Waterproofing a Jeep for Off-Road Adventures this Summer

Updated on Aug 10, 2023

Whether your Summer plans involve fording streams, wheeling in the mud, or simply cruising around with the top off in a tropical climate, taking steps to waterproof your Wrangler’s interior is essential to Jeep ownership. But just what’s the best means of doing so? 

In this article, we cover our expert-curated list of the top products to waterproof your Jeep’s interior. While this list won’t turn your Wrangler into a submarine, it’ll help to keep excess moisture out–or at least–keep it from damaging the upholstery, carpeting, and general interior.

Are Jeeps Waterproof from the Factory?

While Jeeps aren’t designed to be “waterproof” necessarily, they are water resistant. Modern Wranglers, until the 2024 model, limit the use of electronics near the floorboards–meaning no power seats. The fewer electronics near the floor, the less of a chance of electrical damage if you cross a stream that’s taller than your Jeep’s floor. While the 2024 Wrangler offers 12-way power-adjustable seats, Jeep has clarified that they, too, feature water-resistant motors and plugs. But what about your Wrangler’s other electronics? 

Good news yet again! Jeeps feature thoroughly-tested interiors, engineered to resist moisture; if you get caught in a light storm with the top off or blast through a large puddle with the windows down, you should be fine! While, once again, these components aren’t waterproof, they’re built to withstand the occasional wetting. 

Besides water-resistant electronics, your Jeep’s interior is drainable; that is, it’s manufactured with drains integrated into the floorboards. If your Jeep happens to fill up with water, simply pop out the rubber drain plugs beneath the seats (on a JL) or at the center of the floor pans (on a JK) and let the water drain out.

Note: These drain plugs are also handy when cleaning vinyl flooring; simply pull the drain plugs after a muddy/dusty weekend and rinse the dirt right out of the drain holes with a low-pressure hose or watering can!

Best Waterproofing Products

Now that we understand that your Jeep isn’t a makeshift boat but a water-resistant four-wheel-drive (unless it’s a vintage Ford GPA), it’s essential to take the proper precautions to keep the interior protected. Regardless of the Wrangler’s water resistance, routinely subjecting the interior to moisture can result in molding, mildewing, and electronic damage. One of the simplest and most-effective means of prevention, aside from keeping your Jeep dry, is investing in the right products! Check out our expert-curated list of the top products to keep your interior guarded against excess moisture.

Best Floor Mats: Husky Liners WeatherBeater Floor Liners

Heavy-duty all-weather floor mats aren’t just a Jeep-specific upgrade but for any vehicle! These premium rubber or vinyl floor mats feature a weather-resistant design that locks in moisture, preventing spillover onto your Jeep’s factory carpeting. As a result, the carpet experiences less staining and wear, and your Jeep better retains its resale value! 

Of the hundreds of all-weather floor mats on the market, it’s tough to beat Husky Liners WeatherBeater Floor Liners. Husky Liners WeatherBeaters are custom-molded for a flawless fit and finish, hugging the contours of your Jeep’s floor pans for a factory-like appearance. The heavy-duty rubberized construction prevents water from seeping into your carpet while the patented Form-Fit Edge prevents spillover. These floor mats are rugged, easy to install, and feature a lifetime warranty; what’s there to lose?  

Features: 

  • Vehicle-specific fitment

  • Heavy-duty rubberized construction

  • FormFit Design™ implements laser scanning for a precision fitment

  • Remains flexible even when subjected to extreme temperatures

  • Chemical and abrasion-resistant 

  • Patented FormFit Edge™ keeps moisture, dirt, and stains contained

  • Stay-Put Nibs reduce movement

  • Easy to install, remove, & clean

  • Limited lifetime warranty

  • Made in the USA

Best Seat Covers: Coverking Neoprene Seat Covers

The second-most stain and moisture-susceptible component of your Jeep’s interior is the upholstery, especially fabric interiors. One spilled coffee or muddy dog can result in significant staining that’s nearly impossible to extract, severely tarnishing your Jeep’s aesthetics. If excess water soaks into your Jeep’s upholstery and foam padding, the seats can incur mold and mildew, leaving unsightly stains and undesirable smells. Instead of leaving your Jeep’s upholstery exposed, protect it with a set of high-quality seat covers

Regarding seat covers for your Jeep, it’s tough to beat the originals: Coverking Neoprene Seat Covers. These genuine Neoprene seat covers are some of the most water-resistant options on the market, constructed from the same grade material as diving wetsuits! The double-layer fabric is highly resistant to moisture, UV damage, stains, and mildew, ensuring maximum longevity and superior protection, no matter the weather. 

Features:

  • Custom-tailored to the exact specifications of your vehicle

  • Constructed from CR-grade neoprene material

  • Dual-layer fabric is extremely water resistant

  • The same material that is used in wetsuits

  • Protective barrier prevents UV damage, stains, & mildew

  • Soft cushioned foam layer for added comfort

  • Available in 9 color options

  • Includes headrest & armrest covers, airbag cutouts & map pockets, if applicable to vehicle

  • Consoles are covered when they are part of a middle seat, with a seat belt

  • Engineered around your seat features to preserve factory functions

  • Non-slip membrane keeps your covers in place

  • Easy installation & spot-clean maintenance

  • 2-year warranty

  • Made in the USA

Best Soft Top: Bestop Trektop Ultra Soft Top

While floor liners and seat covers help to prevent damage once water has already penetrated your Jeep’s interior, perhaps the best means of guarding the upholstery, carpeting, and electronics is to keep water out in the first place! To do so, consider investing in a high-quality soft top, retaining your Jeep’s open-air feel for the Summer while preventing excess rain or moisture from entering the cabin! 

The Bestop Trektop Ultra Soft Top is a premier, modular soft top for your Jeep Wrangler JLU, featuring a rugged twill construction that resists mold, mildew, and UV fading. The top offers four different configurations, allowing full weather resistance while closed, an enticing open-air experience with the Sunrider open, a tropical feel in a safari bikini position, or a traditional topless experience when fully retracted. The Trektop Ultra comes with all required hardware for a simple installation and a 5-year warranty, ensuring years of reliable service and protection. 

Features: 

  • Fastback Soft Top for Wrangler JLU models

  • Four different configurations

  • Easily configurable and neatly slides into the cargo area

  • Available in Bestop's premium Twill fabric

  • Black 

  • Mildew and UV resistant

  • Side and rear windows have 31% tint

  • Includes all required hardware and installation instructions

  • 5-year limited warranty

Best Hard Top: Putco Element Sky View

Regarding tops, nothing beats the fit and finish of Jeep’s water-tight factory hardtop. However, the fully-enclosed feeling can ruin the Jeep experience in the Summer; there’s nothing quite like gazing up at the clear blue sky while driving, especially on a wheeling trip. 

For the best of both worlds, check out the Element Sky View from Putco! This high-quality polycarbonate panel replaces your Jeep’s factory unit, promoting an open-air feeling without exposing your Jeep’s interior to moisture or thieves! The Sky View features a premium I35 tint to block out harmful UV rays, preventing sun fading. The replacement top panel comes fully assembled and installs in seconds. 

Features: 

  • Replaces factory removable hard top panels for Jeep and Bronco

  • Made from high-quality Tuffak® polycarbonate

  • Clear panels with I35 Dark Gray Tinting to block out harmful UV rays

  • Comes pre-assembled with seals and latches

  • Installs in just minutes

  • Full installation guide included

  • Limited 3-year warranty

Shop Now

RealTruck is your home for the best products to outfit your build for unforgettable adventures.

Drivetrain | Suspension | Lighting | Performance

Join over 2 million RealTruck people

Get exclusive savings, insider information, and the latest RealTruck articles sent straight to your inbox.