The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk is already a formidable off-road machine straight from the factory. Boasting Jeep's Quadra-Drive II 4x4 system, a capable suspension, and a rugged design, it's ready to tackle trails. But for the truly adventurous, customizing your Trailhawk with the right accessories can elevate its performance, protection, and overall experience to a whole new level. This guide will delve into the world of 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk accessories, covering everything from essential upgrades to personal touches that will transform your vehicle into the ultimate off-road explorer.
Why Accessorize Your 2021 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk?
Unleash the Beast: Accessorizing Your 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk for Ultimate Adventure
While the Trailhawk is capable, there's always room for improvement and personalization. Accessorizing offers several key benefits:
- Enhanced Off-Road Performance: Specific accessories can improve traction, ground clearance, and overall capability in challenging terrains.
- Increased Protection: Rock sliders, skid plates, and brush guards shield vulnerable components from damage during off-road excursions.
- Improved Functionality: Roof racks, cargo carriers, and interior organizers make carrying gear and equipment easier and more efficient.
- Personalized Style: Add your own flair with unique lighting, wheels, and interior accents.
- Increased Resale Value: Well-chosen and properly installed accessories can increase the resale value of your Trailhawk.
This guide will cover essential accessories, considerations when choosing them, and tips for a successful accessorizing experience.
1. Armor Up: Protecting Your Investment
Off-roading exposes your vehicle to rocks, debris, and other hazards. Protecting critical components is crucial.
- Rock Sliders: These protect the rocker panels from damage when navigating rocky terrain. Look for sliders made from heavy-duty steel with a durable powder-coat finish.
- Benefits: Prevents body damage, provides a stable jacking point.
- Considerations: Mounting style (bolt-on vs. weld-on), thickness of steel, departure angle.
- Installation: Typically bolt-on, but professional installation is recommended for weld-on options.
- Skid Plates: These protect the engine, transmission, transfer case, and fuel tank from impacts.
- Benefits: Prevents damage to vital drivetrain components.
- Considerations: Material (steel vs. aluminum), thickness, coverage area.
- Installation: Usually bolt-on. Ensure proper torque when tightening bolts.
- Front Bumper with Bull Bar/Brush Guard: Provides additional protection for the front of the vehicle and can accommodate a winch.
- Benefits: Protects the grille, headlights, and radiator. Adds a rugged look.
- Considerations: Weight, winch compatibility, airbag compatibility.
- Installation: Can be complex; professional installation is often recommended.
2. Lift Kits and Suspension Upgrades: Reaching New Heights
Increasing ground clearance and improving suspension performance are essential for tackling tougher trails.
- Lift Kits: These raise the vehicle's body, allowing for larger tires and improved ground clearance.
- Types: Spacer lifts (budget-friendly, primarily for appearance), coil spring lifts (improved ride quality and performance), long-arm lifts (maximum articulation and performance, require significant modification).
- Benefits: Increased ground clearance, allows for larger tires.
- Considerations: Lift height (2-3 inches is generally recommended for the Trailhawk), ride quality, CV axle angles.
- Installation: Requires specialized tools and knowledge; professional installation is highly recommended.
- Upgraded Shocks: Improve ride quality, handling, and off-road performance.
- Benefits: Better damping, reduced body roll, improved control.
- Considerations: Shock type (monotube vs. twin-tube), adjustability.
- Installation: Relatively straightforward, but requires proper tools.
3. Wheels and Tires: Gripping the Ground
Upgrading your wheels and tires is one of the most impactful modifications you can make.
- Off-Road Tires: Choose tires with an aggressive tread pattern for maximum traction in mud, rocks, and snow.
- Types: Mud-terrain (MT), All-terrain (AT), Hybrid.
- Benefits: Improved traction, increased durability.
- Considerations: Tire size, load rating, noise level, on-road performance.
- Aftermarket Wheels: Lighter and stronger than factory wheels, often with more aggressive offsets.
- Benefits: Improved appearance, reduced unsprung weight.
- Considerations: Wheel size, offset, bolt pattern, load rating.
4. Recovery Gear: Getting Unstuck
Essential for any off-roader, recovery gear can help you get out of sticky situations.
- Winch: A powerful winch can pull your vehicle out of mud, sand, or over obstacles.
- Considerations: Winch capacity (at least 1.5 times the vehicle's weight), synthetic rope vs. steel cable.
- Recovery Straps: Used to tow or pull a stuck vehicle.
- Considerations: Length, load rating.
- D-Rings/Shackles: Connect recovery straps to the vehicle.
- Considerations: Load rating.
- Hi-Lift Jack: Useful for lifting the vehicle for tire changes or recovery.
- Shovel: For digging out tires or clearing obstacles.
- Tire Deflator: Allows you to quickly deflate tires for better traction in sand or mud.
5. Lighting Upgrades: Illuminating the Path
Upgrading your lighting enhances visibility and safety during nighttime off-roading.
- LED Light Bars: Provide powerful forward illumination.
- Considerations: Size, wattage, beam pattern (spot, flood, combo).
- LED Auxiliary Lights: Can be mounted on the bumper, roof rack, or A-pillars.
- Rock Lights: Illuminate the undercarriage for improved visibility when navigating rocky terrain.
6. Interior Accessories: Comfort and Convenience
Don't forget to improve the interior of your Trailhawk for a more comfortable and organized experience.
- Floor Liners: Protect the carpet from dirt, mud, and water.
- Seat Covers: Protect the seats from wear and tear.
- Cargo Organizers: Keep your gear organized and secure.
- CB Radio/Ham Radio: For communication with other off-roaders.
7. Roof Racks and Cargo Carriers: Expanding Your Cargo Capacity
For longer trips, a roof rack and cargo carrier can significantly increase your cargo capacity.
- Roof Rack: Provides a platform for mounting cargo carriers, tents, and other accessories.
- Considerations: Load capacity, mounting style.
- Cargo Carrier: Enclosed container for carrying gear and luggage.
- Considerations: Size, material, weather resistance.
- Roof Top Tent: Turns your Trailhawk into a comfortable camping platform.
Important Considerations Before You Buy:
- Budget: Determine your budget before you start shopping.
- Intended Use: Consider how you will be using your Trailhawk and choose accessories accordingly.
- Compatibility: Ensure that the accessories you choose are compatible with your vehicle.
- Installation: Decide whether you will be installing the accessories yourself or hiring a professional.
- Warranty: Check the warranty on the accessories you are considering.
Tips for a Successful Accessorizing Experience:
- Research: Read reviews and compare different products before you buy.
- Buy from Reputable Dealers: Ensure you are purchasing genuine products from authorized dealers.
- Professional Installation: Consider professional installation for complex modifications.
- Test Your Modifications: After installing new accessories, test them in a safe environment before hitting the trails.
- Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain your accessories to ensure they are in good working condition.
Potential Challenges and Solutions:
- Installation Difficulty: Some accessories can be challenging to install. Consider professional installation if you are not comfortable working on your vehicle.
- Compatibility Issues: Ensure that the accessories you choose are compatible with your vehicle.
- Warranty Voiding: Some modifications may void your vehicle's warranty. Check with your dealer before making any modifications.
- Increased Fuel Consumption: Larger tires and a lift kit can negatively impact fuel economy.
Price Table for 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk Accessories:
| Accessory | Brand (Example) | Description | Approximate Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rock Sliders | ARB | Heavy-duty steel rock sliders for rocker panel protection | $500 - $1,000 |
| Skid Plates (Full Set) | Mopar | Protects engine, transmission, transfer case, and fuel tank | $400 - $800 |
| Front Bumper with Bull Bar | Warn | Steel bumper with bull bar for added protection and winch compatibility | $800 - $1,500 |
| 2-Inch Lift Kit | TeraFlex | Coil spring lift kit for increased ground clearance | $600 - $1,200 |
| Off-Road Tires (Set of 4) | BFGoodrich | 33-inch All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires | $1,000 - $1,600 |
| Aftermarket Wheels (Set of 4) | Method Race Wheels | 17-inch alloy wheels with a durable finish | $800 - $1,400 |
| Winch | Smittybilt | 10,000 lb capacity winch with synthetic rope | $400 - $800 |
| Recovery Strap | ARB | 30-foot recovery strap with a 20,000 lb capacity | $50 - $100 |
| LED Light Bar | Rigid Industries | 40-inch LED light bar with a combo beam pattern | $300 - $600 |
| Floor Liners (Front & Rear) | WeatherTech | Custom-fit floor liners to protect carpets | $150 - $250 |
| Roof Rack | Yakima | Crossbars for mounting cargo carriers | $300 - $600 |
| Cargo Carrier | Thule | Rooftop cargo carrier for extra storage | $200 - $500 |
Note: Prices are approximate and may vary depending on the brand, retailer, and features.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Q: Will a lift kit void my warranty?
- A: It depends. Some modifications may void specific parts of your warranty, but not the entire warranty. Check with your dealer before making any modifications.
- Q: What size tires can I fit on my 2021 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk without a lift?
- A: Generally, you can fit 32-inch tires without a lift, but some minor trimming may be required.
- Q: How much does it cost to have a lift kit professionally installed?
- A: The cost of professional installation can vary depending on the complexity of the lift kit, but it typically ranges from $500 to $1,500.
- Q: What are the best off-road tires for the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk?
- A: The best off-road tires depend on your specific needs and driving conditions. Popular choices include BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2, Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac, and Falken Wildpeak A/T3W.
- Q: Do I need to re-gear my axles after installing larger tires?
- A: Re-gearing may be necessary if you install significantly larger tires (35 inches or larger) to maintain optimal performance and fuel economy.
Conclusion:
Accessorizing your 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk allows you to transform a capable off-roader into a truly personalized and unstoppable adventure machine. By carefully considering your needs, budget, and intended use, you can choose the right accessories to enhance its performance, protection, and functionality. Remember to prioritize safety, research thoroughly, and consider professional installation when necessary. With the right modifications, your Trailhawk will be ready to conquer any trail you throw its way, allowing you to explore the great outdoors with confidence and style. So, unleash the beast within your Trailhawk and embark on unforgettable adventures!