Is the Jeep Wave Dying?

A Rant From a Wrangler Who Still Gives a Damn**

My wife and I just picked up our second Jeep together — my fourth overall — and we’re thrilled to be riding topless again. But there’s one thing we both noticed immediately in our new-to-us 2007 Rubicon: Wrangler drivers aren’t waving back like they used to.

Remember the Jeep Wave?
Two fingers off the steering wheel or a full-hand “hey, brother (or sister).” Simple. Classic. Part of the culture.

Lately? Half the time I wave, I might as well be saluting a mailbox.

And look, I don’t care if your Wrangler is a trail-built beast or a pavement princess with a dashboard full of ducks. (Yes, we all know you bought those ducks yourself and staged them like a tiny, rubber army. No judgment.)

But the question stands: Why aren’t people waving?

Are drivers distracted?
Are they new to Jeep culture?
Or can they just not see over the damn ducks?

Why We Wave in the First Place

The Jeep Wave isn’t some cute suburban trend — it goes back decades.

1. WWII Roots

Drivers of Willys MBs and Ford GPWs passed each other on rough roads and exchanged a quick wave or nod. It meant: I see you. Stay safe out there. No fanfare, just respect.

2. Veterans Carried It Home

After the war, soldiers brought the habit into civilian life when they bought surplus Jeeps. Early CJs carried the tradition forward, from one veteran to another — then into the growing Jeep community.

3. Trail Courtesy Became Road Courtesy

On trails, you acknowledge each other because:

• You might need help,
• You’re sharing a tough environment,
• And frankly, there aren’t many of you out there.

Eventually, that courtesy moved onto paved roads.

Who Gets the Wave?

Jeep owners love to argue about this.

Some purists insist only two-door Wranglers count. They say four-doors aren’t “real Jeeps.” When the Gladiator arrived, the internet practically caught fire over whether it deserved a wave.

Me? I keep it simple:

• Any Wrangler — 2-door or 4-door
• Gladiators (mostly because I’ve already waved before I realize it’s a Gladiator)
• Any Jeep that’s clearly built for the dirt

Agree or disagree, but those rules keep the culture alive.

Why This Matters

Waving isn’t about ego. It’s not about who spent more money on mods or who has the cleanest articulation flex shot on Instagram.

It’s about acknowledging someone who shares the same weird, wonderful, slightly impractical lifestyle choice you do.

Because driving a Wrangler — really driving one — means you’re part of a community. And communities stay alive through tiny traditions.

Two fingers.
One quick gesture.
That’s all it takes.

Keep the Tradition Alive

So next time you’re heading to work, cruising topless on a back road, or aiming for a trailhead, throw a wave at the Wrangler heading your way. They may not return it — but you will have done your part.

We’ve got enough division in the world already.
Let’s not let one of the simplest and coolest parts of Jeep culture die off.

Rant over. Hope to see you on the trails — and hopefully, you’ll wave back.
JT