The Ultimate Guide to 2017 Jeep Wrangler Accessories: Transform Your Ride!
Why Accessorize Your 2017 Jeep Wrangler?
Accessorizing your 2017 Jeep Wrangler isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about unlocking its full potential. Every modification, big or small, can significantly impact your driving experience. From tackling tougher trails to making daily commutes more enjoyable, the right accessories make all the difference.
Based on my experience, upgrading a Wrangler is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about tailoring a highly capable platform to your unique adventures. It’s about personalization, enhancing performance, protecting your investment, and boosting comfort. A well-accessorized Jeep Wrangler is a reflection of its owner’s spirit.
Furthermore, many accessories serve crucial functional purposes. They can improve safety, increase cargo capacity, or simply make your time behind the wheel more convenient. Investing in quality accessories is an investment in your Jeep’s longevity and your enjoyment of it.
Essential Off-Road Performance Upgrades
For many 2017 Jeep Wrangler owners, the call of the wild is irresistible. Enhancing your Jeep’s off-road prowess is often the first step in customization. These upgrades are designed to improve capability, durability, and safety when venturing off the beaten path.
Lift Kits & Suspension Systems
A lift kit is arguably the most foundational off-road upgrade for a 2017 Jeep Wrangler. It increases ground clearance, allowing you to clear obstacles that would otherwise snag your undercarriage. More importantly, it provides room for larger tires, which are crucial for traction and navigating challenging terrain.
There are various types of lift kits, each offering different benefits and levels of complexity. Budget boost kits use spacers to raise the body without altering suspension components significantly, ideal for minor lifts and larger tires. Coil spring lift kits replace the factory springs with longer, often stiffer, aftermarket ones, offering better articulation and ride quality. Long arm kits, the most extensive option, relocate control arm mounting points for superior articulation and ride quality, especially at higher lifts.
Pro tip from us: Don’t just go for the biggest lift you can afford; consider your primary use. A moderate 2.5-3.5-inch lift is often perfect for most trail riding and allows for 35-inch tires without major drivetrain modifications. Larger lifts often require additional components like new driveshafts, steering corrections, and re-gearing to maintain proper geometry and performance.
Winches & Recovery Gear
When you venture into challenging terrain, getting stuck is not a matter of "if," but "when." A reliable winch is your best friend for self-recovery and helping out fellow off-roaders. It provides the pulling power needed to extricate your 2017 Jeep Wrangler from mud, sand, or rocks.
Electric winches are the most common type, powered by your Jeep’s electrical system. They come in various capacities, with 9,500 lbs to 12,000 lbs being standard for a Wrangler. Winch lines can be either synthetic rope, which is lighter and safer, or traditional steel cable, known for its durability in abrasive conditions.
Beyond the winch itself, a full recovery kit is indispensable. This includes items like recovery straps (for kinetic pulls), tree savers (to protect anchor points), shackles (for secure connections), and a snatch block (to double your pulling power or change direction). Common mistakes to avoid are not practicing with your winch before you need it and using improper recovery techniques, which can be extremely dangerous. Always prioritize safety and know your gear.
Aftermarket Bumpers
Stock bumpers on a 2017 Jeep Wrangler are often designed more for aesthetics and light impacts than for serious off-road abuse. Aftermarket bumpers offer significant improvements in protection, functionality, and approach/departure angles. They are typically constructed from heavy-duty steel or aluminum, providing robust defense against trail hazards.
Front bumpers often feature integrated winch mounts, D-ring recovery points, and provisions for auxiliary lighting. They are designed to be shorter and higher than stock, improving your approach angle when climbing obstacles. Rear bumpers can also include D-ring mounts, receiver hitches, and often incorporate a swing-out tire carrier to accommodate larger, heavier spare tires that won’t fit on the factory mount.
Choosing the right bumper depends on your needs. A stubby front bumper maximizes tire clearance and approach angle, while a full-width bumper offers more protection to the fenders. Consider the material as well; steel offers maximum strength, while aluminum reduces weight, which can be beneficial for fuel economy and suspension performance.
Rock Sliders & Skid Plates
Protecting the underside of your 2017 Jeep Wrangler is paramount when hitting the trails. Rock sliders and skid plates are critical accessories that shield vital components from damage. These upgrades can save you from costly repairs and keep your adventure going when the terrain gets tough.
Rock sliders, also known as rock rails, are heavy-duty tubes or plates mounted to the frame or body, positioned along the rocker panels. They protect the vulnerable side of your Jeep from impacts with rocks, stumps, and other trail obstacles. From countless trail runs, I can tell you that rock sliders are non-negotiable for anyone serious about off-roading. They prevent body damage that is expensive and difficult to repair.
Skid plates offer protection for specific undercarriage components. You can find skid plates for your oil pan, transmission, transfer case, fuel tank, and even differential covers. These plates are typically made from steel or aluminum and bolt directly to the frame or component, creating a protective barrier against impacts. Investing in a comprehensive set of skid plates ensures that your drivetrain and other vital systems remain intact, no matter how rugged the trail.
Lighting Upgrades for Enhanced Visibility
Visibility is key, whether you’re navigating dark trails or simply driving on poorly lit roads. Upgrading your 2017 Jeep Wrangler’s lighting system can dramatically improve safety and enhance your adventures. Modern lighting technology offers superior brightness, efficiency, and durability.
LED Headlights & Fog Lights
Factory halogen headlights often leave much to be desired in terms of brightness and beam pattern. Upgrading to LED headlights for your 2017 Jeep Wrangler offers significant advantages. LEDs provide a much brighter, whiter light that greatly improves visibility, especially at night. They also consume less power and have a significantly longer lifespan than traditional bulbs.
Similarly, swapping out your stock fog lights for LED units can make a substantial difference in adverse weather conditions like fog, rain, or snow. LED fog lights cut through the gloom more effectively, illuminating the road directly in front of and to the sides of your vehicle. When selecting LED lights, ensure they are DOT compliant for street use to avoid legal issues.
Auxiliary Off-Road Lighting
For serious off-road excursions, auxiliary lighting goes beyond what headlights and fog lights can offer. These lights provide massive illumination for navigating trails after dark, spotting obstacles, and improving situational awareness. There’s a wide array of options to choose from, depending on your specific needs.
Light bars are popular, often mounted on the windshield frame, bumper, or roof rack, providing a vast spread of light. Cube lights, smaller and more versatile, can be mounted on pillars (ditch lights), bumpers, or even as reverse lights. Different beam patterns are available: spot beams for long-distance illumination, flood beams for wide area coverage, and combo beams that offer a mix of both. Pro tip: Match your light pattern to your needs. A spot beam is great for seeing far down a trail, while a flood beam is better for illuminating a campsite or close-range obstacles.
Exterior Enhancements & Protection
Beyond performance, exterior accessories for your 2017 Jeep Wrangler can dramatically alter its appearance, improve its utility, and offer additional protection. These upgrades allow for both personalization and practical functionality.
Fender Flares
Stock fender flares on the 2017 Jeep Wrangler are functional but can be limiting, especially when running larger tires. Aftermarket fender flares offer increased tire coverage, which is often legally required when tires extend beyond the body. They also provide more clearance for tire articulation, preventing rubbing during extreme off-road maneuvers.
Types of aftermarket flares include flat flares, which provide a sleeker, more minimalist look and maximum clearance. High-clearance flares offer a similar benefit with a slightly different aesthetic. Pocket-style flares provide a rugged, bolted-on look. Beyond functionality, new fender flares can completely change the aggressive stance of your Jeep, giving it a more customized and capable appearance.
Aftermarket Wheels & Tires
One of the most impactful aesthetic and performance upgrades for a 2017 Jeep Wrangler is a set of aftermarket wheels and tires. Beyond just looking good, the right wheel and tire combination is crucial for off-road performance, handling, and safety. Larger, more aggressive tires provide superior traction on dirt, rocks, and mud.
Wheels come in various materials and designs. Steel wheels are durable and often more affordable, while aluminum alloy wheels are lighter and offer a wider range of styles. Beadlock wheels are designed to mechanically secure the tire bead to the wheel, allowing you to run very low tire pressures off-road without the tire coming off the rim. Simulated beadlocks offer the aggressive look without the full functionality.
Tires are equally critical. Mud-terrain (MT) tires feature aggressive tread patterns for maximum traction in soft conditions. All-terrain (AT) tires offer a good balance of off-road capability and on-road comfort. Re-gearing your differentials might be necessary to compensate for larger tires, restoring lost power and improving fuel economy. Common mistakes include underestimating the impact of tire size on gearing and not checking for proper backspacing to prevent rubbing. For more detailed advice on budgeting for your build, check out our guide on .
Roof Racks & Cargo Solutions
For those who love to overland, camp, or carry extra gear, a robust roof rack system is an invaluable accessory for your 2017 Jeep Wrangler. While the Wrangler isn’t known for its vast interior cargo space, a roof rack opens up a world of possibilities for carrying tents, recovery boards, fuel cans, spare tires, or even kayaks and bikes.
Roof racks are available in various configurations, including those designed for hardtops, soft tops, or full-length setups that distribute weight more evenly. They often feature multiple mounting points and accessories, allowing you to customize your cargo solution. When choosing a rack, consider its weight capacity and how it integrates with any other accessories you might have, such as light bars.
Soft Tops & Hard Top Accessories
Even if your 2017 Jeep Wrangler came with a hard top, there are numerous accessories to enhance its functionality and comfort. Hard top owners might consider internal insulation kits to reduce road noise and improve temperature regulation. Storage bags for freedom panels are also popular, keeping them safe and scratch-free when removed.
For soft top owners, there are aftermarket soft tops that offer improved materials, easier operation, or different styles, such as fastback designs. Sunrider tops, which allow for quick open-air enjoyment without fully removing the top, are also a popular upgrade. These accessories enhance the versatility of your Wrangler, allowing you to quickly adapt to changing weather or your desire for open-air freedom.
Interior Comfort & Convenience
While the 2017 Jeep Wrangler is rugged, its interior doesn’t have to be spartan. A range of interior accessories can significantly improve comfort, convenience, and protection, making your time inside the cabin more enjoyable.
All-Weather Floor Mats & Liners
The interior of a Jeep Wrangler can quickly get messy, especially after a muddy trail ride or a rainy day. All-weather floor mats and cargo liners are essential for protecting your carpet from dirt, mud, water, and spills. They are typically made from durable rubber or thermoplastic materials that are easy to clean and provide excellent containment.
These custom-fit liners often feature raised edges and channels to trap liquids and debris, preventing them from seeping into your carpet. In my years of owning a Wrangler, a good set of floor mats has saved my carpet countless times from the grime of adventures. They are a simple, yet highly effective, investment in maintaining your Jeep’s interior condition.
Seat Covers
Jeep seats take a beating from sun exposure, spills, and general wear and tear, particularly if you frequently have the top off. High-quality seat covers offer crucial protection, extending the life of your factory upholstery. Beyond protection, they also offer a fantastic way to personalize your interior and add a touch of style or ruggedness.
You can find seat covers in various materials, each with its own benefits. Neoprene offers water resistance, making it ideal for wet environments. Cordura is known for its extreme durability and abrasion resistance, perfect for heavy use. Leatherette provides a more upscale look and feel. Some covers even incorporate MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) webbing, adding extra storage pockets for small items.
Storage Solutions
The 2017 Jeep Wrangler, while capable, isn’t renowned for its abundant interior storage. This is where aftermarket storage solutions come into play, helping you keep your gear organized, secure, and easily accessible. These clever additions make a big difference in maintaining an uncluttered and functional cabin.
Options include under-seat storage bins for valuables, trunk organizers that fit neatly into the rear cargo area, and overhead cargo nets for lightweight items. MOLLE panel systems can be installed on seatbacks or in the cargo area, allowing you to attach pouches and accessories for customized storage. These solutions are invaluable for keeping recovery gear, tools, or personal items tidy and secure, preventing them from bouncing around during spirited driving or off-road excursions.
Infotainment & Technology Upgrades
Even if your 2017 Jeep Wrangler came with a decent stereo, there’s always room for improvement in the world of infotainment and technology. Upgrading your head unit can unlock features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, advanced navigation, and Bluetooth connectivity, bringing your Jeep’s tech into the modern age.
Beyond the head unit, consider improving your sound system with aftermarket speakers, subwoofers, and amplifiers for a richer audio experience. Backup cameras are also a popular and highly recommended upgrade, especially for Wranglers with larger tires or limited rear visibility, enhancing safety and making parking much easier. These tech upgrades significantly enhance the daily driving experience and convenience.
Performance & Engine Bay Upgrades
While the 2017 Jeep Wrangler is robust, there are specific engine bay and performance modifications that can fine-tune its capabilities. These upgrades aim to improve horsepower, torque, fuel efficiency, or simply enhance the driving experience.
Cold Air Intakes
A cold air intake (CAI) system replaces your factory air box with a less restrictive design that allows for increased airflow to your engine. The primary benefit is drawing in colder, denser air from outside the engine bay, which typically results in a slight increase in horsepower and torque. It also often produces a more aggressive engine sound, which many enthusiasts appreciate.
While the performance gains are usually modest, a quality cold air intake can contribute to overall engine efficiency. Ensure you choose a CAI specifically designed for the 3.6L Pentastar engine in your 2017 Jeep Wrangler to guarantee proper fitment and performance. Installation is typically straightforward for the DIY enthusiast.
Exhaust Systems
Upgrading your 2017 Jeep Wrangler’s exhaust system can serve multiple purposes: improving exhaust flow, enhancing the engine’s sound, and sometimes even offering a minor bump in performance. Aftermarket exhaust systems are designed to be less restrictive than stock, allowing exhaust gases to exit more efficiently.
You can choose from cat-back systems, which replace everything from the catalytic converter back, or axle-back systems, which only replace the muffler and tailpipe. Options range from mild, throaty sounds to aggressive, roaring tones. Material choices include stainless steel for durability and corrosion resistance. Always check local noise regulations before installing an aftermarket exhaust.
Tuners & Programmers
For those looking to optimize their 2017 Jeep Wrangler’s performance, especially after installing larger tires or new gear ratios, an engine tuner or programmer is an invaluable tool. These devices connect to your Jeep’s OBD-II port and allow you to adjust various engine parameters. This includes recalibrating the speedometer for larger tires, optimizing shift points, and fine-tuning fuel maps for improved power or efficiency.
Tuners can also help compensate for the increased rotational mass of larger tires, restoring some of the lost power and improving overall driveability. Pro tip: Always research tuners carefully and understand their impact on warranties. Some modifications can void parts of your factory warranty, so be aware of the risks involved.
Choosing the Right 2017 Jeep Wrangler Accessories
With such a vast array of accessories available, deciding what’s right for your 2017 Jeep Wrangler can feel overwhelming. A strategic approach ensures you get the most value and satisfaction from your investments.
First, set a realistic budget. Accessories can add up quickly, so prioritizing your needs and wants is crucial. Determine how much you’re willing to spend on each category before diving in.
Second, consider your intended use. Are you a daily driver who occasionally hits light trails, a serious rock crawler, or an overlander preparing for multi-day expeditions? Your primary use case will dictate which accessories provide the most value. For instance, a dedicated rock crawler will prioritize heavy-duty protection, while an overlander might focus on cargo solutions and communication gear.
Third, prioritize quality over cost. While budget is important, investing in well-made, durable accessories will save you money and headaches in the long run. Cheap parts often fail prematurely, leading to repeated purchases or even dangerous situations on the trail.
Finally, always ensure compatibility. The 2017 Jeep Wrangler is a JK generation, but even within this, there can be slight variations. Double-check that any accessory you purchase is specifically designed to fit your model year and trim.
Installation Considerations
Once you’ve chosen your 2017 Jeep Wrangler accessories, the next step is installation. This can range from simple bolt-on tasks to complex modifications requiring specialized tools and expertise.
Many accessories, such as floor mats, seat covers, and even some cold air intakes, are designed for straightforward DIY installation. These can be a great way to save money and get familiar with your vehicle. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, gather all necessary tools beforehand, and prioritize safety.
For more complex accessories like lift kits, winches, or re-gearing, professional installation is often recommended. These modifications affect your vehicle’s safety, handling, and long-term reliability. A reputable off-road shop has the experience and specialized tools to ensure the job is done correctly. Common mistakes to avoid are rushing installation or skipping steps, as this can lead to improper fitment, damage, or even dangerous malfunctions.
Conclusion
The 2017 Jeep Wrangler is an incredibly capable and customizable platform, offering endless possibilities for personalization and performance enhancement. By carefully selecting the right 2017 Jeep Wrangler accessories, you can transform your vehicle into an even more formidable off-road machine, a comfortable daily driver, or the perfect adventure companion. From essential off-road recovery gear to creature comforts that make long trips enjoyable, every modification contributes to your unique Jeep experience.
Embrace the journey of customization and unlock the full potential of your Wrangler. Whether you’re just starting your build or looking for the next big upgrade, the world of 2017 Jeep Wrangler accessories is vast and exciting. Start planning your next modification today and get ready to conquer new horizons! For a deeper dive into general Jeep maintenance, consult resources like .
