Few vehicles on the road have a more recognizable profile than the Jeep Wrangler. The popularity of the Wrangler and the multitude of upgrades available for every aspect of its features and performance have created a dedicated segment in the aftermarket industry. It’s time to take a look at some of the most popular upgrades available for this versatile off-roader.

Jeep Wrangler Audio Upgrades

Though great for car stereo shops, Wranglers have never come with what would be considered a genuinely premium audio system solution. The accoutrements of the first-generation YJ were, frankly, sparse. It had a single DIN-sized radio in the dash and 4×6-inch speakers on the sides of the dash. Now, radio upgrade options are endless, with AM/FM receivers that include Bluetooth wireless audio streaming and hands-free calling. Likewise, support for MP3 and FLAC digital media file playback from a disc or USB memory device is found on almost every source unit option. To extract the most from this decidedly basic platform, you are going to need to add a subwoofer of some kind. A set of 4×6 speakers will never make any reasonable amount of bass.

Fast-forward to the latest JL chassis Jeep, and we’ve got room for 6.5-inch speakers at the bottom of the dash and the overhead soundbar. The touchscreen Uconnect audio system with its large 8.4-inch display does an admirable job of providing the connectivity most people want. Fortunately, companies like iDatalink and PAC make great interfaces that will let your installer add high-quality amplifiers directly to this radio so you can create an amazing audio system.

It’s worth noting that the speakers in the JL-chassis Jeep have shrunk in size compared to those of the JK-chassis predecessor. To fit those 6.5-inch drivers, you’ll need to have your installer mount a set of replacement speaker pods from a company like Metra.

Subwoofers and Custom Audio Upgrades

For those serious about adding realism and detail to their listening experience, you’ll want a subwoofer. The options are, as always, nearly endless and range from truly mild to impressively wild. A subwoofer upgrade not only adds bass to your music, but it also alleviates the need for the smaller speakers to try to reproduce these frequencies. The result is that the entire audio system will sound better and play louder.

Jeep Backup Cameras

With the big spare tire hanging off the back of your Jeep, seeing what’s behind you when parking or maneuvering isn’t always easy. Adding a backup camera is a wise solution to reduce the risk of an accident. Thankfully, the aftermarket has dozens of options to add a camera and, if needed, a monitor to your Jeep. All the systems work automatically, so the camera image is displayed as soon as you put the transmission into reverse.

Jeep Lighting Upgrades

If you’ve got an older Jeep, then you’ll likely want to look at upgrading the headlights so you can see safely once the sun starts to set. There are dozens of 7-inch round replacement headlight assemblies available, and you can choose from LED or HID bulb solutions. Integrated LED accent lights are also an option.

If you’re planning an off-road adventure, well, there’s no end to how many lights you can add to the front, sides, bottom and back of your Jeep. Of course, a high-output LED light bar on the front bumper or roof is one of the most potent single-light options to let you see down the trail and what’s around you. We suggest working with your installer to develop a plan that will provide the right lights for your vehicle. You’ll also want to consider how you’ll control those lights. Many companies make bespoke switch panels for Jeeps, or the shop you are working with may be able to create something specific for your needs.

Keep in mind that the same way that speakers, amplifiers and subwoofer can look similar on paper, the performance of lighting upgrade options vary dramatically. As always, if something looks like too much of a good deal, you are likely sacrificing something in terms of performance or durability.

Window Tint Adds Style and Comfort

If you live in an area that’s extremely hot during the summer, having the windows of your Jeep tinted with a heat-rejecting film is a great idea. Depending on the film you choose, some can block as much as 65% of the infrared heat energy from the sun. Of course, window tint also reduces glare, so it’s easier to drive when the sun is coming in from the side of your vehicle. Finally, there’s no denying that a nice tint job can make your Jeep look fantastic!

Winch and Compressor Upgrades

If you’re planning on adding a high-current device like a winch or an air compressor, drop by your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer. Nobody in the automotive aftermarket understands how to maximize the performance and reliability of these devices better. They’ll make sure the system has properly sized power wire and safe short-circuit protection devices. Likewise, they’ll ensure that the control switches are easily accessible and wired properly. Many shops can even source winches from Warn, Rough Country and Smitty Built and compressors from VIAIR and ARB.

Bumpers, Side Steps and Body Accessories

If you’re shopping for a new front or rear bumper for your Jeep, or a set of side steps or rock sliders, your local stereo shop can likely help you out. If you’ve added larger wheels and tires or a lift kit, you may want to inquire about a solution like the AMP Research PowerStep or PowerStep XL motorized running boards. These convenient steps make getting in and out of your vehicle easy. They extend down when the door opens, then retract up close to the rocker panel a few seconds after you close the door. Once they’re retracted, you’ll have lots of ground clearance for the trails. Mobile enhancement specialists are the right choice to integrate the wiring for these steps into the electrical system of your Jeep so that the system is reliable.

Wheels, Tires and Suspension

Though not available from every shop around the country, many retailers offer a wide selection of wheel and tire upgrades, along with lift kits to transform the look and performance of your Wrangler. Upgrading to a larger-diameter tire will add clearance under the front and rear axles so that you can climb over logs and rocks without drama. Suspension upgrades can improve articulation and increase approach and departure angle to make getting in and out of even the craziest of trails more fun.

Upgrade Your Jeep Wrangler Today!

Whether you need a new set of speakers in a TJ or want a concert-quality audio system in your new JL Wrangler, your local mobile enhancement retailer can help. Take your Jeep for a drive today and see what upgrades are available to make your commute or trail adventure more entertaining and fun.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

Powersports speaker upgrades for UTVs and side-by-sides are all the rage these days. Car audio manufacturers offer pods, soundbars and enclosures to let your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer add or enhance the sound system on your Polaris, Can-Am, Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki or Textron vehicle. Let’s look at some of the options available to make your time on the trails or dunes more enjoyable.

Choosing Suitable Powersports Speakers

Not all speakers are created equally. When it comes to powersports applications, you’ll want to search for a solution with elevated real-world power ratings. Look for speakers that are rated for at least 50 watts of continuous (sometimes called RMS) power handling. These systems get played loud, so having a speaker fail because it overheated wouldn’t be much fun.

Next, you should choose products that are designed specifically for outdoor applications. It’s pretty much guaranteed that your speakers are going to get dusty and dirty – everything else on a side-by-side does. If you are a bit more on the adventurous side, things could get wet if you are blasting through puddles, swamps, ponds or even a small lake. Finally, since most powersports vehicles spend most of their time outside, you’ll want to pick a speaker solution that is built with UV-resistant materials and tested to meet industry specifications.

As always, you should listen to the speakers you are considering purchasing using music you know well. Be sure to crank up the volume and see if the overall tonal balance changes when things get loud. Higher-quality speakers sound better at elevated volume levels. You don’t want the speakers to get bright or harsh when you turn things to 11.

The Importance of Proper Installation

Before we dive into the speaker options available for your side-by-side, we want to reiterate the importance of having your mobile sound system installed by a qualified professional. Using proper wiring, making secure electrical connections, mounting equipment securely and, of course, configuring each system properly is crucial to ensuring that the system will be reliable and sound great for many years. Yes, it will cost a little bit to have your audio upgrade installed by a pro, but it’s a good investment.

Vehicle-Specific Speaker Pods

Companies like Rockford Fosgate, JL Audio, MB Quart and MTX offer vehicle-specific speaker pods for a variety of side-by-side vehicles. In most cases, these pods are constructed from a reinforced ABS plastic to provide a good balance of strength to weight. A few companies build their pods from fiberglass. Fiberglass is more rigid than ABS plastic, so while they may cost a little more, they might sound better.

Most vehicle-specific front speaker pods mount down in the footwell area of the average side-by-side. Some applications include options for dash-mounted speaker upgrades. The pods typically mount in place using factory fastener locations or use band-clamps that attach to the tubular chassis of the vehicle. While mounting the pods can be fairly easy, running the wiring to the amplifier and ensuring that it’s safe and secure can be tricky. The last thing you want is to get your feet caught in a speaker wire while trying to drive.

Universal Speaker Upgrades

Another option to add or upgrade the sound on your side-by-side is to use an enclosed speaker system, like marine wakeboard tower speakers, on the rear of the vehicle. These pods mount to the rear roll-cage and chassis and can be angled and aimed to direct sound right at the driver and passenger. Speaker pods are available with speakers sized between 5.25 and 10 inches. Many solutions have RGB LED lighting options if you want to add a little more style to your ride.

Powered and Bluetooth Sound Bars

Another easy way to add sound to your side-by-side is to choose a soundbar. These compact speaker systems typically include four or six 4-inch speakers and a pair of tweeters. Many are available with built-in amplifiers and a Bluetooth receiver, so the system is fully self-contained. All you have to do is pair your smartphone to the receiver and you can play music or listen to a streaming audio service like Pandora or iHeartRadio. Many bars have RCA preamp inputs so they can be integrated with a factory or aftermarket source unit.

Custom Speaker Solutions

As always, if a drop-in solution doesn’t exist, your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer can craft a bespoke speaker installation for you. Let them know what you have in mind, and they can build something that fits perfectly with the vehicle and sounds great.

Upgrade Your Powersports Speaker Today

Whether you want to upgrade your existing speakers so the sound system on your side-by-side or UTV will sound better or play louder, or you want to add an entirely new audio system, your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer has dozens of options available. Drop by today and ask about their powersports speaker solutions.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.