Jeep Rubber Duck Craze

Ducking Craze

Now, sit down for a moment and let me tell you about a bizarre little tradition that’s taken the Jeep Wrangler world by storm: ducking. Not what one might initially think, ducking here has nothing to do with avoiding something coming at you. This is all about rubber ducks—yep, the classic bathtub buddies—and some good-spirited camaraderie among Jeep enthusiasts.

The premise is simple. When a Jeep Wrangler owner spots another Wrangler parked nearby, they might place a small rubber duck on the hood, bumper, or mirror of the fellow vehicle. It’s a way of saying, “Hey, nice ride!” This playful gesture creates a connection that transcends the typical nod or wave—though within the Jeep crowd, there’s also the iconic “Jeep Wave,” which is an essential part of their culture too.

Jeep Wave

Speaking of the Jeep Wave, much like how motorcyclists nod as they pass each other, Wrangler owners have their own secret handshake of sorts. You know it’s a big deal because it’s called the “Jeep Wave” program. As far as car-loving social circles go, Jeep owners can probably lay claim to being some of the most sociable out there.

Hertz Joins In

Summer 2024 is looking sunny for those renting from Hertz. The car rental company is enhancing its fleet with the inclusion of the 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe, and they aren’t stopping there. They’re handing out Hertz-branded rubber ducks tucked inside these rentals! Not just a cute memento, these ducks are redeemable for discounts and free rental upgrades from Hertz. So, anyone who rents a 4xe might just find themselves more drawn into the Jeep culture than anticipated.

That’s a great way for non-owners to get a taste of that “Jeep Life” and maybe decide on owning one of these iconic vehicles. There’s something about the carefree, doors-off, open-air experience that just resonates, especially when on summer journeys.

Driving Feels

Driving a Jeep Wrangler isn’t like maneuvering a sleek roadster or a high-tech luxury sedan. It’s about adventure and versatility. Whether the route is stretching over massive desert dunes or winding through mountain trails, the Wrangler, particularly with the 4xe’s electrification, brings a combination of power, sustainability, and loaded features.

Standing at approximately $54,735, the 4xe is unique. Under the hood, it boasts a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine coupled with two electric motors, producing about 375 horsepower. It’s a plug-in hybrid, inviting a different crowd—those interested in environmental benefits alongside traditional ruggedness.

The Boom

This ducking craze steers from a sentiment. It’s thanks to Allison Parliament, a Canadian whose lighthearted act of kindness blossomed into a movement. She used it to share positivity and acknowledge fellow Wrangler enthusiasts in an ever-stressful world.

While not everyone is a fan—you see the occasional grumble here and there—the majority embrace it. It’s akin to Mazda’s Miatas blinking their pop-up lights at each other or the community gatherings of VW enthusiasts.

Jeep nails it by encouraging this community spirit. Even their customer support is playfully named “Jeep Wave,” lifting a hand in good-natured solidarity. And yes, Jeep has their own official branded ducks available. This tradition is so enchanting because it brings a human touch to machine interactions on the road.