Jeep Renegade Deserthawk Mods

[@woffordsoverlandjourneys8618]

And that's definitely the best looking Renegade I've seen

[@matthewmitchell8842]

THE WOFFORDS Thank you!

[@roniellegriggs6883]

As a wrangler owner myself, I still have a lot of respect for this build. Very clean!

[@matthewmitchell8842]

Thanks! I have a wrangler 4xe now but I still miss the Renegade sometimes

[@b.r.2562]

Brother, that is beautiful!! I'm barely starting to mod my Latitude 4x4. It's an '18 I bought in January 2018. Hope mine gets half as cool as yours!

[@matthewmitchell8842]

Blake Rincon Thank you so much!! I’m sure with time you can make your Renegade awesome. Happy trails!

[@cgriley9643]

Your voice changed so much between your first video of the Deserthawk! Really grew up. Another amazing review!

[@tommyp905]

Never thought I’d say it, but this is a dope renegade. Good work man🔥

[@matthewmitchell8842]

Thank you!

[@snowayadventures]

It’s great seeing the support for these. I’ve always loathed the why didn’t you get a wrangler? Not everyone wants to needs a wrangler. That seems like it fits exactly what you want out of it! Well done man

[@matthewmitchell8842]

Ed Snow Definitely! That is the most common question I get... It does 100% of what I want it to do. Thank you!!

[@EclipseandSun]

Just got myself a 2017 renegade Trailhawk I've been wanting for a while, and I am eager to turn it into something similar as yours. This looks awesome!

[@matthewmitchell8842]

Congrats! I hope you love it as much as I loved mine. Thanks a lot!

[@muwtant]

That renegade looks great! Love the color scheme for the DESERTHAWK.

[@matthewmitchell8842]

Thank you!! I really like it too

[@SWCHEEZ]

Awesome ride! Wish we would have found a renegade trailhawk before getting ours. From another NTJR member!

[@danielmurphy3277]

Thanks for fulling me and my buddy jasons’ collective dream for the renegade as a backup 4x4

[@MrClebercastilho]

Sick mods... Love the color too. Nice cappuccino beige 🤘😬🤘

[@brandonreid4511]

My sister bought the Renegade DesertHawk brand new in 17 and loves it! It's bone stock as she really never goes off-road but it's a very capable and easy to drive SUV that is perfect if you don't need a full-size SUV! 👍 This is a mean looking Renegade actually the meanest I've personally seen! Looks wicked man 💪

[@matthewmitchell8842]

Thank you! It really is great. I’m glad she enjoys it!

[@billmarkelz]

Great set up! I have a case of serious front bumper envy!!

[@matthewmitchell8842]

Bill Markelz Thank you! I love it.

[@theinternets7516]

I have a 96 XJ. This is the first Renegade I've ever liked. Nice job man.

[@matthewmitchell8842]

The Internets Very nice, I’ve always wanted an XJ. Thank you, I’m trying to make people like them haha

[@AKn4lf]

nice work. my lady lady last year got a 2020 trail hawk and we finally got it in the dirt and it was super fun. it reminds me a lot of my suzuki samurai even in stock form i went places it had no right to be. looking forward to modifying it with her and seeing where we can get.

[@matthewmitchell8842]

Appreciate it! Glad to hear y’all are enjoying your renegade.

[@gwlane5509]

The best Renegade I’ve seen yet! You did all good mods and it looks fantastic! Have fun and enjoy! Don’t worry about the Wrangler fan boys. Not everyone wants to drive gas hogs as a daily. Enjoy your very capable trail rig and invest the saving! Economically Wranglers are best as part-time vehicles.

[@matthewmitchell8842]

Greg Lane Thank you so much!! I appreciate it.

[@michaelsmith9308]

@@matthewmitchell8842 Is the exterior gas cap door locking.............?

[@matthewmitchell8842]

@@michaelsmith9308 Nope

[@rickyh527]

Great job! I would love to see some videos of this modified Jeep in action!

[@matthewmitchell8842]

Ricky H Thank you! Hopefully my local off road park will open soon so I can do that.

[@easttexasengineering3489]

Very nice job brother, one of the cleanest I have seen..

[@matthewmitchell8842]

I appreciate it!

[@danielcad23]

This is a really badass jeep renegade. It will not be a wangler but its a jeep and jeep takes you places. I love it.

[@matthewmitchell8842]

I appreciate it Daniel! Recently traded for a 2021 Wrangler 4xe. Taking it to Big Bend National Park next weekend!

[@joshuamoore24_7]

That Jeep Renegade Deserthawk looks awesome.

[@alfredocantu4554]

Beautiful the lights on the back stands for old military gas tanks

[@TonysTrailHawk]

Definitely like this build. I love my Trailhawk and love how it performs on the trails. I know it's not a Wrangler and as a mechanic would never get a Wrangler because of the garbage motor in it. We've had 3 Wranglers in the shop that have now head gaskets. The 392 Wrangler is what is go for, but can't afford the price tag. Hopefully you'll get this thing on the trail with impressive videos. You can look at some of my videos. I go out and have fun, try out some trails ment for Wranglers and see how i do. Great video bro, keep it up.

[@matthewmitchell8842]

I appreciate it Tony! Acutally we sold the Renegade a couple of years ago - after doing trails all around the US. My dad took delivery of a 24' 392 recently, and we have been loving it. I will check out some of your videos for sure.

[@jchoward4399]

Glad I stumbled on this video. Very inspiring, I wanted to do some mods on my renegade

[@matthewmitchell8842]

I Appreciate it!

[@leootp22]

That muffler growl made me smile. Sick dude

[@matthewmitchell8842]

It always makes me smile! I appreciate it.

[@trialnterror]

@@matthewmitchell8842 reminds me of glass packs in 1987

[@frankieruiz1555]

dude that's pretty sick, I'm helping my friend mod his Jeep compass trailhawk

[@DanielGarcia-lk8yr]

you have done a great job mofiying the renegade it is full of nice and unique ditails.

[@matthewmitchell8842]

Thank you!

[@JulyRobbins]

Yay an update!!! Looks great doing mods are addictive I have spend over 2k on mine haha I love it

[@matthewmitchell8842]

Heather Robbins Yes ma’am! And I don’t sound like a 12 year old in this one 🤣

[@thomasbasler8112]

I liked your video, I also have the same 2017 Desert hawk model and color, but have not made any modifications to the vehicle. I have to replace the Falkan Wildpeak tires they don't wear too well; I like the tires you are using and considering the change.

[@InformalGreeting]

Was shopping for a wrangler just to use as a toy in the desert and happened across a similar Renegade. Now I’m rethinking the whole thing. That’s a great setup. Add a winch and it will do 100% of what I need and it won’t be just another wrangler in the dunes.

[@matthewmitchell8842]

InformalGreeting I love this setup and I’ve driven a ton in sand while in Moab, UT and it’s done great. I think it would be awesome to see another Renegade out there showing others what it can do!

[@InformalGreeting]

Matthew Mitchell in the 15 minutes since I posted I tried to buy one from Carvana. Someone beat me. As soon as I find a good deal on a trail hawk or desert hawk I’ll join the club.

[@matthewmitchell8842]

InformalGreeting Awesome!!

[@GeorgeGeo]

sick man.. these are underrated vehicles

[@austinhildebrand3427]

Nice mods thanks for sharing I have a 2017 jeep renegade and been looking into what I can do to it so much potential

[@matthewmitchell8842]

Thank you! There really is a ton of potential in these things.

[@shoobiesmodernlife9613]

WOW! It looks very amazing!👏🏽

[@CrazyGreek80]

Looks great!! Congratulations enjoy!!

[@easyrider2581]

Well, i didn’t expect that sound at all😂😂

[@matthewmitchell8842]

It is quite imposing 😂

[@danielmurphy3277]

That PA IDEA IS AMAZING

[@guilhermecurcio9492]

Belíssimo!!! Vou ter um desse 👏👏👏👏👏

[@nancyjanssen6785]

Love it !!! Grts from Belgium !

[@70xr7Cougar]

dope renegade man, looks amazing

[@matthewmitchell8842]

I appreciate it!

[@jamesmaltba5678]

Great update Matthew. I am starting a 2017 Trailhawk upbuild for my daily/offroad driver. Looking to your advice for completing this. Thank You for sharing this.

[@matthewmitchell8842]

James Maltba Thank you James, I appreciate it. If you’re going to daily it I would recommend keeping stock bumpers and unless you need it for cargo don’t get a roof rack because both of those are heavy and unaerodynamic. However I would recommend A/T tires and a lift. I have the BFGoodrich KO2’s in 225/65/17 and the Teraflex 1.5” lift.

[@LA-yh5do]

I got the 2019 Limited and would love to have more height on it, clearance is awesome height though could do better. I Love my Renegade

[@JKinAus]

That’s hella great job mate. Just one question with Kenwood head unit. Can it make changes to the car system? E.g. lighting set up, auto lock. I am very much keen to change the audio system as the uConnect has limited amount of navigation map updates and lack of Apple Car Play feature but isn’t sure if I have to sacrifice all the car option changes. Thanks in advance!

[@MontenegroNoel]

I live it dude ... I think I made my mind up about owning one

[@brandonmc6173]

That's a really clean build! Did you have to trim your struts when you did the 1.5" teraflex lift and Eibach springs ?

[@matthewmitchell8842]

Brandon MC Thank you! I did not have to do any modifications to the strut towers while installing either.

[@tacticalrenegade327]

I had a 2017 trailhawk did the bumpers and lift rock sliders winch snorkel and wish I had never modified anything these are not meant to handle that much Xtra weight I started having tons of issues with it and traded for a Rubicon best choice

[@krasnaludek298]

Nice little Jeep. 👍🏻

[@arbeicas]

Looks very good !!

[@danielsalm6410]

Nice Jeep!

[@eddiev8148]

Ooooh man!!! I have a 2017 Renegade DesertHawk,.... wish I could mod it but no one in my area can be trusted. It’s not like working on a Honda Civic

[@theonly_ElonMusk]

just picked up a 2017 Desert hawk and plan to do some mods! Let's start a Deserthawk gang!

[@matthewmitchell8842]

Elon Musk Nice! Let’s do it 🤣

[@jasonjohnson3713]

Damn good looking jeep

[@matthewmitchell8842]

Thank you!

[@floof4444]

Nice renegade. I'm trying to get my latitude similar to yours.

[@stufoo]

Cutting the bumper should be easy. Just need a dremel, if you’re really picky maybe some fine grit sandpaper to smooth out the edges.

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

I like it! I think it looks awesome!✌😎👍

[@matthewmitchell8842]

Anibal Babilonia Thank you!!

[@scottmcfadyen8921]

That's simply outstanding

[@danwinters3948]

as a wrangler owner , I like it good job !

[@matthewmitchell8842]

I appreciate it!

[@trialnterror]

I gots a 06 rubicon my wife has the same color trailhawk!

[@kaitlynmeade6271]

I love this! I just bought me a 2020 Jeep Renegade Latitude and I’m really wanting to customize it. I love it so much. Where did you get your front bumper guard at? I’ve tried looking online for one but hardly anyone wants to deal with the Renegade’s

[@matthewmitchell8842]

Kaitlyn Meade Thank you! It’s from Avid Essentials. Enjoy your new Jeep!!

[@Brandon-to9vp]

Don't bother with Avid, company has been out of stock since covid

[@wattersonoutdoors4362]

Looks AMAZING

[@matthewmitchell8842]

I appreciate it!

[@Pancake_da_bird]

Nice jeep 👍🍺

[@aMusicGamer]

Great video man! Looking into buying a 2017 Deserthawk soon actually. How is the reliability on these things, heard about some engine problems, like stalling, on the 2017 model. Have you experienced any big problems?

[@matthewmitchell8842]

Samuel Schwartz Thank you! Well I’ve had zero issues even with everything I’ve done to it with heavy off road use so I’m happy with my example. Of course every car has its own quirks though!

[@chefnurse77]

I just bought a trailhawk renegade. Now I have so many ideas.

[@DaveSprayberrymonroemi]

Have you found a really good phone mount system? I wish 67 Design would do Renegade specific but I am finding in comparison there are little part options for Renegades to Wranglers like 1000 to 1. I just sold my Wrangler and went with a Renegade this time for a lot of reasons none having to do with it even hanging with a wrangler but the Renegade fits my lifestyle better at the moment. Do you have any suggestions on Renegade-specific parts companies? Thanks

[@matthewmitchell8842]

Well as far as phone mounts go, I use a RAM suction cup mount and I put it on the small front quarter window on the door, works perfectly. For renegade specific parts I would highly recommend Avid Essentials and Valkyrie Offroad.

[@rcDoom]

Cool looking mods 👍🏻

[@matthewmitchell8842]

jag Thank you!

[@usmcchet]

I have a JK and yes even stock its more off road capable than your Renegade but that being said that rig is still nice. Good work

[@matthewmitchell8842]

John Hermesmeyer Thank you! It does what I need it to and that’s what matters in my eyes.

[@emmpro3558]

Oh great mods !! If I have it, maybe I would add an extra bar on the top for a bigger roof basket!! Do you have the stock rims and tyres ? Very good video !! It not a Jeep Wrangler ok But is better for all day vehicle This model sold a lots of cars here in Europe!! (Because we pay annual taxis, base on the CO2) Greeting from Greece !! ✌️

[@matthewmitchell8842]

Emm Pro Thank you! I have three cross bars on it now, and the support it’s great. Stock wheels but my tires are BFGoodrich K02’s in 225/65/r17 with no rubbing issues.

[@tonyg.6827]

It looks awesome and sounds great too. What is your MPG with all the stuff on it?

[@matthewmitchell8842]

Tony G. Thank you! It’s about 18-19 average

[@SCKronos]

I'm loving the radio on it. How does aftermarket radios work with it, given that some features are enabled through the stock radio?

[@matthewmitchell8842]

Every OEM setting and feature is retained with the aftermarket system with programming modules that go along with the new head unit. If you go to crutchfield.com the website will show you everything you need!

[@javierbolettieri3131]

excellent. greatings from argentina.

[@vilhelmstein2091]

Beautiful renegade

[@matthewmitchell8842]

Thank you

[@darknessunequal669]

Would those modifications fit a 2023 jeep renegade ?

[@GreenMasterMike]

Love the video brother I'm just getting my trailhawk 2016 but I want it your model That's the one the DesertHawk

[@matthewmitchell8842]

Congrats! I’m sure you will love it, it’s a really fun car

[@GreenMasterMike]

@@matthewmitchell8842 I do love it man I can't wait to get it like you're Renegade.

[@severinopedrodasilva1909]

First of all congratulations for the modification of your excellent jeep configuration, could you divulge the suspension kits, uses tires.

[@matthewmitchell8842]

Thanks! Teraflex 1.5” lift, 1” Eibach Lift Springs, Yokohama Geolandar G003 225/65/r17

[@yourevilother]

Awesome build! I’m modding my 2020 TH now. Did you change out the struts or just add the eibach springs and leveling lift kit? Also did you have to do any mods to inner wheel wells?

[@matthewmitchell8842]

Michael Montesano Thank you! I just added the Eibach springs and Teraflex lift, no other suspension mods. I have done nothing to the inner fenderwells, and the tires fit fine without trimming.

[@yourevilother]

Matthew Mitchell thanks man! Also what tire/size is on your rig? I wanna go with 235/65/17 or bigger KO2s but don’t really want to do the pinch seam mod lol.

[@matthewmitchell8842]

Michael Montesano I’ve loved my K02’s and I highly recommend them... I have 225/65/r17’s and they fit perfectly. I don’t really want to do the pinch seam mod either haha

[@MontenegroNoel]

Sick build

[@matthewmitchell8842]

I appreciate it

[@oktoberwolfe2726]

Just added black rims on my grey Jeep renegade. Added a solar panel on top. I like the wench. Also looking to add a snorkel. My question is what brand/type of snorkel? Compatible with a 2022 renegade. Having issues finding one

[@matthewmitchell8842]

Awesome! The snorkel on this jeep is the Avid Essentials Desert Snorkel. This renegade has the 2.4L, I'm not sure if they make one for the 1.3L turbo.

[@oktoberwolfe2726]

@@matthewmitchell8842 thanks! Been having trouble finding one.

[@sammymcdonogh2008]

Thinking about doing a custom exhaust for my 2017 deserthawk. How much did the custom exhaust specifically cost you? It sounds beautiful

[@matthewmitchell8842]

Thank you! It was around $150 for the custom pipe work if I remember correctly and around $100 for the magna flow straight-through muffler.

[@sammymcdonogh2008]

Awesome! Thanks man appreciate it

[@mouse6170]

I wish I had the money to do this to my 2017 Jeep Renegade Trailhawk

[@gen1spartan800]

Same here bro have the exact same model as u. U can only wish

[@rayray1410]

The exes are a sign of a Jerry can for fuel

[@kitakembali8232]

I'm getting this car lol I would literally drive to Texas for u to help me mod my shit out

[@matthewmitchell8842]

Hahaha I’m honored

[@bendingunit2264]

Do these have a lift kit, or is it all custom?

[@cheerwave6198]

Did you install a sunroof or did it come like that? Need advice to customize my renegade

[@matthewmitchell8842]

Cheer Wave My Renegade came with what is called “MySky”. It’s quite cool search it up. Also I would start with lift, wheels, tires.

[@marct1974]

I really like the sound of your new exhaust. I am here in North Dallas and would like to check out where you had it done. What was the name of the shop in Plano?

[@matthewmitchell8842]

Marc Tanner Thank you, I love the sound as well. I’ve used Pronto Muffler off of 75 near downtown Plano for a long time and my dad has used them since the 90’s and they never ceases to do stellar work.

[@marct1974]

@@matthewmitchell8842 Cool, thank you.

[@larrywhite5366]

Yo from Arlington, TX.,,,, I have silver '18 Renegade Limited 4X4 auto. 30K miles. been doing a few mods but nothing radical yet. Do like the frt. bullbar, snorkel, lifts, etc. (vendors?) I been looking at Madness Autoworks (Austin,Tx.) exhaust systems and MOPAR Parts catback exhaust also. I do like the dual tip system Madness has but kinda steep in $s. I could have my buddy rig me duals locally. Questions,, is the MOPAR catback system louder/different tone or recommended by you? Did any of your mods affect the warranty on vehicle or throw off speedo reading? I can't get ahold of anyone at NTJR club to find out if/when/where they meet up. I get up to Bridgeport OHP ever so often but very few Renegades I meet. Also TEXPLEX park south of Dallas is closer but has a weird schedule for 4X4ing. Any help is welcome,, thanks & hope to meet sometime,,Larry in Arlington.

[@bigrmb]

What model Kenwood is your stereo? Nice mods BTW. I have the small stereo in my trailhawk will the Kenwood fit?

[@matthewmitchell8842]

Mark Burdette It’s the DMX906S... It will fit any renegade with the Metra dash kit, Crutchfield sells everything you’ll need and guided you through what to buy.

[@miket8571]

whats your tire set up and lift (if you have a lift)

[@letour32rr]

What gas mileage are you getting? I have a Patriot 4x4 now and only average 22 mpg with 235/65/17 A/T’s and was considering a Renegade or Compass Trailhawk next. Would most likely do similar mods to your’s.

[@matthewmitchell8842]

letour32rr Well with all of my mods and 225/65/17 K02’s I get about 18 on average. Most people get better than me however

[@alfredocantu4554]

I just bought one myself they are very nice

[@matthewmitchell8842]

Awesome! I hope you enjoy it

[@alarmsquadnj]

What’s the link to get my order in nice set up yours I got myself a 2022

[@hwoodist]

Nice.

[@mikea.801]

Beautiful

[@joshuamoore24_7]

Your Jeep Renegade Deserthawk sounds like Porche 911 boxer.

[@seanc5827]

Awesome

[@AlienBmxican]

Very cool, question does the aftermarket stereo still work with the steering wheel radio controls?

[@matthewmitchell8842]

Thanks! Yes, there is a module that attaches to the rear of the radio that is required to retain the controls though. I don’t recall what it was called, but you can spec a full stereo system on the Crutchfield website and it will show you which one is required to keep them.

[@AlienBmxican]

@Matthew Mitchell good to know! Thanks for the response

[@matthewmitchell8842]

@@AlienBmxican Absolutely! If you have any other questions feel free to ask.

[@kpritch2387]

Hey man! Not sure if you’re still reading this channel much, but I just got a stock renegade too. Already throwing light pods on, but I got the exact same roof rack, but would prefer not to put on an other light bar/brackets cuz they may interact with my sunroof. May I see how you attached that light bar in better detail? I’d be happy to provide my IG or something

[@matthewmitchell8842]

Hey there! I still am replying to all new comments when I see them - unfortunately I don’t believe I have any super close up shots of the light bar mounting, but I just checked my Amazon history and found the mounts I used. My IG is “anvil392” if you’d like to check out some more pics of the car. I’ll drop the link to the mounts below Off-Road ATV UTV Light Bar Mounts... www.amazon.com/dp/B082XKHYXL?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@mauriomoore7404]

Hey bro, love your rig! I have a 2016 TH. I'm really curious on your exhaust setup. It it to much to ask for the full specs. I would love to get that same sound but I live in wa state. Any help would be great best sounding rene ever bro!!

[@matthewmitchell8842]

Maurio Moore Thank you!! It’s a Magnaflow straight through muffler with a completely custom bent exhaust. It’s hard to replicate...

[@karlr4481]

Maurio - I'm in WA as well. Near Everett. I'm going to talk to a shop in Snohomish about the Magnaflow 10416 muffler he mentioned in another answer. I have aftermarket exhause headers, so it should be interesting.

[@joshua7426]

Thing is def capable in offroad. No it doesnt have the flex, but ive seen them go almost anywhere wranglers and 4runners can go at 1/3 the price tag

[@Navyshock27]

Is that a snorkel that helps with water crossings or as Toyota likes to say a "desert air intake"? Looks good either way

[@matthewmitchell8842]

Navyshock27 Correct, that’s it’s main purpose. It’s also a cold air intake

[@larrywhite5366]

@@matthewmitchell8842 Cold air from inside in this Texas heat with a/c on? lol!!

[@RevelCris]

Looking to get one of these. Is the desert hawk the same as the trail hawk but cosmetically different?

[@matthewmitchell8842]

criz florez Other than rock sliders that is correct...

[@kylestewart8354]

where exactly are you going to put the high lift jack? I don't see any flat areas on your jeep

[@matthewmitchell8842]

Rock Sliders

[@JuiceMeBruh]

Such a sexy Jeep!

[@wafflelyfe9758]

Why do people on put 1 or 2 colored grill inserts in. I have a full set ordered for mine on the way. But I’ve seen so many people only use a few in the exact same spots.

[@matthewmitchell8842]

seth tenney For me it’s a style thing, some people say it represents the ToasterJeep a Forum....