Hey, why not make this full-size family SUV a Dakar Rally–themed monster?
At nearly $69,000, the full-size Wagoneer probably isn’t the first Jeep people think of taking off-road, let alone turning into a modified and more capable off-roader. Despite its cost and overall size, the Wagoneer is made for that path less traveled—at least, more so than most full-size SUVs—and lubricant specialist Motul decided to spice up a 2022 Series One and make it a burly tribute to the 45th running of the infamous Dakar Rally. Here’s how the build took this Wagoneer from family wagon to dirt-kicking Rally Raider style.
First, why would Motul—a French brand of lubricants and long-time partner of the Dakar—want to use a U.S.-market vehicle? Because it is American, is why. We asked Nolan Browning, North American Marketing Manager for Motul about the whys and hows of a monstrous Wagoneer being chosen. “When we thought about a local (North America) way to celebrate the ultimate in off-road endurance racing, Dakar, the Jeep brand came to mind.”
There is also some precedent in relating Dakar with Jeep, when in 2012 Mark McMillin drove a WK-generation Grand Cherokee in the world’s grandest rally raid. This was also back when it was held in Argentina, Chile, and Peru instead of Africa. The race would stay in South America until 2020 when it moved location to Saudi Arabia. Still, the Wagoneer wouldn’t be the first vehicle in the minds of North American fans of both Motul and the race.
While much of the staff at Motul were fans of building the Wagoneer and stood behind the Dakar tribute theme, there was some hesitation behind the scenes. “Several members of our team weren’t convinced on the platform or styling and were also hesitant to commit without much aftermarket support available,” said Browning. What convinced those team members was the renderings and calls out to their partners in the off-road aftermarket. Once they saw that the project was not only more feasible than originally thought and saw how awesome a Dakar-themed Wagoneer would look, the only thing they could do was pull the trigger and buy one.
What they selected as their canvas was a 2022 Wagoneer Series I Carbide 4×4 in white, which was found thanks to Driveway.com and Pfaff Motorsports. Going with this particular model allowed the team to take advantage of its conventional suspension system, rather than the air suspension system found on the more premium Wagoneers and the Grand Wagoneer. The team then hooked up with Rad Rides and found out that the Readylift kit for the front of a 2019-and-up Ram 2500 worked with the Wagoneer’s front suspension. The rear required a custom two inch lift spacer, as the independent setup is drastically different from the 2500’s—or any other Ram’s, for that matter.
A set of Black Rhino Wheels Chase 18×8.5-inch rims wrapped in BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires (sized 35 x 12.50R18) were installed to really set off the look of this Dakar’d Wagoneer. An additional and matching wheel and tire were installed after Rig’d Supply sent the Motul USA team an external UltraSwing Multi-Fit Spare Tire Hitch Mount, which includes a jerry can mount and license plate relocation kit. The Jeep was then sent down to Hunting Beach, CA’s Sticky Fingers Design to get the Dakar-themed wrap. Of course, the very last thing added to the Wagoneer was a change of fluids using Motul’s 8100 Eco-Lite 0W20 synthetic engine oil, Gear 300 75W90 and Gear 300 75W90 LS gear oil.
There are a few other parts yet to be added, including an Area BFE Black Series roof-top tent (with an aluminum hardshell), a fridge/freezer combo housed in a Goose Gear custom cabinet that also provides extra storage for media gear, Gobi Racks Stealth Roof Rack, and a rear ladder. This will primarily be a flashy promotional vehicle, after all. “Once it has the roof rack, tent, and some camping supplies like the fridge and storage,” said Browning, “we plan to use it for our marketing and media teams that are out covering desert events like the King of the Hammers, Overland Expo, and potentially use it as a chase vehicle in Baja.” Yep, it will not only serve as a marketing tool but also be used as a camper for those events so they can capture all of those amazing images you find in their advertising and brand stories.
While the Wagoneer isn’t the first vehicle you’ll think of when it comes to the Dakar Rally Raid race, you won’t miss this Jeep in a sea of off-roading trucks thanks to its large size. Though, we can’t help but wonder just how well a race-prepped Wagoneer would do in the infamous off-road race it was inspired by…
