Summer is right around the corner, and that means it’s almost time for weekend getaways, camping, and hitting the open road. Having the perfect road trip vehicle makes it easy to look forward to the journey just as much as the destination. So, what is the perfect road trip vehicle? Is it one that can handle off-roading? Something gritty and rugged that isn’t afraid to get a little muddy? What about comfort and storage? If these questions have your imagination working overtime, then you might be picturing the mighty Jeep Wrangler.
The Jeep Wrangler is designed for adventure. It can perform on concrete, dirt, mud, snow, and sand. Every nook and cranny inside the Wrangler is there to hold your belongings and offer a cozy interior that’s inviting for hours. It’s the perfect SUV for hitting the highway, stopping for snacks, setting up camp, and sightseeing. You’ve probably already started putting together the perfect road trip playlist. However, there’s a bit more to road-tripping than just your favorite songs queued up on Spotify. This article is here to help you prepare for the perfect trip. Maybe you already own your Wrangler, or maybe you’re searching for the ideal Jeep Wrangler for sale, but either way, you’re going to get a lot of mileage out of this summer. Here are some things that could prove helpful to add to your packing list.
Safety First: Prepare Your Jeep
Before we get to what you should be packing inside of your Wrangler, there are some things to check off the list that have to do with the vehicle itself. The last thing you want is some unexpected surprises that could derail your plans. There are some simple things you can take care of ahead of time to ensure your drive goes smoothly.
You can’t go wrong by starting with a basic vehicle inspection. Find your trusted Jeep-trained technicians, like the one at your dealership, and have them do a multi-point inspection to make sure everything is operating as it should. This will entail checking the air pressure in the tires, the air filters, and the fluid levels. Air filters can clog with dirt and grime and reduce the performance of your engine. Similarly, having a fresh oil change will also keep the engine block running smoothly. Have your mechanic check the coolant to prevent engine overheating. In case of emergencies, check that you have a spare tire and a kit of tools to change it. Better safe than sorry.
Prep for Going Off-Road
Planning on off-roading as part of your adventure? There are some simple steps you can take to get your Wrangler off-road ready. Jeep is a brand that knows the ins and outs of off-roading like no other. There are plenty of features already installed on your Wrangler to help you, like generous ground clearance, a 4×4 system, and all-terrain tires. Even the base trim levels offer turned suspension that can conquer rocky environments.
The Wrangler is perfect for enjoying the breeze. With its iconic removable top, doors, and windshield, you can let in as much or as little fresh air as you want. The Wrangler comes standard with a soft Sunrider top that operates with flexible windows, clips, and a fabric that’s simple to fold back or fully remove. That’s not all. There is an optional three-panel hardtop called the Freedom Top that’s quicker to remove than the base Sunrider. If you don’t care for a fully removable top, the Sky One-Touch roof opens and closes with the touch of a button.
However, you can add on even more equipment that’ll go the extra unpaved mile. For example, Jeep offers several packages that feature tools to make your trip extra special. Their Sun and Screen Package adds a 115-volt auxiliary power outlet so you can plug in your devices in remote locations and still power up. There is a Trailer Tow Package that comes with a Class II hitch for your camper, small boat, or whatever else you want to tow. The latest Wrangler models even offer WiFi hotspots to keep you connected, even on the go. The two-door Wrangler has a lower towing capacity than the four-door, so be sure to verify the specifications of your exact model.
Finally, you want a fresh start for yourself and your passengers, so don’t forget to get a wash on the exterior and clean the interior of your Wrangler before heading out. Even if you plan on getting it dirty again while you’re out there, a freshly cleaned Jeep will feel better and not invite any undue chaos before the trip even begins. The last thing you want is one of your passengers finding old food wrappers or other items that should have been discarded ahead of time.
Prepare the Other Items You’ll Need
Once your Jeep Wrangler is inspected, cleaned, and installed with your favorite Jeep accessories, you can move on to the task of packing it with the other personal belongings that will help you have a great time. We mentioned a spare tire and tool kit earlier, but you should also consider packing items like a rope, flashlight, emergency first-aid kit, and jumper cables. Bring car chargers and consider having printed versions of directions in the off-chance that you lose connection and get lost. This will cover all your bases.
There are some household items you likely already have that will make any long road trip more comfortable. Consider bringing a blanket or two. Even if it’s not cold where you’re going, you never know if the urge to nap will strike. This goes for clothing, too. Bring lots of layers like light and warm jackets, hats, gloves, and comfortable shoes.
Are you strapping your luggage to the top of your Wrangler? Make sure the straps you have are reliable and installed correctly. Whatever distance you’re driving, you don’t want your luggage slipping off the roof of your vehicle. It’s smart to tie your luggage and perform a test drive in a safe area for extra reassurance.
Bring plenty of snacks and lots of fresh water. Bring even more water than you think you need. Even if you don’t drink it all, you’ll have it in case you need to wash your hands before you have a snack. Stopping for food along the road can be a fun part of a road trip, but you can always supplement these stops by bringing simple snacks that are easy to eat and don’t require heating or refrigeration. It can be fun to mix and match healthy options with guilty pleasure choices. Try bringing nuts, fruit, crackers, chips, protein bars, or pre-packed cheese. If you want your snacks and meals to last longer, plan on bringing a cooler.
Hit the Open Road
While this isn’t the complete list of everything you’ll need, it’s a great start. Your full packing list will depend on where you’re going and for how long. If you’re going camping, be smart with your packing skills since camping gear takes up a considerable amount of space. Thankfully, the Jeep Wrangler makes it easy to fit your belongings, thanks to its generous amount of cargo space and efficient layout. It may seem daunting to take your Jeep in for inspection and service, but it could make the difference between a smooth trip or a disaster. Just like your Jeep, you should be prepared for anything. But, once you’re done sorting the details, there is no shortage of fun ahead. Your Jeep Wrangler was built for adventure, and it’s time to start making memories.
