Jeeps and overlanding are a match made in heaven. They go hand in hand like pancakes and maple syrup, which is something that companies are looking to explore to the fullest. One such company is ARB, which can fit every post-2018 Jeep Wrangler JL model with a bucketload of overlanding-focused parts. As if the Wrangler wasn’t tough enough, ARB’s Overlanding Package touches on literally every base you can think of. It’s pretty much like giving Hulk a gamma-ray potion, so let’s check out what’s what.

Why the Jeep Wrangler JL?

That’s an easy one. For the same reason FCA put so much effort into developing and promoting its Mopar arm for pretty much every model in its portfolio. That is, because like most of their peers, Jeep owners love to add aftermarket bits and bobs to their cars, and we’re not the ones telling this. Speaking with Automobile Magazine, Mark Bosanac, head of Mopar Service, Parts and Customer care at FCA North America, revealed that “ninety percent of Wranglers have at least one aftermarket accessory.” Moreover, Mr. Bosanac pointed out that Jeep Gladiator customers “are spending more than $1,000 on average on Mopar accessories including Jeep Performance Parts.

ARB 4x4 Overlanding Package

Now let’s get down to business. Before we delve in, though, you should know that ARB offers three distinct packs for the 2018 (and onward) Jeep Wrangler JLs. They’re called Overland, Crawler, and Wheeler. We’ll focus on the former for now and leave the other two for another time. So, in case you’re wondering who on Earth ARB is, here’s quick crash course. They’ve been modding off-roaders since 1975 and since we’re talking about a company that's based in Australia, we reckon they should know a thing or two about rough terrain and how to tackle it. In fact, ARB is currently Australia’s largest manufacturer and distributor of 4x4 accessories and over time, the brand has expanded its influence to the US of A where it operates an office, but will also ship stuff to over 80 countries around the globe.

The Overlanding Package is part of the said stuff. For example, for $3,536, ARB will fit your Wrangler JL with the Old Man Emu heavy suspension kit which covers not only the shock absorbers, but also the bits and bobs in between: bushings, u-bolts, center bolts, spring liners, and fitting kits. In other words, the whole nine yards. But like in a boxing match, going off-road is also about protection. In this regard, ARB can fit a Wrangler with the usual suspects - front/rear bumpers ($850 and $800, respectively) or side protections - and then some more: a differential cover ($170), rock sliders, and even a winch bumper ($1,150).

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For when things go really harsh and water fording is involved, you’ll want to spec your Wrangler with a proper snorkel. What? Of course ARB can provide one, as long as you’re willing to put up with the extra $600. The particular piece is provided by Safari and is said to offer all the benefits of a regular snorkel but will still let you fold down the Wrangler’s windshield. Speaking of folding down stuff, you’ll also want the aluminum roof rack kit because overlanding is not quite complete without a tent mounted on your off-roader’s roof, right? Well, you’ll be pleased to find out that for $1,378, ARB can provide one that’s sturdy enough to hold a dynamic weight of 287 pounds (130 kilos). And since you’re at it, why not throw in the Intensity off-road light kit ($1,108)?


Old Man Emu suspension

$3,536

Front bumpers

$850

Rear bumpers

$800

Winch bumper

$1,150

Differential cover

$170

Safari snorkel

$600

Roof rack kit

$1,378

Off-road light kit

$1,108

TOTAL

$9,592


If we are to draw a line and sum everything up, you’ll be looking at aftermarket off-road equipment that costs $9,592 on top of the $28,045 sticker Jeep will charge you for a brand new entry-level Wrangler. Worth it? We’d say totally, but as always, we’d like to know your take on this, so make sure you hit us up in the comments section below.

Further reading

Read our full driven review on the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL.