Jeep "Essentials" Recommendations?

[sbrindley]

Thanks again everyone! Definitely have some good ideas to start with

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[EJ3CTA]

Any recommendations for brand of sunshade for JL drivers? Big difference in price between Alien and JTops...bungie system vs. neoprene padded buckles? Magnetic front windshield attachment vs. bungie...so many decisions!

After looking at the options, I went with JTOPS. They were the only company that came up with a sunshade that was designed to fit the contour of the JL. I didn't like the gaps in the other shades. I placed the order on May 23rd and am supposed to be receiving it tomorrow.

 

[jeremyjeep]

I would put the screen protector near the top of the list since it will protect your screen and is one of the cheapest things you can buy for your Jeep.

 

[jeremyjeep]

Wow, not one word about real essentials, like a good first aid kit, potable water, etc. Stuff that can be the difference between life or death, especially if you're on a long trip or exploring off the beaten path.

First Aid Kit was in the first reply to this thread - https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/jeep-essentials-recommendations.10933/. It is item #3 in the list. But it didn't mention water though.

 

[RussJeep1]

(satire and sarcasm)

I must say though, it's a good thing the new 2018 JL Wrangler can be purchased at such a "steal," giving the owner the extra change to buy gear whose costs exceeds that of some functioning street legal vehicles.

…love it though I do

 

[jeremyjeep]

Here are some more essentials (most items in the list do not require a purchase) from another thread that I posted this in - https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/what-to-do-once-you-get-your-jeep.8532/#post-185949

1. Order your hard copy owners manual from the Jeep.com website. Seems you have to wait until you have received your vehicle. Mine took 4 days to arrive via UPS, (I was told it would take 5 to 10 days).
2. Register your vehicle via VIN at www.mopar.com. Verify you are enrolled into Jeep Wave (supposed to be automatic enrollment). Note you get free oil changes, etc. with Jeep Wave. Consider buying the lifetime warranty with $100 deductible ($200, $500, $0, etc.),
3. Activate your Uconnect (if so equipped). Follow the menu prompts on your screen.
4. Activate your hotspot if you want - https://www.att.com/jeep $10 / $20 unlimited plans for existing AT&T customers.
5. If you purchased after 05/01/2018, free 6 months of Apple Music - https://www.prnewswire.com/news-rel...e-music-carplay-and-beatsaudio-300609166.html. FCA Apple Experience number: 800-777-6557
6. Choose some accessories - www.quadratec.com, www.justforjeeps.com, www.amazon.com, etc
7. Set up a Google Alert at www.google.com/alert for 2018 jeep wrangler accessories.
8. Get your 15% off Mopar accessories coupon at www.mopar.com that you can use at most dealerships.
9. Cover up your VIN number on the driver side that is visible from the outside with electrical tape. This will prevent the VIN method of car theft / fraud (Google VIN car theft fraud for details).
10. Read the manuals (PDF, or if you ordered it). Example, USB1 is the dash, USB2 is in the arm rest console, USB3 is behind the arm rest console and support data, including a USB thumb drive full of music. The additional USB port (on the right) on the back of the arm rest console is charge only.
11. Check your tire air pressure. My tires have 50psi max written on the side walls, the dealer had them at 48. The door jam says 37. It was drifting all over the place. I changed it to 39 and some of the drifting is gone.
12. Adjust the telescoping steering wheel. The lever is on the left/bottom side of the steering column. Push up, down, in, out, then push the lever back up to lock in place. Rinse and repeat until happy.

Phone numbers you might need:

FCA JL Specific Support: 866-362-2146 / [email protected]
Mopar Vehicle Protection: 800-521-9922 (roadside assistance, warranty, recall info, repair authorization, etc.)
Mopar Vehicle Protection Sales Center: 800-442-2666
Jeep Wave: 844-533-7928
FCA Apple Experience number: 800-777-6557
FCA Incentives: 800-227-0757
SiriusXM Guardian / uConnect: 844-796-4827
FCA uConnect: 877-855-8400
Jeep.com Contact Us: 877-426-5337
Jeep Chat: https://www.jeep.com/webselfservice/jeep/index.html

 

[RussJeep1]

Another thing. While I can't speak to your available time or funds, or your handiness, consider making yourself some of the gear you could buy, leaving the stuff you can't make to purchase.

For example....a sun shade is this (if you're running a soft top that is):

*A scissor

And these https://www.harborfreight.com/8-ft-x-10-ft-mesh-all-purposeweather-resistant-tarp-60577.html

https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-grommet-installation-kit-104-pc-63237.html

and lots of these:

https://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece-ball-stretch-cord-set-47302.html

1) Cut from the middle out of the tarp, 4 more inches on every side that the dimensions of the shade opening in the rig from "A" pilar to where the sports bar starts to head down in the back to the tub. Disguard the excess, including the existing grommets.

2) Fold over opposing sides, twice, at 2" and grommet them to keep them that way and have something to attach to on the sunshade.

3) cut some excess on remaining adjacent sides and do same folds/grommeting.

4) Ball bungee it to the front (take the windshield down just a tad to get the bungees in..you'll need 2 bungees here per grommet, no need to remove windshield wipers)

5) Ball bungee the other sides.

6) Cut out places to get the soft top hinges on and off.

Is it as good as a pro sunshade? No. Might doing this yourself afford you door hinge steps? Maybe.

 

[homerun]

Depends on how hard you you off road it at all. Most everyone goes right for the lift and tires, which certainly help but no one here has mentioned protection. I like the idea of a full belly pan and few other skid plates added. I am not the best or most experience off roader but I like the extra peace of mind the belly pan provides. It is however a PITA if you need to crawl under and do any maintenance.

 

[Kadonny]

I would put the screen protector near the top of the list since it will protect your screen and is one of the cheapest things you can buy for your Jeep.

THIS FOR SURE!!!

My JK screen has permanent peels/cracks on the screen from where I used the touch screen buttons the most. AM/FM/Satelite toggle button area and favorite songs/artist Sirius pop up button. This will be my first mod (when I get the Jeep) hands down. My JK screen is too far gone now, but I had I known this is an issue earlier a screen protector would have been on it. I didn't realize it was a problem until it was too late.

So anyone who uses the touch screen a decent amount, this is a MUST!

 

[Firemedicsparky]

Here are some more essentials (most items in the list do not require a purchase) from another thread that I posted this in - https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/what-to-do-once-you-get-your-jeep.8532/#post-185949

1. Order your hard copy owners manual from the Jeep.com website. Seems you have to wait until you have received your vehicle. Mine took 4 days to arrive via UPS, (I was told it would take 5 to 10 days).
2. Register your vehicle via VIN at www.mopar.com. Verify you are enrolled into Jeep Wave (supposed to be automatic enrollment). Note you get free oil changes, etc. with Jeep Wave. Consider buying the lifetime warranty with $100 deductible ($200, $500, $0, etc.),
3. Activate your Uconnect (if so equipped). Follow the menu prompts on your screen.
4. Activate your hotspot if you want - https://www.att.com/jeep $10 / $20 unlimited plans for existing AT&T customers.
5. If you purchased after 05/01/2018, free 6 months of Apple Music - https://www.prnewswire.com/news-rel...e-music-carplay-and-beatsaudio-300609166.html. FCA Apple Experience number: 800-777-6557
6. Choose some accessories - www.quadratec.com, www.justforjeeps.com, www.amazon.com, etc
7. Set up a Google Alert at www.google.com/alert for 2018 jeep wrangler accessories.
8. Get your 15% off Mopar accessories coupon at www.mopar.com that you can use at most dealerships.
9. Cover up your VIN number on the driver side that is visible from the outside with electrical tape. This will prevent the VIN method of car theft / fraud (Google VIN car theft fraud for details).
10. Read the manuals (PDF, or if you ordered it). Example, USB1 is the dash, USB2 is in the arm rest console, USB3 is behind the arm rest console and support data, including a USB thumb drive full of music. The additional USB port (on the right) on the back of the arm rest console is charge only.
11. Check your tire air pressure. My tires have 50psi max written on the side walls, the dealer had them at 48. The door jam says 37. It was drifting all over the place. I changed it to 39 and some of the drifting is gone.
12. Adjust the telescoping steering wheel. The lever is on the left/bottom side of the steering column. Push up, down, in, out, then push the lever back up to lock in place. Rinse and repeat until happy.

Phone numbers you might need:

FCA JL Specific Support: 866-362-2146 / [email protected]
Mopar Vehicle Protection: 800-521-9922 (roadside assistance, warranty, recall info, repair authorization, etc.)
Mopar Vehicle Protection Sales Center: 800-442-2666
Jeep Wave: 844-533-7928
FCA Apple Experience number: 800-777-6557
FCA Incentives: 800-227-0757
SiriusXM Guardian / uConnect: 844-796-4827
FCA uConnect: 877-855-8400
Jeep.com Contact Us: 877-426-5337
Jeep Chat: https://www.jeep.com/webselfservice/jeep/index.html

I would add for people to check if they qualify for "Bonus Drive"...everybody could use a check for $500 to spend right?!?!
https://www.bonusdrive.com/

 

[EJ3CTA]

I would add for people to check if they qualify for "Bonus Drive"...everybody could use a check for $500 to spend right?!?!
https://www.bonusdrive.com/

I forgot to do that so thank you for reminding me! I've already passed the 60 day window, but I'll see what they do.

 

[sbrindley]

(satire and sarcasm)

I must say though, it's a good thing the new 2018 JL Wrangler can be purchased at such a "steal," giving the owner the extra change to buy gear whose costs exceeds that of some functioning street legal vehicles.

…love it though I do

Lol it did take a good chunk of change from my pocket... Accessories will need to be "saved" for right now to be purchased later.

 

[sbrindley]

Here are some more essentials (most items in the list do not require a purchase) from another thread that I posted this in - https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/what-to-do-once-you-get-your-jeep.8532/#post-185949

1. Order your hard copy owners manual from the Jeep.com website. Seems you have to wait until you have received your vehicle. Mine took 4 days to arrive via UPS, (I was told it would take 5 to 10 days).
2. Register your vehicle via VIN at www.mopar.com. Verify you are enrolled into Jeep Wave (supposed to be automatic enrollment). Note you get free oil changes, etc. with Jeep Wave. Consider buying the lifetime warranty with $100 deductible ($200, $500, $0, etc.),
3. Activate your Uconnect (if so equipped). Follow the menu prompts on your screen.
4. Activate your hotspot if you want - https://www.att.com/jeep $10 / $20 unlimited plans for existing AT&T customers.
5. If you purchased after 05/01/2018, free 6 months of Apple Music - https://www.prnewswire.com/news-rel...e-music-carplay-and-beatsaudio-300609166.html. FCA Apple Experience number: 800-777-6557
6. Choose some accessories - www.quadratec.com, www.justforjeeps.com, www.amazon.com, etc
7. Set up a Google Alert at www.google.com/alert for 2018 jeep wrangler accessories.
8. Get your 15% off Mopar accessories coupon at www.mopar.com that you can use at most dealerships.
9. Cover up your VIN number on the driver side that is visible from the outside with electrical tape. This will prevent the VIN method of car theft / fraud (Google VIN car theft fraud for details).
10. Read the manuals (PDF, or if you ordered it). Example, USB1 is the dash, USB2 is in the arm rest console, USB3 is behind the arm rest console and support data, including a USB thumb drive full of music. The additional USB port (on the right) on the back of the arm rest console is charge only.
11. Check your tire air pressure. My tires have 50psi max written on the side walls, the dealer had them at 48. The door jam says 37. It was drifting all over the place. I changed it to 39 and some of the drifting is gone.
12. Adjust the telescoping steering wheel. The lever is on the left/bottom side of the steering column. Push up, down, in, out, then push the lever back up to lock in place. Rinse and repeat until happy.

Phone numbers you might need:

FCA JL Specific Support: 866-362-2146 / [email protected]
Mopar Vehicle Protection: 800-521-9922 (roadside assistance, warranty, recall info, repair authorization, etc.)
Mopar Vehicle Protection Sales Center: 800-442-2666
Jeep Wave: 844-533-7928
FCA Apple Experience number: 800-777-6557
FCA Incentives: 800-227-0757
SiriusXM Guardian / uConnect: 844-796-4827
FCA uConnect: 877-855-8400
Jeep.com Contact Us: 877-426-5337
Jeep Chat: https://www.jeep.com/webselfservice/jeep/index.html

Thanks for the time and listing out all this info! Noted!!

 

[sbrindley]

Depends on how hard you you off road it at all. Most everyone goes right for the lift and tires, which certainly help but no one here has mentioned protection. I like the idea of a full belly pan and few other skid plates added. I am not the best or most experience off roader but I like the extra peace of mind the belly pan provides. It is however a PITA if you need to crawl under and do any maintenance.

Great suggestion, thank you!!

 

[HiJinx69]

I don't know if someone mentioned it already. A portable air compressor/tire inflator?

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