Picking the right hard top for your Jeep Wrangler can be difficult.

That's why our friends at ExtremeTerrain have put together a hard top buyers guide as well as a Jeep Wrangler Top Tech Guide that will teach you everything you need to know about the full spectrum of Jeep Wrangler Top options.

With colder weather on the horizon, the thought of a new Hard Top is sure to be top of mind for many Jeepers.

Due to their popularity, the landscape of aftermarket Wrangler hard tops are full of options. ExtremeTerrain’s resident Jeepher, Merideth Evasew, recently published her guide to choosing the best Jeep hard top, which details several different styles of tops and his been added to XT's extensive Jeep Tops Tech Guide.

Dont forget to check out Where2Wheel.com to find off road trails across the USA using the Where2Wheel Trails Map.

Our friends at ExtremeTerrain are giving away $5,000 in Jeep parts, now through 8/20/2020

XT has always been fantastic about giving back to the offroading community, and now they are doing it again.

Off-road parts can be expensive, especially when you buy a lot of them, so to help you on your next or current build, ExtremeTerrain is here with their latest parts giveaway brought to you by Mammoth 4x4.  Don't own a Jeep, that's no problem, XT is offering this giveaway for four different models: You can get $5,000 in parts for a Jeep Wrangler, a Jeep Gladiator, a Toyota Tacoma, or a Toyota Tundra.  So don't miss out on this opportunity to win $5,000 in parts for your rig!  Follow the link below to enter to win based on your specific vehicle.  The giveaway ends on 8/20/2020 and you can enter daily for additional chances to win.  Also, don't forget to choose ExtremeTerrain when shopping for Jeep parts so that they can continue giving back to the offroad community.

Wrangler Owners Enter Here: https://www.extremeterrain.com/mammoth-jeep-wrangler-parts.html

Gladiator Owners Enter Here: https://www.extremeterrain.com/mammoth-gladiator-parts.html

Tacoma Owners Enter Here: https://www.extremeterrain.com/mammoth-tacoma-parts.html

Tundra Owners Enter Here : https://www.extremeterrain.com/tundra-monthly-giveaway.html

And while you are here, feel free to check out Where2Wheel's national trails map that can help you find offroad trails, Jeep trails, and 4x4 trails all across the United States.

One of the best mods to get your Wrangler on the way to becoming YOUR Wrangler is with aftermarket bumpers.  Bumpers are one of the most effiecient ways to improve your Jeep Wrangler.  A good set of bumpers can add a lot to your Jeep: strength & rigidity, off-road functionality in the form of trail protection & easily accessible recovery points, and don't forget the improved looks that will set your Wrangler apart from all the others on the road.

Check out XT's Wrangler Bumper Buyer's Guide Here

There are so many bumper options for Jeep Wranglers that it can make your head spin, so our good friends at ExtremeTerrain (XT) have put together this guide that can help you quickly navigate the sea of options and find the bumpers that are going to be the perfect mod to your Wrangler.  Oh, and don't worry XT has you covered from YJ to JL and every Wrangler in between; no matter which gen Wrangler you drive, this guide has bumper information specific to your Wrangler!

Looking for the best Wrangler lift?

This guide will help you choose the best Wrangler lift for your needs.

Alright, so a blanket statement like "best Wrangler lift" shouldn't exist because "best" is a matter of what is best for your situation and your specific needs.  The "best" lift is going to be different for every Wrangler owner because every Wrangler owner is working with a different budget, placing different demands on their Jeep, modifying for different styles of off-roading, and staying within the context of their Wrangler's ultimate build goals (Do you want the most comfortable daily driver or the most hardcore rock crawler or maybe somewhere inbetween?).

So ExtremeTerrain has put together this incredibley informative guide on everything you should know before making a lift decision with your Wrangler.  The article covers everything to consider, and I mean everything - suspension geometry, supporting mods, parts breakdowns, and even the differences between Wrangler generations and their specific suspension design considerations.  Fortunately, XT was also kind enough to include videos to go along with this article so that you don't need to read through the whole thing if you prefer to watch and learn.  So before you buy a lift for your Wrangler, take some time and learn about all the factors that go into choosing the "best lift" for your Wrangler; this article will give you the information to make an informed decision that you won't regret.

Once you have done your Wrangler lift homework don't forget to check out the Where2Wheel offroad trails map to help you find where to go offroading!

And if you enjoyed the suspension guide put together by our friends at ExtremeTerrain, then make sure to read their guide on Jeep tires: Everything you need to know to choose the best tires for your Wrangler!

Know your Wrangler's oil, coolant, and all other fluids capacities.

Our friends at XT have put together this fluid capacity quick reference guide that every Wrangler owner should keep handy.

This fluid capacity guide put together by ExtremeTerrain is so helpful that I encourage any Wrangler owners to bookmark this page.  The guide here provides fluid capacity information for all Wrangler models from YJ to JL (YJ, TJ, JK, JL) including the varying capacities for the different engines, transfer cases, and axles (differentials) that were available on each generation of Wrangler.

I hope this information is helpful!  Keep on Jeepin!  And as always, when you need to find out where to go offroading and get some dirt under your Jeep's tires, check out the Where2Wheel offroad trails map.

And if you enjoyed this fluid guide put together by our friends at ExtremeTerrain, then make sure to read their guide on Jeep tires: Everything you need to know to choose the best tires for your Wrangler!

2020 Jeep Wrangler JL Brings New Updates

New Diesel Engine Available, eTorque 3.6L V6, and Special Editions

For the 2020 model year Jeep has introduced some new options available for the JL Wrangler and JL Wrangler Unlimited.  Our friends at ExtremeTerrain are here to bring you the news in a short 5 minute video; check out the video to quickly learn what the 2020 JL model year brings to the table!

Either click the image above or click here to watch the 2020 JL Model Year Updates.

Does Your Jeep Have Wheels?

If you don't know what offset, backspacing, and the difference between steel and aluminium wheels, are then you should check out this guide from our friends at XT!

All offroad wheels are not created equal and our friends at ExtremeTerrain have put together one of the most easily understandable guides to quickly learning the full gamet on offroad wheels.  ExtremeTerrain will tell you that this is the "Jeep Wrangler" Wheel Guide, but the terms and explanations apply to all makes and models that run on 4 wheels.

Here is The Definative Guide to Jeep Wrangler Wheels

I will give it to XT that they make shopping for wheels way too easy!  If you have a Jeep Wrangler or XJ (same bolt pattern as TJ) then I suggest doing your shopping at ExtremeTerrain, they are a fantastic company that goes out of their way to support the community of offroaders that they sell to.  For what it's worth, I think the best looking wheel on XT is the "Mammoth Boulder Black" or the "Mammoth Boulder Beadlock Style Black" wheel - I'll insert an image below:

Again, you can check out their Offroad Wheel Guide along with some drool worthy wheels here.  Thanks for visiting Where2Wheel, and dont forget to explore the Where2Wheel Trails Map to find your next offroading adventure!

If you love going off-road with your truck or jeep, there’s always a chance you could get stranded in the middle of nowhere. Depending on how deep into the wilderness you like to explore, it might take you hours or days to reach the nearest road or house to call for help. Your cellphone might not have service in the deep recesses of nature, so you really need to prepare for worst case scenarios. Don’t get stuck in the middle of nowhere with zero supplies to your name. Go off-road the right way with this survival kit checklist.

Driving Home in One Piece

When you’re cruising around in an off-road truck or Jeep and your vehicle breaks down, the best solution here is to evaluate the situation before calling a tow truck or limping it down the road. Some situations will call for more serious measures like calling for tow help while others will require the use of your survival kit. Your survival kit should include some auto repair essentials, so you can repair your truck or jeep temporarily and drive it home. This will help you get your vehicle back safely to your garage or a repair shop so more extensive repairs can be made.

Here are some items to include to help you make it home in one piece:

●       JB Weld

●       Hose Repair Tape 

●       Fix-a-Flat

●       Tire Reamer Plugger

●       Duct Tape

●       Jumper Cables

●       Rope or Parachute Cord

JB Weld will come in handy when you need to seal two pieces of metal together, such as a leaky oil pan or a broken metal brace. Fix-a-Flat, hose repair tape, and jumper cables are self-explanatory. You could always puncture one of your tires when you’re driving over rocks and boulders, so bring along a tire plugger. You can use Duct tape and rope in case you need to jerry-rig two items together. Driving home is always better than calling a tow truck.

Staying Alive in the Wild

If you can’t drive home, and you’re forced to make do in the wild until help arrives or you reach signs of civilization, you’ll need some nutrients to keep you alive and well-nourished. Freeze-dried food is a great place to start. It lasts for months or even years on end, so you don’t have to worry about your survival kit getting rancid.

While fruits and vegetables are important, raisins and dried figs might not do you much good in the wild. Instead, choose heartier fare like beef or venison jerky. It’s packed with protein to keep you going, so you can hold off on killing a bear—for now.

Of course, don’t forget to pack plenty of water in your truck or jeep. You might also want other beverages like Gatorade for a healthy dose of electrolytes. When the going gets tough, remember the rule of 3s. As humans, we can usually last no more than 3 minutes without air, 3 days without water, and 3 weeks or 30 days without food. Keeping a full gallon or two on hand should last you a while.

Finding Your Way Home

You’ll have to stay out in the wilderness indefinitely if you can’t find your way home. That’s why every survival kit should include a compass. Double-check your compass to make sure it’s working before you head out on the trail. It’s best to buy a fail-safe baseplate compass with a lanyard, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally dropping or breaking this precious survival tool. Having a map of the area will also come in handy. Using a compass doesn’t make a lot of sense if you don’t know which direction to go.

Making a Bed for the Night

If you happen to get stranded in the rain or you need to spend the night outdoors, having a tent would be ideal, but no one expects you to drive around with all your camping gear, unless you’re on vacation that is. Instead, keep a plastic blue tarp in your vehicle. You can use this handy tool to shield yourself from unruly weather or as a sleeping bag to keep warm at night. If you’re running low on water, you can also use it to collect rainwater.

Getting Attention

You can increase your chances of being found in the wild if you carry around a set of emergency flares. This can really make or break your chances of survival if you’ve ventured way off the beaten path. Rangers and the occasional hiker might see one of your flares if you’re in or near a national park. You can also use flares to make a fire when you’re in a pinch.

Avoid Serious Injury

Keep a first-aid kit on hand in case you get injured. Accidents happen and a first aid kit can come in handy for cuts, scrapes, etc. Always make sure to evaluate the medical situation and disinfect any wound whenever possible with the basic medical supplies.

Starting a Fire

You might need to start a fire if you get stranded for more than a few hours. Bring along a lighter and some waterproof or stormproof matches. Nothing will ruin your mood like pulling a handful of moist matches out of your pocket. Give yourself more peace of mind with the ultimate fire-starting tool.

Additional Survival Essentials:

●      Flashlight (solar-powered is a great choice)

●      Hunting Knife

●      Waterproof Jacket or Pullover

●      Water Filtration System (in case you find yourself drinking out of a stream)

●      Portable Stove

●      A Real Sleeping Bag

●      Emergency Communication System

Keeping these essentials on hand dramatically increases your chances of survival. Remember that the average search and rescue operation lasts about 10 hours. You should have everything you need to last more than 24 hours, with the gear listed above. If you’re avid about taking your off-road truck on new adventures, play it safe and bring along some survival essentials.

Looking to go off-road? As exciting as traversing new territory can be, it is also important to remember that you cannot just head to the backwoods trail without taking some necessary precautions. We always recommend preparing yourself and your vehicle for the best and worst driving conditions of any off-road trails. To get started, check out our complete guide to off-road driving.

Preparing for the Unexpected

Before you buckle up and head off into the wilderness, make sure you have supplies on board in case you get stranded in the middle of nowhere. Accidents can happen on a daily basis, but they can also happen in the wild. Bringing basic automotive repair items can help in a pinch just in case you get a flat tire or puncture your oil pan.

Some situations could bring out your inner MacGyver skills where others just require a quick easy fix. Items such as Duct tape, rope, Fix-A-Flat, JB Weld, and jumper cables can go a long way out on the trails too. We do recommend that you always bring a first-aid kit in case of emergencies that require medical supplies. Other items to bring include: a compass, emergency signals such as flares, snacks, and plenty of water to keep you going if you are stuck in the wild for a long period of time. Sometimes, it can take hours to even a day or two to reach a standard off-roader.

When you’re ready, do that double check of your supplies and make sure to tie down all of your supplies and equipment.

Getting Your Vehicle Ready

Once you have all your safety and auto supplies ready to go, it’s time to get your vehicle ready for the journey ahead. If you plan on doing some light off-roading, you might be able to get by with your factory model, but it’s usually best to invest in some new truck parts, including 4x4 suspension, new tires, and other off-road modifications. 

●      Switching to Off-Road Tires

Let’s start with the tires. It’s best to choose tires that are made for your vehicle in an off-roading capacity. These tend to feature thick durable sidewalls for more stability, intricate tread designs for more traction, and puncture-resistant rubber for keeping rocks and other sharp objects at bay. Depending on how and where you want to use your vehicle, you can choose between mud tires, hybrid tires, and all-terrain tires. If you still want to drive on the highway, all-terrain or hybrid tires will serve you well.

●      Suspension Lift

If you want to tackle extreme driving conditions or compete in a rock crawling competition, you’re better off upgrading to 33-inch tires or larger. This requires a lift kit, making room for those more aggressive off-road tires. You can buy a lift kit online and install it yourself if you know your way around your vehicle, or you can have a certified installer complete the installation. By adding a lift kit, you will gain more ground clearance and allow your vehicle to clear more obstacles.

●      Adding a Skid Plate or Body Armor

Going over large rocks and boulders? You should also consider investing in a skid plate or some type of body armor that protects the underbelly of your car. Factory models weren’t designed to traverse the depths of the wilderness, and some of your vehicle’s most sensitive components are exposed underneath your car. That's why it is important to consider a skid plate or other undercarriage body armor. We always recommend steel or aluminum plating. This adds another layer of protection, so you don’t accidentally ram the underbelly of your car into an outcropping of rocks.

●      Light Bar for More Visibility

Seeing is believing when you go off-road. Light tends to be hard to come by when you’re miles from civilization. While you might think that your factory headlights will cut it in the wild, adding additional lights can be beneficial. There are so many different kinds of hazards and obstacles to watch out for that having additional lighting will come in handy. Reinforce your ability to see by using a light bar. You can easily attach this handy accessory to the front of your vehicle, helping you see as much as possible in complete darkness.

Tips for a Successful Outing

Now that you’re ready for your first off-road outing, use these tips to make sure you and your vehicle stay safe out on the trail. As tempting as it is, we always recommend light trail riding in order to get used to your capabilities of off-roading.

●      Slowly Test Your Vehicle’s Limits and Your Own

Don’t overdo it on your first outing. Driving off-road isn’t the same as busting wheelies in the parking lot or even driving on dirt roads. Slowly increase your speed as you go along, giving yourself a chance to learn the rules of the terrain. Stopping, turning, and accelerating will all feel different in these new surroundings, so make sure you know what you’re doing before you start testing your limits. The same goes for your off-road truck. Learn how your vehicle fares in these new conditions before you start doing jumps, speeding through the forest, or straying too far from home.

●      Use the Buddy System

It’s also a good idea to bring along a co-pilot for the ride, preferably one with off-road experience. They can help you keep an eye out for any obstacles in the wild. If you get stuck in the mud or forced into a tight corner, they can help you navigate your way out of this tricky situation. Find someone you trust to help you learn the ins and outs of off-roading before you head out on your own. 

●      Consider the Weather and Changing Driving Conditions

The weather can make or break your hopes of going off-road. If you’re just starting out, pay attention to the weather forecast, so you can avoid any serious weather conditions. You might not realize how the weather can affect driving conditions, so err on the side of caution and avoid the snow and rain until you get a feel for what it’s like to drive an off-road truck.

Always Remember to Use Common Sense

This guide should help you navigate all the wonders of the natural world in your off-road truck or jeep. Bring along plenty of supplies, make the necessary adjustments to your vehicle, and use caution when you first head out on the trails. Things are always unpredictable when you go off-road.

If you have been exploring off road trails for more than a year or two, then you probably know that Jeep trails and 4x4 trails face a lot of elements that threaten their closure.  However, ExtremeTerrain is breathing new life into off road trails with the ExtremeTerrain Clean Trail Grant!

ExtremeTerrain's Clean Trail Grant is a program that all Jeep, 4x4, and offroading enthusiasts should know about.  This grant provides a way for all Jeep, 4x4, and offroad clubs/organizations to keep off road trails open near them.  Funds are provided to clubs for cleaning, restoration, or even expansion of off road trails! 

This is a program that we at Where2Wheel see as providing significant value towards creating a more sustainable future for our sport of Offroading.  This issue of stabilizing the off road trails landscape is extremely important if we as offroading enthusiasts want to have trails to experience our Jeeps and 4x4s on for years and decades to come.  ExtremeTerrain is literally giving away free money to clubs and organizations that are passionate about off road trails, so please read this press release from ExtremeTerrain and decide if this grant can work for you as well as our sport at large.

"ExtremeTerrain’s Clean Trail Initiative Program is ramping up and is looking to improve the trails near you. The Clean Trail Program was founded by ExtremeTerrain in 2015 and setup to fund trail improvement projects that can include anything from trail clean-up, trail restoration, trail expansion, and more. ExtremeTerrain has worked with numerous Wrangler and 4x4 clubs/groups as well as many privately and publicly owned off-road trails to enact changes for the betterment of trail conditions for the communities being served. 

To date, ExtremeTerrain has granted over 22 grants for trail improvement projects, funding just under $12,000 in trail improvement projects all around the country. In just the past few months for spring/summer 2017, ExtremeTerrain has approved an additional 10 grants and is shooting for more.  

Applying for a Clean Trail Grant is easy; head to the ExtremeTerrain Clean Trail Grant page and click to apply for a grant, filling out a short questionnaire. With a grant from ExtremeTerrain, you can get the tools you need to clean, restore, or expand your local trails, helping to maintain the trail system and improve it for future off-roaders."

I hope you found this information helpful; if you would like to support ExtremeTerrain you can purchase all your Wrangler or Tacoma needs from their website and just as importantly you can share this article with any Jeep or 4x4 clubs/organizations in your area.