Crafty solution turns the JK Jeep Wrangler into its own wash station.
A lot of the mods that you can make to the JK Jeep Wrangler involve removing and/or adding on something, such as installing bigger wheels and tires, or putting on auxiliary lighting. One JK owner found a way to convert an existing part on his Wrangler into an even more useful device.
Youtuber Eddie Zarick came to the realization that the hollow plastic rear bumper on his 2012 Wrangler Unlimited could serve another purpose aside from absorbing crash energy. He turned the empty space inside of it into a water tank. In the above video, he estimates it holds more than seven gallons (keep in mind that adds about 60 pounds of extra weight to the very back end of the rig). The unit already has drain holes on the bottom, so he just drilled a hole (complete with its own cap) in the top of it where he can add water.
To get the water out of the tank, Zarick added a pump that fits above the rear diff. That pump automatically turns on when he opens the tap and shuts off when he cuts the flow of water, preventing the need for a secondary switch to control the pump.
A simple twist of the valve lever connected to the rear passenger side of the JK sends water gushing out – perfect for rinsing beach water off of diving gear or taking a quick shower after being in salt water. After connecting a compact, coiled hose with a sprayer on the end of it, Zarick can use his onboard water supply to give his Jeep a pressurized wash.
To spread his wealth of knowledge, Zarick was kind enough to also make a how-to video so anyone who wants to make this same mod to their Jeep can do it. Check it out below.
Derek Shiekhi's father raised him on cars. As a boy, Derek accompanied his dad as he bought classics such as post-WWII GM trucks and early Ford Mustang convertibles.
After loving cars for years and getting a bachelor's degree in Business Management, Derek decided to get an associate degree in journalism. His networking put him in contact with the editor of the Austin-American Statesman newspaper, who hired him to write freelance about automotive culture and events in Austin, Texas in 2013. One particular story led to him getting a certificate for learning the foundations of road racing.
While watching TV with his parents one fateful evening, he saw a commercial that changed his life. In it, Jeep touted the Wrangler as the Texas Auto Writers Association's "SUV of Texas." Derek knew he had to join the organization if he was going to advance as an automotive writer. He joined the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) in 2014 and was fortunate to meet several nice people who connected him to the representatives of several automakers and the people who could give him access to press vehicles (the first one he ever got the keys to was a Lexus LX 570). He's now a regular at TAWA's two main events: the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall.
Over the past several years, Derek has learned how to drive off-road in various four-wheel-drive SUVs (he even camped out for two nights in a Land Rover), and driven around various tracks in hot hatches, muscle cars, and exotics. Several of his pieces, including his article about the 2015 Ford F-150 being crowned TAWA's 2014 "Truck of Texas" and his review of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, have won awards in TAWA's annual Excellence in Craft Competition. Last year, his JK Forum profile of Wagonmaster, a business that restores Jeep Wagoneers, won prizes in TAWA’s signature writing contest and its pickup- and SUV-focused Texas Truck Invitational.
