What is Jeep Ducking?

Jeep ducking is a movement that involves random acts of kindness and is a way of bringing together Jeep enthusiasts from different walks of life. But what exactly is Jeep ducking? Is it only for Jeep Wranglers? Also, when, where, and how did this cheerful tradition start?

In this guide, our Jeep-loving team at Marion Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (CDJR) in North Carolina will explore the concept of Jeep ducking in detail. We’ll explain which of the Jeep models are joining the movement and explore the history behind the tradition. We’ll also take a look at how the practice works, which ducks count, and what to do if your Jeep gets ducked. We’ll give you some great tips on how you can start Jeep ducking and spread happiness today.

What Is Jeep Ducking?

Jeep ducking, also known as “Duck, Duck Jeep”, is an inside joke within the Jeep community. It’s a tradition that involves leaving a plastic rubber duck on another Jeep to surprise its owner who’s using the vehicle locally or on a road trip. The objective is to spread kindness and make the car owner smile. Jeep ducking is a great way for the owners of these vehicles to feel as though they’re part of something bigger: a real community.

Is Jeep Ducking Only for Wranglers?

At the outset, Jeep ducking may have only applied to Jeep Wranglers; however, it’s no longer limited to this specific model. Today, you can find people Jeep ducking Cherokees, Renegades, Compasses, Liberties, Gladiators, and any other vehicles that bear the Jeep logo. Even drivers of other vehicles, such as Toyotas, are starting to join in the fun by placing ducks on their brand’s cars to make the occupants smile.

History of Jeep Ducking

The tradition of jeep ducking began in 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. It all started when Allison Parliament traveled from her house in Alabama to her family home in Ontario, Canada. On the way, she stopped at a gas station to fill up her Jeep and got into an altercation with a man. She was so upset by the incident that she drove to a friend’s house to calm down before continuing her journey home. To thank her friend for his kindness, Allison bought some plastic rubber ducks to place around his house to make him smile.

As she left the shop, Allison saw a Jeep similar to hers in the parking lot. To make the owner smile, she wrote “nice jeep” on one of the ducks and left it on the car. The owner saw what she did and laughed. He then convinced her to photograph it and post it on social media. Rapidly, numerous photos from across the country appeared displaying rubber ducks on Jeeps. Within a year, this trend had spread to over 30 countries. Even Jeep jumped on board. When announcing the arrival of the new Wrangler Rubicon they included the #duckduckjeep hashtag.

How Does Jeep Ducking Work?

The process of Jeep ducking is simple. All you need to do is buy a rubber duck and keep it in your Jeep. When you see another Jeep in a parking lot or on the side of the road, you place the duck on the vehicle for the owner to find. If you want, you can add a handwritten note. Usually, the duck is left on the outside of the Jeep, such as close to the driver’s side window, behind the inspection stickers, or on the windshield wipers. This helps ensure that the driver sees the duck before driving away.

There are many reasons to leave a duck on a fellow Jeep owner’s vehicle. It may be because you have the same model as they do, or because you like their Jeep’s color or style. It may even be because you simply want to put a smile on a stranger’s face. During the pandemic, drivers started leaving heartfelt motivational notes on or attached to their ducks. This helped bring joy during a difficult and cheerless time. If you do decide to leave a note with your duck, don’t forget to use the hashtag #duckduckjeep.

What Rubber Ducks Can I Use for Jeep Ducking?

Allison bought her original plastic ducks from a convenience store down the road from her friend’s house. The traditional 2-inch rubber ducks designed for babies to play with in the bath are ideal for Jeep ducking. The yellow duck is a classic favorite, but you can opt for seasonal ones to suit the time of year. We’ve seen all sorts of rubber ducks, ranging from pirates to princesses.

What Happens if I Receive a Duck?

If you’re lucky enough to find a rubber duck on your Jeep, congratulations. Take this as a sign of respect from one Jeep owner to another. Before moving your duck, take a picture of it and post it on social media. Use the hashtag #duckduckjeep so that other members of the community can see it.

Then, put the duck on your dashboard so that you can’t help but smile whenever you get into your vehicle. Many Jeep owners collect their rubber ducks and display them all together on their dashboards as a badge of honor. You can hold on to the duck you receive forever or you can keep it until you find another worthy recipient to pass it on to.

Looking to Join the Jeep Community?

Why do people put ducks on Jeeps? Usually, it’s a joyful act of kindness that makes car owners smile. Whether you’re the owner of a Jeep or looking to join the community, visit our Marion CDJR dealership in North Carolina, where you can find all you need for these vehicles. You can explore our range of new and used Jeeps and test drive the vehicle of your choice. You can also bring your car in for maintenance or benefit from our new vehicle specials and great finance center so you can get behind the wheel of a new Jeep today.